Abstract: A rear slip base plate for a round carrying a guidance and control unit payload, which round is launched from a rifled launch tube. To prevent the guidance and control unit payload from also being rapidly spun with the round, the slip base plate unit mechanically isolates the guidance and control unit payload from the round spin rate.

Abstract: Implementations of a firearm accessory electrical distribution system are provided. In some implementations, a firearm accessory electrical distribution system comprises a laser aiming module configured to emit a laser. The laser aiming module comprises a housing that includes a bottom side configured to be secured to a mounting interface for firearm accessories, a first side that includes a mounting interface thereon, and a first switch configured to operate at least the laser of the laser aiming module. The mounting interface of the laser aiming module is configured to conductively connect a firearm accessory secured thereon to the firearm accessory electrical distribution system. Also, the mounting interface of the laser aiming module is configured to laterally offset the firearm accessory secured thereon from a longitudinal axis of the mounting interface for firearm accessories to which the laser aiming module is secured.

Abstract: In the field of aiming devices for firearms, an interface includes a longitudinal median plane XX?, and: a first portion able to be fixed on a weapon, a second portion movable with respect to the first portion, elements for damping the movement of the second portion with respect to the first portion, an upper portion including elements able to allow the fixing of a telescope or a camera, wherein: the damping elements include at least a first and a second damper, one of which is placed on one side of the longitudinal median plane and between the first portion and the second portion or the upper portion, and the other one is placed on the other side of the longitudinal median plane XX? and between the first portion and the second portion or the upper portion.

Abstract: A remotely operated target-processing system includes a shooting robot having a stand supporting a firing part having an optoelectronic aiming device providing an image of the target, sensors detecting the relative position of the firing part, and actuators positioning the firing-pt. A central unit receives the instructions and the signals from the sensors and generates control signals for the actuators and the firing-pert. A control screen displays the image and embeds aiming data, and a control member directs the trajectory line.

Abstract: A mortar barrel elevation system is provided. The mortar barrel elevation system includes an elevation rail attached to a framework. The elevation rail includes a plurality of apertures positioned to be spaced apart in an outward direction. A carriage assembly is configured to slidably seat on the elevation rail and further configured to attach to an aperture in the elevation rail. A yoke assembly is pivotally attached to the carriage assembly. The yoke assembly includes extension members configured to support a mortar barrel. Attaching the carriage assembly to apertures positioned in an increasing outward direction decreases a launch angle of the mortar barrel and attaching the carriage assembly apertures positioned in an increasing inward direction increases the launch angle of the mortar barrel.

Abstract: A mortar includes at least one barrel mounted movably over a ball journal in a bottom supporting device, and an aiming device serving to aim the barrel vertically and horizontally. In order to be able to aim the barrel of the mortar automatically in a simple and cost advantageous manner, the aiming device preferably comprises a carriage that can be moved along guideways essentially horizontally towards or away from the barrel. At the carriage, the first end region of a pivoted arm is mounted so that it can be rotated about a pivot axis, and the second end region of the pivoted arm is connected with a spherical plain bearing, guiding the barrel. The spherical plain bearing embraces a housing part, which is open at its end faces and in which an inner part is mounted spherically (rotatably), which contains a cylindrical barrel guide, for movably accommodating the barrel.

Abstract: A modular mortar baseplate may include a top plate with an outer annular substantially planar portion and a recessed central portion. A socket may be disposed in the recessed central portion. A hub may be disposed beneath the recessed central portion. A plurality of legs may be connected to an underside of the top plate and to the hub. Each leg may include a pair of vertical portions, a horizontal portion, and a pair of rounded portions that join the pair of vertical portions to the horizontal portion. Each of the pair of rounded portions may have a radius that decreases in a radially inward direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weapon (1), constructed relatively simply and compactly, for shooting ammunition (2), with a barrel (3) with recoil and a braking device (12) damping the barrel recoil. According to the invention, a plastically deformable absorption body (12) is used as the braking device (12) for reducing the recoil energy. Thus, a weapon assembly for firing ammunition is provided, wherein the weapon assembly includes: (a) a weapon including a weapon barrel provided with a recoil spring that holds the weapon barrel in an initial position; and (b) a braking device that damps barrel recoil of the weapon barrel when firing ammunition, wherein the braking device is a plastically deformable absorption body.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an electronics unit, such as a digital pointing device, to a mortar bipod may include a pair of spaced-apart, generally parallel mounting brackets having respective inner faces. A pair of support rails may be fixed to opposite outer edges of the mounting brackets. A pair of support rods may be fixed between opposite lower portions of the mounting brackets. A lower guide rod housing may be fixed to first ends of the support rails. A pair of fire control guide rods may have first ends fixed to the lower guide rod housing. A plurality of shock mounts may have respective bases and tops. The shock mount bases may be fixed to the respective inner faces of the mounting brackets. The electronics unit may include a top plate fixed thereto. A pair of side plates may be fixed to the top plate. The side plates may extend generally perpendicularly from the top plate. The tops of the shock mounts may be fixed to the side plates.

Abstract: A weapon system includes a carrier vehicle and a vehicle dependent mortar, wherein the carrier vehicle has a crew space and a weaponry space to house the mortar, and the mortar is charged in an index position with mortar grenades, with several sheddable propellant modules on the tail shaft thereof. The weapon system avoids manual loading of the mortar with mortar grenades because an automatic loader is arranged in a weapon space separated from the crew space by a separating wall. The loader transports the mortar grenade from a magazine in the weapon space into the index position of the barrel of the mortar and axially inserts it into the mouth of the barrel, and an automatic shedding device is arranged in the weapon space to automatically remove unnecessary propellant modules from the mortar grenade after fixing target parameters and before insertion of the mortar grenade into the barrel.

Abstract: A firing device for close-in defense ammunition, ammunition incorporating a rigid casing enclosing at least one projectile, casing integral with a base that can be joined by linking means to a firing device base incorporating means to prime the ammunition, device wherein it incorporates a tube capping the ammunition after this ammunition has been fixed onto the firing base, such tube that is itself made integral with the firing base by attachment means, such tube further carrying an articulated bipod enabling the orientation in elevation of the device.

Abstract: A weapon system includes a carrier vehicle and a vehicle dependent mortar, wherein the carrier vehicle has a crew space and a weaponry space to house the mortar, and the mortar is charged in an index position with mortar grenades, with several sheddable propellant modules on the tail shaft thereof. The weapon system avoids manual loading of the mortar with mortar grenades because an automatic loader is arranged in a weapon space separated from the crew space by a separating wall. The loader transports the mortar grenade from a magazine in the weapon space into the index position of the barrel of the mortar and axially inserts it into the mouth of the barrel, and an automatic shedding device is arranged in the weapon space to automatically remove unnecessary propellant modules from the mortar grenade after fixing target parameters and before insertion of the mortar grenade into the barrel.

Abstract: An architecturally design mortar base plate is provided having an architecturally design structure having a center receiving hub and socket made of one piece machine from solid steel for socket to absorb the impact over repeated cycling. A plurality of forged metal ribs extend radially out therefrom to distribute the impact strength from the socket regime to throughout the whole base volume to consume the energy that created due to firing.

Abstract: An inertial isolation and alignment system for a sensitive component or apparatus affixed to a mortar barrel comprising a barrel clamp assembly which supports two parallel bearing rail followers and pointing device cage assembly which supports two parallel linear bearing rails. The bearing rail followers and linear bearing rails form a simple sliding contact linear motion bearing system. The bearing rail followers on the barrel clamp assembly allow the cage assembly to slide freely along the length of the linear bearing rails. During firing, the travel vector is decoupled from the cage assembly by the bearing rail followers as they move with the barrel along the linear bearing rails leaving the cage assembly suspended in inertial space. The cage assembly then accelerates under the force of gravity over the distance of the displaced travel of the bearing rail followers back to its rest position landing on dampers, each on a linear bearing rail.

Abstract: The present disclosures are systems, apparatus and methods for communicating with a robot via a weapon. In one embodiment, the weapon comprises a barrel, a receiver assembly, a handgrip, and a first controller. The receiver assembly is coupled to an end of the barrel and to the handgrip. The first controller is integrated into the handgrip and inputs a first controller signal to a processing device. A transmitter receives a processing signal from the processing device according to the first controller signal. Preferably, the transmitter sends the processing signal to a robot, which responds accordingly to the received processing signal.

Abstract: A cooling fin for a mortar tube comprises a plurality of discrete nibs disposed on an external surface of the mortar tube wherein the nibs are arranged in longitudinal rows spaced circumferentially around the mortar tube. Preferably, the number of longitudinal rows of nibs is thirty-six. The nibs have a substantially square cross-section.

Abstract: An isolation system for a sensitive component or apparatus affixed to a mortar tube comprising a barrel mount assembly which supports two parallel shafts. A plate parallel with each axis of the two shafts positions four bearing carrier blocks, two each containing a sleeve bearing which rides on each of the shafts to allow the plate assembly to slide freely along the length of the shafts and support an isolated cage. During firing, the travel vector is decoupled from the cage by the shafts as they move with the barrel through the bearings leaving the cage assembly in free space. The cage then accelerates under the force of gravity over the distance of the displaced travel of the shafts back to its rest position landing on steel springs or dampers, each on a shaft and seated against the lower flange end of the barrel mount assembly.

Abstract: A bipod operable for attachment to a bipod mounting plate having at least one transverse slot on a lower surface thereof, the upper surface of the bipod mounting plate including attachment means operable for attaching the mounting plate to a firearm or optical device. The bipod includes a bipod mounting bracket operable for rigidly and adjustably attaching the bipod to the bipod mounting plate. The bipod further includes a pair of telescopically extendable legs pivotally attached to the mounting bracket. The pivotal attachment means is operable for manually adjusting the angle of orientation of the legs with respect to the mounting bracket between zero degrees and a preset angle of less than 180 degrees and most preferably about 90 degrees. The pivotal attachment means further includes beveled detents that enable the silent locking of the legs into the desired angular orientation.

Abstract: An improved aiming tube pivot assembly for use in a sighting and/or aiming apparatus which comprises an aiming tube axially mounted within an outer tube (or housing). A support ring supports the aiming tube within the outer tube in a gimbal-like arrangement by means of ball bearings and set screws. The ball bearings are secured intermediate the aiming tube and the support ring via apertures in the outer tube. The set screws are threadedly mounted in the support ring and engage the outer surface of the outer tube. A movable cover tube can be mounted on the outer tube and substantially encloses the end of the outer tube and the support ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile firing device used on a platform and comprising at least two tubes integral with a base. This device is characterized in that the base is mounted able to swivel on a turret around a first, substantially horizontal axis, such swiveling controlled by first drive means, the turret being able itself to pivot with respect to the platform around a second substantially vertical axis and being controlled by second drive means, the horizontal swiveling being made on either side of a median position in which the tubes are oriented with their axes substantially vertical.

Abstract: To seal a pipe mortar, a sealing element (3, 6) is inserted between the pipe (1) and the base (2), with the element elastically balancing out the axial relative movements between the pipe (1) and the base (2). The sealing element (3) is preferably prestressed, with the gas pressure supporting the sealing effect. The sealing element (3, 6) can be a U-shaped or L-shaped steel ring. In the U-shaped sealing element (3), the legs (3.1) are axially prestressed to the extent that the sealing ring (3) and the pipe (1) or the base (2) are pressed together to produce an adequate seal. In the L-shaped sealing element (6), the inside leg (6.1) produces the gas-tight connection when the pipe (1) and the base (2) are screwed together. A sealing lips (6.2) of the sealing ring (6) elastically absorbs changes in length between the pipe and the base that occur during firing.

Abstract: A system for stowing and deploying a mortar from a transport vehicle employs a hoist mechanism, a support frame, a pair of guide arms and a barrel-support strut attached to a transport vehicle. The support frame is adapted to be temporarily engaged with the mortar barrel, the base plate and the pair of stabilizer arms of the mortar to prevent relative motion between them during stowing and deployment. The hoist mechanism has a lift arm that pivots between a retracted and a deployed position. One end of the lift arm is hook shaped for detachable engagement with the support frame. A pair of guide arms extend in spaced parallel relation from the rear of the vehicle and serve to guide a trajectory of the mortar as it is being stowed or lowered to the ground.

Abstract: A mortar bomb retention apparatus for retaining a mortar bomb in a mortar tube includes a lever arm; a lever positioner in which the lever arm is rotatably mounted; a generally cylindrical housing having a central opening therethrough, the central opening comprising a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, the lever positioner being fixed to the housing; a shoe disposed in the central opening in the housing; a compression spring disposed around the shoe in the large diameter portion of the central opening; and a shoe cap attached to an end of the shoe, one end of the compression spring bearing against the shoe cap, a portion of the lever arm contacting the shoe cap wherein rotation of the lever arm is operable to force the shoe downward.

Abstract: A recoil buffering apparatus for use with an artillery gun of the type comprising a breech assembly (15) connected to a barrel (12), the breech assembly (15) having a firing mechanism for firing a projectile through an open end of the barrel (12). The recoil buffering apparatus comprises a recoil buffering means adapted to be fixed to the barrel (12) and movable therewith during recoil action of the barrel (12) caused by firing of the projectile, and a support means associated with the recoil buffering means for supporting the recoil buffering means and thereby supporting the barrel (12) and breech assembly (15) through the recoil buffering means. An elevating apparatus and a traversing apparatus for an artillery gun are also described. The artillery gun can also be provided with a muzzle brake (11).

Abstract: A recoil buffering apparatus for use with an artillery gun of the type comprising a breech assembly (15) connected to a barrel (12), the breech assembly (15) having a firing mechanism for firing a projectile through an open end of the barrel (12). The recoil buffering apparatus comprises a recoil buffering means adapted to be fixed to the barrel (12) and movable therewith during recoil action of the barrel (12) caused by firing of the projectile, and a support means associated with the recoil buffering means for supporting the recoil buffering means and thereby supporting the barrel (12) and breech assembly (15) through the recoil buffering means. An elevating apparatus and a traversing apparatus for an artillery gun are also described. The artillery gun can also be provided with a muzzle brake (11).

Abstract: A recoil buffering apparatus for use with an artillery gun of the type comprising a breech assembly (15) connected to a barrel (12), the breech assembly (15) having a firing mechanism for firing a projectile through an open end of the barrel (12). The recoil buffering apparatus comprises a recoil buffering means adapted to be fixed to the barrel (12) and movable therewith during recoil action of the barrel (12) caused by firing of the projectile, and a support means associated with the recoil buffering means for supporting the recoil buffering means and thereby supporting the barrel (12) and breech assembly (15) through the recoil buffering means. An elevating apparatus and a traversing apparatus for an artillery gun are also described. The artillery gun can also be provided with a muzzle brake (11).

Abstract: A recoil buffering apparatus for use with an artillery gun of the type comprising a breech assembly (15) connected to a barrel (12), the breech assembly (15) having a firing mechanism for firing a projectile through an open end of the barrel (12). The recoil buffering apparatus comprises a recoil buffering means adapted to be fixed to the barrel (12) and movable therewith during recoil action of the barrel (12) caused by firing of the projectile, and a support means associated with the recoil buffering means for supporting the recoil buffering means and thereby supporting the barrel (12) and breech assembly (15) through the recoil buffering means. An elevating apparatus and a traversing apparatus for an artillery gun are also described. The artillery gun can also be provided with a muzzle brake (11).

Abstract: The loader assist for mortars allows for the automated loading of ammunition through the muzzle. The invention assists soldiers by transporting the shell into the muzzle from a lower position near the base of the mortar tube thus reducing exposure to enfilade enemy fire and the effects of muzzle blast. The loader assist comprises a frame surrounding the mortar and attached thereto. The frame is supported on pivots mounted to a turntable such that both the invention and mortar move as a unit. A lift device is positioned at the center of the frame and parallel to the mortar axis. A carriage comprising a transfer device is positioned on top of said frame. Said elevator is comprised of two linear actuators which are positioned opposite each other, allowing the jaws on each shuttle to act in pairs with the respective jaws on the other, to grip the shell in two places.

Abstract: A bipod support apparatus for an indirect fire weapon such as the 120 mm mortar comprised of a 55 degree ramp and a longer travel distance between the low, middle and high positions which allows for the mounting of the bipods buffer mechanism to the 120 mm mortar tube to stay in one location at 15.54 inches from the muzzle end of the mortar tube, throughout all the adjustment positions and elevation ranges (800 mils to 1512 mils). The three positions, in lieu of the current two position system, eliminate the constant changing of elevation adjustment positions. The new elevating support assembly with its new guide assembly allows for a smooth motion/transition between the three positions of the main base assembly. A new locking mechanism rotates a quarter turn (90°) to lock or unlock the elevating support assembly. Such lock or unlock action now only requires a one hand operation to unlock-lift-lock the elevating support assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a powered aiming platform for pointing devices such as firearms, illumination devices, or sensing instruments, remotely controlled by a hand-controller device, with video feedback of the aiming position and audio feedback of the exact direction and speed of positioning movements. The present invention overcomes the safety and accuracy limitations of manual and conventional remotely-controlled aiming mechanisms, thereby allowing operators to point devices accurately and quickly with predictable, precise control. In the case of firearms, the present invention maintains a steady position after repeated firing.