Abstract: A method for aiming the weapon (4) of a weapon system (1) with an aiming system (5) and a heat imaging device (6) while considering external influences acting on the projectiles to be fired into a target region (3). In order to accomplish that influences acting on the projectiles (2) during their flight into the target region (3) are considered in a simple manner for the aiming of the weapon (4), the amount of lateral deviation (13) of the point of impact (11) of the projectile from a predetermined point of aim (12) of the weapon (4)is determined by measuring or tracking the tracer (10) of the projectile (2) by the heat imaging device (6). The amount of lateral deviation (13) thus determined is then compensated for in the subsequent firing by a corresponding lateral aiming correction of the weapon (4). A weapon system (1) for implementing the method is likewise disclosed.

Abstract: The stores ejection system of the present invention includes a single release hook and swaybraced ejection rams for releasably mounting and forcibly ejecting miniature munitions and other miniature stores on an aircraft. The pneumatically-driven stores ejection system can accommodate miniature stores having bail lugs sized to reduce store aerodynamic drag and radar signature and to improve store delivery accuracy.

Abstract: A large-caliber weapon includes a barrel having a longitudinal barrel axis; a cradle supporting the barrel; a breech ring mounted on an end of the barrel; a breech wedge disposed in the breech ring for linear displacements transversely to the barrel axis; a control lug affixed to the breech wedge; and an opening lever pivotally mounted on the cradle for angular displacements about a lever axis oriented perpendicularly to the barrel axis. The opening lever is disposed externally of the breech ring and has an initial position and an actuated end position. The opening lever is engaged by the control lug of the breech wedge in a position of rest of the barrel such that upon motion of the opening lever from its initial position to its actuated end position, the breech wedge is moved from a closed position into an open position.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic drive, in particular a linear drive for vehicle occupant restraint systems comprises a cylinder having a cylinder wall and a working space, a piston which together with the cylinder wall delimits the working space, and several pyrotechnic propellant charges producing gas. The gas reaches the working space and thereby sets the piston in motion relative to the cylinder. The propellant charges are ignited staggered in time relative to each other and comprise a first propellant charge integrated in the piston and a second propellant charge connected with the cylinder wall.

Abstract: A recoilless and gas-free projectile propulsion device is provided. A hol pressure vessel is sealed on a first end to an aft end of a projectile in a launch tube. The pressure vessel is further open on a second end. A propellant charge-filled pressure chamber, defined in a forward portion of the pressure vessel, has holes venting to the pressure vessel aft thereof. A piston, sealed within the pressure vessel for sliding movement therein, is spaced apart from the pressure chamber to define a volume therebetween that receives gases produced during the burning of the propellant charge via the vent holes. A pressure valve divides the volume into a forward section adjacent the pressure chamber and an aft section adjacent the piston. The pressure valve remains closed until a threshold pressure is reached in the forward section at which point the pressure valve opens to join the forward section with the aft section. A countermass is positioned between the piston and the second end of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A solenoid selector switch shield for protecting the solenoid switch in a feeder assembly that feeds ammunition to a weapons system. The solenoid selector switch shield is designed to fit over the solenoid and the selector switch and prevent damage to the selector switch during both shipping and operation of the weapons system. In a preferred embodiment the solenoid selector switch shield is characterized by a cylindrical shield barrel having a bevelled access end and a mount end provided with an end mount bracket for mounting the shield to the feeder assembly. A middle bracket is also welded or otherwise attached to the shield barrel and is likewise secured to the feeder assembly. The bevelled access end of the shield barrel is designed to facilitate optimum access to the selector switch knob of the solenoid switch for manipulating the solenoid switch and determining the type of ammunition to be fed to the weapons system by the feeder assembly.