155 M.M. HOWITZER MODEL OF 1918
(SCHNEIDER)
BREECH MECHANISM ASSEMBLY
155 M.M. HOWITZER MODEL OF 1918
(SCHNEIDER)
BREECH MECHANISM ASSEMBLY
The breech mechanism is of the plastic obturator, interrupted screw type having four plain sectors and four threaded sectors. The block can be loaded with one-eighth of a turn. Two of the plain sectors are relieved to permit the breechblock to enter the breech recess. The breechblock is screwed into the block carrier and rides on the hub of the latter.
The block carrier is hinged to the right side of the jacket by means of the pintle hinge of the operating lever.
The pintle hinge is fitted at the lower end with an operating lever collar and detent. The dead weight of the breech is carried by the block carrier hinge plate.
The block is rotated by means of a rack which engages teeth cut in the upper surface of the block at its rear end. The rack is actuated by a lug on the under side of the operating lever which engages a slot in the rack. The rack is located in the inside face of the block carrier. When the breech is tightly closed this lock bears against the breech face of the howitzer and is forced back against the rack lock spring leaving the rack free to move. As the breech starts to open the rack lock is forced up by its spring and locks the rack, preventing further rotary motion of the breechblock.
The operating lever is provided with an operating lever handle which is kept in its raised position by the operating lever handle spring. When the breech is closed and locked the lower portion of the operating lever handle engages the block carrier lever catch. When the breech is fully open the operating lever latch which extends through the operating lever, engages the operating lever catch and holds the breech in that position.
155-MM HOWITZER MODEL OF 1918
(SCHNEIDER)
FIRING MECHANISM