RAPID FIRE LAUNCH SYSTEM
A magazine-fed launch or firing system is provided. The system comprises a plurality of magazines arranged radially around a central loading area. A first loading mechanism is provided for supplying a munition arranged within a magazine to the central loading area. A second loading mechanism is provided for delivering a munition arranged within the central loading area to a barrel of the system. A turret is provided for altering at least one of the azimuth and elevation angle of the barrel.
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The present invention relates to munitions launching systems, and more particularly to open-breech launch systems capable of storing and rapidly firing multiple types of munitions.
BACKGROUNDMagazine-fed weapons and launch systems are useful for providing efficient storage, transportation, and rapid delivery of munitions to their firing mechanisms. Magazines and their associated positioning and loading devices should be operative to engage a weapon in a continuous fashion, preferably being able to deliver munitions at a rate meeting or exceeding the maximum firing rate of the weapon. Moreover, control over the munitions both in storage within the magazine, as well as during delivery to the weapon, is important to ensure the munition is not damaged, in addition to aiding precise firing control and avoiding misfires.
It would also be advantageous to have a weapon system with the ability to store and supply multiple types of munitions to the same barrel or launch tube. In this way, a single system may be used to perform a wide variety of operational purposes, without time consuming and expensive reloading procedures.
SUMMARYIn one embodiment of the present invention, a system for firing munitions is provided. The system comprises a plurality of magazines arranged radially around a central loading area. A first loading mechanism is provided for supplying a munition arranged within the magazine to the central loading area. A second loading mechanism is provided for delivering a munition arranged within the central loading area to a barrel of the system. A turret is provided for altering at least one of the azimuth and elevation angle of the barrel.
In a second embodiment of the present invention, a magazine for storing munitions is provided. The magazine comprises a first end having a first opening configured to receive a munition, a second end having a second opening, and a motorized pusher round operative to displace a munition arranged within the magazine from the first end toward the second end.
A third embodiment of the present invention provides a munition loading device for a magazine-fed launch system. The device comprises first and second capturing mechanisms. The second capturing mechanism is pivotally attached to the first capturing mechanism and responsive to at least one linear actuator to secure a munition between the first and second capturing mechanisms.
A forth embodiment of the present invention includes a munitions loading device for an open-breech launch system. The device comprises a engaging mechanism configured to selectively fasten to a portion of a munition. The mechanism comprising a locking surface for mating with a complementary locking assembly of a munition, and a drive assembly configured to displace the engaging mechanism between a first position for fastening to a munition, and a second position for positioning the munition within a barrel of a launch system.
It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, many other elements found in typical magazine-fed launch systems. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and modifications known to those skilled in the art.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented within other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the location or arrangement of individual elements within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, appropriately interpreted, along with the full range of equivalents to which the claims are entitled. In the drawings, like numerals refer to the same or similar functionality throughout several views.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a launch system capable of rapid delivery of a plurality of types of munitions to a single open-breech launch tube or barrel. A plurality of magazines, each capable of storing a different type of munition, may be arranged around a common loading area in communication with a barrel. A munitions delivery system is configured to securely and continuously deliver munitions from one of the magazines, to the common loading area, and subsequently to the barrel. Once arranged within the barrel, the munition may be secured therein until the firing operation. The barrel or launch tube may be housed in a turret configured to alter the azimuth and elevation angle of the barrel once the munition is loaded.
Referring generally to
Magazine system 30 according to embodiments of the present invention is shown and described with respect to
In one embodiment of the present invention, each magazine 31 comprises a generally curved housing 35. This shape allows each magazine 31 to store additional munitions 32 relative to a magazine having a non-curved housing. In this way, for a magazine system having a given size (i.e. diameter), the curved configuration of magazines 31 may provide more efficient use of available space, thereby maximizing the number of munitions 32 storable by the system 30. While curved magazines 31 are shown, it is envisioned that the magazines may take on any shape, including a non-curved configuration. Moreover, it is envisioned that munitions 32 arranged within each magazine 31 may be stored in alternative arrangements beyond the generally adjacent configuration shown in the figures without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Still referring to
Referring generally to
As shown in
Actuator 39 is operative to close second capturing portion 42 around munition 32, securing it between first and second capturing portions 41,42. As will be set forth in greater detail with respect to
Referring generally to
With reference to
Once secured, munition 32 may be delivered to shared loading area 33. Specifically, as shown in
As set forth above, pusher round 50 may be used to urge munitions 32 through magazine 31, as well as to supply pressure, for example a constant pre-load, on munitions 32, securing them within the magazine during non-use. Referring generally to
Shaft 52 may comprise a pinion gear 53 on at least one end thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, shaft 52 comprises pinion gears 53 arranged on both ends thereof. Shaft 52 may be supported and/or guided through magazine housing 35 by bushings or bearings 54 located on either or both ends thereof. In one embodiment, bushing 54 may comprise two generally continuous low-friction surfaces arranged on either side of a guide track 55 located in upper and/or lower magazine housings 36,37. In another embodiment, shaft 52 may have a bushing fitted on respective ends thereof configured to reduce friction between shaft 52 and the walls of guide track 55.
Pinion gears 53 may be configured to engage with a geared rack 56 arranged on a surface of upper and/or lower housings 36,37. In this way, rotation of motor 51 is operative to drive pusher round 50 through guide track 55 and thus through magazine 31 by the interaction between pinions 53 and geared rack 56.
While a rack and pinion type arrangement is shown and described, it is further envisioned that a drive system having a similar function may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a belt drive, gearless drive-rollers, or other suitable arrangements operative to displace pusher round 50 within magazine housing 35 may be used.
Pusher round 50 may also comprise a pressure sensor 57, such as a strain gauge, arranged thereon. A processor controller (not shown) may be operatively coupled to sensor 57. In an exemplary embodiment, pressure sensor 57 is provided on a face of round 50 abutting an adjacent munition 32. In this way, pressure sensor 57 may be operative to sense the presence of an adjacent munition 32, and in conjunction with the controller, monitor the munitions' progress through magazine housing 35. Further, sensor 57 may be operative to detect a malfunction of magazine 31. For example, an unexpected rise in force detected by sensor 57 may indicate a jammed munition 32 within housing 35 impeding the proper operation of magazine 31. Likewise, an increase in pressure may indicate a problem with extending arm 38 or the loading mechanism (described below). The controller may be configured to receiver the sensor output and perform corrective measures to ameliorate the condition.
As set forth above, pusher round 50 is operative to move munitions 32 through magazine 31 during a loading/firing sequence. To facilitate this function, munitions 32 may be slideably arranged between housing portions 36,37, or may be supported on bushings, bearings, or a low-friction surface 59, allowing munitions 32 to move freely through housing 35. Anti-rotation surfaces 47 may be arranged on housing portions 36,37 to prevent the rotation of pusher round 50 as it moves though the housing 35.
Pusher round 50 may also move in the reverse direction, by reversal of drive motor 51. For example, during a reload procedure, wherein there is room in magazine 31 for at least one additional munition 32, pusher round 50 is operative to return to a position at the rear of magazine 31. This position is behind loading window 34, allowing for the insertion of additional munitions 32 into magazine 31.
Launch system 10 may further comprise a loading mechanism operative to deliver munitions to at least one barrel or launch tube of the system. Referring generally to
In the load position, coupling device 62 may be configured to engage with a portion of a munition, by way of example only, a bottom portion. An exemplary embodiment is shown in
Munition 32 may comprise an opening 63 for receiving an engaging portion 64 of coupling device 62. A bottom portion of munition 32 may also comprise a locking mechanism 65, configured to secure munition 32 to engaging portion 64. Locking mechanism 65 may comprise, by way of non-limiting example only, at least one moveable element arranged radially around opening 63. Locking mechanism 65 may be biased radially inward toward opening 63 by, for example, a mechanical spring, or pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. A munition plug 66 may be arranged within opening 63, and operative to ensure locking mechanism 65 remains held in an unlocked position (i.e. outwardly biased) to facilitate the insertion of engaging portion 64.
As shown in
Once restrained by locking mechanism 65, the loading mechanism 60 continues to extend vertically upward, providing munition 32 to the barrel of the launch system, as set forth in detail with respect to
Once munition 32 is received by the barrel, loading mechanism 60 may be removed from munition 32. Referring to
In one embodiment of the present invention loading mechanism 60 may be arranged on a rotatable platform. In this way it may be rotated into position with a desired magazine 31. Specifically, as each magazine 31 may contain a different munition type, loading mechanism 60 may rotate to the magazine 31 containing the munition-type desired for a particular operation. In another embodiment of the present invention, loading mechanism 60 may be configured to engage with munitions 32 from each of magazines 31 without the need to rotate. In yet another embodiment, loading mechanism 60 may be fixed relative to a rotatable base 22 and operative to rotate magazines 31 with respect to the loading mechanism 60.
Referring generally to
In order to prevent vertically upward and/or lateral movement of munition within barrel 80, an additional restraint device, for example, an electromagnetic (EM) restraint collar 90 may be provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, EM collar 90 is arranged around a perimeter of munition 32, and is operative to either expand or contract when exposed to an electromagnetic field.
Referring generally to
While the embodiments of
In one embodiment of the present invention, activation of coils 88 for example, applying a current thereto, generates an EM field operative to collapse collar 90 when munition 32 is fired. Collar 90 is configured to collapse to a diameter of sufficiently narrow dimensions to allow collar 90 to clear recess 92, and thus allow the munition to travel out of the barrel when fired. In this embodiment, a plurality of coils 88 may be arranged along the length of barrel 80, ensuring collar 90 remains collapsed as munition 32 travels vertically upward during firing. In alternate embodiment of the present invention, collar 90 may be in an unlocked state in the absence of a field, and a locked state in the presence of a field without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Referring generally to
Elevation angle control may be achieved by pivotally mounting barrel 80 to a support member 120 arranged on base 112. In one embodiment of the present invention, barrel 80 may be pivotally mounted at its center of gravity, thereby reducing forces on the systems used to alter its elevation angle. Elevation angle control of barrel 80 with respect to base 112 may be achieved using a motorized arrangement. Specifically, at least one elevation drive motor 114 may be provided, and operative to power a drive gear 118 via a pinion 121 (
While a gear-driven elevation angle control arrangement is shown and described, it is envisioned that the system of the present invention may comprise any number of additional elevation angle control arrangements without departing from the scope of the present invention. These arrangements may include, by way of non-limiting example only, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, and belt or chain drives.
Still referring to
Referring to
Base 112 may be rotatably supported on a bearing surface 136 arranged between the bottom of base 112 and a load-bearing portion of mounting structure 130. Bearing surface 136 may comprise, by way of example only, a thrust bearing, or other bearing types operative to support and allow for rotation of base 112 with respect to mounting structure 130. In one embodiment of the present invention support may be provided by an EM-based arrangement, such as a magnetic levitation system operative to elevate base 112 relative to mounting structure 130. In this embodiment, a linear motor, such as at least one propulsion coil, may be arranged on base 112 to impart a rotational force thereon with respect to support structure 130. In this way, motor 116 may be eliminated, and the EM levitation system used to both support and rotate base 112 relative to mounting structure 130.
Arranged below base 112 and mounting structure 130 may be a cavity 138 configured to house wiring loom 132 comprising the control wires or cables to the launch system. In one embodiment of the present invention, cavity 138 may comprise an annular cavity arranged radially outward of the center of base 112. The length of the wires arranged within cavity 130 should be sufficient to permit large changes of azimuth angle by turret 100 (see
FIGS. 15 and 16A-16B illustrate the functional steps of an exemplary firing operation of a system according to embodiments of the present invention. Referring generally to
While the foregoing munitions handling system may be used with any type of open-breech firing arrangement, it is envisioned that embodiments of the present invention may be particularly useful with systems using electromagnetic (EM) based propulsion. Moreover, the ability of the system to selectively and rapidly fire a large number of varying types of munitions (e.g. at least five) is advantageous not only for firing offensive munitions, but also for use with a countermeasure launcher, wherein a high firing rate, as well as munition diversity, may be critical to successfully defending against hostile weapons.
While the foregoing invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiment, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, all such modifications and changes are considered to be within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and the drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, show by way of illustration, and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations of variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
Claims
1. A magazine-fed system comprising:
- a plurality of magazines each having a first end and a second end arranged about a central loading area, each magazine in communication with a corresponding first loading mechanism configured to provide a munition arranged within at least one of the plurality of magazines to the central loading area, and
- a second loading mechanism configured to provide a munition arranged within the central loading area to a barrel of the system.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the second loading mechanism and the plurality of magazines are rotatable with respect to the central loading area.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first loading mechanism comprises at least one linear actuator configured to provide a munition from the second end of a corresponding magazine to the central loading area.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein a first capturing mechanism is coupled to a movable end of the at least one actuator and the displacement of the movable end of the at least one actuator is operative to bias the first capturing mechanism, securing a munition to the at least one actuator.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the magazine comprises a pusher round operative to displace a munition arranged within a magazine into a position for securing with the first loading mechanism.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the pusher round comprises an internal drive motor operative to displace the pusher round through the magazine.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the magazine comprises a geared rack configured to engage with a pinion coupled to the output shaft of the drive motor.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein the magazine comprises at least one anti-rotation surface configured to prevent the rotation of the pusher round within the magazine.
9. The system of claim 5, wherein the pusher round comprises a pressure sensor arranged on a surface thereof.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the second loading mechanism comprises an engaging mechanism moveable between a first position for engaging with a munition, and a second position for loading the munition into the barrel.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the engaging mechanism comprises a locking surface configured to mate with a corresponding first locking mechanism arranged on the munition.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the locking surface comprises an annular recess.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the engaging mechanism comprises a threaded element moveable with respect to the locking surface.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the threaded element is configured to bias the first locking mechanism into an unlocked position, allowing for the retraction of the second engaging mechanism from the munition.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the barrel comprises a second locking mechanism moveable from a first unlocked position to a second locked position and configured to retain the munition within the barrel.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the second locking mechanism is biased to the locked position.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the barrel comprises at least one electromagnetic coil configured to generate an electromagnetic field operative to selectively control a third locking mechanism configured to secure the munition within the barrel.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the barrel is pivotally connected to a turret for selectively altering the elevation angle of the barrel by a first motor operative to drive a rack and pinion arrangement.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the turret is operative to alter the elevation angle of the barrel at least 180 degrees.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the barrel is mounted to a rotatable turret for selectively altering the azimuth angle of the barrel, the turret rotated by a second motor operative to drive a second rack and pinion arrangement.
21. A magazine for storing at least one munition comprising:
- a first opening configured to receive a munition;
- a second opening, and
- a motorized pusher round operative to displace a munition arranged within the magazine in a direction from the first opening toward the second opening.
22. The magazine of claim 21, wherein the pusher round comprises an internal drive motor.
23. The magazine of claim 22, wherein the magazine comprises a geared rack configured to engage with at least one pinion gear coupled to the drive motor.
24. The magazine of claim 22, wherein the magazine comprises two geared racks arranged proximate a top and bottom of the magazine respectively, and configured to engage with first and second pinion gears coupled to the drive motor.
25. The magazine of claim 22, wherein the drive motor is operative to displace the pusher round in a direction toward the second opening, and in a direction away from the second opening.
26. The magazine of claim 25, wherein the pusher round is configured to move into a first loading position on a side of the first opening opposite the second opening.
27. The magazine of claim 21, wherein the pusher round comprises a pressure sensor arranged on a surface thereof.
28. The magazine of claim 27, wherein the pressure sensor is operatively connected to a processor for detecting at least one of the presence of a munition adjacent to the pusher round and a fault condition.
29. The magazine of claim 21, further comprising a mechanically actuated stop arrange proximate the second opening of the magazine, the stop configured to arrest the movement of the munitions in a direction toward the second opening.
30. The magazine of claim 21, further comprising at least one anti-rotation surface configured to prevent the rotation of the pusher round with respect to the magazine.
31. A munition loading device for a magazine-fed launch system comprising:
- a first capturing mechanism;
- a second capturing mechanism pivotally attached to the first capturing mechanism, and
- at least one linear actuator operative to secure a munition between the first and second capturing mechanisms.
32. The device of claim 31, further comprising a bell crank coupled to the at least one linear actuator and the second capturing mechanism for translating a linear motion of the actuator for at least one of securing and releasing a munition between the first and second capturing mechanisms.
33. The device of claim 31, wherein the first capturing mechanism is arranged proximate an exit opening of a magazine configured to store munitions.
34. A munition loading device for an open-breech launch system comprising:
- a engaging mechanism configured to selectively fasten to a portion of a munition, the mechanism comprising a locking surface for mating with a complementary locking assembly of a munition;
- a drive assembly configured to displace the engaging mechanism between a first position for fastening to a munition, and a second position for arranging the munition within a barrel of a launch system.
35. The system of claim 34, wherein the locking surface comprises an annular recess.
36. The system of claim 34, wherein the engaging mechanism comprises a threaded element moveable relative to the locking surface.
37. The system of claim 36, wherein the threaded element is configured to move between a locked position, wherein the locking assembly of the munition is engaged with the locking surface of the engaging mechanism, and an unlocked position, wherein the threaded element is configured to disengage the locking assembly from the locking surface, allowing for the retraction of the second engaging mechanism from the munition.
38. A method of operating a magazine-fed launch system comprising:
- loading munitions into a first opening arranged proximate a first end of each of a plurality of magazines, each of the magazines having a second opening proximate a second end arranged around a shared load area;
- moving a selected munition from the second opening of one of the plurality of magazines to the shared load area, and
- loading the selected munition from the shared load area to a barrel of the launch system.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 4, 2011
Publication Date: Jul 5, 2012
Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Bethesda, MD)
Inventors: Randy Gaigler (Parkville, MD), Leszek S. Basak (Nottingham, MD), Corey A. Fleischer (Columbia, MD)
Application Number: 12/984,456
International Classification: F41A 9/00 (20060101); F41A 9/61 (20060101);