Apparatus and associated methods relate to a motor-less cartridge ring gear engagement module (CRGEM) for a turret-rotating system that includes a main drive gear configured to rotate in a rotation plane, a manual input shaft that extends substantially orthogonal relative to the rotation plane, and a drive shaft that extends substantially orthogonal relative to the rotation plane, where the drive shaft and the manual input shaft extend substantially parallel to one another. In an illustrative example, both the main drive gear and a hand crank may be located on a top surface of the CRGEM. In some embodiments, a manual drive cap may be hingedly coupled to the gearbox and configured to rotate in a vertical plane that is substantially orthogonal to the rotation plane. At least some examples may provide for a hand-operated, manual traverse unit that advantageously does not require electrical power to operate.

A dual-mode turret system includes a turret base operable by a motor drive of the turret system, a cylindrical sleeve secured to the turret base, a mounting cylinder disposed in the cylindrical sleeve, and a frame secured to the mounting cylinder, wherein the frame is adapted to hold a weapon. The dual-mode turret system also includes a locking apparatus that when engaged prevents the mounting cylinder from rotating independently of the cylindrical sleeve, a controller, and an input device coupled to the controller. Rotation of the frame is manually adjustable when the locking apparatus is disengaged, and the rotation of the frame is adjusted by the controller in response to commands received from the input device when the locking apparatus is engaged.

A dual-mode turret system includes a turret base operable by a motor drive of the turret system, a cylindrical sleeve secured to the turret base, a mounting cylinder disposed in the cylindrical sleeve, and a frame secured to the mounting cylinder, wherein the frame is adapted to hold a weapon. The dual-mode turret system also includes a locking apparatus that when engaged prevents the mounting cylinder from rotating independently of the cylindrical sleeve, a controller, and an input device coupled to the controller. Rotation of the frame is manually adjustable when the locking apparatus is disengaged, and the rotation of the frame is adjusted by the controller in response to commands received from the input device when the locking apparatus is engaged.

A spinner mounted gun system includes a receiver and a barrel connected to a mast of a rotorcraft.

A spinner mounted gun system includes a receiver and a barrel connected to a mast of a rotorcraft.

An unmanned turret having a turret ring gear and first and second electrical force-producing devices with the unmanned turret being rotatably mounted to a vehicle chassis, the turret drive mechanism including at least one ring gear independent of the turret ring gear, at least one manually-operable input component rotatably coupled to the at least one ring gear, the at least one input component accessible within the vehicle chassis, and at least one output component mechanically coupled to at least one of the first and second electrical force-producing devices of the unmanned turret to cause rotation of the at least one of the first and second electrical force-producing device. Another turret drive mechanism and an unmanned turret are also disclosed.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a toollessly interchangeable ring gear drive mount system for a rotatable turret including a ring gear, a ring gear drive module, a mount bracket, a pair of receiver members, and a pair of mount flanges. In an exemplary aspect, the mount bracket may extend in a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the ring gear and be adapted for mounting to a platform arranged in a rotatable relationship to the ring gear. The pair of receiver members may extend from the mount bracket and define a pair of slide channels positioned substantially vertically and oriented substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. The pair of mount flanges may each be sized and shaped to be slidably inserted into a corresponding one of the pair of slide channels and adapted to support the ring gear drive module.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a toollessly interchangeable ring gear drive mount system for a rotatable turret including a ring gear, a ring gear drive module, a mount bracket, a pair of receiver members, and a pair of mount flanges. In an exemplary aspect, the mount bracket may extend in a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the ring gear and be adapted for mounting to a platform arranged in a rotatable relationship to the ring gear. The pair of receiver members may extend from the mount bracket and define a pair of slide channels positioned substantially vertically and oriented substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. The pair of mount flanges may each be sized and shaped to be slidably inserted into a corresponding one of the pair of slide channels and adapted to support the ring gear drive module.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a modular cartridge turret assembly system for quickly exchanging modular cartridges to interact with a ring gear. A modular cartridge may be a brake cartridge, which when inserted into a modular cartridge turret assembly, operably engages with the ring gear to inhibit the rotation of a turret. In an illustrative example, the brake cartridge, when inserted, may prevent damages and injuries caused by the rotation of the turret during transportation. In an exemplary embodiment, the modular cartridge turret assembly system may include a locking mechanism to secure the modular cartridge within the modular cartridge turret assembly. The locking mechanism may safeguard that the brake cartridge remains within the modular cartridge turret assembly system during turbulent situations caused by environmental conditions.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a modular cartridge turret assembly system for quickly exchanging modular cartridges to interact with a ring gear. A modular cartridge may be a brake cartridge, which when inserted into a modular cartridge turret assembly, operably engages with the ring gear to inhibit the rotation of a turret. In an illustrative example, the brake cartridge, when inserted, may prevent damages and injuries caused by the rotation of the turret during transportation. In an exemplary embodiment, the modular cartridge turret assembly system may include a locking mechanism to secure the modular cartridge within the modular cartridge turret assembly. The locking mechanism may safeguard that the brake cartridge remains within the modular cartridge turret assembly system during turbulent situations caused by environmental conditions.