Device to improve the mobility of towed howitzers

Abstract

A receiver, modeled after the spade-like lug attachment of a M198 howitzer spade, inserts into the recess on the bottom rear end of the left trail of the howitzer. On this end surface is a square hole for inserting the spade key which secures the receiver to the trail. Attached to the receiver is an interface plate that acts as the union between the receiver and a pair of caster wheels. The interface plate has a keyway, in which the receiver bottom inserts, and also has two built-in handles. Two bolts affix the receiver to the interface plate and thread directly into the receiver body. The interface plate is bolted to dual-pneumatic caster wheels. This combination allows the left trail of the howitzer to be mobile and facilitates the increased mobility of the M198 howitzer.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A detachable device to improve the mobility of towed howitzers comprising: receiver means for removable attachment to a trail of said howitzer;   at least one castered wheel;   interface means afixed between said receiver means and said at least one castered wheel means for attachment of said receiver means to said castered wheel means.   
     
     
       2. The device of claim 1 having a pair of castered wheels. 
     
     
       3. The device of claim 2 wherein said pair of castered wheels are connected via two steel forks bridged by a axle having two pneumatic tires mounted on wide base rims. 
     
     
       4. The device of claim 3 wherein said interface means also includes a pair of integral handles. 
     
     
       5. The device of claim 4 wherein said interface means is afixed to said receiver means via bolts. 
     
     
       6. The device of claim 5 wherein said receiver means comprises a spade-like lug attachment. 
     
     
       7. The device of claim 6 wherein said receiver means also incorporates a square slot for attachment of said receiver to a trail of said howitzer via a key. 
     
     
       8. The device of claim 7 wherein said interface means has a slot to mate with a key located on said receiver means.