Abstract: A system for precision aiming of a weapon that has a rail, aligned with a centerline of its barrel, with a bus for supplying power to, and providing communication between, a plurality of modular system components that are mounted and precisely aligned in an array on the rail. A core component receives data from the sensor components via the rail and produces an output for display of aiming data which allows an operator to precisely aim the weapon at a selected target.

Abstract: A practice ammunition projectile has a projectile head with one or more sheets of plastic material, each having a plurality of frangible “bubble shaped” compartments containing liquid chemical components for optical and/or Infrared marking of a target upon impact. The sheets are preferably flexible sheets in the nature of a “bubble wrap” of the type used as padding for packaging. These so-called “matrix packages” are installed adjacent the inner surface of the shell forming the projectile head and provide stability when the compartments break up upon setback when the projectile is fired from a weapon.

Abstract: A high velocity munition comprises a projectile, mounted on a cartridge case, that can be fired from an automatic cannon or weapon. During storage or transport an IM venting device included in the cartridge case prevents the propellant charge from firing the projectile, leaving the cartridge damaged, but intact upon premature ignition. The IM vent exhaust channel is filled with a solid fusible material that melts at a lower temperature than the ignition temperatures of the igniter (or primer) and the propellant charge of the projectile. At least one non-fusible, ruptureable member is included in the IM vent channel and positioned to provide structural integrity to the fusible material in the channel. Alternatively or in addition to the fusible material, a shape memory alloy ring surrounds the igniter (or primer) and separates from the cartridge when the cartridge reaches a temperature that causes auto-ignition.

Abstract: A high velocity cartridge munition comprises a cartridge shell and a projectile inserted into it. A propulsion chamber within the cartridge shell receives a propulsive charge that may be ignited by a pyrotechnic igniter and that develops propulsive gases that act on the base of the projectile, driving it out of the cartridge shell. To prevent the pyrotechnic igniter from igniting spontaneously, and from igniting the propulsive charge due to the ambient temperature or because of a fire, which would cause the cartridge shell and projectile to be separated and fly apart, at least one exhaust channel between the propulsion chamber and the exterior of the cartridge shell is filled with a fusible material. The fusible material has a lower melting point than the ignition point of the igniter and of the propulsive charge.

Abstract: A laser-based system is useful for training soldiers in the operation and use of a grenade launcher. The system comprises a training assembly rotatably attached to the body of a grenade launcher and at least one sensor to detect laser energy at a target site. The training assembly comprises a housing; a variable output laser; a shaft extending through the housing to the body of the grenade launcher; a motor within the housing that engages the shaft and is capable of causing the housing to rotate about the shaft; at least one sensor to detect rotation of the housing, trigger pull, and/or gravitational direction; and a control unit operationally connected to the laser, the at least one sensor, and the motor. The training assembly rotates from the elevation of the launcher barrel to the elevation of the target site to generate a burst of laser energy at sensors at the target site.

Abstract: A training ammunition projectile has a projectile body comprising a head with a frangible ogive designed to burst when the projectile strikes a target. One or more marking agents, disposed in the head for marking the position of the target upon its release when the ogive has burst, include 1) chemi-luminescent components, disposed in separate frangible compartments, which mix and react chemically with each other when the compartments break up on setback, causing the mixed components to luminesce, and/or (2) a low density, fine, dry powder material disposed in the head and designed to create a plume, both for marking the target when the projectile strikes the target.

Abstract: A high velocity cartridge munition comprises a cartridge shell and a projectile inserted into it. A propulsion chamber within the cartridge shell receives a propulsive charge that may be ignited by a pyrotechnic igniter and that develops propulsive gases that act on the base of the projectile, driving it out of the cartridge shell. To prevent the pyrotechnic igniter from igniting spontaneously, and from igniting the propulsive charge due to the ambient temperature or because of a fire, which would cause the cartridge shell and projectile to be separated and fly apart, at least one exhaust channel between the propulsion chamber and the exterior of the cartridge shell is filled with a fusible material. The fusible material has a lower melting point than the ignition point of the igniter and of the propulsive charge.

Abstract: A laser-based system is useful for training soldiers in the operation and use of a grenade launcher. The system comprises a training assembly rotatably attached to the body of a grenade launcher and at least one sensor to detect laser energy at a target site. The training assembly comprises a housing; a variable output laser; a shaft extending through the housing to the body of the grenade launcher; a motor within the housing that engages the shaft and is capable of causing the housing to rotate about the shaft; at least one sensor to detect rotation of the housing, trigger pull, and/or gravitational direction; and a control unit operationally connected to the laser, the at least one sensor, and the motor. The training assembly rotates from the elevation of the launcher barrel to the elevation of the target site to generate a burst of laser energy at sensors at the target site.