Gun blast diffuser

Abstract

A rotating blast diffuser for a Gatling type gun is disclosed. The diffuseras a streamlined, forward nose containing gas stripping means individual to the barrels. The gas stripping means, annular members for example, strip muzzle blast from a firing barrel, and divert the blast into a forward collection chamber. The blast expands in the collection chamber and flows to an aft expansion chamber where it undergoes additional expansion. Vent holes in the aft expansion chamber permit the blast to exhaust this chamber. A peripheral housing is placed around the diffuser allowing the exhausted blast to undergo further expansion before venting into the atmosphere.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device for directing and diffusing the muzzle blast of an aircraft mounted gun, said gun having a plurality of generally parallel barrels radially spaced, and rotatable about an axis generally parallel thereto, said barrels having forward muzzle ends and aft breech ends, the device comprising: a first disk positioned proximate to said muzzle ends and mounted on said barrels so as to rotate therewith, said disk having a plurality of apertures through which said barrels extend and one or more windows for passage of muzzle blast therethrough;   a second disk positioned between said first disk and said breech ends and mounted on said barrels so as to rotate therewith, said second disk having a plurality of apertures through which said barrels extend, said second disk sealably engaging said barrels so that said muzzle blast is prevented from passing between said barrels and said second disk;   a blast tube surrounding said barrels between said disks, said blast tube having vents opening peripherally therethrough, said blast tube sealably engaging said second disk so as to prevent the passage of said muzzle blast between said blast tube and said second disk, said blast tube and disks defining an expansion chamber through which said barrels extend;   an arcuate shaped nose extending forwardly of said muzzle ends and mounted on said barrels for rotation therewith, said nose section sealably engaging said blast tube, said nose section defining a blast collection chamber in communication with said windows and expansion chamber;   exit tubes mounted to said nose and extending therethrough, said exit tubes individual to said barrels for providing passageways for projectiles fired through said barrels;   gas stripper means mounted to said nose intermediate of said exit tubes and said barrels for stripping and diverting the muzzle blast occasioned by the discharge of projectiles from said gun into said blast collection chamber of said nose;   the interaction of said stripper means, blast collection chamber, windows, and blast expansion chamber being such that said muzzle blast occasioned by the discharge of projectiles from said gun are rendered innocuous to an aircraft.   
     
     
       2. The device of claim 1 wherein said gas stripper means comprises annular members individual to said barrels and coaxially aligned therewith, said annular members positioned between said exit tubes and said barrels, said annular members affording clearance for projectiles fired from said gun. 
     
     
       3. The device of claim 1 wherein said gas stripper means comprises tubular members individual to said barrels, said tubular members each having a peripheral opening through which said muzzle blast passes, said tubular members providing a passageways for projectiles fired through said barrels. 
     
     
       4. The device of claim 1 wherein said blast tube is mounted to said disks so as to rotate therewith. 
     
     
       5. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a peripheral housing positioned around and spaced from said device, said housing having a forward open end through which said device protrudes and peripheral perforations opposite of the aircraft;   sealing means located rearwardly of said perforations and extending radially from said blast tube to said pod for preventing passage of said muzzle blast rearwardly of said sealing means, so that said muzzle blast expands in said housing and exhausts through said perforations at a pressure and in a direction innocuous to said aircraft.