Abstract: A damage detection and remediation system includes a sensing device for detecting damage events related to a structure of interest. Such damage events may include impact from a ballistic object, a tamper event, a physical impact, or other events that may affect structural integrity or cause failure. Illustratively, the sensing device is in communication with a measurement system to determine damage criteria, and a processing system which is configured to use the damage criteria to determine, for example, a direction of the initiation point of a ballistic causing the damage event.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses relating to pointer range designators. In an embodiment, a marking on a pointer and a rotation of the pointer may designate the distance from a location to an object.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses relating to pointer range designators. In an embodiment, a marking on a pointer and a rotation of the pointer may designate the distance from a location to an object.

Abstract: A remote weapon system (10) includes: a fire control unit (12); and a mechanical support (14) to which a weapon (18) capable of firing airburst ammunition is mountable, the mechanical support being adapted to move the weapon in azimuth and elevation directions. The fire control unit is adapted to receive input parameters including at least one area parameter related to a geographical area to be covered by the airburst ammunition from the weapon. Further, the fire control unit is configured to automatically calculate a number of shots of the weapon as well as azimuth and elevation directions of the mechanical support for each shot based on the input parameters such that substantially the entire geographical area is covered by the airburst ammunition when the weapon is fired.

Abstract: A scope assembly for use with, a projectile firing device including an erect image telescope mounted upon the device. The telescope includes a housing with a series of spaced apart lenses, a reticle display field being disposed along an optical path established within the telescope and which is viewable by a user. A laser range-finding scope is housed within a component in parallel disposed fashion relative to the erect image telescope, the range-finding scope incorporating a microprocessor and timer in operative communication with a pulse generator and an infrared projector. The distance to the target is measured by the laser, pulse detector, and timer. The data is transmitted to the microprocessor which determines the vertical position required to hit the target. The compensated target aimpoint is then illuminated in the reticle display field as a horizontal line.

Abstract: A spotter scope including an illuminator that generates a ranging signal is disclosed. The spotter scope further includes an imaging device with a focal plane array which detects backscatter radiation created by the ranging signal, and a controller which calculates a distance to a target. The controller also creates a wind profile between the spotter scope and the target based on scintillation statistics of backscatter detected by the focal plane array and provides corrective aiming instructions based on the wind profile.

Abstract: A targeting system for determining the distance to a target and, in response thereto, altering the angular position of a projectile launcher relative to a hand held support.

Abstract: A portable system for facilitating inclined shooting of projectile weapons comprises a ranging system, an inclinometer and a processor. The ranging system measures a line-of sight range distance from a vantage point to a target that is elevated or depressed relative to the vantage point, and the inclinometer measures an inclination angle of a line of sight between the vantage point and the target. Based on information from the rangefinder and inclinometer, the processor determines a predicted altitude-compensated inclined shooting (ACIS) trajectory at the line-of sight range distance for a preselected projectile. The ACIS trajectory is based on a bullet path height correction between a bullet path height at a first altitude and a bullet path height at a second altitude, a range distance of the target from the vantage point, and selected meteorological atmospheric information.

Abstract: A targeting sight having viewing optics, a focal plane array and an alignment frame having an aperture that defines a target area that is mounted proximal the muzzle of a weapon. Electronic processing means is provided to define a crosshair in the viewing optics. The alignment frame is illuminated with a beam and the reflected portion of the beam is received by the focal plane array and is processed to position the crosshair with respect to the aperture.

Abstract: A sighting apparatus for a firearm includes a video camera capable of capturing and tracking the path of a projectile The captured images are taken generally concurrently with the firing of the first projectile, and the projectile reaching the the target. A video display includes a reticle positioned at the center of the display to permit the user to aim the firearm by positioning the reticle over the target. A processor receives captured images from the camera. An output interface delivers information to the video display to enable the video display to display images of the target area. Software and a processor determine the flight path of the projectile and the point where the projectile impacts or passes by the intended target and adjusts for the variance between the two points by moving the image on the display.

Abstract: A firearm sight receives information regarding a factor, and then automatically adjusts the relative positions of a digital reticle and an image on a viewing section to compensate for the influence of the factor on a projectile trajectory. A different feature involves automatically adjusting a characteristic of the reticle based on the image. Another feature involves automatically adjusting the digital image to distinguish a portion thereof aligned with the reticle from an adjacent portion thereof. Yet another feature involves causing the firearm sight to generate an audible sound. Still another feature involves presenting information on the viewing section which represents the position of the firearm sight on the surface of the earth.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining fratricide probability of projectile collision from a projectile launcher on a platform and an interception hazard that can be ejected or launched from a deployment position. The platform can represent a combat vessel, with the projectile launcher being a gun, the interception hazard being a missile, and the deployment position being a vertical launch cell. The projectile launcher operates within an angular area called the firing zone of the platform. The method includes determining the firing zone, calculating an angular firing area, quantifying a frontal area of the interception hazard, translating the resulting frontal area across a flight trajectory, sweeping the projectile launcher to produce a slew angle, combining the slew and trajectory, and dividing the combined interception area by the firing area. The firing and interception areas are calculated using spherical projection.

Abstract: A portable system for facilitating inclined shooting of projectile weapons comprises a ranging system, an inclinometer and a processor. The ranging system measures a line-of sight range distance from a vantage point to a target that is elevated or depressed relative to the vantage point, and the inclinometer measures an inclination angle of a line of sight between the vantage point and the target. Based on information from the rangefinder and inclinometer, the processor determines a predicted altitude-compensated inclined shooting (ACIS) trajectory at the line-of sight range distance for a preselected projectile. The ACIS trajectory is based on a bullet path height correction between a bullet path height at a first altitude and a bullet path height at a second altitude, a range distance of the target from the vantage point, and selected meteorological atmospheric information.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method providing a Processor Aided Weapon Sight (PAWS) for augmenting target environment information associated with an optical weapon sight.

Abstract: An electronic firearm sight comprises a set of zoom lens, an image sensor, a processor, a memory, and a touch display screen for the operation of adjusting and determining a reticle. A method for adjusting the reticule comprises the following steps: displaying a coordinate on the touch display screen, setting the origin of the coordinate at the center of the touch display screen, aiming at an object with the origin, firing the first bullet to get the first bullet hole on the touch display screen, obtaining the coordinate value of the first bullet hole, determining the opposite valu, clicking on the place of the opposite value, moving the origin of the coordinate to the place of the opposite value, and aiming at the object with the new origin, firing the second bullet to get the second bullet hole, removing the coordinate; clicking the second bullet hole, an adjusted reticle appearing.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method of identifying a firing solution to a target is provided. In this method, an elevation of the target and a height of the target relative to an initial height of the projectile are sensed. A clear line of sight from the projectile to the target is also sensed. Based on the elevation, the height, and the clear line of sight, an acceptable firing solution is identified. An signal indicating that the projectile can be launched can then be initiated based on the identification of the acceptable firing solution.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a direction of fire includes moving a view of at least one sensor between a target area and an impact area, where a sensor performs target location. Sensor data is received from the sensor. The sensor data includes target area sensor data generated in response to sensing the target area and impact area sensor data generated in response to sensing the impact area. Image processing is performed on the sensor data to determine at least one angle between a first line from the sensor to the target area and a second line from the sensor to the impact area. Further, a set of refinements to coordinates corresponding to the target area is determined according to the at least one angle and an impact distance between the at least one sensor and the impact area. The set of refinements is communicated in order to facilitate firing upon the target area.

Abstract: A hand controller for controlling an electro-optic sensor of a weapons system may include a first cam/spring mechanism configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a first direction. A second cam/spring mechanism may be configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a second direction. A first sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the first direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the first direction. A second sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the second direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the second direction. The command signals may be substantially mathematically proportional rate command signals with respect to applied torque.

Abstract: An automated aiming assistance towards a shooting target for a visually-challenged or blind person is provided. The method comprises: providing the shooting weapon used by the person with a camera placed on the weapon for filming the target to be aimed at; identifying the target by shape recognition in the images shot by the camera; and transmitting a signal received by the person for guiding the person for orienting the shooting weapon towards the target.

Abstract: In methods and apparatuses, a weapon includes a trigger module for sensing trigger input from a shooter and generating a trigger signal, and a firing module for controlling firing of a projectile responsive to a fire control signal. The weapon also includes an image sensor configured for mounting on the weapon and sensing a series of images over a time period of interest while the trigger signal is in a motion-estimation state. A controller is configured for determining when to fire the weapon by receiving the images from the image sensor and generating a motion estimation history over the time period of interest responsive to changes in the images. The controller is also configured for determining a centroid of the motion estimation history and asserting the fire control signal when the trigger signal is in a fire-enable state and a current image is within an offset threshold from the centroid.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide military personnel with a swift and accurate means to return fire at a detected shooter. In particular, the systems and methods described herein relate to an indicator for a weapon sight. In some embodiments, the indicator is electromechanical. In some embodiments, the indicator is configured to be moveable such that when the weapon sight is aligned with the indicator, the weapon points in the direction of the detected shooter. In some embodiments, the indicator is attached to the weapon itself, while in other embodiments, the indicator is attached to the weapon mount. The weapon may be located on a ground vehicle, aircraft, or may be portable. In some embodiments, the system includes a processor configured to receive a shooter's location, determine the position of the indicator based on the received shooter location, and control the indicator to move into the determined position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method, system and computer program product that calculates a real-time, accurate, firing solution for man carried weapon system; specifically a transparent display to be located in-line with a weapon mounted optic and a device to adjust the aim point through real-time data collection, analysis and real-time visual feedback to the operator. A firing solution system mounted on a projectile weapon comprising: A Sensor and CPU Unit (SCU) and a Sight Adjusted Reticule (SAR) and a PC Dongle which configured to facilitate communication between the SCU and a personal computer (PC), or similar computing device, enabling management of the SCU configuration and offloading of sensor obtained and system determined data values.

Abstract: An electromechanical system translates an “aiming error” signal from a target tracking system into dynamic “pointing corrections” for handheld devices to drastically reduce pointing errors due to man-machine wobble without specific direction by the user. The active stabilization targeting correction system works by separating the “support” features of the handheld device from the “projectile launching” features, and controlling their respective motion by electromechanical mechanisms. When a target is visually acquired, the angular deflection (both horizontal windage and vertical elevation) and aiming errors due to man-machine wobble (both vertical and horizontal) from the target's location to the current point-of-aim can be quickly measured by the ballistic computer located internal to a target tracking device. These values are transmitted to calibrated encoded electromechanical actuators that position the isolated components to rapidly correct angular deflection to match the previous aiming error.

Abstract: An improved display provides information regarding a projectile trajectory so that a user is informed whether or not there is a clear shot. Such information facilitates accurate, effective, and safe firearm and bow use by providing indications regarding obstacles that are between the shooter and target and which may or may not be in the projectile trajectory. The improved display provides one or more path indicators shown over the cross hairs. In some embodiments the highest point in the projectile trajectory (being a true aim point) is indicated in relation to the visualized target and possible obstacles. An improved rangefinder device generally includes a range sensor operable to determine a first range to a target, a tilt sensor operable to determine an angle to the target relative to the device, and a computing element, coupled with the range sensor and the tilt sensor, operable to determine an accurate projectile trajectory based on the first range and the determined angle.

Abstract: An integrated laser range finder and sighting assembly includes a range finder for determining a distance to a target and an onboard ballistics computer for calculating a trajectory and automatically rotating a pointing laser to the proper angle for aligning with the target for lobbing of a grenade.

Abstract: An aiming system for use with a weapon is provided and may include a processor, at least one sensor in communication with the processor, and a memory in communication with the processor. The aiming system may also include a display in communication with the processor that displays a corrected-aiming point based on at least one simulated bullet trajectory and at least one simulated bullet impact location determined by the processor.

Abstract: Apparatus for viewing, imaging and processing the trace of a high speed bullet aimed at a desired target including apparatus to replay and review the trace image to more accurately determine the path of the bullet and its actual or intended point of impact. The processed information can be used to determine, or directly measure, the “miss-distance” between the desired target point and what is, or would be, the impact point of the bullet. The miss-distance information can be used to aid automatically re-aiming the weapon (e.g., rifle, gun) firing the bullet to compensate for the miss-distance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic correction apparatus for a trajectory of a projectile from a firearm of which a sight and a gun barrel are installed in parallel, the apparatus including: a distance measurer which is installed in parallel with the sight and measures distance from a target to be hit; a central processing unit which calculates a correction value for parallelization between the gun barrel and the sight so that a trajectory curve and the target can intersect with each other on the basis of the distance measured by the distance measurer; and a parallelization adjuster which connects the sight and the gun barrel and adjusts axial parallelization between a sight line of the sight and the gun barrel on the basis of the parallelization correction value calculated by the central processing unit. With this, the trajectory of the projectile is automatically corrected in accordance with the distance from the target, and thus quick and correct aiming and firing are possible.

Abstract: An automatic optical sighting system generates at least one adjustment for an adjustable optical system based on at least one detected condition, an appropriate dynamic model of a projectile in flight, and a solution of the equations of motion in flight, so that the projectile will have a trajectory between an origin and a selected target that helps the projectile to hit the target.

Abstract: The present invention increases the survivability of a helicopter by prioritizing a threat engagement sequence for a laser-based countermeasure system based on the determined relative lethality of each detected visually trained threat (e.g., small arms fire). The system and method defines a plurality of threat effectiveness merit factors, or lethality factors, that are determinable from available helicopter navigation and sensor data, to quantify the danger associated with each detected threat. The system and method then combines the defined lethality factors using a mathematical function, such as a merit function, to numerically quantify the level of threat posed by each threat. The calculated threat values for each of the detected threats are compared to prioritize the threats for engagement by a laser-based countermeasure system, such as a Visual Acquisition Disrupter (VAD) system.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for inclusion in an arrow. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensor configured to provide data concerning one or more flight characteristics of the arrow in flight and a communication link coupled to the sensor, the communication link configured to communicate the data to a device external to the arrow.

Abstract: A Reconfigurable Nose Control System (RNCS) is designed to adjust the flight path of spin-stabilized artillery projectiles. The RNCS uses the surface of a projectile nose cone as a trim tab. The nose cone may be despun by the action of aerodynamic surfaces, to zero spin relative to earth fixed coordinates using local air flow, and deflected by a simple rotary motion of a Divert Motor about the longitudinal axis of the projectile. A forward section of the nose cone having an ogive is mounted at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the projectile, forming an axial offset of an axis of the forward section with respect to the longitudinal axis of the projectile. Another section of the nose cone includes another motor, the Roll Generator Motor, that is rotationally decoupled from the forward section and rotates the deflected forward section so that its axis may be pointed in any direction within its range of motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method of identifying a firing solution to a target is provided. In this method, an elevation of the target and a height of the target relative to an initial height of the projectile are sensed. A clear line of sight from the projectile to the target is also sensed. Based on the elevation, the height, and the clear line of sight, an acceptable firing solution is identified. An signal indicating that the projectile can be launched can then be initiated based on the identification of the acceptable firing solution.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing an observer with an intuitive sense of the tactical situation in an operational area that surrounds a point-of-interest. The observer is simultaneously presented a top-down view of the operational area that includes contact indicators for each of one or more contacts within the operational area, and a status display that indicates the instantaneous hostility assessment of one or more of these contacts. In addition, the operator is automatically presented historical information, including contact images, for each contact whose hostility assessment exceeds a threshold level. The operator, or a group of operators, is enabled to view all of the displayed information from a single vantage point, assess the relative hostility of numerous contacts simultaneously, and rapidly confirm the identity of apparently hostile contacts prior to engagement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a lightweight north-finder. A method of using a north-finder includes a tube configured to fire munitions secured to a base in preparation of firing operations. A north-finder coupled to a tube in order to determine an azimuth and elevation. The north-finder is rotated ninety degrees about an axis parallel to the tube in order to confirm the determined azimuth and elevation. The determined azimuth and elevation is displayed to a user. A system of using a north-finder includes a tube configured to fire munitions secured to a base. A north-finder mount coupled to the tube having a north-finder is configured to determine an azimuth and elevation. The north-finder includes a ring laser gyro, an accelerometer, and an inertial measurement unit, wherein, when the north-finder is rotated ninety degrees about an axis parallel to the tube, azimuth and elevation values are confirmed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges

Abstract: A system and method for use of an enhanced aiming system which includes a marker displayed at a first position in an aiming scope, a user input of a start position and an ending position to measure a desired impact zone, a calculator for determining a range to the target based on the known dimension of the impact zone and the magnification value of the aiming scope, and a display in the aiming scope for showing an aiming point dot or bar to compensate for projectile drop at the calculated range, and optionally for windage and optionally for moving target hold-over.

Abstract: A scope may include an adjustment dial, which may be moved among a plurality of positions to configure the scope to compensate for projectile drops. The adjustment dial may be labeled with dial-calibration data, which may include one or more distance indicators and/or one or more windage hold-off indicators. The scope may be attached to a gun and the dial-calibration data may be at least partially generated using ballistics performance data based on shots fired by the gun. The dial-calibration data may be at least partially generated using shooting conditions. An electronic device may include a derived distance calculation module, which may be configured to use a distance to a target and actual shooting conditions to calculate a derived distance. The derived distance may be used in connection with an adjustment dial labeled with dial-calibration data at least partially generated using shooting conditions different from the actual shooting conditions.

Abstract: A remote weapon system (10) includes: a fire control unit (12); and a mechanical support (14) to which a weapon (18) capable of firing airburst ammunition is mountable, the mechanical support being adapted to move the weapon in azimuth and elevation directions. The fire control unit is adapted to receive input parameters including at least one area parameter related to a geographical area to be covered by the airburst ammunition from the weapon. Further, the fire control unit is configured to automatically calculate a number of shots of the weapon as well as azimuth and elevation directions of the mechanical support for each shot based on the input parameters such that substantially the entire geographical area is covered by the airburst ammunition when the weapon is fired.

Abstract: Telescopic sight, in particular for a handgun, comprising an optical lens system which is integrated in an essentially elongated outer tube which preferably has a circular cross section and can be fitted to the handgun or the like, which optical lens system is terminated by an eyepiece at an end facing the shooter's eye when the gun is being used, and by an objective at its opposite end, and has, between the eyepiece and the objective, at least one image plane lying in the optical beam path of light beams passing through the eyepiece and the objective, wherein a graticule structure lying in the beam path is arranged in the or at least one of the image planes, characterized in that the graticule structure comprises a virtual image of a graticule smiled outside the beam path, said virtual image being projected into the (respective) image plane.

Abstract: A fire guidance device for a hand fired weapon is suitable for day and night deployment for large caliber and slow flying ammunition or missiles, such as, for example, 40 mm grenade throwers and anti tank weapons. The fire guidance device also serves to determine and automatically adjust a set-up angle for adjustment of ballistics, and a lateral angle for spin correction. The fire guidance device is attached to the weapon so it can be tilted automatically or manually and twisting is thereby dependent upon a required set-up angle of the weapon so that direct view, by the operator, to the target is preserved. For spin correction, a defined angle in horizontal orientation is adjusted between axes of the fire guidance device and the weapon. Alternatively, the fire guidance device is mounted vertically and a required cant (tilt) is then indicated in a display, followed by tilt adjustment.

Abstract: A sighting system for visually acquiring a target includes an optic device having a transmissive LED array affixed thereon. The transmissive LED array includes two or more LED elements that are separately addressable to provide an aiming point. In embodiments, the sighting system receives information from an input system, such as ammunition information or environmental information, executes a ballistics program to determine ballistics information using the received information, and determines a range to the target. A controller calculates an aiming point using the ballistics information and the target range. The controller then addresses or energizes one of the LED elements to provide the aiming point.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a lightweight north-finder. A method of using a north-finder includes a tube configured to fire munitions secured to a base in preparation of firing operations. A north-finder coupled to a tube in order to determine an azimuth and elevation. The north-finder is rotated ninety degrees about an axis parallel to the tube in order to confirm the determined azimuth and elevation. The determined azimuth and elevation is displayed to a user. A system of using a north-finder includes a tube configured to fire munitions secured to a base. A north-finder mount coupled to the tube having a north-finder is configured to determine an azimuth and elevation. The north-finder includes a ring laser gyro, an accelerometer, and an inertial measurement unit, wherein, when the north-finder is rotated ninety degrees about an axis parallel to the tube, azimuth and elevation values are confirmed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets.

Abstract: A device includes structure that can support the device on a weapon. One version of the device includes a first sight that facilitates weapon orientation in preparation to fire a first munition, and a second sight that facilitates weapon orientation in preparation to fire a second munition different from the first munition. A different version includes first and second sights that each facilitate weapon orientation, and an electronic control portion that is operatively coupled to and simultaneously exerts control with respect to each of the first and second sights, the first and second sights each displaying targeting information generated electronically by the electronic control portion.

Abstract: A hand controller for controlling an electro-optic sensor of a weapons system may include a first cam/spring mechanism configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a first direction. A second cam/spring mechanism may be configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a second direction. A first sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the first direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the first direction. A second sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the second direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the second direction. The command signals may be substantially mathematically proportional rate command signals with respect to applied torque.

Abstract: An unguided projectile-accelerator system includes an enclosure, first and second charges, first and second projectiles, and a recoil-absorbing mechanism. The enclosure has an open first end and a closed second end, and the first and second charges are disposed within the enclosure. The first projectile is disposed within the enclosure between the first charge and the first end and is operable to exit the enclosure via the first end and to generate a first recoil in response to detonation of the first charge. The second projectile is disposed within the enclosure between the first charge and the second charge and is operable to exit the enclosure via the first end and to generate a second recoil in response to detonation of the second charge. The recoil-absorbing mechanism is disposed adjacent to the enclosure and is operable to absorb at least a respective portion of each of the first and second recoil.

Abstract: A gimbaled weapon system (GWS) is disclosed having a sighting system, a control unit, a weapon cradle for receiving a weapon, and an operator interface for the GWS located remotely from the weapon cradle and the sighting system. The weapon cradle is co-located with the sighting system as a unit in the GWS. The GWS also includes a first elevation drive for elevating the weapon cradle, a first azimuth drive for rotation the weapon cradle in azimuth, and a second elevation drive elevating the sighting system independently of the elevation of the weapon cradle by the first elevation drive. The sighting system includes a sighting device incorporating a laser range finder, a visible spectrum video camera and a thermal spectrum video camera.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining fratricide probability of projectile collision from a projectile launcher on a platform and an interception hazard that can be ejected or launched from a deployment position. The platform can represent a combat vessel, with the projectile launcher being a gun, the interception hazard being a missile, and the deployment position being a vertical launch cell. The projectile launcher operates within an angular area called the firing zone of the platform. The method includes determining the firing zone, calculating an angular firing area, quantifying a frontal area of the interception hazard, translating the resulting frontal area across a flight trajectory, sweeping the projectile launcher to produce a slew angle, combining the slew and trajectory, and dividing the combined interception area by the firing area. The firing and interception areas are calculated using spherical projection.