Autoloader

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An autoloader or auto-loader is a mechanical aid or replacement for the personnel that load ammunition into crew-served weapons without being an integrated part of the gun itself. The term is generally only applied to larger weapons, such as naval weapons, tanks, and artillery; that would otherwise have a dedicated person or persons loading them. An autoloader extracts a shell and propellant charge from the ammunition storage rack/compartment and loads it into a magazine or belt, if the gun has one, or directly into the chamber of the gun if it does not. It often replaces a human loader. Automation can streamline and speed the loading process, resulting in a more effective design. The potential benefits of an autoloader in a vehicle is a higher firerate and a smaller turret and crew amount. The autoloader takes up internal space and could need room in the turret ring like the Des Moines-class cruiser or require an extended turret bustle like the Type 90 tank, and is also more mechanically...

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