Abstract: A system for automatically firing or discharing a weapon, such as a mine, comprises acoustical sensors for the preliminary adjustment and firing of the weapon. An optical sensor is used in conjunction with the acoustical sensors. In a first step, prior to the first acoustical target acquisition, the target background is optically scanned to store first optical image values defining an optical image of the target background to determine a firing range and a firing horizon. Thereafter, an acoustical ranging is performed for the target acquisition. Then the optical scanning and storing is repeated with regard to a firing horizon and when a target approaches the firing horizon, to provide second optical image values which are compared with the first image values to provide, by signal differentiation, proof of the presence of a target at the firing horizon. The resulting signal is used to control the weapon.

Abstract: The present nozzle assembly for gas-dynamic high efficiency lasers with a oling system comprises a plurality of specially formed nozzle members or so-called lamellae. Each nozzle has its own cooling passages, matching bodies and glide surfaces. A series of nozzle members are placed in thermal contact with each other within a mounting or holding block. A coolant flows through said cooling passages which extend through each nozzle throat region and through matching bodies of the nozzle members so that a uniform temperature prevails across the nozzle assembly whereby the nozzle dimensions are maintained constant especially at the nozzle throat width and whereby leakage flows are eliminated.