The result is that each axle can be turned forward together with
its wheel, and thus the wheels have their rims brought into line
to form an arc of a circle, of which the rear end of the spade of
the gun carriage constitutes the centre. This acts as a pivot,
about which the gun can be turned, the pair of wheels forming the
runners for the achievement of this movement. The setting of the
weapon in the firing position or its reversion to the travelling
position can be easily and speedily effected merely by the
rotation of a handwheel and gearing.
With this gun a maximum elevation of 60 degrees is possible,
owing to the trunnions being carried well behind the breech in
combination with the system of long steady recoil. The balancing
spring which encloses the elevating screw is contained in a
protected box. The recoil brake, together with the spring
recuperator, follows the usual Krupp practice in connection with
ordinary field pieces, as does also the automatic breech-closing
and firing mechanism. In fact there is no pronounced deviation
from theprevailing Krupp system, and only such modifications as
are necessary to adapt the arm to its special duty.
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