Fig. 56 is a section of Messrs Krupp's typical cupola for one 6-in.
gun. The shield is of nickel steel, the collar of cast steel. A small
space is left between the cupola and its collar to prevent the
possibility of the shield jamming after being damaged. The guns are
muzzle-pivoting and thickened out near the muzzle by the addition of a
ring, so as to close the port as much as possible. The recoil is
controlled within narrow limits both to economize space and to prevent
the smoke from the muzzle from getting into the cupola. To facilitate
the elevation and depression of the gun (with muzzle pivotings the
breech has of course to be moved through a much larger arc than with
ordinary mountings) it is balanced by a counterweight. The cupola
rests on a roller ring and is traversed by a winch. It can be turned
through a complete circle in about one minute.
[Illustration: From Leithner's _Bestandige Befestigung_.
FIG. 57.--Gruson Spherical Mortar.]
Fig. 57 shows a Schumann shielded mortar (sphere-mortar,
_Kugelmorser_). In this case it will be observed that the cupola is
replaced by an enlargement of the encircling collar; and the mortar
(8.4-in. calibre) is enclosed in a sphere of cast iron, so as to close
completely the opening of the collar in any position.
Fig. 58 shows a Gruson cupola for one 4.7-in. Q.F. howitzer.
Fig. 59 shows a disappearing turret for an electric light projector.
Fig. 60 shows a Krupp transportable cupola for a 5.7-cm. gun. This is
drawn on a four-wheeled carriage, and when coming into action slides
on rollers on to a platform in the parapet. It weighs about 2-1/2 tons,
and with carriage and platform about 4 tons.
The mechanism of these cupolas is for the most part simpler than it
appears. Counterweights and hand winches are much in use for the
lighter natures of guns. The armouring of course keeps pace with
improvements in manufacture. The chilled cast iron first made popular
by the Gruson firm is now little used except for such purposes as the
collar round a cupola. Wrought iron, steel and compound plates for the
tops of cupolas have all been tried, the most recent Krupp-Gruson
designs being of nickel steel.
The sighting in some cases may be done by sights on the gun, with
suitable enlargements in the port-hole; in others by sights affixed to
the cupola itself (which of course can give horizontal direction
only); in others training and elevation are given in accordance with
the readings on electric dials, or instructions by telephone or
speaking tube. There is of course nothing unreasonable in this in the
case of indirect fire guns and howitzers, for if not firing from
cupolas they would be behind the shelter of some wood or quarry.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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