DE3719289C1 - Small combat vehicle system, configured in a modular manner, for wheeled or tracked vehicles (track-laying vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a small combat vehicle system, configured in a modular manner, for wheeled or tracked vehicles, which consists of a plurality of functionally different small combat vehicles which are specially equipped and driven, can be coupled to one another both mechanically and electrically and are additionally armoured by the specific construction and fitting of energy-storing elements. These small combat vehicles can be coupled to form combat units or can also be operated autonomously.

Description

The invention relates to a modular combat vehicle system configured for wheeled or tracked vehicles from several functionally different modular chariots, which each have their own drive system and are able to operate independently as well as with each other can be linked to combat units.

In the near future, the factors will largely determine Threat, mission spectrum, component technology and cost the conceptual range of chariot New developments. Cycling or chain-fighting vehicles are today not only through the direct use of weapons through a series of modern anti-tank weapons in the front and flank area, but are increasingly threatened by Bomblet ammunition, target-seeking submunition (with e.g. Infrared sensors) and intelligent litter mines through indirect artillery operations carried out from below are threatened. These indirect weapons are particularly threatening the previously insufficiently protected areas of the combat vehicles, floor and roof. ("Soldier and Technology", 29. Jhg, volume 4 from 1986, in particular pages 187, 203, 204 and 208 and "Soldier and Technology", 30th century, Book 3 of 1987, pp. 158 to 162).

Combat vehicles were used in the course of development additional weapon systems, additional armor protection and larger engines equipped to fight of the individual combat vehicles. This development led to the armored vehicles being very large and are very heavy that their size makes them lighter to be discovered and fought on the battlefield, that their different combat elements no longer exist  a commander can be controlled that the individual Weapon systems not in the positions that are favorable for them can be used that the individual weapon systems cannot be loosened sufficiently in the area and that if a vehicle breaks down due to fire or defect a great deal of fighting power is lost and the wear and tear of one's own fighting strength through individual hits is therefore very high.

The survivability of armored combat vehicles depends on the probability of location and discovery, the likelihood that the vehicle will be hit and the effectiveness of suitable armor protection. A specially designed chariot concept above all should achieve the following goals:

• - Reduction of the silhouette of a chariot threat-oriented size, shape and training
• - Reduction of passive and active signatures
• - Improvement of the armor protection of the floor and roof of the Chariot.

The reduction of the chariot silhouette mainly happens by reducing the size of the vehicles. As a rule, such small combat vehicles form with very different shapes and training functions put together associations or also modular configured small chariot systems.  

Such modular combat vehicles are already there known and in an essay in "Soldier and Technology", 1983, Issue 5, pages 236 to 241. Although leads here reducing the chariot size to an improvement the probability of survival, however a further reduction in the chariot size is not possible because the chariots don't function differently and were thus relieved of tasks, but still all the familiar functions with one vehicle should meet. By equipping them with internal combustion engines every vehicle offers thermal signatures. A coupling of vehicles is only provided mechanically, so that coupled and also decoupled "daughter vehicles" that have no crew, wirelessly connected, or must be controlled remotely. This in turn has the following disadvantages:

• - Possibility of interference by enemy countermeasures
• - Failure of the dependent modules if the lead vehicle fails or the connection
• - Limiting the module distance to line of sight at Remote control.

There is also a small combat vehicle system configured as a module from an essay in "Soldier and Technology", 1985, issue 3, pages 115 to 118. Here is a Compound of chariots described which function differently equipped and modular. The However, chariots are also equipped with internal combustion engines and have no coupling with each other.  

Here too, the disadvantage is:

• - Hostile detection possibility through heat signatures
• - Interference of the wireless connection
• - Limiting the module distance to sight.

Another solution to reduce the chariot size and separation of the main battle tank functions is through the Swedish cannon tank UDES XX-20 known and published in an article in "Wehrtechnik", 14th century, Issue 11 of 1982, pages 90 to 92. This tank is as Articulated vehicle d. H. the cannon tank is functionally and weight divided into two parts, which by a firm mechanical connection, an articulated steering, are interconnected. Are in the front part the weapons and crew included, the rear part takes the engine, the fuel, the ammunition stock and the automatic loader. This concept offers an improved mobility especially on soft and rugged terrain, better transportation the mechanically decoupled vehicle modules and better ones Protection by special armor of the crew room in the front part.

Survivability is only slightly improved, because the outer recognizable silhouette, like also the heat signature was not reduced.

Another armored vehicle system is under the Name "TILOS" known and in the "International Military Review", 17th century, issue 12 of 1984 p. 1851. It is a logistical system, consisting of a tractor and one or more trailers,  which are not motorized, so only carried in tow can be. Different functions due to the mechanical coupling The system is very versatile applicable and easy to transport in the individual components, but does not improve survivability in any Wise.

The known articulated vehicles also correct in the same way "BV 206" and "Flexmobil" described in "Armada International", Booklet 2 of 1984 on pages 91 to 100 not the problems to improve survivability. They are not full and uncoupled only usable and have large contours coupled or silhouettes. They have mechanical power transmissions and couplings between the modules. Your signatures are not reduced as they are due to conventional fuel-driven motors for IR sensors are responsive.

Based on this known prior art the invention has the task of being configured as a module Small chariot system for wheeled or tracked vehicles to develop that from several functionally different, couplable chariot exists with which the survivability of combat vehicles significantly improved is by reducing the silhouette of the chariot, by reducing signatures and by improving armor protection in the ground and in the roof of the vehicle.

This object is achieved in that each small chariot has a manned operation and Combat area, the drive system from an electrical  The drive consists of batteries is formed and arranged such that they as plate-shaped elements in the roof and floor armor installed in the vehicle sump and by hand by element can be exchanged, and at least one Small chariots an additional power generator having.

Such a modular combat vehicle system for wheeled or tracked vehicles consists of a tactical, technological and logistic family of different Small chariots by mechanical and electrical Coupling as a modular small chariot system with different Configuration can be used.

It comes especially in terms of development nowadays modern sensors and a new type of indirect acting Weaponry aimed at making the combat vehicles so small as possible so that their silhouette is low and they can use natural cover. Furthermore the signatures should be reduced to a minimum. Therefore, in the small chariots according to the invention predominantly electric drives used, so are designed so that the converted volume of each Small chariot is as low as possible. All weapon systems should be in tactically most favorable positions can and should be used as much as possible loosened up on the battlefield and still agile can operate to prevent their wear and tear from enemy Reduce impacts.

It still depends on using the same Technology and the same components in different  Combat vehicles their availability and repair to facilitate, as well as the training effort and personnel requirements to reduce.

A small chariot system configured according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the tactical use determining elements z. B. a conventional armored personnel carrier (Combat area, machine gun, anti-tank guided missile System) the function and thus the technical design determine one small chariot (e.g. group Small chariots) and that these small chariots in their very specific function can be used both individually can, as well as 2 or more small chariots mechanically and electrically z. B. to a "modular Grenadier chariots "can be coupled.

Each small chariot has in addition to those mentioned in claim 1 Facilities through a driver's seat. This is designed so that in individual operation the driver of carry out both forward and reverse travel from there can and in coupled use a driver for driving forward, one responsible for driving backwards is.

The electric drive system of modular small chariots can from a power generator and from accumulators for storing and buffering electrical energy as well as electric wheel hub drives exist. But when Small chariots are then paired in general in such a way that only one of the small chariots over a power generator that the electrical Transfer energy to the other chariot (s)  is stored in accumulators and that of the Accumulators the individual drives of the small chariots be fed. The small chariots, the most mobile must be (e.g. the cannon small chariot if this should also be used as a spy chariot) equipped with a power generator.

Small chariots, which are mainly used stationary (e.g. the group small chariots, if these at the field fortifications of the grenadiers as ABC shelters are available) do not have a generator set. They are only limited when disconnected movable (depending on the loading capacity of the Accumulators). The electrical coupling with the help of a additional cable or the coupling of a small one Power generation module (essentially only one unit and generator in a mobile housing) gives them however almost unlimited operability. Everyone "modular Grenadier Chariot "has a small chariot with power generation unit, is therefore unrestrictedly movable.

Small combat vehicles, which are used as ammunition supply vehicles, are used to transport weapons and those that are either energy carriers or energy stores can transport to improve their survivability can also be armored.

Small chariots can also be used, which elevation systems can be extended in all directions have, with devices for spying and Enemy reconnaissance and / or provided for enemy combat can be.  

The electric drives of the small chariots that come from the Energy stores are fed to the individual Axles, or on the individual wheels or sprockets.

It is particularly advantageous if the energy storage Accumulators designed as plate-like elements that they reinforce the normal armor in the Surfaces of the roof and floor of the vehicle sump installed can be. By doing so, you increase armor protection, reduce heat and radiation signatures and protect against incident radiation from outside. The training of Accumulators as plate elements also allow one quick replacement of damaged elements by hand.

It is known from DE-OS 25 52 520, target and To house observation devices in cavities of tanks; but these are not used to increase armor protection, they only use existing cavities. In the present However, the plate-shaped accumulators are invention used in a double function: they serve as Energy storage and are easily replaceable at the same time Armored elements (adaptive armor).

In the combat vehicle according to the invention, roof and Floor through a layer of electrical accumulators that are easily exchangeable against indirectly acting ammunition protected. These accumulators can be used according to the purpose of the respective module of different technology be and therefore in the protection value (lead accumulators protect and form the crew against neutron radiation from above effective multi-layer armor against shaped charge bomblets) or in electrical storage capacity (nickel  Cadmium accumulators or new developments in housings made of composite materials) while minimizing weight be optimized.

When the threat changes (new detonator or mechanisms of action) or development of more effective materials can be armored by replacing the cover plate or the accumulator configuration slightly increased combat value will.

The number of batteries per module can be just like theirs Technology to be varied. Determining sizes are:

• - maximum or optimal power-to-weight ratio
• - required duration of the independent operation
• - required protective effect.

According to claim 2, the small chariots are together Combat units through fixed and / or variable mechanical and electrical coupling elements connected. This is done the mechanical coupling between two small chariots through two connections, which are controlled automatically be lengthened or shortened that the Coupling itself is an important steering element and one Allows kinking and twisting of the coupling and thus one very high off-road ability guaranteed.

The electrical coupling of small chariots happens through cable connections. These can be mechanical Decoupling the chariots over a longer distance by adding an additional cable secure and wired messaging and enable the deployment of chariots for improvement combat effectiveness and increase survivability.  

The module-like configuration proposed according to the invention Small chariot system for wheeled or tracked vehicles overall the following advantages. Modules of different types Kind of small chariots can be developed and can be used interoperably. In addition, you can small, compact power generation modules are used (essentially only one unit with generator in one mobile housing), with the help of which modules are coupled without a motor be able to move around for a long time. These can be kept ready centrally on the battlefield in the event of failure of motor modules (e.g. cannon Small chariot) coupled with the remaining small chariot to become.

The various small chariots exist depending on the purpose from wheeled or tracked vehicles designed like this are that even small chariots with different Suspensions, e.g. B. coupled to "modular Grenadierkampfwagen" can be. The wheels or sprockets of the Combat vehicles are powered electrically individually. The electrical energy required for this is obtained from accumulators, that every small chariot has.

The main advantages in tactical use are as follows to carry:

• - Great survivability through:
  • + a small size and thus use of natural coverings,
  • + a reduction in signatures,
  • + Opportunities to loosen up,
  • + a reduction in the loss of combat power when exposed to the enemy.
• - selection of the best position for each individual weapon system, thus optimal use of your own fighting power.
• - Easy recovery of failed chariots, if necessary by other small chariots.
• - Simplified field maintenance through technology and Same modules.
• - Interchangeability of operating personnel in the event of failures.

In addition, the expandability of the Systems. There are many possible uses for different small chariot modules. In addition to the already Small chariots mentioned could have the following modules to be developed:

• - Telecommunication car
• - Mortar cart
• - Ammunition supply car
• - mine-laying car
• - Battlefield surveillance car
• - ABC tracker
• - Command post carriage

A small chariot family can be with any the resulting advantages more tactical, logistical and expand economically.

It should also be mentioned that the ease of use the modular mini chariot and the interchangeability of Drivers of different small chariots the training effort reduced. This is especially the case with intended cadres particularly advantageous.  

Another beneficial factor is that achievable cost reduction. Through rationalization effects in manufacturing and because of the fact that each individual module can be designed so that minimal Life cycle costs incur considerable costs be saved.

In the end, armaments aspects also play a role an important role. Leave production capacity because of the identical components and the possibility of Various modular small chariots in chronological order to realize evenly over long periods of time busy.

Below are several embodiments of the invention described with reference to the drawings. It shows

Fig. 1 shows a configuration of a rifle chariot consisting of a cannon and a group small chariot, wherein

Fig. 1a, the side view, partially cut away

FIG. 1b a cross section through the groups of small tanks and

Figure 1c represents the supervision. From the top of the cut configuration.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of a configuration of anti-tank vehicles of medium range, consisting of a cannon and a guided missile small combat vehicle with an elevatable fire control and launching device.

Fig. 3 is an illustration of a configuration of antitank cart long range, consisting of a cannon and a missile small tanks with elevierbarer fire and launching device for missiles long range in the side view,

Fig. 4 shows the basic representation of the small armored vehicle armor by plate-shaped batteries, which can be seen in

Fig. 4a, the cover plate in an oblique view

Fig. 4b a number of armored plate accumulators in oblique view and

Fig. 4c the oblique view of a surface prepared for the installation of plate accumulators.

The configured rifle fighting vehicle system shown in FIG. 1 consists of two coupled vehicles, namely a small cannon car 1 and a group small car 2 . In the examples shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, all small chariots have wheel hub drives 6 , only one type (the cannon chariot 1 ) has a power generation unit 4 . These facts are only to be understood as examples.

The soldiers 8, 9, 10 shown are also the yardstick for the approximate dimensions of the small chariots. They illustrate the particularly small design of the chariots, which reduces reconnaissance and enemy action by reducing the outer silhouette. The operating room or combat area that every small chariot has is numbered 3 . As a particularly flexible combat module, the cannon combat vehicle has an engine and a generator 4 . The installed plate accumulators are shown under 5 in the floor and in the roof of the wagons. All cars have individual electric wheel hub drives 6 . Furthermore, the small chariot 1 has sensors for observation and fire control. The two modules are connected to one another by mechanical and electrical coupling elements 7 . In the coupled state, the rifle fighting vehicle system is steered forward from the first driver's station 8 of the cannon fighting vehicle 1 . The commander 9 of the combat unit sits next to the driver's station 8 . When the system is reversing or when controlling the individual module 2 , maneuvering is carried out from the second driver's position 10 .

FIG. 2 shows an anti-tank combat vehicle system configured as a module, consisting of a cannon small combat vehicle 1 and a guided missile small combat vehicle for medium range 11 . This small combat vehicle 11 has an elevatable fire control and launching device 12 for the two guided missiles of medium range 13 in this example and sensors for observation and fire control 20 .

FIG. 3 shows an anti-tank combat vehicle consisting of the cannon small combat vehicle 1 with the power generating unit 4 and a guided missile small combat vehicle 14 for long-range guided missiles 21 . For this purpose, the chariot 14 is equipped with 3 axes and an elevable weapon system 15 . As an example, this combat module 14 has four guided missiles 21 and sensors for observation and fire control 20 .

In Fig. 4 the system of additional armoring of the small combat vehicles by plate-shaped accumulators is shown. In Fig. 4a is seen in plan view, obliquely from above on the cover plate 16 of the chariot, which may consist of a composite material, possibly with an explosive layer. This is the active armor element.

FIG. 4b shows the juxtaposed plate-shaped, protection enhancing accumulators 17, which separately in case of failure or damage can be replaced quickly and by hand.

These plate members are, as seen 4c, used in Fig. In this in the surface of the carriage, in particular in the roof and floor of the vehicle prepared chambers 18 and placed there on the existing electrical traces 19 and connected. These conductor tracks 19 are embedded in or placed on the surface 22 to be armored.

Claims (2)

1. Modularly configured small combat vehicle system for wheeled or tracked vehicles, consisting of several functionally different modular combat vehicles, each with its own drive system and which are both independently operable and can be coupled together to form combat units, characterized in that each small combat vehicle ( 1, 2 , 11, 14 ) has a manned operation and combat room ( 3 ), the drive system consists of an electric drive which is fed by accumulators ( 5 ) which are designed and arranged in such a way that they are in the form of plate-shaped elements in the roof and Floor armor of the vehicle sump can be installed and exchanged element by hand and at least one small chariot has an additional power generation unit ( 4 ). 2. Modularly configured small chariot system according to claim 1, characterized in that the small chariots can be connected to each other to form combat units by fixed and / or variable mechanical and electrical coupling elements ( 7 ), the mechanical coupling ( 7 ) being carried out between two small chariots by two connections , which is lengthened or shortened by an automatic control system in such a way that the coupling becomes a steering element, and on the other hand improves off-road capability due to the ability to bend and twist and that the electrical coupling ( 7 ) consists of a cable connection which, in addition to signal exchange, is carried out by Adding an additional cable enables energy exchange over longer distances, even with mechanical decoupling.