The Works Of Messrs. Schneider And Co.

220 MESSES. SCHNEIDER AND CO.’S WORKS. the butt-end. Elevation is effected by a handwheel, and the same dass of mechanism as that for the 10-centimetre (3.937-in.) 50-calibre guns. io-Centimetre (3.937-In.) 80-Calibre Quick-Firing Guns (Figs. 744 and 745).—This type reproduces the principal arrangements of the 10-centimetre (3.937 in.) 55-calibre guns already described. The first gun of this type was built at the same time as that of 57 millimétrés (2.244 in.) 80 calibres in length. Both embody in every Weight of gun... 4060 kg. 8926 Ib. ,, mounting ... 3750 kg. 8265 Ib. ,, projectile ... ,, service charge (smokeless powder) 13 kg. 28| Ib. 6 kg. 13J Ib. Muzzle velocity in service ... 1025 m. 3362 ft. Elevation + 15 deg. + 15 deg. — 10 deg. - 10 deg. Training 360 deg. 360 deg. respect all the qualities required of war material. The mounting is of a very small size in comparison with the The firing tests carried out at the Hoc Proving Grounds (Fig. 746), for précision firing with a moving gun at a moving target or at a fixed target, are interesting. The target carries two series of distinct objectives, namely, three white panels on the right and two on the left, at different heights. The quick-firing test is effected by- firing alternately against a right-hand panel and a left one, the succession in the rounds being so set that it is necessary to change, after each round, the elevation and training of the gun. The gunner has, therefore, to face the same difficulties he would encounter in firing against a moving target, as for each round he has to alter the angles of elevation and training. Mounting for 12-Centimetre (4.724-In.) 45-Calibre Guns (Figs. 747 and 748, Plate CXXVIII.).—Guns of this type have been manufacturée! for the French, Russian, Japanese and Chilian Governments; apart from the sighting mechanisms, which are modifiée!, they embody the general characteristics of the gun already described. Fig 745. Mounting for 10-Centimetre 80-Calibre Quick-Firing Gun. power of the gun, and the small reactions developed during firing allow it to be used for service on board lia'ht- draught ships, the decks of which are not suited for the carrying out of exceptional stiffening methods. The first Schneider-Canet long guns which were put in service attracted mueh criticism ; bending at the chase was considered as almost certain, and special steps were taken at the Hoc Proving Ground in order to ascertain exaetly, by naeans of registering apparatus, the importance of the phenomena that was predicted. It was found that the vibrations at the chase of these long guns did not exceed, to any marked degree, those produced in the current types of guns of the period, and that therefore no trouble need be feared under this head in tbeir service on board ship. Moreover, the tests of all descriptions that were carried out—tests to prove the resisting power of the guns, précision trials, quick-firing salutes, &c., gave place to no untoward incident, and the French Navy deemed the results sufficiently conclusive to adopt the long Schneider- Canet ffuns in service. Weight of gun... „ mounting ... ,, shield ,, projectile ... ,, service charge (smokeless powder) Muzzle velocity in service ... Elevation Training 2970 kg. 3750 kg. 888 kg. 21 kg. 4.8 kg. 680 m. + 20 deg. - 7 deg. 360 deg. 6545 Ib. 8265 Ib. 1957 Ib. 46 Ib. 101 Ib. 2230 ft. + 20 deg. - 7 deg. 360 deg. The gun is trained and elevated by the action of a single handwheel, a lever being provided for connecting and disconnecting the handwheel shaft with either one of the mechanisms alternately. The gunner, resting his shoulder on the butt-rest, has under his right band tlie wheel handle, and under his left the disconnecting lever The handwheel is invariably fitted to a horizontal shaft, which rests in bearings fixed to the left cheek of the mounting. The disconnecting lever works a coupling- block to and fro, which slides on the shaft, but revolves with it. Threaded sleeves are fitted loose on the main shaft, on each side of the coupling-block, and can be made