Rapid movement loader slot bearing suitable for use on munitions deployment structures

A loader slot bearing comprising:

• an annular housing having a first axial surface, a second axial surface and an interior area extending between the first axial surface and the second axial surface, the interior area being defined by a first inner surface that extends between the first axial surface and the second axial surface, a portion of the inner surface being a first bearing surface having a spherical contour and has a first surface hardness of 28 to 37 Rockwell C for dampening impact loads received by the slot loader bearing, a slot extending partially into the first inner surface from the first axial surface, the slot having a first width, and the annular housing being manufactured from a precipitation hardened corrosion resistant stainless steel;
• a truncated ball having a spherical exterior surface extending a second width between a third axial surface and a fourth axial surface and the truncated ball having a cylindrical bore extending between the third axial surface and the fourth axial surface, the second width being less than the first width, the bore being defined by a second inner surface, the truncated ball being positioned in the slot and rotated so that the truncated ball is rotatably retained by the first bearing surface, the truncated ball being angularly misalignable relative to the housing and the truncated ball being manufactured from a 440C stainless steel per AMS 5630, wherein the spherical exterior surface of the truncated ball has a second surface hardness of 55 to 62 Rockwell C;
• a dry lubricant applied to the spherical exterior surface to facilitate direct sliding engagement of the spherical exterior surface with the first bearing surface;
• and
• a pin having a cylindrical exterior surface, the pin extending through the cylindrical bore and the truncated ball being axially rotatable relative to the pin when frictional forces between the second inner surface and the cylindrical exterior surface is below a threshold level,
• wherein when the frictional forces exceed the threshold level, the pin and truncated ball lock together and are axially rotatable together, relative to the housing.