Abstract: An integrated evaluation and simulation system for ground combat vehicles interactively evaluates concept design decisions and design requirements in the context of an operational ground combat vehicle. The combat effectiveness of a ground combat vehicle may also be concurrently tested by virtual simulation. A computer system is programmed to implement a causal network model comprising an integrated collection of analysis models for creating a virtual representation of a ground combat vehicle. The integrated evaluation and simulation system includes a user interface operatively coupled to at least the computer system to selectively input data into the causal network model and receive information therefrom, and at least one virtual simulation system. The system can further include either a virtual simulation system operatively coupled to the causal network model or, as part of the computer system, a virtual simulation system interface to communicate with a separate virtual simulation system.

Abstract: An integrated evaluation and simulation system for advanced naval gun systems interactively evaluates concept design decisions and design requirements in the context of a virtual representation of an operational advanced naval gun system. The combat effectiveness of an advanced naval gun system may also be concurrently tested by virtual simulation. A computer system is programmed to implement a causal network model comprising an integrated collection of analysis models for creating a virtual representation of an advanced naval gun system. The integrated evaluation and simulation system also includes a user interface operatively connected to at least the computer system, for selectively inputting data into the causal network model and receiving information therefrom, and preferably at least one virtual simulation system.

Abstract: An integrated evaluation and simulation system interactively evaluates concept design decisions and design requirements in the context of an operational weapon system. The combat effectiveness of a weapon system may also be concurrently tested by virtual simulation. A computer system is programmed to implement a causal network model comprising an integrated collection of analysis models for creating a virtual representation of a weapon system. The integrated evaluation and simulation system includes a user interface operably coupled to at least the computer system to selectively input data into the causal network model and receive information from the causal network model and at least one virtual simulation system. The system further includes either a virtual simulation system operably coupled to the causal network model or, as part of the computer system, a virtual simulation system interface to communicate with a virtual simulation system.

Abstract: A hatch assembly and method for using the same that allows for enhanced ease of ingress and egress through a portal of a military vehicle. The hatch is advanced and cleared away from the portal through use of a hatch operating mechanism that employs an extendable cylinder assembly to advance the hatch and a rotational assembly operably connected to the telescopic assembly to rotate the hatch so as to clear the portal.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-piece barrel shroud which provides IR signature and radar backscatter reduction over the entire length of the barrel by utilization of special radar absorbing materials and shaped in accordance with commonly known radar signature reduction techniques. The interior of the shroud includes cooling passages for the circulation of ambient air by way of a forced air circulation system which provides IR reduction. To facilitate barrel movement while minimizing weight, the majority of the shroud is stationary and is independent of the gun barrel. At least one other piece of the shroud is attached to the barrel near the muzzle end and designed to move in unison with the muzzle during recoil. The recoiling portion of the shroud is sized to mate with an annular recess within the distal end of the stationary portion so as to provide continuous shielding of the barrel throughout the entire range of recoil displacement.

Abstract: A vehicle for use on a battlefield, having a hull with at least one endless track unit mounted underneath, and with a plurality of selectively vertically moveable wheels. The endless track unit may cover substantially all of the bottom side of the vehicle and may wrap upward to cover a portion of the front of the vehicle. The vehicle may be operated with only the wheels, the wheels and the endless track unit in combination, or only the endless track unit in contact with the ground. The vehicle has a height variable suspension element, which may be a hydro-pneumatic spring, coupled to each wheel. The suspension elements are connected with a power unit and a control unit to allow selective controllability of suspension height, and corresponding extension or retraction of the wheels. The wheels may also be provided with a resilient suspension mechanism that is either separate or formed by the height variable suspension elements.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a monobloc gun barrel by calculating an optimal residual stress profile and then applying tailored autofrettage mandrels which are mechanically pressed down the bore of a large caliber barrel, the mandrel size optimized to create a residual stress distribution on the interior of the bore within the design constraints imposed by the worst-case heat flux scenario.

Abstract: A recoil brake isolation system for the hydraulic recoil brake cylinder of a large caliber gun, includes two sets of hydraulic valves disposed respectively within the inlet valve block and return valve block of the hydraulic cylinder, an orchestrated combination of which together block the flow of hydraulic fluid to or from the hydraulic cylinder during the recoil/counterrecoil cycle or upon failure of the hydraulic circuit. A method of hydraulically isolating a recoil brake cylinder of a large caliber gun for survivability and improved weapon performance and a gun incorporating such a system are also included.

Abstract: A multiple cell ammunition cradle system for a weapon wherein the rate of ammunition transfer and the consequent rate of fire of the weapon is independent of the azimuth angle of the weapon. The system generally includes a cradle having a rotor with a plurality of cells formed therein. The cradle may be disposed in a charging position and a loading position. When in the charging position, each of the cells is controllably, selectively alignable with an ammunition hoist to receive an ammunition component in each cell. When the cradle is pivoted into the loading position, the rotor may be positioned so that each of the cells is alignable with the barrel of the weapon so that the ammunition component may be loaded into the weapon and fired.

Abstract: An organic cargo handling system, includes a tactical vehicle, a bed disposable on the vehicle, the bed including a tiltable bed portion, the tiltable bed portion including a quick hitch, the tiltable bed portion quick hitch is translatably disposed on a track, the track being operably coupled to the tiltable bed portion, quick hitch being powerable in a first direction along the track and being powerable in a second opposed direction along the track, and a cargo handling apparatus being couplable to the quick hitch for selective engagement with an article to be transported on the tactile vehicle to advance said article up the tiltable bed portion for loading thereon and to urge the article down the tiltable bed portion for offloading thereof. A vehicle bed and a method of deploying material in a field are further included.

Abstract: A high-mobility artillery cannon system transportable with the cargo envelop of a transport aircraft, includes a lightweight field howitzer, a medium tactical vehicle, and a bed disposable on the vehicle, the bed for receiving and supporting the howitzer such that the vehicle with the howitzer disposed on the bed is receivable within an envelop having substantially the dimensions of the cargo envelop defined within the C-130 type transport aircraft. A method of configuring a cannon system for transport the C-130 type transport aircraft is included.

Abstract: A multi-purpose missile launcher system for a military land vehicle that has the capability for direct targeting both short and medium range land targets, as well launching missiles against longer-range land targets or air targets using indirect targeting. The multi-purpose missile launcher system is deployed as part of a modular weapon system that mates with a modular bed of the military land vehicle.

Abstract: An ammunition transfer system and method of loading a weapon wherein the rate of ammunition transfer and the consequent rate of fire of the weapon is independent of the azimuth angle of the weapon. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a multiple cell ammunition cradle system for a weapon having a carriage and a barrel. The system includes at least one ammunition hoist and a cradle operably coupled to the carriage. The cradle is selectively positionable in a charging position and a loading position. The cradle has a carrier, which may be a rotor with a plurality of cells, each cell adapted to receive an ammunition round. The rotor is rotatable about a rotor axis, and is controllably positionable so that each cell is selectively alignable with the ammunition hoist when the cradle is positioned in the charging position and so that each cell is selectively alignable with the barrel when the cradle is positioned in the loading position.

Abstract: A device and a method of adjusting a trajectory of a projectile in flight includes increasing projectile drag to effect a downrange correction and altering the yaw of repose to effect a cross range correction. A method of a vernier correction to the trajectory is included.

Abstract: A proportional modular assembly of two charges for use in a gun, which charges are structured so that the power of one charge is related to the power of the other charge by a ratio of integers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring ground height in front of a vehicle, such as a vehicle for clearing buried land mines, in which a scanning pulsed laser to used to scan along one or more lines in front of the vehicle, with such scanning being executed more slowly in certain regions where data is collected and more quickly in intermediate regions where data is not collected. The time of flight along those lines is measured, and using that measurement, the ground height calculated and stored, with the higher elevations being discarded as the representing the tops of vegetation and the lower elevations being representative of the ground height or elevation in front of blade. A dozer blade on the vehicle is then adjusted in response to the calculated height to position the blade for the proper depth of cut in order to effectively uncover and remove the buried mines.

Abstract: A rotatable breech gun including a breech assembly, a breech housing, and a gun barrel. The breech assembly has a breech bore formed therein that receives ammunition loaded through an end thereof. The breech housing has at least one side member oriented parallel to the breech bore. The breech assembly is rotatably mounted in the breech housing. The gun barrel has a gun bore extending therethrough. The gun barrel is operably connected to the breech housing such that the gun bore is aligned with the breech bore when the breech assembly is rotated in position within the breech housing. The breech assembly and the breech housing further include corresponding mating structures proximate at least one end of the breech bore such that forces generated by ignition of ammunition in the breech bore are transmitted to both the breech assembly and the at least one side member of the breech housing.

Abstract: An integrable naval virtual target range system and method provides three-dimensional graphical viewing capabilities of a virtual target range so that naval and fire support personnel can train together during both simulated and live fire exercises. The virtual target range system comprises a control subsystem having a computer system and a spotter subsystem for monitoring virtual impact points on the virtual target range. The target system may further comprise a buoy subsystem and/or an aerial vehicle subsystem, for use during live fire exercises, to locate ordnance impact points used for calculating the virtual impact points.

Abstract: A device and a method of adjusting a trajectory of a projectile in flight includes increasing projectile drag to effect a downrange correction and altering the yaw of repose to effect a cross range correction. A method of a vernier correction to the trajectory is included.

Abstract: A device and a method of adjusting a trajectory of a projectile in flight includes increasing projectile drag to effect a downrange correction and altering the yaw of repose to effect a cross range correction. A method of a vernier correction to the trajectory is included.