Abstract: A ball turret includes a turret shell having a rear portion and a front portion. The rear portion and the front portion are assembled to form the turret shell. The shell includes a block assembly configured to mount to a mounting element of a weapon system, and a yoke carriage assembly configured to receive and mount to the block assembly. A number of guide rods within the turret shell are configured to mount the yoke carriage assembly thereto and to provide a recoil shock absorber in response to a discharge of the weapon system. The yoke carriage assembly is releasably mounted to the block assembly.

Abstract: A weapon system includes a weapon, a weapon sight configured to sight a target of the weapon, and an electro-mechanical super-elevation (EMSEL) system. The EMSEL system includes a weapon adapter coupled to the weapon, an electronics mount coupled to the weapon sight, a drive assembly coupled to the weapon adapter and the electronics mount, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine that the weapon is changing in angular orientation. The controller is also configured, in response to the determination that the weapon is changing in angular orientation, to control the drive assembly to adjust an angle of the electronics mount relative to the weapon while the weapon is changing in angular orientation such that the electronics mount remains substantially at a predetermined angle relative to the target.

Abstract: A weapon station includes a low profile adapter and rotating platform. The low profile adapter is mountable on numerous vehicles or structures, including armored combat vehicles, and mounted concentrically with an operator ingress and egress. The low profile adapter may be mountable on optical sights, such as periscopes. The rotating platform is mounted on the low profile adapter and concentric with the operator ingress and egress and is rotatable about an azimuth axis. The weapon station includes a weapon that can be fired in stabilized, power, and manual modes. The weapon can be fired from within the vehicle in stabilized and power modes, and an operator can fire the weapon manually without leaving the protection of the operator ingress and egress. The weapon station does not obstruct a line-of-sight through optical sights and affords an operator enhanced protection during combat engagements due to its ingress/egress-centric configuration.

Abstract: A shock absorbing member 50 having a ceramic bonded body 15 having: a plurality of first sheet-like members 5 each having a ceramic containing 60 mass % or more of boron carbide and each having a thickness of 0.1 to 50 mm; and a bonding layer arranged between the first sheet-like members 5 adjacent to each other, the bonding layer bonding surfaces to be bonded facing each other of the first sheet-like members adjacent to each other, wherein the bonding layer has a bonding material containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, copper, silver, and gold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle, especially a military vehicle, comprising a front section (2) and a rear section (3) and a safety cell (4) arranged between the front section (2) and the rear section (3) and receiving the vehicle crew, the front section (2) and the rear section (3) being connected to each other in the region below the safety cell (4) by means of a protective element (5) which protects the safety cell (4) from the impact of blasts.

Abstract: An assembly of two concentric parts and a bearing between the parts is provided with an inner bearing ring, an outer bearing ring, axial rollers and radial rollers. A first bearing ring is attached to a first concentric part in a manner for maximally limiting a radial distortion thereof and a second concentric part is connected to the second bearing ring at an engagement location. The second concentric part has a load support member which is connected to the second bearing ring such that the vertical load introduced into the second bearing ring by the load support member extends through the axial rollers without causing a moment around the axial rollers, and wherein the second concentric part indirectly or directly engages the second bearing ring in such a manner that only radial loads and substantially no axial loads are introduced at the at least one engagement position.

Abstract: A turret assembly includes a mounting plate and a ring rotatably engaged with the mounting plate. The ring includes a first arm extending radially outward relative to a central axis of the ring. The turret assembly further includes a second arm pivotally coupled to the first arm and a telescoping member. The telescoping member has a first end pivotally coupled to the ring and a second end pivotally coupled to the second arm. The second arm is selectively repositionable between a storage orientation and an operating orientation.

Abstract: A damage detection and remediation system includes a sensing device for detecting damage events related to a structure of interest. Such damage events may include impact from a ballistic object, a tamper event, a physical impact, or other events that may affect structural integrity or cause failure. Illustratively, the sensing device is in communication with a measurement system to determine damage criteria, and a processing system which is configured to use the damage criteria to determine, for example, a direction of the initiation point of a ballistic causing the damage event.

Abstract: A customizable apparatus for controlling rotational movement of a turret of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a memory that stores information relating to operation of the turret. A communication port of the apparatus is adapted to exchange communications relating to operation of the turret with an external computing device. A controller processes communications received at the communication port from the external computing device. The controller processes the communications, and the controller selectively provides access to the stored information relating to operation of the turret to the external computing device.

Abstract: A modular turret extension system for providing improved situational awareness and methods for manufacturing and using same is provide herein. The turret extension system includes a first and second coupling end, a plurality of extension members extending between the first and second coupling end, a viewing chamber defined by the first and second coupling ends and the plurality of extension members and a plurality of viewing ports each defined by a portion of one or more of the extension members.

Abstract: An armed vehicle (10) with improved structure includes a hull (11), which, in use, is suited to house one or more men, devices for the movement on the ground, and an armed turret (30), which is positioned on top of an upper part of the hull (11). The armed vehicle (10) includes an interface structural element (11s), which is cold-added; the interface structural element (11s) constitutes an interface element between the hull (11) and the armed turret (30).

Abstract: The present invention is a driver's hatch for an armored vehicle. The hatch includes a dome hatch for normal operations and a pop-up section. The pop-up section, when in the lowered position allows the cab to freely rotate above it. When in the raised position, the pop-up section allows the driver to look out of the vehicle through transparent armor windows and thus remain under armor protection.

Abstract: An assembly of a turret and low radar reflection weapon includes a turret (100) and a weapon (200) associated with the turret (100). The weapon (200) includes a first rest configuration, in which the weapon (200) is totally hidden inside the turret (100), and a second operating configuration, in which at least part of a barrel of said weapon projects from said turret (100). The turret (100) includes shielding, hatches and a false deck (110, 120, 111, 112; 121, 122) for hiding said weapon (200) with a low radar reflection shape.

Abstract: A turret assembly without deck penetration for minimizing exposure of combatants to enemy forces when accessing above deck equipment comprises a base plate on top of which is mounted at least one finable and remotely operable combatant interfaceable implement, the base plate being rotatable about a substantially vertical axis and supported for rotation by bearing means mounted within a deck of a military facility; a hatch displaceably connected to the base plate, for normally covering a hatchway formed in said base plate and for exposing said hatchway when displaced; and a rotatable disc of a slip ring unit carried by the hatch, by which electricity for operating equipment mounted on top of the deck and for initiating control signals is transmitted to the equipment.

Abstract: A retrofit kit for exhausting gases is provided for removing combustion products from a gun turret. In some embodiments, the combustion products are toxic gases that include ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, and carbon monoxide. The retrofit kit includes a fan and an EMI filter. The fan and the EMI filter are attached to the gun turret with one or more seals that provide both environmental and EMI/RFI protection. In operation, the fan is activated in response to the firing of the gun, and is powered using the power supply provided to the gun turret. In some embodiments, the fan operates for a predetermined time interval after the last operation of the gun.

Abstract: The turret (1) in accordance with the invention has two rotation axes, a vertical axis (A) and a horizontal axis (B); it includes a weapon (2), aiming means (3) and two motors, one part (10) of the turret (1) being turned about the vertical axis (A) by the first motor and the weapon (2) and the aiming means (3) being turned about the horizontal axis (B) by the second motor; it is characterized in that an additional element (6) is turned to coaxially about the vertical axis (B) by a third motor that is specific to it. The turret (1) is thus equipped with two motors rated to turn on the one hand the mobile part (10) of the turret about the vertical axis (A) and on the other hand the weapon (2) and the aiming means (3) about the horizontal axis (B). The turret (1) is thus rated optimally; the additional element (6) has a dedicated motor that is also rated optimally and can be of different powers depending on the inherent characteristics of this element (weight, inertia, etc).

Abstract: A turret assembly without deck penetration for minimizing exposure of combatants to enemy forces when accessing above deck equipment comprises a base plate on top of which is mounted at least one finable and remotely operable combatant interfaceable implement, the base plate being rotatable about a substantially vertical axis and supported for rotation by bearing means mounted within a deck of a military facility; a hatch displaceably connected to the base plate, for normally covering a hatchway formed in said base plate and for exposing said hatchway when displaced; and a rotatable disc of a slip ring unit carried by the hatch, by which electricity for operating equipment mounted on top of the deck and for initiating control signals is transmitted to the equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a military combat vehicle, with a hull (2) that accommodates the vehicle crew, a turret mount (3) arranged above the hull (2) for accommodating a primary weapon (4), an auxiliary mount for accommodating a secondary weapon (6), and a panoramic viewing device (7) for observing the vehicle surroundings, wherein the panoramic viewing device is arranged on the auxiliary mount and/or the auxiliary mount is arranged above the turret mount at a hull-mounted fastening point.

Abstract: A vehicle provided with a revolving turret includes an armor-plated cockpit (2), a system for the motion of the central revolving turret (4) upon which a main armament (5) can be mounted. The turret is connected to the armor-plated cockpit of the vehicle of a circumferential fifth-wheel (8) which allows the revolving of the turret around a substantially vertical axis which passes through the center of the fifth-wheel. The base (9) of the turret presents a hatch (10) for communication between the interior of the turret and the interior of the cockpit (2) of the vehicle.

Abstract: Composite armor panels are disclosed. Each panel comprises a plurality of functional layers comprising at least an outermost layer, an intermediate layer and a base layer. An armor system incorporating armor panels is also disclosed. Armor panels are mounted on carriages movably secured to adjacent rails of a rail system. Each panel may be moved on its associated rail and into partially overlapping relationship with another panel on an adjacent rail for protection against incoming ordnance from various directions. The rail system may be configured as at least a part of a ring, and be disposed about a hatch on a vehicle. Vehicles including an armor system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improvements in a torque limiter that uses a plurality of ball bearings that are retained in a cage. The ball bearings are compressed to create frictional drag on opposing flat plate surfaces. In some military vehicles the gun turret is rotated by personnel turning a crank that rotates the turret. The crank rotates a pinion or chain that turns the rack of the turret. When the turret does not move freely the personnel will typically apply more force that results in damaging the pinion, chain and or the rack. The torque limiter for a gun turret in this application connects between the crank and the drive train to allow the crank to turn without applying excessive torque forces on the pinion, chain and or the rack.

Abstract: The invention embodies the turret (10) as a protected cell (1) with its own protective plates (7) and then provides this with an additional casing of protective plates (9) so that both together implement a modular protective construction with different levels of protection. Outside the protected cell (1), assemblies (2) can be arranged that do not need to be within the direct reach of the operator. This can be in addition to the ammunition, the electronics for the ammunition feed, and also the electronics of the turret control or the like. These assemblies (2) are again encased by a lattice structure (8) that serves as an accommodation possibility for other protective elements (9) that form the outer skin of the turret (10).

Abstract: An armed vehicle (10) with improved structure includes a hull (11), which, in use, is suited to house one or more men, devices for the movement on the ground, and an armed turret (30), which is positioned on top of an upper part of the hull (11). The armed vehicle (10) includes an interface structural element (11s), which is cold-added; the interface structural element (11s) constitutes an interface element between the hull (11) and the armed turret (30).

Abstract: A retractable light turret mounted in a platform, a firing device that can be deployed through an opening in a protective cowling for ensuring the closing of the opening, and elevation and azimuth aiming devices for the firing device, wherein the protective cowling has, on its external face, a close-in defense device, and at least one observation device coupled with a display device arranged inside the platform.

Abstract: A protective structure for a vehicle having an opening on an upper surface is provided. One embodiment of the invention has at least a partial enclosure around an area defined laterally by the vehicle opening with an overhead and side protective capability. An embodiment of the invention has an overhead cover that is formed to substantially enclose a top area of the enclosure and having multiple panels that may be locked into place or opened by an occupant for exit through a top area of the enclosure. The multiple panels in this embodiment extend upwardly and inwardly from a section of the enclosure's side walls. Ballistic windows are provided on the protective structure such that an occupant can view laterally and vertically through the enclosure and overhead cover. A shield or protective plate can be mounted on one side of the enclosure.

Abstract: A protective structure for a vehicle having an opening on an upper surface is provided. One embodiment of the invention has at least a partial enclosure around an area defined laterally by the vehicle opening with an overhead and side protective capability. An embodiment of the invention has an overhead cover that is formed to substantially enclose a top area of the enclosure and having multiple panels that may be locked into place or opened by an occupant for exit through a top area of the enclosure. The multiple panels in this embodiment extend upwardly and inwardly from a section of the enclosure's side walls. Ballistic windows are provided on the protective structure such that an occupant can view laterally and vertically through the enclosure and overhead cover. A shield or protective plate can be mounted on one side of the enclosure.

Abstract: Improvements in a torque limiter that uses a plurality of ball bearings that are retained in a cage. The ball bearings are compressed to create frictional drag on opposing flat plate surfaces. In some military vehicles the gun turret is rotated by personnel turning a crank that rotates the turret. The crank rotates a pinion or chain that turns the rack of the turret. When the turret does not move freely the personnel will typically apply more force that results in damaging the pinion, chain and or the rack. The torque limiter for a gun turret in this application connects between the crank and the drive train to allow the crank to turn without applying excessive torque forces on the pinion, chain and or the rack.

Abstract: A vehicle provided with a revolving turret includes an armor-plated cockpit (2), a system for the motion of the central revolving turret (4) upon which a main armament (5) can be mounted. The turret is connected to the armor-plated cockpit of the vehicle of a circumferential fifth-wheel (8) which allows the revolving of the turret around a substantially vertical axis which passes through the center of the fifth-wheel. The base (9) of the turret presents a hatch (10) for communication between the interior of the turret and the interior of the cockpit (2) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A protective structure for a vehicle having an opening on an upper surface is provided. One embodiment of the invention has at least a partial enclosure around an area defined laterally by the vehicle opening with an overhead and side protective capability. An embodiment of the invention has an overhead cover that is formed to substantially enclose a top area of the enclosure and having multiple panels that may be locked into place or opened by an occupant for exit through a top area of the enclosure. The multiple panels in this embodiment extend upwardly and inwardly from a section of the enclosure's side walls. Ballistic windows are provided on the protective structure such that an occupant can view laterally and vertically through the enclosure and overhead cover. A shield or protective plate can be mounted on one side of the enclosure.

Abstract: A protective shield apparatus for a light armor vehicle having a turret includes a generally flat base plate mounted to the turret; an armor plate fixed to the base plate and including a front panel, a first side panel, a second side panel and a rear panel, the armor plate being canted vertically outward from the base plate; each of the first side panel, second side panel and rear panel including a ballistic glass window; a rear bracket connected at one end to a rear of the base plate and at another end to the turret; and a z-bracket connected at one end to the rear of the base plate and at another end the z-bracket bears against the turret.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for antimissile protection of vehicles having a very short response time with practically no false alarms and not requiring the use of means such as decoys or conventional laser jammers, while providing the best possible protection. It is characterized in that at least one curtain of plasma filaments is created between these vehicles and the probable launch point of these missiles, this curtain being intended to blind the target-seeking device of the missiles.

Abstract: A retractable light turret mounted on a platform, comprising firing means that can be deployed through an opening, a protective cowling ensuring the closing of the opening and elevation and azimuth aiming means for the firing means, wherein said protective cowling has, on its external face, firstly close-in defence means and secondly at least one observation means coupled with display means arranged inside said platform.

Abstract: A vehicle-top gun turret shroud-dome structure for mounting on a vehicle-top gun turret includes a turret shroud having a generally annular base and an open upper margin; an optically clear dome structure constructed to mate with and seal to the open upper margin; wherein the turret shroud and the dome structure provide, for a gunner enclosed thereby, anti-shock, anti-ballistic and anti-blast shockwave protection.

Abstract: A ballistic armor shield assembly attached to a Stryker armored vehicle comprises a three-sided armor shield assembly with transparent armor, which is bolted around a driver hatch directly onto the military armored vehicle using existing bolts and holes. The armor shield assembly comprises a front, left and right side armor frames forming the 3-sided assembly to which transparent armor (ballistic glass) sections are attached and secured. An enclosure is provided on the left side of the armored shield assembly for attaching and removing the entire left side transparent armor in order to facilitate vehicle engine maintenance. The driver is provided with full armor protection while operating the vehicle with his body extending out of the open hatch for improved vision. When the hatch is partially closed, the driver has full protection on the front, left, and right from the armor shield assembly as well as above from the hatch.

Abstract: A protective structure for a vehicle having an opening on an upper surface is provided. One embodiment of the invention has at least a partial enclosure around an area defined laterally by the vehicle opening with an overhead and side protective capability. An embodiment of the invention has an overhead cover that is formed to substantially enclose a top area of the enclosure and having multiple panels that may be locked into place or opened by an occupant for exit through a top area of the enclosure. The multiple panels in this embodiment extend upwardly and inwardly from a section of the enclosure's side walls. Ballistic windows are provided on the protective structure such that an occupant can view laterally and vertically through the enclosure and overhead cover. A shield or protective plate can be mounted on one side of the enclosure.

Abstract: An anti-ballistic guard is provided and includes a rigid frame that includes an outer portion of rigid ballistic material and an inner portion that includes a pliable outer shell or housing that encompasses an inner thermally resistant core which is housed or contained within an inner shell or housing and a inner ballistic core which is housed or contained within an inner shell or housing. Secured to exterior portions of the inner portion housing are pluralities of attachment points that facilitate the securement of the inner portion to the rigid frame. In one design, the inner portion outer cover comprises flame retardant, high performance fibers such as arimid, O-PAN, or a combination of these, and other high performance fibers.

Abstract: A protective structure for a vehicle having an opening on an upper surface is provided. One embodiment of the invention has at least a partial enclosure around an area defined laterally by the vehicle opening with an overhead and side protective capability. An embodiment of the invention has an overhead cover that is formed to substantially enclose a top area of the enclosure and having multiple panels that may be locked into place or opened by an occupant for exit through a top area of the enclosure. The multiple panels in this embodiment extend upwardly and inwardly from a section of the enclosure's side walls. Ballistic windows are provided on the protective structure such that an occupant can view laterally and vertically through the enclosure and overhead cover. A shield or protective plate can be mounted on one side of the enclosure.

Abstract: In order avoid ammunition feed from within a protective cell of a turret (1) or an ammunition magazine, a type of ammunition supply system (6) is disposed around the entire or partial circumference of the turret (1). The ammunition supply system (6) has at least one ammunition channel (10, 11) filled with ammunition (5), whereby a drive (13) is incorporated for the transport of the ammunition (5), if the weapon (3) is not designed to pull the ammunition (5) by itself. In this case, an endless chain (12) works together with the drive (13), wherein the endless chain is movable in two axes. This endless chain enables transport of the ammunition (5) around the radii (R) of the turret (1).

Abstract: The invention embodies the turret (10) as a protected cell (1) with its own protective plates (7) and then provides this with an additional casing of protective plates (9) so that both together implement a modular protective construction with different levels of protection. Outside the protected cell (1), assemblies (2) can be arranged that do not need to be within the direct reach of the operator. This can be in addition to the ammunition, the electronics for the ammunition feed, and also the electronics of the turret control or the like. These assemblies (2) are again encased by a lattice structure (8) that serves as an accommodation possibility for other protective elements (9) that form the outer skin of the turret (10).

Abstract: A gunner protection apparatus for a tactical or armored vehicle having a turret or hatch opening that exposes crewmembers to enemy threats. The gunner protection apparatus includes a turret portion attached to the vehicle's turret, the turret portion comprising a substantially circular base plate fixed to the vehicle's turret; a plurality of vertical supports fixed to the base plate; a plurality of clamps connected to the plurality of vertical supports, respectively; and a plurality of curved glass panels having ends fixed between the clamps and the vertical supports; a gun support disposed in a bearing sleeve hole and rotatable about a vertical axis of the bearing sleeve hole; and a front shield fixed to the gun support, the front shield having a gun opening and at least one window, the front shield being rotatable with the gun support.

Abstract: A seating unit in a combat vehicle that is protected against mines is provided. The vehicle has a hull that is disposed on the chassis and that has at least one hatch in its roof plate that can be closed off by a hatch cover. The seating unit, which is disposed in the hull in the region below the hatch, is provided with a base on which is disposed a seat and that is suspended on the front or side wall and/or the roof plate of the hull via a tubular construction in such a way that the base is not at less than a prescribed spacing relative to the base of the hull. The tubular construction can comprise two guide tubes that extend parallel to one another and upwardly at an angle. The upper ends of the tubes are connected with the front wall, and the lower ends are suspended on the roof plate via connecting tubes. The base is displaceably disposed on the guide tubes via holding devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall (2)-protection device (1), notably for a vehicle wall, against attack by a projectile. This device comprises at least one explosive charge (3) able to project at least one metallic block (7) in the direction of the projectile. The device is characterized in that the block or blocks (7) are in the shape of elongated bars, that is which have a maximal length greater than or equal to 10 times their smallest crosswise dimension, the explosive charge (3) being position opposite a longitudinal surface of the bar (7).