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From: bjohnson@athena.mit.edu (Brett W Johnson)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: Muzzles of cannons
Message-ID: <1991Apr19.071313.14891@amd.com>
Date: 18 Apr 91 15:21:40 GMT
References: <1991Apr18.032433.21674@amd.com>
Sender: military@amd.com
Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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From: bjohnson@athena.mit.edu (Brett W Johnson)


In article <1991Apr18.032433.21674@amd.com> khai@adi.com (Sao Khai Mong) writes:
>On the muzzle of certain guns and howitzers, there is a
>hammerhead-like attachment present.  What is the purpose of it and why
>do certain guns need it and others not?

It is called a muzzle brake and is designed to reduce recoil, thus 
permitting a much lighter recoil absorption mechanism.  It has some
disadvantages however, notably increasing the noise/overpressure
to the rear of the gun (where the crew is).  Also I don't think
you can fire DS (discarding sabot) rounds from guns fitted with
a muzzle break.

--
Brett W. Johnson  
These opinions are mine and mine alone...