Abstract: A method is provided for differentiating a non-firing event of a munition from a firing event. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; calculating an impact pulse from the output; and determining whether the munition is to be fired based on the calculation.

Abstract: A method is provided for validating a firing of a munition and duration of firing of the munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; calculating an impact pulse from the output; and determining one or more of whether the munition has been fired and the duration of firing based on the calculation.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring an environment and selectively deploying munitions is provided. The system is comprised of sensors to monitor one or more select environments, one or more munitions deployment devices disposed in the selected environment, and an operator control unit (OCU) operable to communicate with the munitions deployment device(s) and sensors. Sensor data is communicated to the system, enabling a user to selectively deploy munitions disposed in or in communication with the munitions deployment device(s), based on the threat detected by the sensors. Deployable munitions include both lethal and non-lethal munitions. The munitions deployment devices may be deployed in a stationary location, or in mobile applications, such as on a robotic vehicle, and accommodate removably, electrically initiated munitions cartridges. Further, the deployment devices may be in wired or wireless communication with the system, allowing virtually unlimited scalability.

Abstract: A network-centric targeting system includes a prepare module to plan for targeting engagements and to identify a target; a sense module to locate targets of opportunity and targets generated by the prepare module to form targeting information; a refine module to enhance the targeting information from the sense module; a track module to maintain a location of a target, a state of the target and target activity, the track module being coupled to the refine module; a target module to select effects and to coordinate delivery of selected effects to the target, the target module being coupled to the track module, the refine module and the sense module; a deliver module to deliver effects to the target, the deliver module being coupled to the track module, the refine module, the target module and the sense module; and an assess module to assess effectiveness of the delivered effects on the target.

Abstract: A dual purpose munition includes a housing; a shaped warhead disposed in a front interior of the housing; a vertically orienting explosive disposed on a front end of the housing; a safe and arm device explosively connected to the shaped warhead for arming and detonating the shaped warhead; a dual sensor circuit comprising an E-field sensor board, a B-field sensor board and a processor board; and a power source connected to the dual sensor circuit and the safe and arm device.

Abstract: A system includes a signal interface configured to receive first data from at least one onboard system of at least one aircraft, a display, and a processing device. The processing device is configured to render to the display a graphical representation of a target location, determine from the first data and render to the display a graphical illustration of a position of the at least one aircraft, and determine, from information describing munitions carried by the at least one aircraft, and render to the display a graphical illustration of a blast radius associated with munitions deliverable by the at least one aircraft to the target location.

Abstract: An image detections system comprising an image detection system configured to detect images. The system also comprises a controller that synchronizes the image detection system to capture a reflected laser beam over a first integration time and to capture an environment image detected by the image detection system over a second integration time that is greater than the first integration time.

Abstract: An aircraft turret and fairing assembly for facilitating transmission of a directed energy beam from a directed energy device includes a turret section for directing an energy beam. The assembly also includes a fairing section aft of and adjacent to the turret section. Each of the turret section and the aft fairing section are coupled to an aircraft. The assembly also includes at least one sensor for detecting air speed of the aircraft and air pressure. The turret section and the aft fairing section are configured and positioned relative to one another to direct airflow for generating an aeroacoustic resonance within a desired frequency range in an area aft of the turret section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an object oriented architecture that includes a plurality of host aircraft interface objects that enable a plurality of different host aircraft or variants to be attached or interfaced to an associated store, such as a targeting pod or a weapon system. The union of all aircraft hosts and variants are packaged and maintained as one executable capable of adapting to the predetermined suite of identified hosts and host variants. At least one or more interface objects provide a virtual translation layer which is dynamically determined and allocated during instantiation. Auto detection of the host aircraft/host aircraft variant provides the specific interface protocol by which the store can process and provide status via a predetermined signal format.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and target tracking system for obtaining a first kinematic state measurement of a first projectile detection event from a first sensor. The first kinematic state measurement includes a first time measurement and a first state vector. A second kinematic state measurement of a second projectile detection event is obtained from a second sensor. The second kinematic state measurement includes a second time measurement and a second state vector. If it is determined that at least a portion of the first kinematic state measurement and at least a portion of the second kinematic state measurement define at least a portion of a flight trajectory orbital ellipse, the first projectile detection event and the second projectile detection event are defined as portions of a flight trajectory of a single ballistic projectile.

Abstract: After binarization is performed, the adjacency relationship of connection fields is analyzed from a labeled input image on the basis of the characteristics of the structure of a barcode, thereby extracting a barcode field. A unit width, which is to be used as the module width of the barcode, is determined in accordance with the widths of the connection fields of black pixels in the extracted barcode field. Based on the arrangement of the magnification of the unit width, the barcode is recognized by collating a prescribed barcode pattern with the input width pattern. In the aforementioned collation, the influence of noises, for example, can be reduced by setting an allowable range for the collation of the widths in each magnification, and the barcode can be recognized in an improved precision even in a low-resolution image photographed using a small image sensor built in a mobile terminal.

Abstract: The multi-target tracking and discrimination system (MOST) fuses with and augments existing BMDS sensor systems. Integrated devices include early warning radars, X-band radars, Lidar, DSP, and MOST which coordinates all the data received from all sources through a command center and deploys the GBI for successful interception of an object detected anywhere in space, for example, warheads. The MOST system integrates the optics for rapid detection and with the optical sensor array delivers high-speed, high accuracy positional information to radar systems and also identifies decoys. MOST incorporates space situational awareness, aero-optics, adaptive optics, and Lidar technologies. The components include telescopes or other optical systems, focal plane arrays including high-speed wavefront sensors or other focal plane detector arrays, wavefront sensor technology developed to mitigate aero-optic effects, distributed network of optical sensors, high-accuracy positional metrics, data fusion, and tracking mounts.

Abstract: An integrated weapons pod includes a plurality of pod components such as a targeting system, a weapons bay, a central processing unit (“CPU”), a wireless data link, and an external shell. The external shell houses the targeting system, the weapons bay, the CPU, and the wireless data link in a single freestanding unit. The weapons bay is configured to house one or more weapons and deploy the one or more weapons at a target. The CPU is operable to control operation of the targeting system, the weapons bay, and the wireless data link. The targeting system is operable to provide to the one or more weapons location information identifying a location of the target, and the wireless data link is operable to exchange data with a remote operator.

Abstract: A method and system, which may be implemented in some embodiments as a video game, for identifying harmful airborne biota, particularly flying insects, and either killing or disabling the harmful airborne biota is disclosed. Lasers, radar, and other types of radiation may be used to illuminate objects in a detection region, with radiation returns detected and applied to a pattern classifier to determine whether the detected airborne biota are harmful, benign or beneficial. Tracking and classification information may be provided to a remotely located game participant who may be permitted to control measures taken to eliminate the harmful airborne biota, these measures including firing pulses of beamed energy or radiation of a sufficient intensity to at least incapacitate them, or mechanical measures such as flying a remotely-controlled miniature unmanned aircraft to engage and kill the pests.

Abstract: A weather resistant modular sensor and computing platform reduces costs and enhances versatility of sensor systems. Rapidly evolving electronic technology results in hyper-obsolescence wherein sensor systems that are state of the art technology when designed, fall behind the art quickly as new transducers, batteries and components are developed. A cylindrical shaped modular system provides an architecture for up-grading sensors, batteries, special modules, communications, and control. A modular architecture extends the life cycle of a system and avoids hyper-obsolescence and the requirement to design a complete new system to incorporate new technology. Modularity and low cost manufacturing methods enable the practical definition of a cylindrical computer. The cylinder shaped enclosures have on their ends a common connection interface to which modules may be added. This provides a long system life cycle and wide ranging versatility. The size of the platform is not restricted.

Abstract: An image capture device and method of assembling same is disclosed which provides an improved technique of mounting a CMOS detector and also isolates the optics for image capture from the optics for illumination, thereby simplifying the adjustment process. An exemplary arrangement using the camera module is also shown.

Abstract: A weather resistant modular sensor and computing platform reduces costs and enhances versatility of sensor systems. Rapidly evolving electronic technology results in hyper-obsolescence wherein sensor systems that are state of the art technology when designed, fall behind the art quickly as new transducers, batteries and components are developed. A cylindrical shaped modular system provides an architecture for up-grading sensors, batteries, special modules, communications, and control. A modular architecture extends the life cycle of a system and avoids hyper-obsolescence and the requirement to design a complete new system to incorporate new technology. Modularity and low cost manufacturing methods enable the practical definition of a cylindrical computer. The cylinder shaped enclosures have on their ends a common connection interface to which modules may be added. This provides a long system life cycle and wide ranging versatility. The size of the platform is not restricted.

Abstract: A system for precisely timing the firing of two or more weapons in order to create a desired arrival timing of two or more projectiles on a target. Global Positioning System (“GPS”) transceivers are used to determine the position of each weapon and report that position to a command post. Heading-to-target and ranging information is also preferably transmitted so that the command post is able to accurately fix the position of the target, and the range of each weapon to the target. Computations are then performed in order to determine the firing sequence needed to achieve a desired arrival of two or more projectiles on the target. Firing of the weapons is then performed automatically in order to properly execute the computed firing sequence. Interactive command and control data is fed back and forth between the weapons and the command post.

Abstract: A gun control system is disclosed that includes a fire control kernel and location-independent software components within the fire control kernel. The kernel provides core fire control functionality that is unaffected by changes within the external environment, such as changes to the physical configuration of the gun system of which the gun control system is a part. Each location-independent software component has a specific functionality, and is able to run on any processor within the system in a location-independent manner. These software components can include a target/track management interface software component, a gun control system control interface software component, a gun mount control interface software component, an ownship data interface software component, and a gun control system display interface software component.

Abstract: A gun control system is disclosed that includes a fire control kernel and location-independent software components within the fire control kernel. The kernel provides core fire control functionality that is unaffected by changes within the external environment, such as changes to the physical configuration of the gun system of which the gun control system is a part. Each location-independent software component has a specific functionality, and is able to run on any processor within the system in a location-independent manner. These software components can include a target/track management interface software component, a gun control system control interface software component, a gun mount control interface software component, an ownship data interface software component, and a gun control system display interface software component.

Abstract: A weather resistant modular sensor and computing platform reduces costs and enhances versatility of sensor systems. Rapidly evolving electronic technology results in hyper-obsolescence wherein sensor systems that are state of the art technology when designed, fall behind the art quickly as new transducers, batteries and components are developed. A cylindrical shaped modular system provides an architecture for up-grading sensors, batteries, special modules, communications, and control. A modular architecture extends the life cycle of a system and avoids hyper-obsolescence and the requirement to design a complete new system to incorporate new technology. Modularity and low cost manufacturing methods enable the practical definition of a cylindrical computer. The cylinder shaped enclosures have on their ends a common connection interface to which modules may be added. This provides a long system life cycle and wide ranging versatility. The size of the platform is not restricted.

Abstract: A weather resistant modular sensor and computing platform reduces costs and enhances versatility of sensor systems. Rapidly evolving electronic technology results in hyper-obsolescence wherein sensor systems that are state of the art technology when designed, fall behind the art quickly as new transducers, batteries and components are developed. A cylindrical shaped modular system provides an architecture for up-grading sensors, batteries, special modules, communications, and control. A modular architecture extends the life cycle of a system and avoids hyper-obsolescence and the requirement to design a complete new system to incorporate new technology. Modularity and low cost manufacturing methods enable the practical definition of a cylindrical computer. The cylinder shaped enclosures have on their ends a common connection interface to which modules may be added. This provides a long system life cycle and wide ranging versatility. The size of the platform is not restricted.

Abstract: A non-lethal small arms analogous projectile 10 and reader-target for use in sporting, amusement, or training applications is described, wherein the non-lethal projectile 10 contains encoded information and means for transmitting the encoded information upon coinciding with the reader-target 22. The non-lethal projectile 10 contains a transmitter or transponder 18 which is activated upon coinciding with the reader-target 22, communicating data 42 to a receiver 36 within the reader-target which can then operate hit-indicating means 24, and transfer the data to a computer via contact, or wireless, connection for further analysis and interpretation. The non-lethal projectile 10 can be formed in any of a variety of shapes for use in many diverse applications and can be encased in a resilient, energy-absorbing material to withstand many reuses.

Abstract: A weather resistant modular sensor and computing platform reduces costs and enhances versatility of sensor systems. Rapidly evolving electronic technology results in hyper-obsolescence wherein sensor systems that are state of the art technology when designed, fall behind the art quickly as new transducers, batteries and components are developed. A cylindrical shaped modular system provides an architecture for up-grading sensors, batteries, special modules, communications, and control. A modular architecture extends the life cycle of a system and avoids hyper-obsolescence and the requirement to design a complete new system to incorporate new technology. Modularity and low cost manufacturing methods enable the practical definition of a cylindrical computer. The cylinder shaped enclosures have on their ends a common connection interface to which modules may be added. This provides a long system life cycle and wide ranging versatility. The size of the platform is not restricted.

Abstract: A weather resistant modular sensor and computing platform reduces costs and enhances versatility of sensor systems. Rapidly evolving electronic technology results in hyper-obsolescence wherein sensor systems that are state of the art technology when designed, fall behind the art quickly as new transducers, batteries and components are developed. A cylindrical shaped modular system provides an architecture for up-grading sensors, batteries, special modules, communications, and control. A modular architecture extends the life cycle of a system and avoids hyper-obsolescence and the requirement to design a complete new system to incorporate new technology. Modularity and low cost manufacturing methods enable the practical definition of a cylindrical computer. The cylinder shaped enclosures have on their ends a common connection interface to which modules may be added. This provides a long system life cycle and wide ranging versatility. The size of the platform is not restricted.

Abstract: A method of operating a fire-control system for simultaneously engaging a plurality of threats in which one plan from a pool of heuristically determined feasible plans is selected based on an environment of the fire-control system and a selected criterion to engage the plurality of threats. In addition, a genetic algorithm is applied to the pool of feasible plans prior to selecting the one plans to generate additional plan to replenish the pool, and a best feasible plan is selected from the pool with the criterion serving as the standard. Further, at least one randomly selected feasible plan is added to the pool of feasible plans before the genetic algorithm is applied to the pool of feasible plans.

Abstract: A remote targeting apparatus and method comprising surrounding a projectile target with a sensor array, computing projectile impact data, transmitting the data receiving the data at a controller; and displaying information corresponding to the data. RF transmission/reception is performed, most preferably at a frequency of between approximately 902 and 928 MHz, with the controller having RF Faraday cage shielding and collision avoidance being employed to permit multiple sensor arrays to operate in a vicinity of one another. Projectile impact locations within twelve inches of the center of the projectile target are calculated to an average RMS accuracy of less than approximately fifty thousandths of an inch, directly in an orthogonal Cartesian coordinate system. Velocity is also determined via an additional sensor at a predetermined distance from the sensor array which measures a difference in time between the projectile passing the additional sensor and the sensor array.

Abstract: An apparatus and computer-implemented method of determining a probability that a first track and a second track represent the same physical object.

Abstract: A system for collecting, storing, and verifying the data pulse train for arm and safing of a nuclear warhead on a submarine using MK 63 or 67 torpedo tubes is provided. The components of the system include a notebook computer operating four software programs. The software programs allow collection of the data pulse train, graphing of the collected data, comparing of the collected data with validated samples, and verifying of the validity of the collected data. The notebook computer operates the system through data acquisition expansion boards and a combat control system interface board connected to a Prearm Load Simulator. Data is also recorded on a strip chart recorder which is connected to the system through the Prearm Load Simulator. An adapter cable connects the system to a digital missile simulator and to the submarine's combat control system via the torpedo tube breech door interface.

Abstract: This invention is an automatic gunnery system, responsive to airborne acoustic shock waves produced by a projectile passing through a target area. The invention relates specifically to the "hit" location of the said projectile for the condition when the flight path of the projectile is not perpendicular to the target area. Two pairs of concentric curved elongated acoustic energy conductors (curved sensor rods) are located adjacent to one side of said target area with acoustic transducers attached to the end portions thereof. Said transducers produce an electrical signal when a shock wave from the projectile reaches them through said energy conductors. Electrical signals from the transducers are connected to electronic circuitry and a calculating computer which calculates the intersection of two circles and determines the location of each "hit" on or near the target with each "hit" registered on a graphical display means.

Abstract: A weapons security system composed of containers for storage of warheads or warhead material. The containers are equipped to detect breaches in the enclosure walls and to transmit an alarm signal in the event of a breach. The alarm signal is received by a local control center for transmission to a central weapons command. The central weapons command may also receive the alarm directly. The central weapons command despatches forces to counter the threat identified by the alarm. Also, the central weapons command dispatches electronic authorization or opening codes to the containers or their local guardians. The containers may be equipped with entry deterrent devices and warhead destructive devices which are triggered by the detection of a breach in the enclosure.

Abstract: The interface arrangement is provided for data transfer between a carrier aircraft and a missile which is to be launched from the carrier aircraft and which includes a target seeking head. The missile is connected to the carrier aircraft through a connecting cable which contains a small number of wires sufficient for transferring analog data and which is detachable upon launch. For selectively operating the carrier aircraft in conjunction with a missile which is equipped with either (i) a target seeking head producing analog target deviation data or (ii) a image processing target seeking head, at least two interfaces are connected to the connecting cable. One of the interfaces is designed for data transfer via the connecting cable to and from the target seeking head producing analog target deviation data. An other one of the interfaces is designed for data transfer via the connecting cable to and from a image processing target seeking head.

Abstract: A desensitizer apparatus for desensitizing a security sensor element in a book spine. The apparatus includes a scanner which scans along a surface against which book spines are positioned and which detects sensor elements in the spines to be sure that only one book is positioned against the surface. If only one sensor element is detected, a signal is generated which operates a drive mechanism to move desensitizer magnets close to the surface to deactivate the sensor element in the book.

Abstract: A target reporting system utilizes a flexible target sheet having a target image thereon. Preferably, the sheet is positioned in a substantially planar configuration. A plurality of sensors affixed to the target sheet are arranged for detecting vibrations at selected locations on the sheet.In response thereto, a processor determines the location of a bullet strike (or other vibration-causing impact). A reporting element converts the calculated location to an absolute or relative position and reports it in a human voice-like signal to the target shooter.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an airborne vehicle (18) includes a guidance unit (28), remotely located from the vehicle (18), for generating frequency modulated steering and control signals. A signal conditioning circuit (38) within the vehicle (18) conditions steering and control signals from the guidance unit (28). An attitude position sensing circuit (56) within the vehicle (18) senses and generates vehicle attitude position information. A programmable microcontroller (70) within the vehicle (18) receives the steering and control signals from the signal conditioning circuit (38) and vehicle attitude position information from the attitude position sensing circuit (56), and generates flight commands for controlling the flight of the vehicle (18).

Abstract: An armament system for use with a plurality of different types of stores, and comprising a central unit and a plurality of distributed stations. The central unit holds a plurality of store specific application programs, and each of the plurality of store types is associated with one of the store specific application programs. Moreover, each of the store specific application programs is adapted to control the transmission of data between a store of an associated type and one of the distributed stations. The central unit is adapted to control the operation of the armament system and the transmission of data between the central unit and the distributed stations, and to transmit any of the store specific application programs to any of the distributed stations of the armament system.

Abstract: An armament station and a method for controlling and monitoring a store connected to an armament station. The method comprises the steps of loading into the armament station a generic program portion operable with a multitude of types of stores, invoking that generic program portion to determine the specific type of store connected to the armament station, and loading into the armament station a specific program portion operable with the specific type of store connected to the station. The specific program portion is then invoked to control and monitor the store connected to the station; and in particular, to actuate a power supply to supply power to the store, to transmit messages and signals to the store to operate the store, and to receive messages and signals from the store to monitor the operation thereof.

Abstract: This invention is an automatic gunnery system, responsive to airborne acoustic shock waves produced by a projectile passing through a target area. Curved elongated acoustic energy conductors are located adjacent to one side of said target area with acoustic transducers attached to the end portions thereof. Said transducers produce an electrical signal when a shock wave from the projectile reaches them through said energy conductors. Electrical signal from the transducers is connected to electronic circuitry which determines the location of each "hit" on or near the target which is registered on display means.

Abstract: An analyzer recorder collects sonic boom information of supersonic aircraft and launch vehicles, for use to validate Environmental Impact Statements that contain supersonic aircraft activity. The device comprises a 16-bit microprocessor, a random access memory (RAM) storage, a data retrieval unit (DRU), and a microcomputer. It samples and captures in digital form any loud impulse noise from background noise. The unattended device can discern a sonic boom from the normal background noise and capture it in permanent solid RAM storage for later analysis. The RAM modules can then be transferred with the DRU and the information on the DRU transferred to the microcomputer. The microprocessor displays each recorded event, time of occurrence and summary information for all the stored data.

Abstract: A detonation system for use with supply of electrical energy has user operable firing console for selectably transmitting unit identification information, firing delay time information and selections from a command set including Output, Delay, Fire (Time), Abort, Power Up (Arm), Input, and Store. The console displays responses or information digested from responses by electrical delay detonators to the commands. The detonators have explosive, a capacitor for storing energy from the supply to set off the explosive, circuitry for charging the capacitor from the supply and transferring the energy from the capacitor to the explosive in response to first and second signals generated in response to the commands. Each detonator can be programmed with a unique identification number and delay time. The time base in each detonator can be compensated so that errors in the time base are obviated so as to achieve the correct delay.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a firing range, in which transducers located adjacent the target area detect the airborne shock wave from supersonic projectiles. The position at which each projectile passes through the target plane is determined from the relative time of arrival of the associated shock wave at the transducers. A visual display of the target and the projectile position is provided for the use of range personnel.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a firing range, in which transducers located adjacent the target area detect the airborne shock wave from supersonic projectiles. The position at which each projectile passes through the target plane is determined from the relative time of arrival of the associated shock wave at the transducers. A visual display of the target and the projectile position is provided for the use of range personnel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for training in marksmanship. The apparatus uses a computer to determine the position of strike of a projectile on a target and further detects a hit on the target, especially in the region of the edge of the target where the projectile position determination computer may produce some errors. The physical hit detection system of the present invention will "override" the computer in those instances where the projectile barely touches the edge of the target and the computer "sees" the projectile as having missed the target or vice versa.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for indicating the location in a measurement plane through which a projectile passes. The apparatus includes an array of at least three transducers responsive to the airborne pressure wave produced by the projectile and positioned at predetermined locations along a line parallel to the movement plane. The apparatus further includes a device for measuring the velocity of the projectile and another for measuring the velocity of sound in air in the vicinity of the transducers. A computing means, responsive to the array of transducers, the velocity measuring means and the propagation of sound determination is provided which determines the location in the measurement plane through which the projectile passed and provides an output indicating that location. Also disclosed is a means, in combination with the position detecting means, for detecting and providing a positive indication of a projectile hit on a target member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for use in marksmanship training. The apparatus includes means for detecting and indicating a position in a measurement plane in the vicinity of a target through which a projectile passes. In addition, the apparatus includes means for measuring the velocity of the projectile in the vicinity of the target. The measured velocity is compared with a predetermined expected velocity to determine if the projectile passed through the measurement plane in free flight or if it had ricocheted prior to passing through the measurement plane. The apparatus will then afford the marksman both an indication of where the projectile passed relative to the target and an indication of whether the projectile has struck the target on a ricochet.

Abstract: A curved, elongate transducer assembly contacted by a shock or pressure wave transmits the resultant vibrations to the ends of the member, the vibrations at the respective ends being converted to output signals from which a time difference signal is produced. A computer calculates from the time difference signal the inclination angle of the projectile trajectory relative to a reference line. Two of the curved, elongate transducer assemblies at spaced locations permit calculation of two such inclination angles and, therefrom, the location at which the projectile trajectory passes through a reference plane. The transducer assembly may be a rigid bar with transducer elements at each end, or a single piezoelectric member with pickup electrodes at each end.

Abstract: A hit detection device for use in a marksmanship evaluation device for providing positive and negative reinforcement of shooting techniques immediately after each shot is fired. The hit detection device comprises a transducer spaced apart from a target member and detects and provides a hit indication output when the target is hit. In a preferred embodiment, the transducer in combination with electronic circuitry provide discrimination such that a hit indication output is only provided when the target member is actually hit by a projectile directly and no output is provided if the target is hit by a ricochet or is disturbed by any other external source such as the wind, sonic booms, etc. In a further preferred embodiment, the target member is three-dimensional and at least partially surrounds the transducer to shield the same from air pressure disturbances caused by projectiles passing by but not actually hitting the target member.

Abstract: A target apparatus, having a framework covered by sheets of material to form a chamber the sheets of material being penetrable by a projectile, such as a bullet, fired at the target. A plurality of transducers are positioned at respective spaced-apart locations within the chamber and lying on an arc of a circle, for detecting shock or pressure waves in the chamber caused upon penetration of the sheets of material by the projectile. Time differences between instants of detection of a shock or pressure wave by the transducers are measured, the location at which the projectile penetrated the sheet of material being determined from the time differences. Preferably, a bull's-eye or aiming mark is provided on the target, the center of which is aligned with the center of the circle on which the transducers lie. Apparatus is also disclosed for determining the speed of sound in air within the chamber, enabling the projectile penetration point to be determined with particular accuracy.

Abstract: Apparatus for training in marksmanship which provides positive and negative reinforcement of shooting techniques immediately after each shot is fired. The reinforcement may take a number of forms, preferably comprising a plurality of indications concerning each shot fired. The indications may comprise at least an approximate indication of where a projectile fired at a target has passed relative to the target and/or a positive indication of whether the projectile has actually hit the target and/or whether the projectile has ricocheted prior to reaching the zone of the target. Specific apparatus for performing each of these functions is disclosed. Indication may also be given concerning whether the trainee marksman is correctly gripping the weapon being fired.

Abstract: A hit detection device for use in a marksmanship evaluation device for providing positive and negative reinforcement of shooting techniques immediately after each shot is fired. The hit detection device comprises a transducer spaced apart from a target member and detects and provides a hit indication output when the target is hit. In a preferred embodiment, the transducer in combination with electronic circuitry provide discrimination such that a hit indication output is only provided when the target member is actually hit by a projectile directly and no output is provided if the target is hit by a ricochet or is disturbed by any other external source such as the wind, sonic booms, etc. In a further preferred embodiment, the target member is three-dimensional and at least partially surrounds the transducer to shield the same from air pressure disturbances caused by projectiles passing by but not actually hitting the target member.