WEAPONS CONTROL SYSTEMS

Abstract

Weapons control systems are disclosed including a handheld display and wiring loom configurations for weapons control systems. A control system for a weapon comprises a sight unit for mounting to the weapon for capturing image data for targeting the weapon. The control system also comprises a handheld display having a sight viewable by at least one eye of an operator of the weapon to view data associated with operation of the weapon including image data collected by the sight unit and a controller to control operation of the weapon. The control system also comprises a communication system coupled to be in communication with the handheld display and the sight unit to enable the operator to remotely view the data associated with operation of the weapon and simultaneously control operation of the weapon.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to weapons control systems. In particular, the present invention relates to control systems for portable weapons, such as, but not limited to, machine guns and automatic grenade launchers. However, the weapons control systems according to embodiments of the present invention are applicable to other types of weapons.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Modern weaponry is typically equipped with one or more auxiliary devices, such as visible and/or infra-red aiming devices, thermal imaging systems, range finders, fire control systems, night vision image intensifiers, visible illumination devices, cameras and/or other sensors. Such auxiliary devices have specific applications, such as the image intensifier being for use in low light levels, and general applications, such as range finders, which are intended to be used in all conditions. However, all such auxiliary devices have the purpose of enhancing the performance of the weapon and/or the operator by, for example, increasing accuracy, reducing the time taken to locate a target and/or aiding target tracking.

One drawback of such auxiliary devices is that the individual controls of the auxiliary devices can sometimes complicate use of the weapon. Additionally, the cables and the like required to implement the auxiliary devices can be cumbersome, ill-fitting and/or interfere with the operation of the weapon by, for example, snagging or catching on moving parts or the operator of the weapon.

One effort to address the aforementioned drawbacks is disclosed in WO 2005/022067, which discloses a wireless remote control for controlling auxiliary devices, such as an illumination device or camera, mounted to weapons including handguns, machine guns, heavier portable weapons and fixed installation weapons.

Whilst the remote control device of WO 2005/022067 ameliorates some of the aforementioned drawbacks, it does not address or ameliorate the risk associated with enemy fire. Another objective associated with the use of weaponry is to minimise exposure of the operator and thus reduce the chance of being hit by enemy fire. The remote control device of WO 2005/022067 is limited to remotely controlling the auxiliary devices and to operate a weapon with which the remote control is associated, the operator still needs to use the weapon in a conventional manner.

An operator can reduce their exposure by, for example, crouching behind the weapon if the weapon is large enough to provide protection, or by concealing themselves within a vehicle upon which the weapon is mounted, or by concealing themselves behind an obstacle. However, such concealment can impair operation of the weapon by the operator including reducing accuracy and increasing target location times. The operator's awareness of the environment and the situation can also be impaired. The operator's environmental and situational awareness is also impaired when the operator is looking through a sight mounted on or to the weapon.

In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a control system for a weapon that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems associated with auxiliary devices.

It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a control system for a weapon that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of operator exposure and/or reduced situational and/or environmental awareness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a control system for a weapon, the control system comprising:

a sight unit for mounting to the weapon or a cradle holding the weapon for capturing image data for targeting the weapon;

a handheld display having:

• • a sight viewable by at least one eye of an operator of the weapon to view data associated with operation of the weapon including image data collected by the sight unit; and
  • a controller to control operation of the weapon; and

a communication system coupled to be in communication with the handheld display and the sight unit to enable the operator to remotely view the data associated with operation of the weapon and simultaneously control operation of the weapon.

Preferably, communication between the communication system, the handheld display and the sight unit is wireless. Alternatively, communication between the communication system, the handheld display and the sight unit is wired or a combination of wired and wireless communication.

The control system may further comprise a display unit in communication with the sight unit for displaying imaging data collected by the sight unit.

The control system may further comprise a grip mouse control in communication with the sight unit for controlling movement of the sight unit.

Preferably, the grip mouse control is in communication with a firing mechanism of the weapon to control the firing of the weapon. The combination of the grip mouse control, the sight unit and the display unit comprise a fire control system.

The control system may further comprise one or more thermal cameras in wired or wireless communication with at least the sight unit and preferably also the communication system and the handheld display.

Preferably, the one or more thermal cameras are integrated with the sight unit such that the operator can remotely view image data captured by the one or more thermal cameras and simultaneously control operation of the weapon.

Preferably, the control system comprises two thermal cameras in wired or wireless communication with at least the sight unit, the two thermal cameras having different fields of view or ranges thereof. Suitably, one thermal camera has a wide field of view and another thermal camera has a narrow field of view.

The control system may further comprise a head-up display for mounting to a helmet worn by the operator, the head-up display in wired or wireless communication with the communication system.

The control system may further comprise a back up control unit coupled to be in communication with the one or more thermal cameras and the fire control unit, which enables switching to a back up power supply and/or a back up communication system.

The control system may further comprise a recording system coupled to be in communication with the sight unit for recording images captured by the sight unit and/or coupled to be in communication with at least one thermal camera for recording images captured by the at least one thermal camera.

Suitably, the recording system is incorporated in the communication system.

The control system may further comprise an extension arm coupled to the cradle for mounting the sight unit forward of the cradle.

The control system may further comprising a cable loom configuration coupling at least to the sight unit, the handheld display and the communications system such that disconnection of the cable loom configuration from the sight unit, the handheld display, the communications system or the cradle is not required for transportation of the weapon and weapon control system.

Suitably, at least part of a central portion of the cable loom configuration is coupled to an underside of the weapons cradle.

In another form, although again not necessarily the broadest form, the invention resides in a handheld display for a weapon control system, the handheld display comprising:

a sight viewable by at least one eye of an operator of the weapon to view data associated with operation of the weapon including image data collected by a sight unit in communication with the handheld display; and

a controller to control operation of the weapon.

Suitably, the sight unit is in wireless communication with the handheld display and the controller wirelessly controls operation of the weapon.

In a further form, although again not necessarily the broadest form, the invention resides in a cable loom configuration for a weapon control system, the cable loom configuration comprising:

a first cable component for coupling to a power supply, a sight unit and a communication system of the weapon control system;

a second cable component for coupling to a back-up control unit, at least one camera and the sight unit of the weapon control system; and

a third cable component for coupling to a display unit, an input device and the sight unit of the weapon control system.

Preferably, wherein the communication system includes a radio.

In another form, although again not necessarily the broadest form, the invention resides in a control system for a weapon, the control system comprising:

a sight unit for mounting to the weapon or a cradle holding the weapon for capturing image data for targeting the weapon;

a controller to control operation of the weapon;

a communication system coupled to be in communication with the sight unit and the controller to enable an operator to remotely view data associated with operation of the weapon including the image data and simultaneously control operation of the weapon; and

a cable loom configuration coupling at least to the sight unit, the controller and the communications system such that disconnection of the cable loom configuration from the sight unit, the controller, the communications system or the cradle is not required for transportation of the weapon and weapon control system.

Further features and forms of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference now will be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control system for a weapon according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an image of one embodiment of the control system shown in FIG. 1 in conjunction with an automatic grenade launcher;

FIG. 3 is an image of the handheld display of the control system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is front perspective view of a weapons control system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is rear perspective view of the weapons control system shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an underside perspective view of the weapons control system shown in FIG. 4 according to another embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a first cable component of a weapons control system according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 plan view of a second cable component of a weapons control system according to embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 plan view of a third cable component of a weapons control system according to embodiments of the present invention.

Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a control system 10 for a weapon 12 is provided according to embodiments of the present invention. The control system 10 comprises a sight unit 14 (also known as a Fire Control Unit (FCU) for mounting to the weapon 12 or to a cradle holding the weapon for capturing image data for targeting the weapon. According to different embodiments, the sight unit 14 comprises at least one camera 16 having a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) unit or an image intensified CCD unit. The CCD unit can have 752×582 pixels to support the PAL format or 768×494 pixels to support the NTSC format. The sight unit 14 can also comprise a laser rangefinder, motion sensors and other sensors, such as Molecular Electronic Transducers (MET) sensors (not shown).

According to some embodiments, the control system 10 comprises a thermal sight system (TSS) comprising one or more thermal cameras 18 for mounting to the weapon 12 or to a cradle holding the weapon or to another component of the weapon control system 10. FIG. 1 shows only one thermal camera 18 for the sake of clarity. One embodiment comprises two LEANN uncooled thermal cameras having two lenses and a battery compartment for back-up power. One of the thermal cameras, a LEANN 130, has a magnification of 1.25 and a Field of Vision (FOV) of 3×4 degrees. The other thermal camera is a LEANN 35 having a magnification of 1.4 and a FOV of 12×16 degrees. However, it will be appreciated that other types of thermal cameras can be employed.

According to some embodiments, the control system 10 further comprises a display unit 20 for mounting to the weapon 12 or to a cradle holding the weapon or a frame of the cradle or to another component of the weapon control system 10. The display unit 20 is in wireless or wired communication with the sight unit 14 and the one or more thermal cameras 18 for displaying imaging data collected by the sight unit 14 and the thermal camera(s). The display unit 20 can be of VGA or SVGA format and comprise a screen having, for example, 640×480 pixels or 852×600 pixels respectively. However, the skilled addressee will appreciate that higher resolutions, such as, but not limited to, 1200×1200 pixels could be employed.

According to such embodiments, a grip mouse control 22 is mounted to the weapon 12 and is in communication with the sight unit 14, the thermal camera(s) 18, the display unit 20 and a firing mechanism (not shown) of the weapon 12. The grip mouse control 22 can be used to control movement of the sight unit 14 and control firing of the weapon 12. Data communications between the sight unit 14, the display unit 20 and the grip mouse control 22 can be via USB 2.0 high speed data communications, RS422/RS232 serial communications or wireless. In the example shown in FIG. 1, wireless communication is shown between the display unit 20 and the grip mouse control 22, whilst wired communication is depicted between the display unit 20, the sight unit 14 and the thermal camera 18 illustrating that a combination of wired and wireless connections is also envisaged in some embodiments.

The combination of the sight unit 14, the display unit 20 and the grip mouse control 22 comprise a Fire Control System (FCS) available from, for example, Vinghøg AS of Nesbryggen, Norway. The FCS can also comprise a keypad controller, internal/external Global Positioning System (GPS) and a pointer & target illuminator (not shown).

The control system 10 further comprises a power supply 24 and a cable 26 coupled between the power supply 24 and the display unit 20 of the FCS. The power supply 24 can comprise a standard military battery, which is preferably rechargeable, but may be non-rechargeable. Alternatively, a vehicle power supply can be employed if a vehicle is available, for example, when the weapon 12 is vehicle-mounted.

According to some embodiments, power supply 24 is coupled via a cable 28 to a wireless communication system 30 that controls wireless communications between various components of the weapon control system 10 as described herein.

With additional reference to FIG. 3, according to some embodiments, the control system 10 comprises a handheld display (HHD) 32, which can be held by an operator of the weapon 12. The HHD 32 comprises a sight 34 viewable with at least one eye of the operator, in a similar manner to a monocular, to view data associated with operation of the weapon 12 including image data collected by the sight unit 14 and the thermal camera(s) 18 where provided. The HHD 32 also comprises a controller 36, such as a grip mouse control, to control operation of the weapon 12. The HHD 32 is coupled to be in wireless communication with the wireless communication system 30, the sight unit 14 and the thermal camera(s) 18 where provided, to enable the operator to remotely view the data associated with operation of the weapon and to simultaneously control operation of the weapon via the controller 36, such as movement of the sight unit 14 and/or one or more of the cameras 16, 18 and control of firing of the weapon 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a cable 39 is coupled between the HHD 32 and a recording system 37 as described in further detail below.

Embodiments of the control system 10 can also comprise a recording system 37 for recording images captured through the sight unit 14 via the camera 16 and/or via the thermal camera(s) 18. The recording system 37 can be in wireless or wired communication with the HHD 32 and recording can be started, stopped or paused via the controller 36. The recording system 37 can be incorporated in the communication system 30 or, as shown in FIG. 1, can be a separate unit that is, for example, carried by the operator of the weapon 12, as shown in FIG. 2. The recording system 37 enables instant recording of full frame video images for extended periods, which can be viewed by the operator of the weapon 12 and/or transmitted to a remote command position. Transmission of the video images can be encrypted by any suitable encryption algorithm.

Some embodiments of the control system 10 of the present invention further comprise a head-up display (HUD) 38 mounted to a helmet 40 worn by the weapon operator. The HUD 38 is in wireless communication with the wireless communication system 30 and enables the operator to remotely view the data associated with operation of the weapon such as images captured by the sight unit 14 and the thermal camera(s) 18. The HUD 38 can be in wired or wireless communication with the HHD 32 and the recording system 37. The HUD 38 includes a grip mouse control and both the HUD 38 and the HHD 32 enable the operator to view information, such as, but not limited to, target information, coordinates, pictures, maps, headings, GPS data, ballistics tables and the like whilst being able to view the environment and situation around them and control operation of the weapon 12.

The control system 10 of the present invention can also comprise a reflex sight 42 detachably mountable to the weapon 12. The reflex sight 42 can be used during the day or in low light levels or at night with Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and provide an alternative sight means for hands on operation of the weapon 12. Most weapons will also comprise a battle sight 44 permanently attached to the weapon. The control system 10 can also comprise a Laser Bore Sight (LBS) system 46 for accurately adjusting the sight(s) of the weapon 12, such as the sight unit 14 and the reflex sight 42, as is known in the art. FIG. 1 shows the LBS system 46 coupled to the sight unit 14. A further component of the system according to some embodiments is an ILS management system/bullet counter. Typically, the weapon 12 will be mounted on a soft mount and an adjustable tripod 48 to achieve variable firing heights and positions.

The system of the present invention is lightweight typically weighing only about 80 kg including ammunition and can be carried in a field carry pack by an operator. Alternatively, all the components including the weapon and ammunition can be carried in a hard carry case.

With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, in which the weapon 12 is not shown for the sake of clarity, the weapons control system 10 of the present invention comprises a unique cable loom configuration 50 for coupling components of the weapons control system 10. The cable loom configuration maximizes efficient operation of the weapon 12 and minimizes interference in operating the components of the system 10 and operating the weapon 12. Furthermore, no disconnections of the cable loom configuration 50 from the components of the weapons control system 10 or from a weapons cradle 54 to which the system 10 and weapon 12 are mounted are required when the weapons control system 10 is packed away for transportation in the field carry pack or hard carry case.

The cable loom configuration 50 comprises a single cable 52 from the components mounted to the weapon 12 and/or to the weapons cradle 54 to the power supply 24 and the communication system 30. According to preferred embodiments as shown in FIG. 6, cables of a central portion 53 of the cable loom configuration 50 are coupled to an underside 55 of the weapons cradle 54 by any suitable means. According to some embodiments, cable ties group the cables together at intervals and the cables ties loop through respective brackets 57 mounted to the underside 55 of the weapons cradle 54. The central portion 53 of the cable loom configuration 50 can be coupled to the underside 55 substantially in the centre of the underside or to one side or the other side. In alternative embodiments, cables of the central portion 53 of the cable loom configuration 50 can pass along a side 59 of the weapons cradle 54 as shown in FIG. 4. In alternative embodiments, part of the cables of the central portion 53 of the cable loom configuration 50 can pass along the side 59 of the weapons cradle 54 and part of the cables of the central portion 53 can be mounted to the underside 55 of the weapons cradle 54 as shown in FIG. 5. The cables of the cable loom configuration 50 can be provided in a sleeve or conduit for at least part of their length.

As shown in FIG. 4, some of the cables of the cable loom configuration 50 pass from the underside of the weapons cradle 54 up adjacent the side of the weapons cradle 54 for connection with the display 20 and for connection with a back up control unit (BCU) 56 mounted to a frame 58 of the weapons cradle 54. The BCU 56 is coupled to be in communication with the one or more thermal cameras 18 and the sight unit (or Fire Control Unit (FCU)) 14 and enables the operator to switch to a back-up battery and/or to a back-up/auxiliary communications system in the event that the power supply 24 and/or the communications system 30 respectively fail for any reason. Some of the cables of the cable loom configuration 50 pass from the underside of the weapons cradle 54 adjacent the side 59 of the weapons cradle 54 for connection with the at least one thermal camera 18 and the FCU 14 of the FCS. In this embodiment, a wide angle thermal camera 18A and a narrow angle thermal camera 18B are provided and the FCU 14 is in the form of a VingMate FCU manufactured by Vinghøg AS of Nesbryggen, Norway. The inventor has identified that it is preferable to employ two thermal cameras having different fields of view or ranges thereof rather than a single thermal camera because it is quicker to switch between the two cameras than to zoom in and out as required with a single camera. Two cameras having specific fields of view or limited ranges thereof also have smaller lenses than a single camera with a large zoom range and therefore are less obtrusive.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show an extension arm 62 mounted to one side of the weapons cradle 54 for mounting the thermal cameras 18A, 18B and the FCU 14 to the weapons cradle 54. The extension arm 62 mounts the thermal cameras 18A, 18B and the FCU 14 further forward and forward of the weapons cradle 54 to prevent interference with the gunner's operation of the weapon 12. An angled plate 63 is mounted to the extension arm 62 to which cables of the cable loom configuration 50 are coupled by any suitable means. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, cable ties passing through apertures in the plate 63 secure the cables to the plate in the desired orientation and prevent the cables from interfering with the operation of the weapon 12 or any of the components of the weapons control system 10.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the one or more thermal cameras 18 of the TSS are mounted to, and/or integrated with, the FCU 14 such that in the event the FCU 14 fails, the weapon 12 can be operated via the one or more thermal cameras 18 of the TSS, i.e. the one or more thermal cameras 18 are integrated with the sight unit 14 such that the operator can remotely view the image data captured by the one or more thermal cameras 18 and simultaneously control operation of the weapon 12 in the event that the one or more cameras 16 fail.

FIGS. 4 and 5 also show a specific configuration of a back-up sight 64 mounted to the frame 58 adjacent the display 20 such that in the event the display 20 fails, the gunner can continue operating the weapon 12 via the back-up sight 64 with minimal interruption. The back up control unit 56 is also mounted to a side of the frame 58 in a convenient position for quick operation and minimal interruption in the event of failure of the power supply 24 or the communications system 30. Handles 66 are also set wider than in conventional systems to provide space between the handles 66 and the cradle 54 to allow the fitting of a controller 68 for controlling the system 10 adjacent one of the handles 66.

Further details of individual cable elements of the cable loom configuration 50 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7-9

FIG. 7 shows a first cable component 70 comprising a first cable element 72 having a connector 74 at an end thereof for connecting to the power supply 24. According to some embodiments, the connector 74 is an AFD54-14-05SN-6177 connector manufactured by Deutsch ECM. The first cable element 72 is strengthened such that it is possible to lift the power supply 24 from the ground via the first cable component 70. The first cable component 70 comprises a second cable element 76 having a connector 78 at an end thereof for connecting to the FCU 14. According to some embodiments, the connector 78 is an 803-001-06ZNU6-7SN connector manufactured by Glenair, Inc. The second cable element 76 is mounted to the connector 78 at the 4 o'clock position as shown in FIG. 7 to facilitate the desired connection orientation to the FCU 14. The first cable component 70 comprises a third angled cable element 80 having a connector 82 at an end thereof for connecting to a radio. According to some embodiments, the connector 82 is an MS27473T8B35S connector manufactured by Aero-Electric Connector, Inc.

FIG. 8 shows a second cable component 84 comprising a first cable element 86 having a connector 88 at an end thereof for connecting to the back-up control unit 56. According to some embodiments, the connector 88 is an 801-007-16ZNU10-26SA connector manufactured by Glenair, Inc. The second cable component 84 comprises a second angled cable element 90 having a connector 92 at an end thereof suitable for connecting to a first camera, such as the wide angle thermal camera 18A. The second cable component 84 comprises a third cable element 94 having a connector 96 at an end thereof suitable for connecting to a second camera, such as the narrow angle thermal camera 18B. The second cable component 84 comprises a fourth angled cable element 98 having a connector 100 at an end thereof for connecting to the FCU 14. According to some embodiments, the connector 100 is an 803-001-06ZNU10-26PN connector manufactured by Glenair, Inc. The fourth cable element 98 is mounted to the connector 100 at the 6 o'clock position as shown in FIG. 8 to facilitate the desired connection orientation to the FCU 14.

FIG. 9 shows a third cable component 102 comprising a first cable element 104 having a connector 106 at an end thereof for connecting to the display unit 20. According to some embodiments, the connector 106 is an 803-001-06ZNU10-26SN connector manufactured by Glenair, Inc. The third cable component 102 comprises a second cable element 108 having a connector 110 at an end thereof for connecting to the FCU 14. According to some embodiments, the connector 110 is an 803-001-06ZNU10-26PN connector manufactured by Glenair, Inc. The second cable element 108 is mounted to the connector 110 at the 6 o'clock position as shown in FIG. 9 to facilitate the desired connection orientation to the FCU 14. The third cable component 102 comprises a third angled cable element 112 having a connector 114 at an end thereof for connecting to an input device, such as a keypad. According to some embodiments, the connector 114 is an 803-001-06ZNU6-7PX connector manufactured by Glenair, Inc. The third angled cable element 112 is mounted to the connector 114 at the 6 o'clock position as shown in FIG. 9 to facilitate the desired connection orientation to the keypad.

Embodiments of the cable loom configuration 50 also utilize conventional straight lengths of cable with suitable male or female connectors at each end, such as BNC connectors, some of which can be right angled connectors, for the communication of signals between components of the weapons control system 10.

It will be appreciated that the specific connectors described herein are provided by way of example only and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific connectors. A wide range of connectors are available in terms of their size, materials, fit and communications protocol, many of which are suitable for embodiments of the present invention. Indeed, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments the cables of the cable loom configuration 50 can be soldered directly to the components of the weapons control system 10 if it is not desired that the cables be readily disconnected from the components of the weapons control system 10.

The control system 10 of the present invention is particularly effective with weapons 12 such as automatic grenade launchers (AGL), such as the 40 mm grenade machine gun (GMG) by Heckler & Koch and the MK19 manufactured by General Dynamics. However, the control system 10 is also effective with other calibre weapons, such as, but not limited to, 20 mm and 50 mm weapons and other types of weapons such as, but not limited to, machine guns and anti-tank weapons. It is also envisaged that the control system 12 of the present invention could be implemented with both smaller and larger weapons.

Hence, the control system 10 according to embodiments of the present invention described herein provides solutions to the aforementioned problems of the prior art. By virtue of the HHD 32 and/or the HUD 38, the operator is able to remotely view and record information, such as, but not limited to, target information, coordinates, pictures, maps, headings, GPS data, ballistics tables and the like obtained from the weapon equipment, such as the sight unit 14 and/or thermal camera(s) 18, without the need for the operator to stand behind the weapon 12 looking into a sight of the weapon or at the display unit 20 of the fire control system. Therefore, the operator of the weapon 12 does not need to be exposed and can instead be concealed without impairing their view of the target. Furthermore, the operator is able to view their environment and the situation around them and thus have improved situational and environmental awareness compared with the prior art equipment. The HHD 32 enables remote control of the weapon, thus maintaining accuracy and avoiding increasing target location times. Wireless implementation of communications avoids cluttering the weapon and risking snagging of cables and the like. Yet further, it does not matter if one or more of the weapon, environment or location does not lend itself to concealment of the operator. Wireless observations and control of the weapon 12 enable the operator to find a concealed position remote from the weapon.

Embodiments of the weapons control system 10 of the present invention also include the following further advantages. The cable loom configuration 50 and individual cable elements minimize interference between the components of the weapons control system 10 and prevent the weapons control system 10 from interfering with the full mobility range of the weapon 12. No disconnections of the cable loom configuration 50 are necessary when the weapon 12 is packed away for transportation, which facilitates quick and easy disassembly and reassembly. Integrating the one or more thermal cameras 18 of the TSS with the FCU 14 provides back up firing capabilities in the event that the FCU 14 fails. Mounting the back-up sight 64 to the frame 58 adjacent the display 20 enables the gunner can continue operating the weapon 12 via the back-up sight 64 with minimal interruption in the event the display 20 fails. Mounting the back up control unit 56 to a side of the frame 58 enables the operator to quickly switch to the back up battery and/or the auxiliary communications system with minimal interruption in the event of failure of the main power supply 24 and/or the primary communications system 30 respectively.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A control system for a weapon, the control system comprising:

a sight unit for mounting to the weapon or a cradle holding the weapon for capturing image data for targeting the weapon;

a handheld display having: a sight viewable by at least one eye of an operator of the weapon to view data associated with operation of the weapon including image data collected by the sight unit; and a controller to control operation of the weapon; and

a communication system coupled to be in communication with the handheld display and the sight unit to enable the operator to remotely view the data associated with operation of the weapon and simultaneously control operation of the weapon.

2. The control system of claim 1, wherein communication between the communication system, the handheld display and the sight unit is one of the following: wireless; wired; a combination of wired and wireless communication.

3. The control system of claim 1, further comprising a display unit in communication with the sight unit for displaying imaging data collected by the sight unit.

4. The control system of claim 3, wherein the display unit is mounted to one of the following: the weapon; the cradle; a frame of the cradle.

5. The control system of claim 1, further comprising a grip mouse control in communication with the sight unit for controlling movement of the sight unit.

6. The control system of claim 5, wherein the grip mouse control is in communication with a firing mechanism of the weapon to control firing of the weapon.

7. The control system of claim 6, wherein the combination of the grip mouse control, the sight unit and a display unit comprise a fire control system for the weapon.

8. The control system of claim 1, further comprising one or more thermal cameras in wired or wireless communication with at least the sight unit.

9. The control system of claim 8, wherein the one or more thermal cameras are mounted to or integrated with the sight unit.

10. The control system of claim 8, wherein the one or more thermal cameras are integrated with the sight unit such that the operator can remotely view image data captured by the one or more thermal cameras and simultaneously control operation of the weapon.

11. The control system of claim 1, further comprising two thermal cameras in wired or wireless communication with at least the sight unit, the two thermal cameras having different fields of view or ranges thereof.

12. The control system of claim 11, wherein one thermal camera has a wide field of view and another thermal camera has a narrow field of view.

13. The control system of claim 1, further comprising a head-up display for mounting to a helmet worn by the operator, the head-up display in wired or wireless communication with the communication system.

14. The control system of claim 8, further comprising a back up control unit coupled to be in communication with the one or more thermal cameras and the sight unit.

15. The control system of claim 14, wherein the back up control unit enables switching to one of the following: a back up power supply; a back up communication system.

16. The control system of claim 1, further comprising a recording system coupled to be in communication with the sight unit for recording images captured by the sight unit.

17. The control system of claim 13, wherein the recording system is coupled to be in communication with at least one thermal camera for recording images captured by the at least one thermal camera.

18. The control system of claim 13, wherein the recording system is incorporated in the communication system.

19. The control system of claim 1, further comprising an extension arm coupled to the cradle for mounting the sight unit.

20. The control system of claim 19, wherein the extension arm mounts the sight unit forward of the cradle.

21. The control system of claim 1, further comprising a cable loom configuration coupling at least to the sight unit, the handheld display and the communications system such that disconnection of the cable loom configuration from the sight unit, the handheld display, the communications system or the cradle is not required for transportation of the weapon and weapon control system.

22. The control system of claim 21, wherein at least part of a central portion of the cable loom configuration is coupled to an underside of the weapons cradle.

23. A handheld display for a weapon control system, the handheld display comprising:

a sight viewable by at least one eye of an operator of the weapon to view data associated with operation of the weapon including image data collected by a sight unit in communication with the handheld display; and

a controller to control operation of the weapon.

24. The handheld display of claim 23, wherein the sight unit is in wireless communication with the handheld display and the controller wirelessly controls operation of the weapon.

25. A cable loom configuration for a weapon control system, the cable loom configuration comprising:

a first cable component for coupling to a power supply, a sight unit and a communication system of the weapon control system;

a second cable component for coupling to a back-up control unit, at least one camera and the sight unit of the weapon control system; and

a third cable component for coupling to a display unit, an input device and the sight unit of the weapon control system.

26. The cable loom configuration of claim 25, wherein the communication system includes a radio.

27. A control system for a weapon, the control system comprising:

a sight unit for mounting to the weapon or a cradle holding the weapon for capturing image data for targeting the weapon;

a controller to control operation of the weapon;

a communication system coupled to be in communication with the sight unit and the controller to enable an operator to remotely view data associated with operation of the weapon including the image data and simultaneously control operation of the weapon; and

a cable loom configuration coupling at least to the sight unit, the controller and the communications system such that disconnection of the cable loom configuration from the sight unit, the controller, the communications system or the cradle is not required for transportation of the weapon and weapon control system.