Abstract: The invention relates to a process to control the initiation of an attack module, such as a projectile or sub-projectile, such attack module having at least one pre-determined direction of action. Before firing or on trajectory, the coordinates of at least one target are programmed into a fixed terrestrial reference, the orientation of the direction(s) of action in the fixed terrestrial reference is determined at least once on trajectory, and the initiation of the attack module is only authorized if the direction of action is oriented in the direction of the target. The invention also relates to the device implementing such a process.

Abstract: A terminal guidance and/or steering process for a projectile towards a target, process in which the orientation of a velocity vector {right arrow over (Vp)} is determined then a guidance law is applied and finally a steering algorithm enabling the projectile to be reoriented towards its target, process wherein the three components of the terrestrial magnetic field {right arrow over (H)} are measured in a projectile-linked reference marker (OxmYmZm) and these measurements are used in the guidance law and/or steering algorithm as a fixed reference marker enabling the orientation at least partially of the projectile-linked reference marker with respect to the terrestrial reference marker (GXfYfZf).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to control the initiation of an attack module (2), such as a projectile or sub-projectile, such attack module having at least one pre-determined direction of action (WH), such process wherein it has the following steps: before firing or on trajectory, the coordinates of at least one target (3) are programmed into a fixed terrestrial reference (4), the orientation of the direction(s) of action (WH) in the fixed terrestrial reference (4) is determined at least once on trajectory and the initiation of the attack module (2) is only authorized if the direction of action (WH) is oriented in the direction of the target (3). The invention also relates to the device implementing such a process.

Abstract: A process to detect the entry of a target into a zone, such process wherein it has the following stages: an illuminating beam is projected in the direction of the target by at least one source, the beam reflected on the target after its projection by one or more sources is received by at least two detectors placed in proximity to the zone and whose fields of detection incorporate a common part, each detector being synchronized to at least one of the sources, each travel distance separating the source and each detector via the target is computed or else only one of these distances is computed and then associated with a target presence criterion supplied by another detector, a target detection signal is delivered when the distance or distances thus computed, as well as qany presence criterion or criteria supplied, allow a point located geometrically in the zone under surveillance to be defined.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method of control of an ammunition or submunition, and in particular of the control of initiation of fire and/or of control of a trajectory correction and/or of a direction of fire, from a target detection, wherein the method consists of the following steps: a field zone (2) is sweeped from the ammunition (6) or submunition using a laser beam (10), a potential target (1) located on the field is spotted using a passive surveillance means (4), when the means of passive surveillance (4) detects the laser beam (10) transmitted by the ammunition or submunition, the transmission of an order of confirmation is controlled and/or of at least one off-target data via the means of surveillance (4) and towards the ammunition or submunition. The object of the invention is also an attack system associating an ammunition and a designator and implementing such a method.

Abstract: A terminal guidance and/or steering process for a projectile towards a target, process in which the orientation of a velocity vector {right arrow over (Vp)} is determined then a guidance law is applied and finally a steering algorithm enabling the projectile to be reoriented towards its target, process wherein the three components of the terrestrial magnetic field {right arrow over (H)} are measured in a projectile-linked reference marker (OxmYmZm) and these measurements are used in the guidance law and/or steering algorithm as a fixed reference marker enabling the orientation at least partially of the projectile-linked reference marker with respect to the terrestrial reference marker (GXfYfZf).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to correct the trajectory of a spin-stabilised projectile, process in which at least one correction is made to the axial position of the projectile's centre of aerodynamic thrust, such process wherein the correction of the axial position of the centre of thrust is obtained by modifying at least once the length of the projectile in flight, such modification being triggered by control means.

Abstract: A process to detect the entry of a target into a zone, such process wherein it has the following stages: an illuminating beam is projected in the direction of the target by at least one source, the beam reflected on the target after its projection by one or more sources is received by at least two detectors placed in proximity to the zone and whose fields of detection incorporate a common part, each detector being synchronized to at least one of the sources, each travel distance separating the source and each detector via the target is computed or else only one of these distances is computed and then associated with a target presence criterion supplied by another detector, a target detection signal is delivered when the distance or distances thus computed, as well as qany presence criterion or criteria supplied, allow a point located geometrically in the zone under surveillance to be defined.

Abstract: The technical scope of the invention is that of projectiles comprising at least one payload associating at least one explosive warhead and at least one target sensor, such warhead having an inclined direction of action with respect to the projectile axis and whose initiation is triggered further to the detection of a target by the sensor, said sensor having an observation direction close to the action direction. The projectile incorporates scanning means enabling the payload, at a given time during the trajectory, to be provided with a ratio of longitudinal velocity V over spin rate &OHgr; which is less than or equal to a limit value so as to ensure ground scanning in the observation direction at a sufficiently small pitch to enable a target to be detected.

Abstract: A process for the in-flight programming of a trigger time for an element of a projectile by a fire control system of a weapon, wherein the muzzle velocity (Vo) of the projectile is measured and the distancing velocity of the projectile at at least one other point during its trajectory after exiting the weapon barrel it measured. Based on these measured values an optimal trigger time is determined for the element so as to minimize the difference between the actual ground impact point and the desired ground impact point for the projectile or for a payload released during the payload's trajectory, and a programming or corrective programming is transmitted to the projectile which takes this optimal trigger time into account.

Abstract: A zone-defense weapon system includes an attack device having at least one main launch tube having a projectile that encloses an explosive charge. At least one device for surveillance and acquisition of targets controls a surveillance zone by detecting an objective target penetrating into the surveillance zone, and by controlling firing of the main projectile in the direction of the detected objective target. The attack device is located at a remote distance from the surveillance and target-acquisition device, and the surveillance zone is within the action radius of the attack device. The surveillance device may include an auxiliary projectile fired from the attack device.

Abstract: A munition including a submunition has a target detector and a core-generating charge with a firing axis .DELTA. for firing a projectile. The munition is designed to move relative to the ground and seek a target. The munition rotates about an axis A with a velocity translation v.sub.0. The target detector includes several detection axes .delta..sub.1 through .delta..sub.n and a device for selecting a detection axis .delta..sub.i from the detection axes .delta..sub.1 -.delta..sub.n for which the distance E between the point M.sub.i at which the axis .delta..sub.i intersects the ground and the point M' at which the projectile strikes the ground is minimal.

Abstract: An anchoring system for anchoring a projectile launcher to the ground. The launcher includes a tubular body accommodating at least a projectile to be fired and a propellant charge. The system further includes least one anchoring element that penetrates the ground when the projectile is fired. The anchoring element can be moved between a first position in which it is at a distance from the ground and held by a body of the launcher by means of a temporary attachment device, and a second position in which it penetrates the ground. A control system causes the anchoring spike to move automatically from its first to its second position and is constituted by the pressure of the gases resulting from ignition of propellant charge.