Fragmentation bombs, gas or smoke shells or parachute flares can be fired from a twelve-cylinder gun developed by an American manufacturer. A cylindrical magazine which can be inserted and changed in three seconds holds the projectiles for the many-purpose weapon, which is of one and one-half inch caliber. The gun has a 500-foot range with a four-ounce gas projectile, a 1,000-foot range with an eight-ounce projectile and fires a one-pounder up to 2,500 feet. Several guns of this type could protect an airport from parachute troops, or lay a barrage of smoke shells to hide a position. The all-purpose gun weighs only forty pounds, including its support, and it can be folded up for carrying or set up ready for action in a few seconds.