The Works Of Messrs. Schneider And Co.

188 MESSRS. SCHNEIDER AND CO.’S WORKS. provided in the valve to insure the return of the gun to firing position. 27-Centimetre (10.630-In.) Gun on Central-Pivoting Mounting (Figs. 612 and 613). Guns of this type have been suppliée! to the Greek Navy for the armament of the cruisers “Hydra,” “Spetzaï,” and “ Psara.” (1144 1b.). The obturator consists of a plastic dise placed between the front end of the screw and the movable head. Firing is effected by means of a bolt that aets by percussion. The vent is masked by the boit, and the striker cannot act until the breech is completely closed. The mounting consists of the bolster, the slide, and the gun-carriage proper. The bolster rests, through Fig. 612. 27-Centimetre (10.630-in.) Gun and Mounting. Fig. 613. 27-Centmietre (10.630-in.) Gun and Mounting. Weight of gun ... 35,900 kg. 78,980 1b. ,, mounting 16,420 kg. 35,728 1b. 3,190 1b. ,, shield... 1,450 kg. ,, projectile (armour-piercing shell)... 250 kg. 550 1b. ,, charge (prismatic brown powder)... 165 kg 363 1b. Muzzle velocity 665 m. 2182 ft. Pressure ... 2,400 kg. 15.24 tons Angles of elevation + 15 deg. per sq. in. + 15 deg. — 5 deg. — 5 deg. The breech mechanism consists of three main parts— the breecb-block with supporting slide, the obturator, and the firing device. The block is cylindrical, with four plain and four threaded divisions ; it is carried on a supporting slide which pivots round a vertical bolt. The mechanism is worked by a crank and toothed gear- ing. One man can easily open or close the breech, though the mechanism weighs approximately 520 kilogrammes two bearing rings, on a wrought-iron bed. On the roller path are arrangée! twenty-four truncated conical rollers, maintained in position by guides. The slide is formed of two brackets stayed together; it rests on the rollers, and is held in place by clamps. On the left bracket is the mechanism for hauling in the gun. The gun-carriage proper rests on Blocks on the slide ; it carries two recoil cylinders united together by a stay-piece, which forms the gun i-est, and there are also two comp.ensating cylinders. A shield, fittecl to the front of the slide, protects the piece and the gunners. To elevate the gun there is provided a differential device with toothed-wheel gearing and friction cônes, working a curved rack fixed to the gun, which is trained by a set of toothed-wheel gearing, worked by band or by steam power.