APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING A PROJECTILE

Abstract

A measurement apparatus is provided, which is included on a measurement and programming basis for a projectile, which detects the fields and/or signals which emerge/originate from a programming coil, and is electrically connected to an evaluation device which itself evaluates these detected values. These values can then be taken into account for the programming of the projectile.

Description

This nonprovisional application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/EP2012/055531, which was filed on Mar. 28, 2012, and which claims priority to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2011 018 248.9, which was filed in Germany on Apr. 19, 2011, and which are both herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for measurement of electromagnetic fields on and/or within a programming device which, for example, is included on the muzzle of a tube weapon, in particular having a measurement apparatus on a programming device for an air burst munition (ABM), that is to say having a field test appliance on a measurement and programming basis. The measurement apparatus can measure fields and/or signals from the programming coil, thus making it possible to check the correct operation of the programming coil, the programming signal and the time correlation with the projectile, as well as the programming of a projectile itself. In special cases, these values can then be taken into account for the programming of the projectile.

2. Description of the Background Art

The term a tube weapon can denote both guns and rocket launch tubes. The term projectile is intended to mean all airborne vehicles which can be launched or fired from a weapon barrel, that is to say ballistic projectiles and projectiles which at least partially propel themselves. The term ballistic projectiles means normal conventional projectiles which detonate on impact, such as projectiles which can be fuzed and/or programmed, and, for example, detonate in flight. The projectiles may be spin-stabilized and/or fin-stabilized and may, for example, be in the form of discarding sabot projectiles, primary projectiles which carry a plurality of secondary projectiles in them, or exercise projectiles with a core and casing.

In general gunnery, the muzzle velocity of a projectile is normally referred to as V₀, and is also referred as the V₀ velocity. This is therefore the velocity at which a projectile launched or fired from a tube weapon moves on its trajectory relative to the weapon barrel when it emerges from the weapon barrel. The flight duration, the firing distance and the hit-point position are dependent, inter alia, on the V₀ velocity. However, precise knowledge of the muzzle velocity V₀ is particularly important in the context of programmable projectiles, since the time at which a programming code is transmitted to a projectile in order to achieve the desired weapon effect depends on the muzzle velocity, V₀. The muzzle velocity V₀ also depends on the weight and the temperature of the propellant charge.

A theoretical muzzle velocity V₀(theor.) can be determined by calculation if all the relevant data relating to the weapon, the weapon barrel and the projectile to be fired or launched is known. However, the muzzle velocity V₀ differs from the theoretically calculated muzzle velocity V₀(theor.). In addition, the V₀ velocity is reduced as a consequence of weapon barrel wear. Therefore, the actual muzzle velocity is preferably in each case measured on firing, in order to correct the azimuth and elevation of the weapon barrel as necessary for the target to be attacked, and/or in order to appropriately program the projectile, or at least the subsequent projectiles.

An airburst munition (ABM) is a munition type which breaks up during the flight phase without any need to strike a target object or to be in the vicinity of a target object. For this purpose, a suitable mechanism is used to fire a break-up charge within this munition and to cause it to explode. If the muzzle velocity of the ABM is known sufficiently accurately, the desired range can be determined via an indication of a time after which the break-up charge is intended to be fired after leaving the muzzle. Because of the natural scatter in the muzzle velocities of ABM, it is particularly important, for this type of munition, to determine the initial velocity at the muzzle (V₀) with sufficient accuracy.

Various apparatuses and methods are known for measurement of the actual V₀ velocity. Frequently, the measurement of the V₀ velocity is based on a gate principle. A V₀ measurement such as this is known from EP 0 108 973 B1, which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 4,677,376. In this case, two coils are used, which are arranged at a known distance from one another, to be precise after the exit cross section of the weapon barrel, seen in the direction of flight of the projectile. These coils and the distance between them form a measurement base path. The coils are in general arranged at least approximately concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the weapon barrel, and their internal diameter is somewhat larger than the calibre of the weapon barrel. The coils are connected to current sources, thus resulting in a magnetic field in the area of each coil, and an induced voltage can be tapped off as the projectile passes through. While a projectile is flying through the area of the coils, the magnetic field is disturbed, and the voltage which can be tapped off changes as a function of the relative position of the projectile with respect to the coil. CH 691 143 A5 deals with the same subject.

Therefore, if the V₀ of the individual projectile is determined at the muzzle of the gun, then, after the appropriate break-up time has been calculated, this value can be programmed into the projectile via a programming unit, which is located downstream in the direction of the projectile flight path, as a result of which the projectile is broken up by the break-up charge at the desired point. One such system is known, for example, from EP 0 802 390 A1 (which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,755), EP 0 802 392 A1 (which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,756) and EP 0 802 391 A1 (which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,834,675), which are all herein incorporated by reference. In this case, the projectile passes through a measurement path in the area of the muzzle, which measurement path is formed by two coils arranged one behind the other, and produces a time-dependent voltage signal in each of these coils. If the distance between the coils is known, the projectile velocity can be determined from these signals. The appropriate break-up time is calculated in a computation unit, and is programmed in the projectile via a third coil.

In order to make it possible to set the time fuzes for breaking up the projectile with the desired accuracy, it is necessary, according to the teaching of EP 0 467 055 A1, which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,732, which is incorporated herein by reference, to transmit at least 12 bits from the transmission coil of the programming device to the receiving coil in the projectile. By way of example, in the case of a muzzle velocity of 1200 m/s, the receiving coil in the projectile passes by the transmission coil, which is attached to the weapon barrel muzzle, in a relatively short time, as a result of which only a short time is available for transmission of the information from the transmission coil to the receiving coil. At the same time, the transmission time window must be chosen such that the projectile is located within the transmission coil at that time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which can be used for accurate programming while a shot is being fired.

In an embodiment, the invention is based on the idea of checking the correct operation of the programming coil, the programming signal and the time correlation with the projectile as well as the programming of a projectile itself. This can be done by detection of the fields and/or signals of the programming coil. This information can then be taken into account in the programming. The measurement apparatus according to the invention furthermore makes it possible to also detect disturbance fields from further components of the tube weapon, as well as disturbance fields which act on the tube weapon from the outside. Furthermore, it is also possible to check for active incident radiation from, for example, Natel, radar, active jamming devices and switching jammers. These are further influences which can now be taken into account during programming. Admittedly, test devices which can detect fields and signals of a programming coil are already known, for example by the term base test appliance, but these are restricted to laboratory environments, that is to say they do not measure the situation of a real shot, and the possible correction associated therewith.

In order to implement the idea within the scope of an existing programming device, for example in the area of the muzzle of a tube weapon and preferably even on the programming coil for the munition itself, an additional measurement apparatus is provided, that is independent of the programming coil, can detect the signals which are present in the area of the programming coil, and in particular the signals emitted by the programming coil, and can pass these to a measurement evaluation device. The system is designed as a purely passive system.

In the simplest case, this measurement apparatus may have a coil having one or more turns around the muzzle opening of the tube weapon. The coil is functionally connected to a fundamentally known signal receiving and signal processing device, for example via a wire connection.

The coil can be positioned such that, on the one hand, it does not cover the unobstructed opening of the barrel muzzle, while nevertheless at the same time makes it possible to detect sufficiently well the fields which emerge/originate from the programming coil with a low field strength. For this purpose, they must be positioned outside the metallic screening of the programming coil.

The number of coil turns may be one or more. Since the number of turns influences the response time of the coil, the turns are chosen on the basis of the flank gradient of the signal to be detected. The fastest response behaviour is achieved with a single coil winding. Better signal sensitivities are achieved with a plurality of windings—the best solution should in each case be chosen depending on the signal strength and the gradient. The windings may either be in the form of wire in a surrounding structure or, alternatively and particularly preferably, may be implemented in the form of a printed circuit board (“print”).

An electrically non-conductive material should be provided for the material surrounding the coil, for example non-conductive plastics or epoxy materials. At the same time, it is advantageous for this material to have low density, which therefore means only a small additional mass in the area of the muzzle since, as is known, additional masses in the muzzle area influence the dynamic and static behaviour of the tube weapon.

The measurement apparatus can be attached to the programming coil assembly via an adhesive joint, a push joint or else as a printed embodiment on a surface. The positioning can be considered in many ways.

This results, inter alia, in the further advantages of a good signal evaluation capability: bit patterns and possible interruptions, signal strengths, attenuations and single-bit tests, that is to say whether correct bits have been set. Furthermore, the time window/time instant of programming (within 20 μs) can be tested, and the programming basis can be tested during actual firing. An independent functional and quality test of the programming base can also be carried out. This is used as a referee tool for failure (to break up in the intended target region): >caused in the programming, or in the munition?< and the documentation of the base characteristics during acceptance firing.

A measurement apparatus is proposed which is included on a measurement and programming basis for the programming of a projectile (13), which can detect the fields and/or signals which emerge/originate from a programming coil. These “detected” values are evaluated in an evaluation device, and can then also be made available for programming the projectile. This therefore makes it possible not only to make decisions on the method of operation of the programming coil as such, but also to implement corrections, when this is electronically possible.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a measurement and programming device according to the conventional art,

FIG. 2 shows a sectional illustration of an embodiment of a measurement apparatus for measurement of the field and/or of the signals of at least the coil of the programming device,

FIG. 3 shows a sectional illustration of an embodiment,

FIG. 4 shows a sectional illustration of an embodiment, and

FIG. 5 shows a sectional illustration of an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a supporting tube 20, which is attached according to the prior art to the muzzle of a gun barrel 13 and includes three parts 21, 22, 23. Annular coils 24, 25 for the measurement of the projectile velocity are arranged between the first part 21 and the second and/or third parts 22, 23. A transmission coil 27, which is held in a coil former 26, is attached to the third part 23—also referred to as the programming part. Lines 28, 29 are provided for feeding the annular coils. Soft-iron bars 30 are arranged on the circumference of the supporting tube 20, for screening against magnetic fields which interfere with the measurement. The projectile 18 has a receiving coil 31, which is connected to a time fuse 34 via a filter 32 and a counter 33. When the projectile 18 passes through the two annular coils 24, 25, a pulse is produced at short successive intervals in each annular coil. These pulses are fed to an evaluation circuit (not illustrated), in which the projectile velocity is calculated from the time interval between the pulses and the distance a between the annular coils 24, 25. The projectile velocity is used to calculate a break-up time, which is transmitted inductively to the receiving coil 31 in a suitable form while the projectile 18 is passing through the transmission coil 27, in order to set the counter 32 etc.

FIG. 2 describes a first embodiment of the apparatus 10 according to the invention. In this case, this section drawing represents the muzzle 11 of the tube weapon, which is formed by a component 1 which extends in a circular form around the barrel centre axis 2. At least one winding 5 of the measurement apparatus 10 is incorporated within an electrically non-conductive attachment ring 4. The ring 4 is preferably adhesively bonded to the end surface of the tube-weapon muzzle, and in the process isolates the winding 5 from the electrically conductive closure cap 3 on the tube weapon.

FIG. 3 describes a second embodiment of the apparatus 10′ according to the invention. In this case, this section drawing represents the muzzle 11 of the tube weapon, which is formed by the component 1 which extends in a circular shape around the barrel centre axis 2. At least one winding 5 of the measurement apparatus 10 is incorporated within an electrically non-conductive attachment ring 12. The ring 12 is equipped with an enlarged area, in order to improve the adhesive joint to the component 1 and the closure cap 3 on the tube weapon.

FIG. 4 describes a third embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention. In this case, the attachment ring 14 is in the form of a cap which can be placed over the muzzle 10 of the tube weapon. This improves the mechanical retention of the measurement apparatus 5 according to the invention on the tube weapon further in comparison to the previous embodiments.

FIG. 5 describes a fourth, particularly preferred, embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention. In this case, a conductor track 5′ in the form of a circular coil winding is provided as a printed circuit within the attachment ring 15, with electrical connecting component 6 being passed out of the attachment ring 15, and being operatively connected to an evaluation device 16.

The additional measurement apparatus 10, which is preferably included in the area of the programming coil 27, is used to detect the emitted signals from the transmission or programming coil 27, and to pass them to the evaluation device 16. The result or results can then also be included in the programming of the projectile 13 (correction). In any case, information relating to the method of operation of the programming coil 27 can be derived.

It is self-evident that this principle may also be used for testing the measurement coils 24, 25, although the design complexity is undoubtedly greater here than that for testing the programming coil 27.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for programming a programmable projectile, the apparatus comprising:

at least one programming coil; and

a measurement apparatus configured to detect fields and/or signals which emerge/originate from the programming coil and is electrically connected to an evaluation device, which evaluates these detected values.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detected values are made available as correction values for the programming of the projectile.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurement apparatus has a coil with one or more turns around a muzzle opening of a tube weapon.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a conductor track configured as a circuit coil winding, and wherein the measurement apparatus is a printed circuit.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurement apparatus located such that it does not cover the unobstructed opening of the barrel muzzle.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurement apparatus is included in an attachment ring that is configured to be adhesively bonded to an end surface of a tube-weapon muzzle.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the attachment ring is equipped with an enlarged area.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the attachment ring is a cap.

9. A method for programming a programmable projectile, the method comprising:

providing at least one programming coil;

providing a measurement apparatus that detects fields and/or signals which emerge/originate from the programming coil; and

evaluating the detected fields and/or signals in an evaluation device.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the values are made available as correction values for the programming of the projectile.