Abstract: The invention relates to a movable artillery gun comprising: a frame supporting a turning plate, turning plate comprising a first pivot link of a vertical axis, turning plate comprising at least one turning motor means for rotating a turning interface around the first pivot link, the turning interface supporting a firing carriage and comprising a fine traverse laying means allowing the carriage to rotate with respect to the turning interface around a second pivot link of a vertical axis.

Abstract: A Remote Controlled Weapon Station is provided wherein it comprises a weapon mounting bracket that is remotely adjustable in elevating/lowering and a rotatable turret assembly adapted to be mounted on vehicles, remotely adjustable in rotation, and wherein the weapon mounting bracket is pivotally mounted on it, and the Remote Controlled Weapon Station is converted into a remote controlled Non Lethal weapon station by that at least one non lethal means is installed in it, chosen from a group consisting of—a multi barreled means for firing grenades; multi-barrels launcher means for pyrotechnically firing plurality of charges; acoustic means for producing tones; illuminating means; observation means and means for providing sniper firing capabilities of small caliber kinetic bullet.

Abstract: A cannon and a military vehicle having such a cannon, which includes a support, a turret that is rotatable relative to the support and is provided with an opening, and a closure element disposed on the support and configured for the closing off of the opening of the turret.

Abstract: A smart-store emulation unit is provided for use on-board a weapon platform in place of the physical presence of a smart-store. The emulation unit may be used for operator training on or testing of the smart-store on-board an operational weapon platform such as an aircraft, tank or ship.

Abstract: A system and method for providing information for performing a registration correction for artillery employs two spaced apart optical imaging systems associated with a processing system. Outputs from the two imaging systems are monitored to detect potential shell trajectory events and then correlated to eliminate potential shell trajectory events not viewed by both optical imaging systems. Locations are determined for potential shell trajectory events viewed by both optical imaging systems. Shell firing data relating to firing of at least one shell is provided to determine at least one predicted trajectory time point for the shell, and this is used to identify a corresponding detected shell trajectory event.

Abstract: A system for determining the spatial orientation of a movable apparatus includes at least one optical angle-of-arrival (OAOA) sensor array, each of which comprises multiple OAOA sensors arranged to provide a 360° field-of-view (FOV). At least one sensor array is mounted on and has a known spatial relationship to a movable apparatus, the spatial orientation of which is to be determined. Point sources are located at one or more stationary positions within the FOV of at least one of the mounted arrays. An initial-north-finding/initial-vertical-finding (INF/INV) system determines the spatial orientation of at least one of the point sources. Processing circuitry coupled to the INF/INV system and the sensor arrays derives the spatial orientation of the mounted arrays—and thereby the spatial orientation of the apparatus—based on the angular positions of the stationary point sources detected by the mounted arrays.

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 weapons system includes a frame having an axis. A targeting assembly is arranged and operational to move rotationally the frame axis. The targeting assembly includes a weapon. A user interface is attached to the weapon and is operable actuate movement of the targeting assembly about the axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling rotational movement of a turret of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a controller that generates a control signal for controlled operation of the turret in a controlled mode of operation. In response to a determination that a manual mode of operation has been initiated, the controller disables controlled operation of the turret of the vehicle.

Abstract: In methods and apparatuses, a weapon includes a trigger module for sensing trigger input from a shooter and generating a trigger signal, and a firing module for controlling firing of a projectile responsive to a fire control signal. The weapon also includes an image sensor configured for mounting on the weapon and sensing a series of images over a time period of interest while the trigger signal is in a motion-estimation state. A controller is configured for determining when to fire the weapon by receiving the images from the image sensor and generating a motion-estimation history over the time period of interest responsive to changes in the images. The controller is also configured for determining a centroid of the motion-estimation history and asserting the fire control signal when the trigger signal is in a fire-enable state and a current image is within an offset threshold from the centroid.

Abstract: A system and method calculate a range and velocity of an object in image data. The range calculation includes detecting a contour of the object from the image data, forming a template from the image data based on the contour; and calculating a range to the object using pixel resolution and dimension statistics of the object. A three-dimensional velocity of the object is determined by calculating a radial component and an angular component of the velocity. The radial velocity component is calculated by determining the range of the object in two or more image frames, determining a time differential between the two or more image frames, and calculating the radial velocity as a function of the range of the object in the two or more image frames and the time differential between the two or more image frames. The angular component is calculated using spatial-temporal derivatives as a function of a motion constraint equation.

Abstract: A retractable turret rotatable on a platform, including an active system orientable in vertically extendable elevation, and in azimuth, a protective cowling for the active system and for closing a caisson, wherein the turret includes, for vertically extendable deployment and rotation of the active system, first and second arms forming a deformable quadrilateral on either side of the active system, a first manual means for controlling deployment of the active system by activating the first arm, and a second manual means for controlling the orientation in vertically extended elevation and in horizontal azimuth of the active system by moving the second arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for weaponizing a mobile robotic platform with a mechanically triggered weapon and a firing circuit provides a weaponized mobile robotic platform, in which the mechanically triggered weapon can be fired in a safe, secure, and controlled manner in response to a single electrical pulse from the firing circuit.

Abstract: The technology can include a high power laser beam delivery system. The system includes a rotary turret platform rotatable along multiple axes for aiming of a high power laser beam. The system further includes a turret payload device coupled to the rotary turret platform that is a truncated sphere and configured to rapidly deploy from a vehicle and stow within the vehicle. The system further includes at least two conformal windows in a spherical side of the turret payload. The system further includes an off-axis telescope coupled to the turret payload, having an articulated secondary mirror for correcting optical aberrations, and configured to reflect the high power laser beam to a target through the first of the at least two conformal windows.

Abstract: The technology can include a retractable rotary turret system. The system includes a base comprising two support arms. The system further includes a turret platform that is a truncated sphere having a substantially flat side and a substantially spherical side. The turret platform includes a turret support ring rotary coupled to the two support arms and a turret device isolatively coupled to the turret support ring. The turret platform is rotatable along a first dimension for deployment of the spherical side and is rotatable along the first dimension for deployment of the flat side.

Abstract: A field gun comprising: a chassis, a barrel defining a barrel axis and having a traverse range and an elevation range, a cradle supporting the barrel, a joint for enabling pivoting in at least two axes, the joint connecting the cradle to the chassis, a first linear actuator, extensible along a first linear actuator axis, pivotally attached to a first point on the chassis and pivotally attached to a first point on the cradle, a second linear actuator, extensible along a first linear actuator axis, pivotally attached to a second point on the chassis and pivotally attached to a second point on the cradle, such that a first combination of first linear actuator and second linear actuator actuation varies the traverse a second combination of first linear actuator and second linear actuator actuation varies the elevation.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit are provided. In one embodiment, the targeting unit includes a targeting unit housing, a countermeasure payload carried by the targeting unit housing, and a plurality of thrusters coupled to the targeting unit housing. The plurality of thrusters is configured to be selectively activated to rotate the targeting unit housing about first and second substantially orthogonal axes to provide controlled pointing of countermeasure payload prior to the deployment thereof. Embodiments of a countermeasure system including a pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit are also provided, as are methods for equipping a vehicle with a countermeasure system of the type that includes at least one pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit.

Abstract: A Decoupled Elevation, Automatic Drift Correction (DEADCo) Multiple Weapon System is provided for concurrently engaging line-of-sight and indirect-fire weapons against a target. The DEADCo system includes a turret structure, a first cradle and a second cradle. The turret structure is mountable to a vehicle and rotatable in yaw on a turret training drive. The first cradle is mountable to the turret structure. The first cradle has a fire control system, and a first elevation drive rotatable in pitch on which to pivotably mount the line-of-sight weapon. The fire control system relays pointer commands to the first elevation drive. The second cradle is mountable to the turret structure. The second cradle includes a drift correction drive rotatable in yaw and a second elevation drive rotatable in pitch. The fire control system relays the pointer commands to the drift correction and second elevation drives that compensate for drift.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling rotational movement of a turret of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a controller that generates a control signal for controlled operation of the turret in a controlled mode of operation. In response to a determination that a manual mode of operation has been initiated, the controller disables controlled operation of the turret of the vehicle.

Abstract: A field gun comprising: a chassis, a barrel defining a barrel axis and having a traverse range and an elevation range, a cradle supporting the barrel, a joint for enabling pivoting in at least two axes, the joint connecting the cradle to the chassis, a first linear actuator, extensible along a first linear actuator axis, pivotally attached to a first point on the chassis and pivotally attached to a first point on the cradle, a second linear actuator, extensible along a first linear actuator axis, pivotally attached to a second point on the chassis and pivotally attached to a second point on the cradle, such that a first combination of first linear actuator and second linear actuator actuation varies the traverse a second combination of first linear actuator and second linear actuator actuation varies the elevation.

Abstract: In methods and apparatuses, a weapon includes a trigger module for sensing trigger input from a shooter and generating a trigger signal, and a firing module for controlling firing of a projectile responsive to a fire control signal. The weapon also includes an image sensor configured for mounting on the weapon and sensing a series of images over a time period of interest while the trigger signal is in a motion-estimation state. A controller is configured for determining when to fire the weapon by receiving the images from the image sensor and generating a motion estimation history over the time period of interest responsive to changes in the images. The controller is also configured for determining a centroid of the motion estimation history and asserting the fire control signal when the trigger signal is in a fire-enable state and a current image is within an offset threshold from the centroid.

Abstract: The invention relates to weapon mount systems that can be locked into a particular position. In an embodiment, the invention includes a weapon mount including a base structure; a mounting structure pivotably coupled to the base structure; a weapon cradle pivotably coupled to the mounting structure, the weapon cradle configured to hold a weapon. The weapon mount also includes a first locking mechanism configured to restrict pivoting of the weapon cradle relative to the mounting structure in a vertical plane, the first locking mechanism comprising a first brake caliper; and a first brake rotor, wherein the first brake caliper selectively engages the first brake rotor. The weapon mount also includes a second locking mechanism configured to restrict pivoting of the mounting structure relative to the base structure in a horizontal plane, the second locking mechanism comprising a second brake caliper; and a second brake rotor, wherein the second brake caliper selectively engages the second brake rotor.

Abstract: A remote digital firing system for selectively firing a plurality of remote mission payloads. The remote digital firing system includes a first set of firing circuits communicatively coupled to and operative to fire a corresponding first set of remote mission payloads and a second set of firing circuits communicatively coupled to and operative to fire a corresponding second set of remote mission payloads. The remote digital firing system includes a firing control panel communicatively linked to the first and second sets firing circuits, a first digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with each firing circuit of the first set and the firing control panel, a second digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with each firing circuit of the second set and the firing control panel, and a payload selector switch for selecting a remote mission payload.

Abstract: A method and system for improving precision and accuracy of weaponry according to which angular position information of the fire control device and optical location information of the optical signals emitted during the flight of a projectile are processed in a computer using software to calculate and provide a precise aim point for firing one or more subsequent projectiles.

Abstract: A weapon/recon mount device, comprising: a base ring fixable to a vehicle; a slewing ring concentric with and rotatable relative to the base ring; a pivot mount attached to the slewing ring and having a stowed state and a deployed state; and a back rest attached to the slewing ring and having a stowed state and a deployed state.

Abstract: A howitzer suitable for deployment on a ground plane, the howitzer comprising a barrel for firing a projectile, the barrel defining a barrel axis and having a muzzle towards the front end of the howitzer and a breech towards the back end of the howitzer; a cradle for holding the barrel at an azimuth and an elevation; a recoil accommodating mechanism such that the barrel can move along the barrel axis relative to the cradle; a bearing for varying the azimuth of the cannon; and a linkage for varying the elevation of the bearing.

Abstract: The method serves for adjusting a positioning of a longitudinal axis of a weapon barrel. An adjusting angle of the weapon barrel is changeable by at least one adjusting element. The weapon barrel is arranged so as to be movable relative to a weapon support in the direction of the longitudinal axis. A positioning of the weapon barrel relative to the weapon support is determined by measurement technology. The measurement values obtained as a result are supplied to a control device. The control device acts on the adjusting element in accordance with a predetermined functional relationship between the obtained measurement values and an input value for the adjusting element. The device for firing shell s is constructed for use of the respective method.

Abstract: A safeguard system ensures device operation in conformance with governing laws for devices such as directed energy weapons or surveillance systems, whose misuse may discomfort, harm or otherwise violate the legal rights of a person. A legal protocol is defined by rules embodying the laws that govern the use of the device and requires as inputs an authorization to use the device and input condition(s) relating to at least one of a use of the device, an attribute of a human target of the device and an operational environment of the device and human target. The safeguard system applies the rules to the authorization and input condition(s) to generate a control signal that ensures the device is used in conformance with the legal protocol. A documentation system records the authorization, input condition(s) applied rules, and control signal.

Abstract: An automatic shooting mechanism capable of remote switching and unmanned switching between a safety mode and a shooting mode, and remote shooting and unmanned shooting. Also provided is a sentry robot employing the automatic shooting mechanism and capable of performing wide and narrow monitoring and sentry duties in short and long ranges, and automatically shooting at a target. The automatic shooting mechanism comprises a safety unit including a safety solenoid and an elastic member to move a safety pin of a gun between a safety mode position and a shooting mode position, a return unit for applying force to the safety pin of the gun to move the safety pin to the safety mode position.

Abstract: A mount for deploying a weapon system through a window in a defended position is provided. The mount including a mechanism having an attachment to the weapon system and a base having an attachment to a portion of the defended position. The mechanism further having; a first actuator for moving the weapon system from a stowed position to at least one intermediate position; and a second actuator for moving the weapon system from the at least one intermediate position to a deployed position projecting from the window. The defended position can be a ship in which case the window can be an opening in a hull of the ship.

Abstract: A retractable light turret mounted able to rotate on a platform, comprising an active system orientable in elevation and in azimuth, a protective cowling for the active system closing a caisson, wherein said turret incorporates means for deployment of said active system constituted by a first and a second arm forming a deformable parallelogram arranged on either side of said active system and elevation and azimuth aiming means for said active system, said deployment being controlled by a first manual means activating said first arm, the orientation in elevation and in azimuth of said active system being controlled by a second manual means activating said second arm.

Abstract: An automatic shooting mechanism capable of remote switching and unmanned switching between a safety mode and a shooting mode, and remote shooting and unmanned shooting. Also provided is a sentry robot employing the automatic shooting mechanism and capable of performing wide and narrow monitoring and sentry duties in short and long ranges, and automatically shooting at a target. The automatic shooting mechanism comprises a safety unit including a safety solenoid and an elastic member to move a safety pin of a gun between a safety mode position and a shooting mode position, and a return unit for applying force to the safety pin of the gun to move the safety pin to the safety mode position.

Abstract: A howitzer suitable for deployment on a ground plane, the howitzer comprising a barrel for firing a projectile, the barrel defining a barrel axis and having a muzzle towards the front end of the howitzer and a breech towards the back end of the howitzer; a cradle for holding the barrel at an azimuth and an elevation; a recoil accommodating mechanism such that the barrel can move along the barrel axis relative to the cradle; a bearing for varying the azimuth of the cannon; and a linkage for varying the elevation of the bearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a weapon having an eccentrically-pivoted barrel (1) that is mounted on a movable base (2), and to a method of elevating and stabilizing such a barrel. A drive mechanism (3) acts between the barrel and the base to permit and enable the elevation of the barrel relative to the base to be selectively changed. A compensation device acts between the barrel and base to compensate for the unbalance of the barrel. The compensation device includes a gyroscope (13) mounted on the barrel and arranged to provide an output signal, a set point generator (12), a closed-loop control device (10) and an actuating element (16). The actual position of the barrel is sensed by the gyroscope, which supplies its output signal to the set point generator. The set point generator produces a set force value as a function of the gyroscope output signal.

Abstract: A distributed ground sensor threat detection system, which is an automated missile warning system designed to provide reliable, timely and accurate missile location information of shoulder-launched SAMs within the volume under surveillance by a network of sensors. Remote sensor nodes position in proximity to an airport runway monitor the area between the nodes to locate threat missiles. Detection information from each remote sensor node is sent to a central processing node which processes the information to determine if a threat missile is launched against a commercial aircraft.

Abstract: A distributed ground sensor threat detection system, which is an automated missile warning system designed to provide reliable, timely and accurate missile location information of shoulder-launched SAMs within the volume under surveillance by a network of sensors. Remote sensor nodes position in proximity to an airport runway monitor the area between the nodes to locate threat missiles. Detection information from each remote sensor node is sent to a central processing node which processes the information to determine if a threat missile is launched against a commercial aircraft.

Abstract: A remote digital firing system includes a firing circuit operative to fire remote mission payloads, a firing control panel linked to the firing circuit, and a digital code plug configured to communicate with the firing circuit and firing control panel. The firing circuit can generate, write and store one-time random session variables to the digital code plug. The firing circuit validates digital messages received from the firing control panel by comparing one-time random session variables embodied in the messages with the stored one-time random session variables, before firing the payload.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-protection system (1) comprising at least one launching device (4) for initiating appropriate countermeasures against the threat, which comprises a sensor system (3) in the form of at least one sniper location detector or the like for detecting as well as locating a tank cover or rear cover position (6). A detection as well as a locating of the threat posed by the presence of a tank cover or rear cover position (6) ensues even before a shot is fired or before the threat. To this end, the launching device (4) is armed with pyrotechnic munitions (7), as a priority, irritation bodies or munition being integrated that, when fired, immediately produce an intense flash and/or smoke/fog (8).

Abstract: A system for launching a countermeasure device is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system uses an electromagnetic catapult to throw a countermeasure payload, wherein the azimuth, elevation, and propulsive force of the electromagnetic catapult are controllable.

Abstract: An auxiliary aiming device for a naval emplacement, comprises an articulated platform (20) carrying a turret (11) and able to be commanded to recline by a predetermined angle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing an estimate of effectiveness of a selected weapon against a selected target prior to release of the weapon are described. One described method comprises receiving a position uncertainty for a weapon platform, receiving a position uncertainty for a selected target, and determining an ability of the selected weapon to navigate to the selected target. An estimated effectiveness of the selected weapon is determined utilizing one or more of the weapon platform position uncertainty, the target position uncertainty, the navigation capability of the selected weapon, and a kill radius for the selected weapon.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for planning a mission profile in real time on board a platform or a vehicle dispensed from a platform. In general, the mission planning technique includes ascertaining a plurality of target information, including a target location, a target velocity, and a target location error. This is followed by an autonomous determination of a pattern from the ascertained target information.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elevation laying system for a weapon mounted on a vehicle. It comprises first positioning means for the weapon along a wide elevation range with respect to a first axis of rotation offset with respect to the center of gravity of the weapon, and second positioning means for the weapon connected to the first means along a narrow elevation range with respect to a second axis of rotation passing through the center of gravity of the weapon. The first axis of rotation is located to the rear of the weapon's center of gravity. The first positioning means are hinged with respect to a frame onto which the weapon is mounted around the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A weapon for accurately launching a projectile of a firearm toward a target and no other point of strike, comprising an electrically-actuated firearm with axially-stacked ammunition loads, a target sensor unit which generates a target sensor signal at such times as the projected bullet's point of strike and the projected target position coincide; a fire controller which generates a firing signal when both a trigger signal and a target sensor signal are present; and a sequence controller actuated by the firing signal to ignite one or more of the axially stacked ammunition loads to cause the projectile to strike the projected location of a target.

Abstract: A method and device for judging the aiming error of a weapon system and a use of the device are disclosed. The weapon system includes a fire control device (F) for tracking a target (Z), a weapon (W) having a weapon barrel (B), aiming means for aiming the weapon barrel (B), and a data processing facility (EDV). The fire control device (F) continuously tracks the target (Z). An image recording device (V) moved in solidarity with the weapon barrel (B) record images of the target (Z) and its surroundings. An image reproduction device (M) displays the images recorded by the image recording device (V) and a mark (X). The mark (X) represents an aiming line, a deviation (a) of the target (Z) from the mark (X) representing the aiming error of the weapon system. The fire control device (F) performs the aiming of the weapon barrel (B) on the basis of a lead calculation, which takes the movement of the target (Z) into consideration. The device may be used for fixed and mobile weapon systems.

Abstract: An elevation and traverse laying system for a weapon (1) comprising first means (16, 17) to position the weapon in traverse along a large angular range with respect to a first axis of rotation G1, wherein it comprises:

Abstract: A self-contained gimbaled weapon system (GWS) has a shared azimuth axis and two independent elevation axes for a sighting device and a weapon cradle. The GWS allows the weapon cradle to be elevated completely independent of the sighting device. The GWS can be stabilized and operated remotely.

Abstract: A method and device for judging the aiming error of a weapon system and a use of the device are disclosed. The weapon system includes a fire control device (F) for tracking a target (Z), a weapon (W) having a weapon barrel (B), aiming means for aiming the weapon barrel (B), and a data processing facility (EDV). The fire control device (F) tracks the target (Z), the data processing facility (EDV) continuously performs a lead calculation, and the weapon barrel (B) is aimed on the basis of the lead calculation. From the weapon (W), the data processing facility (EDV) receives a signal about the actual direction (&bgr;eff) of the aimed weapon barrel (B) from the view of the weapon (W). It calculates the intended direction (&bgr;*) for the weapon barrel (B) from the view of the weapon (W), as well as the aiming error (&rgr;) as a difference between the actual direction (&bgr;eff) and the intended direction (&bgr;*). An image recording device (V) records images of the target (Z).

Abstract: A method and device for judging the aiming error of a weapon system and a use of the device are disclosed. The weapon system includes a fire control device (F) for tracking a target (Z), a weapon (W) having a weapon barrel (B), aiming means for aiming the weapon barrel (B), and a data processing facility (EDV). The fire control device (F) tracks the target (Z), the data processing facility (EDV) continuously performs a lead calculation, and the weapon barrel (B) is aimed on the basis of the lead calculation. From the weapon (W), the data processing facility (EDV) receives a signal about the actual direction (&bgr;eff) of the aimed weapon barrel (B) from the view of the weapon (W). It calculates the intended direction (&bgr;*) for the weapon barrel (B) from the view of the weapon (W), as well as the aiming error (&rgr;) as a difference between the actual direction (&bgr;eff) and the intended direction (&bgr;*). An image recording device (V) records images of the target (Z).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension device (4) for connecting an item of on-board equipment (2) to the structure (3) of a vehicle, particularly a rotary-wing aircraft, said suspension device (4) comprising first and second parts (5, 6) shaped in the form of plates and capable of being fixed to said structure (3) and to said item of equipment (2), and suspension means (7) which are arranged between said first and second parts (5, 6). According to the invention, the suspension device (4) additionally comprises a locking system (20) capable of bringing the suspension device (4) into one of two positions: a locked position in which the locking system (20) immobilizes the first and second parts (5, 6) one with respect to the other, and an unlocked position in which the locking system (20) releases said parts (5, 6) so that they can move relative to one another, and means (21) for controlling the locking system (20).