Exemplary methods and apparatus for testing an electrically fired item, e.g., a primer-only cartridge or all-up round (AUR) cartridge, in a variety of modes are provided. For example, a test system may provide a method of testing a primer-only cartridge and an apparatus to execute such method. Various parameters associated with operation of the electrically fired item, such as a primer or initiator, may be varied and measured using an embodiment including programmable selection of a pulse duration for firing control signals, a voltage of the firing control signals, and a number of pulses associated with the firing control signals. An inline resistance of the path of the control signals may also be adjusted. Test data including temperature, pressure, voltage, and/or current associated with operation of the electrically fired item may be measured during tests and displayed on a display device.

A cannon includes: a barrel; a breech ring connected to the rear of the barrel; a breechblock connected to be movable with respect to the breech ring between a closed position and an open position; an ignition device mounted to be partially movable with respect to the breechblock and configured to ignite a propelling charge; and a controller configured to transfer an electrical firing signal, wherein the ignition device includes: a firing assembly moving forward and backward as the breechblock moves; a laser diode primer connected to the front of the firing assembly and configured to receive the electrical firing signal to ignite the propelling charge; and a firing pin connected to be movable forward and backward with respect to the firing assembly and configured to transfer the electrical firing signal to the laser diode primer while in contact with a rear end of the laser diode primer.

A cannon includes: a barrel; a breech ring connected to the rear of the barrel; a breechblock connected to be movable with respect to the breech ring between a closed position and an open position; an ignition device mounted to be partially movable with respect to the breechblock and configured to ignite a propelling charge; and a controller configured to transfer an electrical firing signal, wherein the ignition device includes: a firing assembly moving forward and backward as the breechblock moves; a laser diode primer connected to the front of the firing assembly and configured to receive the electrical firing signal to ignite the propelling charge; and a firing pin connected to be movable forward and backward with respect to the firing assembly and configured to transfer the electrical firing signal to the laser diode primer while in contact with a rear end of the laser diode primer.