AU2019341417A1

AU2019341417A1 - Protected gunner's sight

Info

Publication number: AU2019341417A1
Application number: AU2019341417A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Rüdiger Britzen
Original assignee: Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH
Current assignee: Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH
Priority date: 2018-09-19
Filing date: 2019-08-20
Publication date: 2021-03-18
Also published as: DE102018122973A1; US20210325151A1; EP3853547B1; EP3853547A1; KR102709097B1; WO2020057881A1; KR20210060510A

Abstract

The invention relates to a gunner's sight having a housing, wherein the housing has at least one opening. The housing therefore is not arranged completely around the gunner's sight. At least one sight is arranged in the housing and its line of sight leads out from the opening. Also provided is at least one protection element which is at least partially transparent. The protection element can therefore constitute protection for the gunner's sight and can, nevertheless, guarantee the continued functioning of the gunner's sight as a result of the transparency of the protection element.

Description

WO 2020/057881 -1- PCT/EP2019/072257

Protected Gunner's Sight

The present invention relates to a gunner's sight, such as that in particular to be used on military vehicles. The gunner's sight acts as a visual aid to the sighted target. The target can thus be accurately detected, for example to aim a weapon at it.

As the gunner's sight is thus a sensitive element when targeting a target in a combat situation, it is necessary to protect this.

In the context of anti-tank defense, it is generally taught to dazzle armored forces, for example military vehicles, in such a way that the gunner's sight of the vehicle to be combated is destroyed in such a way that starting or continuing the combat is no longer possible due to the failed and/or destroyed gunner's sight.

The availability of airburst munitions in the large and medium-caliber range has exacerbated this threat to military vehicles, as subprojectiles can now be deployed quickly in large numbers and density, so that the probability that optics will be hit is significantly increased.

Modern gunner's sights have sensitive optical paths and complex stabilization systems due to the high demands on resolution and light sensitivity, so that hitting a single subprojectile is mostly already sufficient to achieve a total failure of the affected optics.

In this context, a gunner's sight is understood to be not only the device for directing a weapon, but also

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the device for guiding the vehicle, the so-called commander optics.

From the prior art gunner's sights are known for this purpose which are provided with protective elements. These can completely seal gunners' sights. However, this also blocks the line of sight of the optics, so that these remain inoperative. Such protective elements are known from DE 10 2013 100 331 Al, for example.

In this embodiment the problem arises that, if the gunner's sight is operative, it is at least partly unprotected and can therefore be disabled by a hit, as mentioned above. Alternatively, the optics are protected but inoperative.

The object of the present invention is therefore to reveal a gunner's sight which can be protected by at least one protective element. This protective element is intended to influence the function of the gunner's sight as little as possible, so that the gunner's sight is protected but operative.

This object is achieved by the features of the present main claim.

A gunner's sight is therefore proposed which has a housing and at least one opening in the housing. At least one optics are then arranged in the housing in such a way that the line of sight of the optics runs through the opening. Due to the proposed housing, the gunner's sight is at least partially protected. The housing can be protected against ballistic action for this purpose, and only the optics producing the line of sight remains unprotected due to the opening.

According to the invention, at least one protective element is now provided, which is at least partially transparent. Preferably, the transparent region of the protective element is reinforced, so that it can also

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withstand ballistic action. It is proposed to use armored glass for this purpose, for example.

The protective element can now be arranged in such a way that it is at least partially located in the opening and thus protects it. In this position the protective element at least partially completes the protection of the housing. The line of sight of the optics then runs through the transparent region of the protective element.

Due to a protective element of such a design, it is possible to protect the gunner's sight from ballistic threats and still keep it functional. The transparent region leads to slight optical performance losses of the optics depending on the material used.

In order to achieve the requirements for reconnaissance, identification, and target capture performance over several 1000 meters, today gunner's sight are designed for very high resolution performance and high light sensitivity. For this reason, the number of elements in the optical path is minimized and the elements are of highly quality.

At the same time, however, in particular the usage profile of armored personnel carriers includes use cases in which the high resolution performance is not required at all due to the short distance to the target. These use cases are overcoming targets (close combat, a few 100 meters) and use in urban areas. In addition, in these scenarios the threat of the effect of small caliber weapons (assault rifle and machine gun fire) increases significantly.

For this reason, the accuracies to be achieved with the optics are often not required at all, so that minor losses in optical performance can be neglected.

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However, in order to allow full performance over a long distance, it is proposed in a special embodiment that the protective element can be transferred from a protective position to a resting position and vice versa. This means that the protective element is at least partially arranged in the opening of the housing in its aforementioned protective position. In this protective position, the aforementioned protective effect on the gunner's sights can be exerted.

However, the protective element can also be placed outside the opening, which corresponds to the aforementioned resting position. In this resting position, the protective element does not fulfill its aforementioned protective function but does not diminishes the optical performance of the gunner's sight due to the fact that it is not arranged in the line of sight of the optics. The protective element can be arranged at an edge of the opening or outside the housing or as part of the housing.

Thus, by the transfer from the protective position to the resting position and vice versa depending on the application, protection for the aforementioned condition of the gunner's sight can be guaranteed or the full optical performance of the gunner's sight can be used.

It is proposed to arrange the transparent regions of the protective element in such a way that in their protective position they are in the line of sight of the optics. Since the gunner's sight can have multiple optics, the protective lens may also be designed with multiple transparent regions so as not to cover any sight lines in the protective position. Therefore all transparent regions of the protective element are positioned so that they are each arranged in a line of sight of the optics in the protective position.

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Likewise, embodiments with multiple protective elements are possible, wherein each protective element then has only one transparent region. In this embodiment, a device is then provided for each optics used. Finally, a protective element can also be provided which has a large transparent region, which can then be arranged in all lines of sight of the optics.

Preferably, the transfer of the protective element from the protective position to the resting position and vice versa is carried out by motor, wherein an electric motor is preferably proposed for this purpose. However, the transfer of the protective element to the various positions can also be carried out hydraulically or pneumatically. Finally, a manual transfer is also possible.

As already described, the gunner's sight may have multiple optics, for example for different wavelengths. Furthermore, gunner's sights may include additional detectors. Such detectors can be laser units, for example for distance measurement, but also various other sensors such as proximity sensors, magnetic sensors, metal detectors, etc. can be integrated into the gunner's sights. In order to protect these against failures, these additional detectors can also be protected by the protective element, such that the protective element is also positioned in the regions of the opening in which these detectors are arranged. Depending on the type of detector, these must then also be placed in a transparent region in the protective element in its protective position or in a region of the protective element in which the protective element is equipped with a material such that the function of the detector is largely preserved.

In another, preferred embodiment it is proposed that the gunner's sight is equipped with shot detection means. These shot detection means do not necessarily

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have to be present in the gunner's sight. Networking can also be used with suitable shot detection means.

By means of the shot detection means it can be determined when a ballistic threat to the gunner's sight occurs. In this case, a warning can be produced with appropriate signals, after which a corresponding operator can then transfer the protective element into its protective position.

In a further preferred embodiment it is proposed that the protective element is automatically transferred into its protective position if a threat has been detected by the aforementioned shot detection means. For this purpose, the connection or networking of the shot detection means with the motorized position transfer of the protective element automatically transfers the protective element from a resting position into its protective position by motorized means when the threat is detected.

The aforementioned automatic transfer to the protective position reduces the likelihood of a failure of the gunner's sight due to a ballistic threat.

In a further preferred embodiment, the gunner's sight according to the invention is designed in such a way that the optics therein are arranged rotatably and/or pivotably. Thus, the optics can cover a larger area than optics in a fixed position in the housing.

Furthermore, it is optionally proposed that the housing comprises at least one sighting window, through which the sight lines of the optics in the gunner's sight can run.

Sighting windows have the advantage that the optics are protected from dirt and dust, wherein the sighting windows alone do not provide protection against ballistic threats.

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In the case of the embodiments with the sighting windows, the transparent regions of the protective element must then be designed in such a way that they correspond to the sighting windows in order to avoid obscuring lines of sight.

Preferably, the proposed gunner's sight is used in vehicles, especially in military vehicles. For this purpose, the gunner's sight may be arranged in the chassis of the vehicle or in the tower of the vehicle. In order to ensure that the widest possible field of view can be covered, it is further preferably proposed to arrange the gunner's sight rotatably and/or pivotably on or in the chassis or the tower.

The gunner's sight according to the invention can be installed on vehicles. This means that it is placed on the chassis or the tower and protrudes therefrom. Likewise, however, it can also be integrated in the chassis or tower, so that mostly only the opening protrudes out of the chassis or the tower.

To transfer the protective element according to the invention from its resting position to the protective position or vice versa, the protective element can be pivoted, rotated, or moved. In the event of pivoting, it is swiveled in front of the opening of the housing of the gunner's sight from outside the housing. It is also possible to bring about the position transfer by horizontal or vertical movement of the protective element. Finally, the transfer of the various positions by a rotary movement is conceivable.

Further features are derived from the attached drawing.

In the figure:

Figure 1: shows a perspective view of a gunner's sight according to the invention.

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Figure 1 shows a gunner's sight according to the invention with a housing 1. The housing does not completely enclose the gunner's sight, so that an opening 6 is provided in the housing 1.

At least one optics 4 are located in the gunner's sight, wherein these are arranged so that the line of sight of the optics 4 runs through the opening 6.

According to the invention, a protective element 7 is now provided, which is implemented to be at least partially transparent. This protective element 7 can now be transferred from a protective position into a resting position and vice versa. In the drawing this happens by the protective element 7 being moved vertically upwards from a drawn resting position, so that the protective element 7 is then at least partially arranged in the opening 6.

The protective element 7 is designed in such a way that it is either fully or partially transparent. In the partially transparent embodiment, the protective element has transparent regions that are not ordered so that no line of sight of the optics 4 is obscured. The optics 4 can be arranged to be mounted movably in the housing 1 and thus the course of the line of sight is displaced by the position change of the optics 4. The transparent regions of the protective element 7 must be designed in such a way that none of the possible lines of sight of the optics 4 are obscured.

The transfer of the protective element 7 from the resting position to the protective position and vice versa can be done manually or by motor. For the motorized transfer it is proposed to use an electric motor or a hydraulic drive or a pneumatic drive. For manual position transfer, a lever or gearbox which is manually operated could be provided.

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The protective element 7 is designed in such a way that it can withstand ballistic effects. This also includes the transparent regions of the protective element 7. For this purpose, it is proposed to design the protective element 7 of armored glass. But other transparent materials are also possible if they can withstand ballistic effects.

The gunner's sight according to the invention can comprise further detectors 5 in the housing 1. If they also require a line of sight or an optical line, the transparent regions of the protective elements 7 in the protective position will also be arranged so that they do not obscure the sight line or the optical line of the additional detectors.

Additional shot detection means are not drawn since these do not have to be arranged in the vicinity of the gunner's sight. They can be networked with the gunner's sight. These shot detection means are capable of detecting ballistic threats and, if necessary, issuing signals so that protective measures can be initiated. Protective measures then also include the transfer of the protective element 7 into the protective position.

Preferably, the transfer into the protective position can be done automatically after threats are detected by the shot detection means.

Also shown in figure 1 are two sighting windows 2,3. The optics 4 are arranged behind these. The optics 4 can be pivoted or rotated and project their line of sight through these sighting windows 2,3. The sighting windows 2,3 have the function of ensuring additional protection, namely from dirt and dust. These sighting windows are fixed in position and completely transparent.

Preferably, the gunner's sight shown is used on a vehicle, in particular a military vehicle. The gunner's

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sight can be arranged on or in the chassis or tower of the vehicle. In order to cover as wide a field of view as possible, it is proposed to arrange the gunner's sight rotatably and/or pivotably.

The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned features. Rather, further embodiments are conceivable. Thus, multiple protective elements could be provided, which can be positioned in front of different sighting windows. The protective element may be located at an edge of the opening in its resting position. However, the protective element may also be placed outside the housing in its resting position. The protective element is then rotated or pivoted or moved back and forth between its positions. A combination of these position transfers is also possible.

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REFERENCE CHARACTER LIST

1 Housing 2 First sighting window

3 Second sighting window

4 Optics

5 Detector

6 Opening

7 Protective element

Claims

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1. A gunner's sight with a housing (1), with at least one opening (6) in the housing (1), with at least one optics (4), which are arranged in the housing (1) such that the line of sight of the optics (4) runs through the opening (6), characterized in that at least one protective element (7) is provided, which is implemented to be at least partially transparent.

2. The gunner's sight as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the protective element (7) can be transferred from a protective position to a resting position and vice versa, wherein in the protective position the protective element (7) is at least partially arranged in the opening (6) and in the resting position is arranged outside the opening (6).

3. The gunner's sight as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transparent regions of the protective element (7) are arranged in such a way that in the protective position they are in the line of sight of the optics (4).

4. The gunner's sight as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transfer of the protective element (7) from the protective position to the resting position and vice versa is carried out by motor.

5. The gunner's sight as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transparent region of

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the protective element (7) is reinforced so that it withstands ballistic effects.

6. The gunner's sight as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the gunner's sight comprises at least one additional detector (5).

7. The gunner's sight as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that shot detection means are provided.

8. The gunner's sight as claimed in any one of claim 7, characterized in that after shot detection by the shot detection means the protective element (7) is automatically transferred into its protective position.

9. The gunner's sight as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the optics (4) in the housing (1) are rotatably and/or pivotably arranged.

10. The gunner's sight as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the housing comprises at least one sighting window (2, 3).

11. The gunner's sight as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the sighting windows are implemented as positionally fixed, fully transparent additional protection elements.

12. A vehicle with a gunner's sight as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The vehicle as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the gunner's sight is arranged on or in a chassis of the vehicle.

14. The vehicle as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the gunner's sight is arranged on or in a tower of the vehicle.

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15. The vehicle as claimed in claim in any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the gunner's sight is arranged rotatably and/or pivotably.