That's a muzzle brake for artillery, serving three purposes: first, reducing noise; second, reducing the shockwave in all directions to prevent friendly fire; and third, reducing recoil. Muzzle brakes are generally installed at the muzzle to reduce the impact of the propellant gases during the after-effect phase on the recoil mechanism, thus reducing the recoil length and the force acting on the gun carriage. This allows for a lighter gun carriage and improved mobility.
Based on their operating principle, they can be divided into two categories: impact type and recoil type.
Advantages and disadvantages always coexist. Adding this device increases the shockwave, airflow, muzzle flash, and dust during firing, which is detrimental to the concealment of the position and the safety of the gunner.
Furthermore, adding such a large metal contraption to the muzzle increases the barrel deflection, affecting firing accuracy and observation/aiming. The higher the efficiency of the muzzle brake, the greater the negative impact. Therefore, avoid pressing it whenever possible. Modern tank guns, anti-tank guns, recoilless rifles, and mortars don't use it, and naval guns also don't use it.
What's mounted on a gun is called a flash suppressor, which eliminates the muzzle flash during firing and also has a certain degree of sound suppression.
