Support structure for a weapons system

A support structure for a weapons system comprising:

• a frame adapted for connection to a wearer;
• the frame having an elongated first portion defining a frame axis and adapted for positioning adjacent to the spine of the wearer;
• the frame having an upper end;
• a boom connected to the upper end of the frame and having a first boom portion extending away from the frame, and a second boom portion angled with respect to the first boom portion and extending away from the frame axis;
• the boom having a free end;
• a cable reel mechanism connected to the frame;
• a cable having a first end connected to the cable reel mechanism and a free end extending from the free end of the boom and adapted to connect to the weapons system;
• the cable reel mechanism including a biasing facility to exert tension on the cable, such that tension on the cable provides support for the weapons system;
• the cable reel mechanism includes a pair of elongated pneumatic springs each with a first end connected to the frame and a opposed movable second end;
• a cable take-up mechanism between the springs and having a first pulley connected to the first ends of the springs, and an opposed second end connected to the second ends of the springs;
• and
• an elongated tubular housing defining an elongated passage receiving the cable reel mechanism.