TM-9-2350-311-34-2

TM-9-2350-311-34-2 - Page 41 of 552

TM 9-2350-311-34-2

1-14.5 Location and Description of Equilibrated Elevation Mechanism Assembly

The howitzer has an equilibrated elevating cylinder (1) which will elevate, depress, and balance the cannon by applying a

force equal and opposite to the weapon unbalance force. An integral equilibration system acts hydro-pneumatically to ex-

ert a preload on the vehicle elevating system and permits the cannon to be elevated or depressed with equal effort. Princi-

ple components of the system are primary accumulator (2), secondary accumulator (3), equilibrated elevating cylinder,

hand pump (4), and manifold (5).

Primary and Secondary Accumulators. The primary accumulator (2) and secondary accumulator (3) are cylinders con-

taining hydraulic fluid and compressed nitrogen separated by a floating piston. Hydraulic fluid is forced through a tube

from the primary accumulator and secondary accumulator to equilibrated elevating cylinder (1) by action of com-

pressed nitrogen acting against the floating piston.

Equilibrated Elevating Cylinder. The rear end of equilibrated elevating cylinder (1) is attached to a bracket on the ceil-

ing of the cab by a pin and bearing. At the forward end, the piston rod is similarly attached to an arm of the cradle

assembly. Horizontal travel of the piston causes rotation of the cradle assembly and cannon around the trunnion.

Hland Pump. The hand pump (4) is incorporated into the system to permit adjustment by increasing hydraulic fluid

pressure. This permits the equilibration system to be adjusted to compensate for variations in ground slope and tem-

perature (TM 9-2350-311-10).

Manifold. The manifold (5) controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to equilibrated elevating cylinder (1).

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