This book initiates with the story of the evolution of firearms to enable the reader to appreciate the sequence of the development of firearms. It discusses different classes of small arms, their mechanics, internal and external ballistics. Further, it covers the design idea of barrels and actions, various operating principles and relevant discussion on ammunition and propellants. The principle of quality in the design of the small arms is also elaborated in the desired degree. The book brings out the relevance of modern manufacturing technologies like MIM and various surface treatments, and polymers for enhancement of product quality. To appreciate the sophistication of the architecture, the book presents the anatomical details of a few small arms of reputes. Provides complete understanding of overall small weapon systems Explores mechanics and physics of small arms Discusses proper design, quality control, and manufacturing process selections for a good weapon Covers common type of weapon failures and catastrophic failure Includes relevance of manufacturing processes The book is aimed at professionals and graduate students in Mechanical Design, Armament Design, Gun Design including personnel in the military, paramilitary, police, and all other armed forces and their maintenance crews.

This new book covers the great variety of secret and largely unknown German missile programs: GUIDED MISSILES: Ruhrstahl/Kramer X1 "Fritz-X", Henschel Hs 293, Hs 294, Hs 295 and Henschel "Zitterrochen", Blohm und Voss Bv 226, Bv 246 "Hagelkorn" and Lippisch GB-3/L, Blohm und Voss Bv 143, Henschel G.T. 1200 and other gliding torpedos, Arado E-377 and E-377a, Mistel Me 262 A-1/A-2 and Me 262 A-1a/Ju 287b-1, Fieseler Fi 103 Series; PILOTED MISSILES: Blohm und Voss Bv 40, Daimler-Benz Projekt E and F, Messerschmitt Me 328, "Gleiter Bombenflugzeug" 1945, Projekt "Reichenberg" Series, Sombold So 344, Zeppelin "Rammer"; BALLISTIC MISSILES: EMW A-3/A-5, EMW A 4/A 4b, EMW A 5/A 8, EMW A 7/A 9/A 10, Blohm und Voss "Manuell Gesteuertes RAketen Projektil"; ANTI-AIRCRAFT MISSILES: Ruhrstahl/Kramer X-4, Ruhrstahl/Kramer X-7 "Rotkappchen", Henschel Hs 298 V1 and V2, Henschel Hs 117 "Schmetterling", Messerschmitt "Enzian", Rheinmetall-Borsig F-25 and F-55 "Feuerlilie", Rheinmetall-Borsig "Rheintochter" I and III, Rheinmetall-Borsig "Hecht" 2700, EMW C2 "Wasserfall."

This book explores the relationship between the state and war within the context of seismic technological change. As we experience a fourth industrial revolution, technology already exerts a huge impact on the character of war and military strategies in the form of drones and other types of ‘remote’ warfare. However, technological developments are not confined to the defence sector, and the diffusion of military technology inevitably also affects the wider economy and society. This book investigates these possible developments and speculates on their ramifications for the future. Through its analysis, the book questions what will happen to war and the state and whether we will reach a point where war leads to the unmaking of the state itself.

This book presents the history of the second largest arms manufacturer in Europe, the Skoda Works, and of those of its heavy guns that were transported in an innovative and unique way - gasoline-electrical trains.

The early World War II German 37mm anti-tank gun on a variety of war fronts.

Missile Guidance, Second Edition provides a timely survey of missile control and guidance theory, based on extensive work the author has done using the Lyapunov approach. This new edition also presents the Lyapunov-Bellman approach for choosing optimal parameters of the guidance laws, and direct and inverse optimal problems are considered. This material is important for readers working in the areas of optimization and optimal theory. This edition also contains updated coverage of guidance and control system components, since the efficiency of guidance laws depends on their realization. The text concludes with information on the new generation of intercept systems now in development.

Covers the variety of captured weapons and equipment used by the Wehrmacht.

This book covers the short gun versions of the armored fighting vehicles known as the Sturmgeschutz.

All new photo collection of the famed 88mm in its anti-air and tank roles on a variety of war fronts.

Shown are the various caliber mortars used by the German infantry during World Wars I & II.

A comprehensive history and typology of the European knightly sword from c.1050 to c.1550, that draws on evidence from literature and art as well as from archaeology. The resplendent image of the medieval knight is symbolised by his sword, a lethal weapon on the battlefield and a badge of chivalry in that complex social code. Ewart Oakeshott draws on his extensive research to recount the history of the sword from the knightly successors of the Viking weapon to the emergence of the Renaissance sword - roughly from 1050 to 1550. Evidence for dating is adduced from literature and art as well as from archaeology, and a detailed chronological typology of swords is developed, based on entire swords, pommel-forms, cross-guards, and the grip and scabbard. With clear illustrations and invaluable photographic plates The Sword in the Age of Chivalryoffers first-class reference material for all weapons enthusiasts. The late EWART OAKESHOTT was an authority on the arms and armour of medieval Europe. His other books include Records of the Medieval Sword and TheArchaeology of Weapons.

Noted authority Steven J. Zaloga charts the development, combat use, and influence of man-portable air defense systems, from the late 1960s to the present day. The first attempts at developing a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) based around a guided missile began in the mid-1950s, as a response to the increased speed and maneuverability of jet aircraft. This book charts the technological evolution of the MANPADS and explores their combat usage and the lessons from these encounters. Besides detailing the missiles, it also surveys the various methods developed as countermeasures to the MANPADS threat. The first generation of MANPADS, such as the US Army's Redeye and the Soviet Strela-2 (SA-7 Grail), saw combat use in the Vietnam War in 1972 and the Yom Kippur War of 1973. The next generation of infrared-guided MANPADS, such as the US Stinger and Soviet Igla, came to prominence following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Since the 1970s, MANPADS have been used in innumerable wars, border conflicts, civil wars and insurrections. Featuring specially commissioned artwork and carefully chosen photographs, this study tells the story of these lethally effective weapons, from their origins to their use today.

This book covers the guns that were emplaced along the Atlantic Wall by Germany during WWII.

Firearms have been studied by imperial historians mainly as means of human destruction and material production. Yet firearms have always been invested with a whole array of additional social and symbolical meanings. By placing these meanings at the centre of analysis, the essays presented in this volume extend the study of the gun beyond the confines of military history and the examination of its impact on specific colonial encounters. By bringing cultural perspectives to bear on this most pervasive of technological artefacts, the contributors explore the densely interwoven relationships between firearms and broad processes of social change. In so doing, they contribute to a fuller understanding of some of the most significant consequences of British and American imperial expansions. Not the least original feature of the book is its global frame of reference. Bringing together historians of different periods and regions, A Cultural History of Firearms in the Age of Empire overcomes traditional compartmentalisations of historical knowledge and encourages the drawing of novel and illuminating comparisons across time and space.

Shown are the various caliber heavy guns used by the German infantry during World Wars I & II.

For many years the designs found on engraved handguns has been found quite interesting. This book identifies the motifs employed, and determines engraving characteristics of various arms producing companies. To accomplish this, examples of .22 calibre handguns from 1855 to the mid-1870s have been examined and photographed, and a system of identification has been structured. By using this system, one may determine styles used within a particular manufacturer, or to compare similar styles used by more than one company. Among the manufacturers covered are: American Arms Co., Colt, Hopkins & Allen, Marlin, Reid, Remington, Smith & Wesson, Whitneyville, and many others.

You don't need to be a trained soldier to fully appreciate this edition of the "U.S. Army Improvised Munitions Handbook" (TM 31-210). Originally created for soldiers in guerilla warfare situations, this handbook demonstrates the techniques for constructing weapons that are highly effective in the most harrowing of circumstances. Straightforward and incredibly user-friendly, it provides insightful information and step-by-step instructions on how to assemble weapons and explosives from common and readily available materials. Over 600 illustrations complement elaborate explanations of how to improvise any number of munitions from easily accessible resources. Whether you're a highly trained solider or simply a civilian looking to be prepared, the "U.S. Army Improvised Munitions Handbook" is an invaluable addition to your library.

German heavy artillery as used on all fronts and with a variety of sizes and capabilities.

This is the absorbing story of the development, combat use and legacy of the influential sidearms used by the armed forces of the Soviet Union. Featuring archive and present-day photography and specially commissioned artwork, this is the story of the pistols that armed the forces of the Soviet Union and its allies during and after World War II. In 1930 the TT, a single-action semi-automatic pistol developed by Fedor Vasilyevich Tokarev and firing 7.62x25mm ammunition, began to supplement the venerable Nagant M1895 revolver in Soviet military service. From 1933 the TT-33, a simplified version, was also issued; all three would equip Soviet and proxy forces throughout and after World War II, seeing action across the globe. In 1951 a new pistol designed by Nikolay Fyodorovich Makarov entered Soviet service; it became the primary Soviet military and police sidearm during the Cold War era and continued in use into the 21st century. The 9x18mm Makarov round was used in various weapons used by Soviet allies, notably the Czech vz 82, the Hungarian FEG PA63 and the Polish P64 and P83.The PM was quickly joined by the Stechkin machine pistol. Other specialized versions of the Makarov were developed, including the PB suppressed version and the 5.45x18mm PSM, a more compact version. Initially developed in 1990, the improved PMM version of the Makarov was intended primarily to increase the stopping power of the 9x18mm round by chambering a higher-pressure load. In this study, noted weaponry expert Leroy Thompson tells the story of the Tokarev, Makarov, Stechkin and other handguns in service with Soviet and other forces around the world, exploring the development, combat use and legacy of these formidable firearms.

In this wide-ranging work, Jacques Richardson documents the application of scientific research to the evolution of modern weapons, including some of the most lethal, such as nuclear-tipped missiles, biological agents, poison gas, silent submarines and stealth aircraft. He shows how the natural, engineering, information and environmental sciences are thoroughly exploited - and how social science is applied to recruitment, battlefield management and logistics, as well as the careful preparation of terrorist acts.

Describes the application of research to the evolution of weapons. It shows how natural, engineering, information and environmental sciences are exploited how even social science is applied to recruitment, battlefield and logistical management, and careful preparation of terroristic acts.

Provides a detailed account of the use and the design of the German heavy 24 cm cannon.

From the earliest days of aviation where the pilot would drop simple bombs by hand, to the highly agile, stealthy aircraft of today that can deliver smart ordnance with extreme accuracy, engineers have striven to develop the capability to deliver weapons against targets reliably, safely and with precision. Aircraft Systems Integration of Air-Launched Weapons introduces the various aspects of weapons integration, primarily from the aircraft systems integration viewpoint, but also considers key parts of the weapon and the desired interactions with the aircraft required for successful target engagement. Key features: * Addresses the broad range of subjects that relate directly to the systems integration of air-launched weapons with aircraft, such as the integration process, system and subsystem architectures, the essential contribution that open, international standards have on improving interoperability and reducing integration costs and timescales * Describes the recent history of how industry and bodies such as NATO have driven the need for greater interoperability between weapons and aircraft and worked to reduce the cost and timescales associated with the systems integration of complex air-launched weapons with aircraft * Explores future initiatives and technologies relating to the reduction of systems integration costs and timescales The systems integration of air-launched weapons with aircraft requires a multi-disciplinary set of engineering capabilities. As a typical weapons integration life-cycle spans several years, new engineers have to learn the skills required by on-the-job training and working with experienced weapons integrators. Aircraft Systems Integration of Air-Launched Weapons augments hands-on experience, thereby enabling the development of subject matter expertise more quickly and in a broader context than would be achieved by working through the life-cycle on one specific project. This book also serves as a useful revision source for experienced engineers in the field.

All variations on the 20mm FLAK anti-aircraft gun, including towed versions, and self-propelled as used by all arms of Wehrmacht.

This book covers the history of aircraft armament from the early days of World War I when aviators fired hand-held weapons at each other, through the airborne gun advancements during World War II, and finally up to the modern Gatling Guns of today. During the 1960s, aircraft guns would become a part of the helicopter mission, and these choppers would play an important role in Vietnam. Also during this period there would be three special "Gun Ships," where an airborne ground-attack system was designed around side-firing guns. The famous A-10 was designed around its forward-firing Gatling Gun. With the advent of new air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, there were those who thought that the day of the aircraft gun was over. In fact, the F-4 Phantom's early versions carried no guns. Experience showed, though, that they were still needed, and later aircraft types saw them returned. The current aircraft of the USAF and U.S. Navy - the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, and F-22 - all carry a rapid-fire Gatling Gun in addition to their missile loads.