Weapon Systems and Ammunition Terminology Flashcards

Flashcards covering the history, technical terminology, and ballistic principles of firearms and ammunition based on the lecture transcript.

Who invented the needle gun (adatveida belznis) in 1836?

Johann Nicolaus von Dreyse

How did Antoine Alphonse Chassepot reorder the components of the cartridge in 1866?

Bullet, powder, and then the primer (lode, pulveris, kapsele)

What is the primary function of the bolt carrier (aizslēga rāmis)?

To hold and ensure the correct operation of parts that provide cartridge guidance (cartridge guide), chamber locking, and firing mechanism functions.

When was the rimfire cartridge (apmales uzsitiena aizdedzes patrona) patented and by whom?

In 1845 by Louis-Nicolas Flobert

What is the functional difference between a clip (aptvere) and a magazine (magazīna)?

A clip holds cartridges to load them into the magazine in one action, while the magazine feeds cartridges into the firearm.

According to the science of external ballistics, how would a bullet move if no external forces acted upon it?

By inertia, indefinitely, uniformly, and in a straight line in the direction of the barrel channel at the initial velocity.

What are examples of external energy (ārējā enerģija) sources used for high fire rates?

Moving the bolt by hand or using electric-powered levers, such as in a Gatling machine gun.

Which physical law is the basis for recoil-operated systems (atsitiena enerģija)?

Newton's 3rd law: every mechanical action in one direction creates an equivalent action in the opposite direction.

What characterizes the composition of modern smokeless powder (bezdūmupulveris)?

It typically consists of nitrocellulose (Type 1), nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin (Type 2), or nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, and nitroguanidine (Type 3), with a nitrogen content of $11 - 13\%$. Type 4 includes nitroguanidine with RDX and nitrogen.

What are the physical constraints for smokeless powder regarding moisture and temperature?

Moisture must not exceed $1 - 1.5\%$ and the ignition temperature is $200$ degrees Celsius.

What is the sequence of mechanisms in a Bullpup system?

Barrel, firing mechanism, trigger mechanism below the barrel, and the cartridge feed mechanism behind it.

Who patented the centerfire cartridge (centrālās uzsites patrona) in 1866?

Hiram Berdan and Edward Mounier Boxer

What are the two types of centerfire primers mentioned?

1. Berdan (anvil is in the case, two flash holes); 2. Boxer (anvil is in the primer, one flash hole).

What is the difference between a deactivated weapon and a demilitarized weapon according to the notes?

A deactivated weapon is rendered permanently incapable of firing for legal/civilian status; a demilitarized weapon is rendered incapable of firing for military needs but may remain visually and functionally similar for training (disassembly).

What is the composition of black powder (dūmu pulveris)?

Typically $75\%$ saltpeter (potassium nitrate), $15\%$ charcoal, and $10\%$ sulfur, with moisture not exceeding $2\%$. Ignition temperature is $300$ degrees Celsius.

How is the 'effective range' (efektīvais šaušanas attālums) defined?

The distance at which a targeted shot can neutralize or destroy an enemy using standard equipment and ammunition without external factor influence while maintaining manufacturer deviation specs.

What happens to an eccentric bullet (dum-dum round) like the 5.56 mm M193 upon entering living tissue?

It begins to tumble due to the shifted center of mass, causing severe injury and pain shock.

What is the performance limitation of 'dum-dum' rounds at distances exceeding $600\,m$?

They are unable to penetrate even lightly armored targets.

How does the propulsion of a rocket launcher (granātmetējs) differ from other firearms?

It uses a two-part charge: the first part burns in the weapon to eject the projectile, and the second part burns during flight to deliver it to the target.

What is the definition of a 'perfect bullet trajectory' (ideāla lodes trajektorija)?

A parabola where the ascent branch and the descent branch are equal.

How is caliber (kalibrs) measured differently in NATO vs. the Russian Federation?

NATO measures between opposite grooves (vītnēm), while Russia measures between opposite lands (griežļiem).

What is the purpose of a disconnector (sadalītājs) in a trigger mechanism?

It separates the trigger from the sear after each shot so the firing pin or hammer can remain cocked, and prevents firing until the bolt closes the chamber.

What criteria define the 'lethal range' (nāvējošais šaušanas attālums)?

A bullet is lethal if it can penetrate three dry, $1$ inch ($2.54\,cm$) thick pine boards spaced $1$ inch apart.

How is the twist rate (stobra vītnes solis) of a barrel expressed?

As a ratio, for example $1/7$, meaning the rifling completes one full turn every $7$ inches.

What metrics indicate the end of 'barrel viability' (stobra dzīvotspēja)?

When the initial velocity of the bullet decreases by more than $5\%$ or the hit ovality ratio exceeds D/d < 1.25.

What is the velocity threshold for subsonic ammunition (samazinātas jaudas munīcija)?

The initial velocity does not exceed $0.8$ of the speed of sound ($344\,m/s$) and is lower than $273\,m/s$.

What are the three main types of historic ignition locks mentioned?

Matchlock (degļa atslēga, 14-16th c.), wheel lock (rata atslēga, 16-17th c.), and flintlock (krama uzsitiena atslēga, 17-19th c.).

Who patented the percussion lock (kapseles uzsitiena aizdedzes mehānisms) in 1807?

Alexander John Forsyth