Abstract: A firearm training system is disclosed, which allows the measurement and display as a function of time of the hand grip force pattern applied to the grip of a firearm by a weapon hand of a shooter. This permits the detection of variations in the individual hand grip forces in the pattern during firing of the weapon. This firearm training system preferably also provides for the detection and display as a function of time of the position of the firearm trigger. The system includes separate force transducers for the side and front-to-back grip forces applied to the side surfaces and one of the front and back surfaces of the grip respectively as well as a trigger position sensor. A relative value of the hand grip forces detected by the transducers and a relative trigger position detected by the sensor are graphically displayed by the system as a function of time.

Abstract: For training persons having to fire missiles from the shoulder, a simulator is proposed which comprises a simulated launch or firing tube (10), which carries a front, releasable or jettisonable mass (12) and a rear releasable or jettisonable mass (14) at its ends. These masses are held by electromagnets (34, 36). When the person firing or firer presses the trigger (18), the rear mass (14) is ejected to the left followed, with a time lag (.DELTA.t), by the front mass (12). Thus, the load relief and site and bearing movements felt by the firer during a real launch are restored.

Abstract: A weapon simulator for detecting the azimuth and elevation of which the weapon is oriented, comprising a sign mounted onto the weapon into which a playback sequence of a target path, is displayed through.

Abstract: A simulated firearm useful in the entertainment industry, and particularly moviemaking, includes electronically ignitable loads which fire sequentially producing a flash and smoke from the barrel. The loads are mounted in a socket in a forward part of the gun, and consist of a small amount of gunpowder and flash-producing material retained in a tubular sleeve along with a resistance-wire igniter. The electronic firing mechanism is actuated by a trigger microswitch which sends amplified pulses in sequence to the loads. Simulated bullet impacts can be actuated simultaneously by pulses generated by the firearm circuitry or from a remote source which actuates both the firearm and the bullet impacts.

Abstract: A weapon simulator that consists of a simulated weapon, a trigger sensor 6 for sensing when the weapon's trigger is pulled, a positional sensor 12 and 16 for determining the position of the simulated weapon relative to a target, and a sensor for determining if the simulated weapon is aimed at the target.

Abstract: An artillery simulator apparatus is provided including a gun tube which is swingably mounted to a rotatable cab. During simulator recoil and counter-recoil, the gun tube is held in fixed position while the breech moves under computer control from an "in battery" position to a recoil position and then back to the "in battery" position. Breech recoil speed and stroke are controlled to simulate actual M109 breech performance based on propelling charge, type round, and gun tube elevations. A double acting hydraulic cylinder is attached to the breech to drive the breech in the recoil and counter-recoil directions. During recoil and counter-recoil, the hydraulic cylinder is positively driven by fluid from the same hydraulic source. The simulator includes sensors for determining the type of round placed in the breech, the round fuse type and run time setting, the firing primer, as well as the level of propelling charges in the breech.

Abstract: An acoustic receiver for interfacing indirect-fire weapons with the Multi Integrated Laser Engagement System ("MILES") responds to the presence of a device when the device generates a predetermined acoustic signal upon simulated explosion. The simulator then momentarily disconnects the MILES power supply from the rest of the MILES circuit. This action causes the MILES to generate an audible alarm indicating a hit by the explosive device.

Abstract: A user friendly shooting simulating process and training system are provided to more accurately and reliably detect the impact time and location in which a projectile shot from a shotgun, rifle, pistol or other weapon, hits a moving target. Desirably, the shooting simulating process and training system can also readily display the amount by which the projectile misses the target. The target impact time is based upon the speed and directions of the target and weapon, as well as the internal and external delay time of the projectile. In the preferred form, the training system includes a microprocessor and special projectile sensing equipment, and the targets and projectiles are simulated and viewed on display screens.

Abstract: A gunfire simulator has a combustion chamber, means for admitting fuel gas to the combustion chamber, inlet valve means for admitting oxygen or an oxygen containing gas to the combustion chamber, ignition means for igniting fuel gas in the combustion chamber, an exhaust port in the combustion chamber and outlet valve means for closing the exhaust port and arranged to open rapidly in response to a pressure rise within the combustion chamber. Preferably the outlet valve means comprises a frangible diaphragm, which may be clamped by its marginal portion in a breach block during combustion.

Abstract: A plurality of magazines each receive an array of pyrotechnic devices. The magazines are latched to a fire control and support assembly which automatically engages the fire control circuit to each device of each magazine. The circuit ignites all devices of all the magazines in a given serial sequence. The system, under control of an operator, when turned off, may be restarted at the beginning of a selected sequence, at the point where the last device was ignited and continue the sequence or at selected different portions of devices. Different size devices can be ignited by one circuit having different magazines all coupled to one unit. Safety features also include delay ignition after startup and sounding an alarm before any device is ignited. A CPU is enabled by a fire command signal and disabled by internal programmed instructions. The CPU is periodically enabled in a device ignition cycle by external timing signals initiated by the CPU when enabled.

Abstract: A mine effects simulator system for simulating the operation and encounter f land mines and their potential effects on an armored vehicle. The system utilizes an authentic land mine activation mechanism, radio transmitter and logic circuitry and provides a radio frequency signal when activated by the proximity of an armored vehicle. The armored vehicle has a receiver device which receives the signal to determine a "hit" or "kill" based upon the time of the mine detonation with respect to mine to vehicle position.

Abstract: A trainer for manually aimed weapons, having a projection screen video sym, a video disk player for providing pre-recorded scenes of a target image, a simulated weapon having actuable trigger, and a microprocessor having a file that identifies target location and range within each frame of the scenes and programmed to superimpose upon actuation of the trigger a graphic in-flight and impact image of a shot computed from a fourth order ballistics equation. Recoil of the simulated weapon is provided by pneumatics, as well as sound affects of the shot and its distant impact. Hit and miss explosions are provided in graphics selected from a set of stored image data by comparing the computed location of impact to the pre-identified target location. For shots that impact beyond the target, blanking of the graphics image is provided for that part of the explosion hidden by the target.

Abstract: A method for pinpointing the actual coordinate location of a passive location device for a simulated battlefield condition is described. A plurality of actuators transmit to a passive location device which includes the method for determining its coordinate location. The coordinate location of a desired impact point is transmitted to the location device. The determination method initializes a starting coordinate location as the impact point of a round of munition. The method then iteratively determines the gradient direction of the position and moves the position estimate in the direction of gradient. As the estimated position approaches the true position successively smaller steps are taken and additional coordinate directions introduced into the solution until the convergence solution is terminated with least rms error in the neighborhood of the true coordinate position of the passive location device.

Abstract: A gun-resembling member has a stock, a barrel-like portion, and a trigger. Such gun is used with a target and has a front sight on the barrel-like portion together with an optical system which includes a rear sight. A target image from the two sights is reflected by the optical system to a video camera on the gun, and such camera is in circuit with a computer system and visual monitors capable of displaying and recording a target image at the instant of firing. Windage adjustments are included on the gun-resembling member and in the complete syste. A powered plunger is provided on the target whereby when the gun is held up to the target for sighting, the plunger engages the gun and produces a simulated recoil. The gun also has apparatus engageable by the plunger for recocking the trigger when such recoil is produced.

Abstract: A modular target system support structure for use with modular target systems simultaneously provides support and electrical contact to a plurality of target modules upon mounting and securing of the same in place on the support structure. In one embodiment, the modular target system support structure includes mechanical clamps for securing the plurality of target modules in place and electrical contacts, positioned on the mechanical clamps, for making electrical contact with the target modules automatically upon mounting and securing of the same in place. Furthermore, the modular target system support structure requires no tools for mounting or replacing target modules on or off the target field.

Abstract: A trigger pull measuring device adapted for connection to the trigger mechanism of a weapon for measuring the trigger pull of the weapon in order to improve trigger pull technique, comprising a variable resistor having a sliding contact for varying the resistance of the resistor, connected to a voltage source, and a linkage for connecting the sliding contact of the variable resistor to the trigger mechanism of the weapon so that movement of the trigger moves the sliding contact of the resistor. The device further comprises a battery for applying a voltage across the variable resistor and a chart recorder for measuring and displaying the resistance across the variable portion of the variable resistor to measure the position of the trigger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating artillery and other types of indirect field of fire gunnery as an aid to training gunnery observers comprises projecting onto a screen 11 a terrain photographic image. Computer generated artillery shell bursts are overlaid on the terrain photographic image at locations commanded by a trainee observer 19 by projection through a video projector 14 connected with a computer 15. Instructions are entered in the computer by an operator 17 who may be a training instructor.

Abstract: A target system includes a target comprising a plurality of spaced, parallel, electrically conductive strips disposed on a target surface. An electrically conductive backplane is provided on a back surface of the target in a plane parallel to the target surface. The system further includes Time Domain Reflectometry pulse generator connected to the backplane and to one end of each of the conductive strips for generating a pulse on each of the strips. The characteristics of reflected pulse are measured to determine the size and location of any projectile hits through the target. The backplane is energized to provide the target with a thermal silhouette.

Abstract: A gunnery training system comprises a conventional armored vehicle having a gun and a fire control system to which is releasably attached portable training equipment (TT), which in operation uses almost all features of the conventional equipment within the vehicle so that a high standard of realism is obtained. The equipment (TT) delivers simulated scenic images with overwritten simulated target images to the visual display of the vehicle, the scenic images being selected by gun orientation signals extracted from the fire control system. Initiation of the laser rangefinder which forms part of the fire control system causes the equipment (TT) to deliver range data on the simulated target so that the fire control system overwrites a corresponding aiming mark on the visual display. When the gun trigger switch is operated the equipment (TT) captures the location of the aiming mark and computes the displacement between that location and the position of the simulated target as a measure of training efficiency.

Abstract: A laser weapon simulator apparatus requires a gunner to correctly lead a moving target when using a laser direct fire weapon simulator for markmanship training. The weapon simulator includes one or more lasers for firing a plurality of radiation beams along the weapon boresight and on at least one side thereof. An encoding circuit is coupled to the lasers for assigning a code to each radiation beam. A simulated target has a radiation detector for detecting the radiation beams of the lasers and includes a decoder coupled thereto for recognizing each code assigned to each radiation beam and comparing the lead taken by the gunner with the required lead.

Abstract: Orthogonal thermographs of a target one desires to simulate are taken, are eproduced on a plastic medium, and are formed onto a model of the target. The model is the same scale as the thermographs, and is transparent to radiation from internal sources. These sources are baffled, visible-light sources and correspond to the thermally-emissive portions of the target. The thermographs are covered by a paint or filter material which passes only a preselected portion of the source spectrums. A visible-light television camera without a filter which passes this portion will thus yield a signal which will appear as an infrared image on a television monitor. At the same time, another visible-light television camera with a filter will yield a signal for a visible-light target simulation, when the model is illuminated from outside with visible light.

Abstract: A remote actuating system, specifically adapted for replicating indirect fire support in a battlefield environment and simulating the effectiveness of the fire support, includes transmitting control signals in response to a selected type of ammunition and a selected target area, transmitting a plurality of radio waves across the selected target area in response to the control signals, and indicating what at the selected target area could have been hit by the selected ammunition had it actually have been fired. The steps are performed utilizing a master station located near the weapon whose fire is to be replicated, a plurality of remote actuators located closer to the target area, and a plurality of indicator units associated with the objects which can be potentially hit in the affected zone within the target area.

Abstract: A system for training aircrews, particularly aircrews of relatively slow-moving aircraft such as helicopters in laser/electronic warfare countermeasure tactics and the use of laser/electronic warfare countermeasure equipment is provided. The system is operable with the aircraft's instruments to present the simulated threats whenever such threats are both with the line-of-sight of, and within the presentation range of the aircraft. Accordingly, such a system includes a plurality of independently operating threat-simulating transmitter units simulating both stationary and non-stationary threats by broadcasting omnidirectional radio frequency signals over a common carrier frequency. On-board equipment, carried on the aircraft determines whether the aircraft is both within the line-of-sight and within presentation range to the threat based upon receipt of the transmitter unit signals and the location of the threats relative to that of the aircraft.

Abstract: An amusement shooting game for play by a plurality of players (30, 40) wherein players (30, 40) shoot at each other while avoiding being shot at is provided. The players' (30, 40) equipment includes a vest module (46) and helmet (44) for generating and transmitting a coded signal uniquely identifying each player (30, 40). Each player further utilizes a gun (50) for receiving the transmitted coded signals transmitted by players (30, 40). A processing unit (74) is responsive to the gun (50) for detecting a transmitted coded signal. Data processing devices (126, 110, 114) are utilized for counting and displaying the number of detected coded signals to provide a score for each player representing the number of players (30, 40) he has shot during the play of the game.

Abstract: A remote actuating system, specifically adapted for replicating indirect fire support in a battlefield environment and simulating the effectiveness of the fire support, includes transmitting control signals in response to a selected type of ammunition and a selected target area, transmitting a plurality of radio waves across the selected target area in response to the control signals, and indicating what at the selected target area could have been hit by the selected ammunition had it actually have been fired. The steps are performed utilizing a master station located near the weapon whose fire is to be replicated, a plurality of remote actuators located closer to the target area, and a plurality of indicator units associated with the objects which can be potentially hit in the affected zone within the target area.

Abstract: The invention comprises a surrogate weapon for simulating the sound and flash of gunfire having a combustion chamber system in which a primary chamber is an elongated cavity, having a proximal end closed with a head and an open distal end. A combustible mixture is injected via electronically timed hydrocarbon fuel and oxidizer pulses into the combustion chamber near the closed end through an annular injector having a plurality of spaced apart fuel and oxidizer nozzles. The fuel nozzles are axially spaced from the oxidizer nozzles and are closer to the head. Thus the injected fuel/oxidizer charge is stratified with a fuel concentration distribution preferentially being richer at an ignition source near the head.

Abstract: The invention comprises a combined machine gun and large bore cannon weapons effects signature simulator having a rapid fire small bore methane and oxygen fired combustion chamber disposed within the combustion chamber of a large bore main tank gun weapons effects signature simulator and supplied from a common source of pressurized methane and oxygen.One embodiment includes the injection of ambient temperature oil into the large bore chamber prior to firing the combustible mixture to augment the flame content of the weapon signature.Another embodiment provides for the emission of hot oil vapor to augment the smoke content of the weapon signature.Yet another embodiment provides the machine gun simulator combustion chamber integral with and in intimate thermal contact with the wall of the large bore combustion chamber, whereby the machine gun combustion chamber utilizes the large bore combustion chamber wall to dissipate heat.

Abstract: An automatic weapons effects simulator (AWES) reproduces the visual and acoustic signatures associated with the firing of a weapon used in combat troop engagement simulation. The AWES is directly integrated into the weapon and allows the weapon operator to utilize the basic weapon mechanism in the same manner as with the original parts and at a cost advantage as compared to the cost of blank ammunition.

Abstract: A process for the simulation of weapons fire for gunner training, particularly for the gunners of armored vehicles. The process allows the exact evaluation of every shot, including its prehistory, permits the accurate determination of the location of a hit and allows a simple evaluation of the shot--even under field maneuver conditions. The process provides that every target emitting a characteristic radiation which is received by a television camera together with the image of the target and transmitted to a control center. The signal received further contain coded characteristics for the identification of the vehicles providing the target image, so that if the reticule is located on the target at the instant of firing, a score is detected and a smoke charge may be optionally ignited on the target by a coded radio command.

Abstract: Equipment for monitoring combat vehicles, especially tanks, firing practice firing with simulated rounds. Each combat vehicle has a laser that emits a pulse of light when the firing button is pressed and devices to receive and display an arriving pulse of light. A television pickup is coupled to a monitoring or targeting device in each combat vehicle and can be connected through a video section with a television monitor at a director's post. At the director's post there are at least two television monitors, each assigned to a given group of combat vehicles. As long as none of the firing buttons in any of the combat vehicles are pressed, the image supplied from the monitoring or targeting device in a selected combat vehicle will appear on each television monitor. When a firing button is pressed in one of the vehicles, the image supplied from the monitoring or targeting device in that vehicle will appear on the monitor associated with the vehicle for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Apparatus for simulating the firing of weapons against simulated aerial targets. Images of a target, tracers and an aiming point are reflected in the gunsight by a collimator and a mirror. Sensors serve to define the orientation of the gun and the instants of firing. A video recorder supplies the image of the target and of the aiming point. An electronic logic circuit and a control desk serve to displace the image of the target according to the recorded trajectory and the movements of the gun.

Abstract: Training device for shooting with a weapon intended for use with live ammunition. The training device includes a sub-calibre barrel, which is attached inside a holder, which is capable of being locked in the barrel of the weapon. The sub-calibre barrel can be zeroed by means of four adjusting elements, of which two are spring-loaded and are in contact with the sub-calibre barrel whereas the other two are capable of radial displacement in relation to the sub-calibre barrel by individual operating rods running axially to the sub-calibre barrel.

Abstract: A device intended to provide sound reports similar to those occuring when firing with live ammunition when firing small arms. The device is implemented as a magazine which can be fitted to a weapon instead of its ordinary magazine. In the device there is a pressurized gas container (11), e.g. for compressed air, the gas being used to fill a dosing chamber (13) with the aid of a valve means (16,14) actuable by the weapon trigger. The dosing chamber can be opened momentarily so that the compressed air enclosed therein streams out and expands with a report.

Abstract: A small arms firing effects simulator utilizes a modular construction to egrate with the magazine of a weapon such as a rifle. The modular design resembles the ammunition clip and houses an expendable plastic coated plurality of pyrotechnic charges. An electrical control circuit is also housed within the module and serves to interface the pyrotechnic charges with the firing of the weapon, including semi-automatic and automatic firing as well as disabling the weapon when all rounds have been fired.

Abstract: A realistic audio-visual effects generator for simulating anti-tank and a-aircraft missile launching. A pyrotechnic cartridge having disc at one end that ruptures and allows the efflux of the products of combustion to exit through a hole in the breech block which is placed at the muzzle end of the firing chamber. Along with the simulated cartridge discharge is electrical circuitry for determining if the cartridge has been properly chambered.The circuitry acts to prohibit firing should it be determined that incorrect installation has occurred. Upon initiation of firing a conventional laser transmitter is actuated for simulating firing of the weapon.

Abstract: In order to incorporate minor perturbations in the simulated operation of a weapon (to simulate dispersion between batches of ammunition or individual rounds, and/or the effects of changing environmental phenomena), a variable is generated at a rate related to the type of ammunition to be simulated. For ammunition exhibiting a high degree of dispersion between rounds, the variable changes rapidly and an accurately-aimed shot is deemed a hit only if the value of the variable at that instant is less than the predetermined probability of a hit with that ammunition. In the case of ammunition exhibiting some consistency between rounds but not between batches, the variable changes slowly, and its value controls the extent of a displacement applied to a laser projector before the projector is energised and scanned for a hit/miss determination.

Abstract: An extended vision control device or accessory for selective attachable-detachable use with visual aid instruments such as binoculars, or monocular optical telescopes and the like, to enhance both visual tracking and radio control movement of mobile vehicles, such as model or miniature target tanks, trucks and the like. This accessory control device includes at least one housing for finger-operable controls, each housing adaptable for removable mounting upon a visual aid sighting instrument by means of quick attachable-detachable fasteners, and each housing further includes a control lever and an electrical conductor cable connectable with various of commercially available radio wave transmitter units having one or more sets of selector control devices, to thereby enhance movement observation and continuing radio-controlled operation of the device with which it is associated.

Abstract: A tank gunner obscuration device is provided for automatically and selectively obscuring the view out of the tank seen by the gunner in response to the firing of the main gun of the tank so as to simulate the obscuration produced by smoke, heat and debris during an actual firing. The device comprises a movable shutter which is automatically pivoted between a blocking and unblocking position responsive to firing of the main gun. The control mechanism for the shutter includes an operating solenoid energized by an electrical timer which controls the duration of the obscuration provided. A series of replaceable panels, which are removably mounted in the shutter frame and provide different degrees of opacity, enable the amount of obscuration to be varied.

Abstract: A firearm training device comprises a combat target mounted at one end of a frame, an adjustabe inclined slide and a slingshot mechanism mounted within the frame. When the device is activated, a heavy ball is rolled down the slide. If the user hits the target with wax bullets before the ball reaches the end of the slide, it releases a trigger mechanism which blocks the further progress of the ball down the slide. If the ball reaches the bottom of the slide, prior to the bullet striking the target, the ball activates a trigger mechanism which releases the slingshot mechanism propelling a projectile such as a rubber ball at the trainee with sufficient force to effectively punish him. The device thus gives added impetus to the trainee's efforts to fire quickly and accurately.