EP0677717B1 - Projectile remotely controlled by means of a laser guiding beam - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a projectile according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a projectile is from the Patent Abstracts of Japan, Vol. 18, No. 314 (M-1621) from June 15, 1994 to JP-A-06 066 499. To the wall thickness of the It is intended to be able to lay down the gun smaller, the propellant charge only dimensioned so that the projectile actually leaves the tube. The warhead of the projectile is a winged KE rod, the one to take up the discharge pressure of the propellant charge with a three-part Sabot is populated, which is thrown off after the pipe exit. Then an engine located in front of the warhead is fired, the accelerating the KE rod, the one at the rear of the engine - by surrounded the employed gas outlet nozzles - is rigidly coupled. The KE staff must therefore first penetrate the engine when it is armored Ogive hits the armor of a target. By acceleration after exiting the gun barrel, the kinetic energy of this warhead is released increased - but then a significant amount of energy is lost again, if the KE rod the not yet burnt-out engine and its thick-walled Ogive penetrates, only to have an effect on the target object afterwards can.

US-A-4 537 371 is a small-caliber explosive device for aerial combat known, which to increase the probability of hits via a beamrider control can be maneuvered. To carry out the change of direction without the need to bring in energy sources for a rudder control system, a valve-controlled dynamic pressure system is provided, which is via an annular nozzle at the projectile tip and an annular channel between the projectile shell and the warhead (Explosive charge) is pressurized. It becomes dependent of desired shear forces through obliquely backwards opening nozzles blown off specifically so that it is suitable for performing the maneuvers no aerodynamic rudder required.

Regarding large-caliber projectiles, DE-A-41 37 843 states that they can be controlled remotely via the lookout group in the command post of a main battle tank can, if in the beam path of the laser rangefinder, which is directed towards the target anyway a modulatable laser beam is faded in then serves as a remote control beacon.

The present invention has for its object to provide a projectile that by means of such a superimposition of a guide beam in the beam path of the range finder can be remotely controlled and optimally beyond this cost advantage a variable application scenario can be adapted.

This object is achieved in that the generic projectile also has the features of the labeling part of the main claim.

According to this solution, it is one from the main weapon barrel Main battle tank like a conventional projectile; but then that after the launch not ballistic, but by means of a marching engine and consequently, it is brought to the destination over a considerably greater distance, that is like a laser-guided-missile. About this in the laser rangefinder Coupled guide beam then also becomes ignition information transmitted if the warhead is not intended to strike or time is.

The full-caliber warhead and the one as a march engine serving full-caliber rocket engine are axially against each other offset between the rear section and the ogive of the projectile. There is a sheathed warhead in front of the march engine, but a warhead with beam-forming shaped charge insert behind the (then coaxial with a beam channel if necessary) March engine arranged; being in the latter Case before the march engine still a summons with jet or projectile-forming insert for clearing reactive armor in the area affected by the immediate subsequent shaped charge beam provided can be. Sufficient standoff for the subpoena and for the optimal formation of the shaped charge beam without extending the projectile yields a face Telescopic probe that can be extended from the ogive as a pre-installed one Impact contact.

Because the propellant charge is not for ballistic bridging a very short distance is sufficient Propellant volume to push out the projectile from the barrel of the main weapon of a main battle tank. Lack the high launch accelerations that otherwise occur with a barrel weapon simplifies the constructive Interpretation of the projectile at hand. Is timed after the pipe exit the march engine ignited to keep the projectile at mission speed until it still ballistic after the rocket motor burned out flies on. In addition, canard rudders are first folded as well as snorkels for their back pressure motor the projectile shell is pivoted out.

At the same time there is a protective cap behind the projectile tail section thrown off, so that initially around the projectile shell wrapped, slightly adjusted stabilizing wing can unfold and the laser sensor to Receiving position information from the beacon steering field is released. The laser guide beam remote control is not essential due to the exhaust gases from the rocket engine disabled, especially if it is z. B. a solid-fuel head torch with laterally inclined nozzles in the middle to front area of the projectile (depending on Warhead position relative to the march engine) acts.

The projectile can go deep from the gun barrel Immerse in the propellant charge cartridge as the annular space outside the projectile and behind its bottom for the small amount of propellant charge for comparatively slow start is sufficient. To the pipe after the launch to get rid of flue gases quickly expediently an inert gas cartridge in the propellant charge integrated for blowing out.

The initialization of the power supply and the Orientation sensors for the control device of the Projectile is fired after loading into the barrel of the fire head, just before lighting the Propellant charge, through a contact in the tailgate floor through the protective hood.

With a two-part, i.e. with separate propellant charge the ammunition to be fired is not for the cartridge required axial space behind the rear part of the projectile bridged by a contact plunger, by means of which electrical initialization again from the bottom of the cartridge the power supply and the orientation sensors he follows.

So ammunition is created depending on the design and location, i.e. by mere exchange, of the warhead in terms of the march engine in very different ways tactical scenarios can be used. The different Representatives of this family of ammunition are complete stowable just like the imported barrel weapon ammunition and manageable - with the further advantage that the projectiles despite the ammunition family according to the invention essential increased range a lower mechanical Experience launch load and through the laser remote control for web guidance and if necessary for one Ignition triggering can be used much more precisely. The semi-autonomous targeting does not require an expensive search head in the projectile. If this matches the goal approximates the line of sight of excessive trajectory, so that a focus of the beacon on the closer target environment only in the last approximation phase the probability of detection is correspondingly low and a correction of the target selection at a late stage of approach possible. Therefore with the invention Projectiles technically unproblematic an economic Combat value increase of large-caliber barrel weapons achievable.

Fig. 1

in mittig abgebrochener Längsschnittdarstellung das tief in die Patrone eintauchende Projektil in Stau- und Startkonfiguration,

Fig. 2

ein Projektil entsprechend der Darstellung in Fig. 1, aber mit abgewandeltem Gefechtskopf und in Marschkonfiguration, sowie

Fig. 3

in ebenfalls mittig abgebrochener Längsschnittdarstellung eine getrennte Ausstoßladung für ein Projektil nach Fig. 1 (ohne integrierte Patrone) oder nach Fig. 2.

Additional alternatives and further developments as well as further features and advantages of the invention result from the further claims and, also taking into account the explanations in the summary, from the following description of highly abstracted and not fully drawn to scale preferred implementation examples in the drawing, restricted to the essentials solution according to the invention. The drawing shows:

Fig. 1

the projectile immersed deeply in the cartridge in the stowage and start configuration,

Fig. 2

a projectile as shown in Fig. 1, but with a modified warhead and in marching configuration, and

Fig. 3

in a longitudinal sectional view, likewise broken off in the middle, a separate ejection charge for a projectile according to FIG. 1 (without integrated cartridge) or according to FIG. 2.

The remote-controlled projectile 11 has the caliber of a tubular ammunition and is therefore like this without any change requirements can be carried in a battle tank, for example and loadable in its main armament in the same way, so can be brought out of its tube, what diameter and Length of the projectile 11 concerns.

Behind one on target approach or serve or on a remote control ignition command responding ignition device 12 in the ogive 13 is a control device 14 for at least two diametrically opposite and preferably arranged rigidly coupled canard oars 15, who fed their energy from a snorkel 16 refer to the pneumatic dynamic pressure motor 17. How from the comparison of FIG. 1 with FIG. 2 can be seen Rudder 15 and snorkel 16 in the storage and launch position folded behind the outer contour of the projectile 11, but unfolded in the cruise so that they then by the flow along the projectile shell 18 become. The electrical power supply 19 for the control device 14 and its orientation sensor system 20 (with a g-sensor for determining the position of the outlet in the tube and an adjusting rollage sensor) and for the electrical ignition triggering behind the ignition device 12, but also in whole or in part be arranged in the rear part 21 of the projectile 11.

Axially offset against each other and practically that filling the entire caliber within the projectile casing 18 are a warhead 22 and a marching engine 23 between Control device 14 including dynamic pressure motor 17 in the ogive 13 on the one hand and on the other hand the rear part 21 arranged. The march engine 23 is a solid end-burner designed, the combustion chamber in the direction of flight via a deflection device 24 in a number of Nozzles 25 opens, the periphery along the shell 18 against each other are offset and acute-angled with reference to the projectile longitudinal axis 26 inclined towards the tail part 21 open through the shell 18.

If the projectile is used against not or against semi-hard armored targets (like utility vehicles or Helicopter) is to be used, then it is with a Warhead 22 equipped, its explosive charge 27th arranged in front of the marching engine 23 and with a Splinter shell 28 is surrounded, which is preferably preformed Contains fragments, namely as shown in the steel sleeve 28 integrated and laterally radially outgoing Cubes 29 and axially acting balls 31 in the convex-spherical warhead-forehead 30 and possibly behind also an insert of axially outgoing balls 31. The explosive charge 27 can with the safety device in focus 32 via a detonator 33 from the ignition device 12 mission-dependent (via a timer, an impact detonator, a self-immolation order, or remotely controlled). For use against hard-armored targets is, otherwise the same, Projectile 11 in its warhead 22 with a jet-forming cone insert 34 in front of an inert Detonation wave deflector 35 equipped and in this Trap the warhead 22 behind the marching engine 23, thus arranged between this and the rear part 21. For a possible undisturbed formation of a shaped charge beam (so-called sting) from the with ignition of the Explosive charge 27 formed insert 34 can now, however the march engine 23 from a central channel 36 be pulled through. This can be in the propellant of the march engine 23 be spared; However, it is more convenient build up and arrange the solid so that first a central channel 36 burns free, its volume thus contributes to the drive power. To increase the effect can determine the free path of the jet from the explosive charge 27 to the target impact point by a telescopic probe 37 can be extended by means of spring force or of the dynamic pressure motor 17 during flight from the ignition device 12 and thus through the flattened front of the Ogive 13 can be pushed out and when the target serves Ignition device 12 triggers.

For effective use against reactive armored targets initiates the ignition device 12 or the sensor 37 briefly in front of the main explosive charge 27 of the warhead 22 first a precharge 38 with beam- or projectile-forming Deposit for local clearing of a reactive Protection immediately before then on the same Place the warhead 22 beam against the main armor comes into effect. That subpoena 38 can eccentric for larger-caliber projectile designs between the control device 14 and the front Opening of the channel 36 may be located to the beam passage to influence as little as possible; for from normal caliber Pipes (105 mm) projectiles to be brought 11, the subpoena 38 is sufficient in the interest Caliber coaxially in front of the marching engine 23 with his central channel 36 arranged, as shown in Fig. 2.

2 backwards, that is behind the marching engine 23, misplaced warhead 22 protrudes the security device 32 with the detonator 33 in the rear part 21 in. Otherwise, this is with a laser receiver 39 in front of a laser sensor 40 behind a central one Bottom opening 41 equipped, by means of a laser guide beam Remote control information from the control center of the Guns to the control device 14 for precise Target control are transmitted.

The rear part 21 is also peripherally opposed to one another offset stabilization flights 42 equipped in the storage and firing position to the Outer wall of the shell 18 nestled in the area of the rear part 21 are and after leaving the launch tube spring-loaded from its retracted position (Fig. 1) swing out into its operative position (Fig. 2). These wings 42 have a low pitch compared to the longitudinal axis of the projectile 26 and thereby convey the projectile 11 during the cruise around the longitudinal axis 26 a low rotation. This is too low to stabilize the swirl to act - the rotation only serves to and to compensate for aerodynamic disturbances during the mission; and in particular the rotation enables with a single pair diametrically opposite each other Rudder 15 (offset in time depending on the rotation) Control in both pitch and yaw direction.

To secure the wings still attached to the periphery 42 and to protect the laser sensor 40 is the rear part 21 surrounded by a cup-shaped hood 43 which in In the course of starting the projectile 11 when leaving the Tube is thrown backwards. An isolated in the hood bottom inserted metallic ring 44 is used as a contact for electrical excitation of the control device 14 immediately before the discharge charge is ignited (see below) for the thermal batteries of the Activate power supply 19 and the position gyro in accordance with the solder detector in the orientation sensor system 20 to initialize.

To the overall dimensions of the inserted tube ammunition to maintain, the projectile 11 is very submerged at the rear deep into his cartridge 45. Because the distance bridging not to the target with projectile 11 must be guaranteed by the start acceleration, but largely the march engine 23 is in Only one compared to ballistic fired ammunition so small amount of propellant charge 46 in the cartridge 45 required that the projectile 11 straight out of the Loosen the cartridge frame and leave the tube reliably what the wings 42 exhibit, the Hood 43 dropped and the marching engine 23 ignited becomes. This small amount of propellant charge 46 can without more in the hollow cylindrical space between the cartridge sleeve 47 and protruding into the cartridge 45 Projectile sleeve 18, including an axially flat one Ring area between the bottom 48 of the cartridge 45 and the bottom 51 of the projectile tail 21 become. The cartridge charge 46 becomes more common Way by means of a central firing pin behind the Sleeve bottom 48 ignited. In doing so, a senior Bridge to contact ring 44 as mentioned above the electrical Initialization (from power supply 19 and orientation sensors 20) before the firing pin takes effect.

In addition, the cartridge 45 in the propellant space at least one inert gas cartridge 49 may be arranged is activated by the ignited propellant charge 46 and for example releases a larger volume of carbon dioxide, around the propellant charge reaction gases as directly as possible after leaving the projectile 11 from the pipe mouth drive out and so the gun, despite the low Suction at low muzzle velocity, quickly to be able to release again for reloading.

The one with the propellant charge 46, compared to one ballistic projectile, low initial acceleration and low muzzle velocity brought out of the pipe Projectile 11 then starts its cruise engine 23, whose reaction gases 50 through the relatively far ahead the rear part 21 lying and oriented obliquely outwards Nozzles 25 laterally (obliquely backwards) from Projectile 11 are aligned so that these exhaust gases 50th the laser beam connection from the command post to the laser sensor 40 in the bottom of the rear part 21 do not interfere critically. So the rocket-powered projectile can be in the laser beam control yourself, as in the above DE-OS 41 37 843 explained in more detail; With remote triggering of the ignition device 12 according to today's parallel application "Remote control device for firing the warhead of a Projectile "(to avoid repetition full reference is made here) if the Warhead 12 does not detonate via impact or time criteria (for example for self-dismantling at not hit target) is triggered.

In the case of larger-caliber barrel weapons, storage and Handling reasons no integrated projectile unit (Warhead) and propellant cartridge more provided but a separate propellant charge 46. Because because the low acceleration required to push out the projectile 11 out of the tube, then the To let the marching engine 23 ignite, as already explained in the present case only a relatively small volume Propellant charge 46 is required, according to FIG separate cartridge 45 has only a small axial length. Your sleeve 47 is now partially made of combustible material. For the initialization contact to the ring 44 in the projectile floor 51 before the launch, that is by the Protective cover 43, a contact plunger 52 is provided, which telescopically engages in the separate cartridge 45 and by means of a coil spring 53, the length difference bridging to a normal barrel weapon cartridge, is pressed against the contact ring 44. Also this short cartridge 45 is again with an inert gas cartridge 49 to blow out the pipe, now through one Support star 54 (for centering the contact plunger 52) therethrough, fitted.

Claims (9)

1. Projectile (11), which can be fired as gun ammunition but with a reduced volume of propellent charge and which is provided co-axially in front of a warhead (22) with a propulsion power unit which is activated after leaving the gun-barrel or tube, its reaction gases (50) emerging through nozzles (25), which are set at an acute angle in relation to the longitudinal axis (26) of the projectile, characterized in that,

   it is fired with the same external dimensions as established large-calibre gun ammunition but with relatively greatly reduced volume of propellent charge (46),

   it is provided with a propulsion power unit designed as a sustainer (23),

   its sustainer (23) and its warhead (22) are disposed in a projectile casing (18),

   its sustainer (23) takes the form of a solid-fuel front burner, its reaction gases (50) flowing through a deflecting device (24), located in direction of flight in front of the front burner, to the nozzles (25) which discharge through the projectile's casing (18),

   its sustainer (23), instead of being located coaxially in front of the warhead (22), can also be located coaxially behind it, depending on the working mechanism of its warhead (22),

   it can be operated by remote control by means of a laser guide-beam, and

   it is surrounded at the back of its rear section (21) by a pot-shaped protective cover (43) which can be thrown off backwards on leaving the tube or barrel, the wall of this protective cover (43) covering stabilizing fins (42), which nestle alongside the projectile's casing (18), and its base covering a laser sensor (40) in the base (51) of the rear section.
2. Projectile according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that
   it is fitted with air funnels (16) which, after leaving the mouth of the tube or barrel, can be swung out from the periphery of the calibre to feed a dynamic pressure motor (17) for the operation of a pair of canard control surfaces (15) in front of fixed stabilizing fins (42).
3. Projectile according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the protective cover (43) in respect of the rear section (21) forms an electrically conductive connection with a contact ring (44) in the base (51) of the rear section.
4. Projectile according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that,
   with the provision of a warhead (22) lying in direction of flight behind the sustainer (23), it is provided in its explosive charge (27) with a beam-forming pointed cone insert (34) for operation via a beam channel (36) which extends concentrically through the combustion chamber of the sustainer (23), in front of which - disposed concentrically or so as to be laterally offset - there is a preliminary charge (38) with beam- or projectile-forming insert which can be ignited just before the explosive charge (27) of the main warhead (23).
5. Projectile according to Claim 4,
   characterized in that
   an ignition device (12) is fitted with a telescopic sensor (37) extending coaxially from the projectile's ogive (13) as advance impact contact for triggering ignition.
6. Projectile according to Claim 4 or 5,
   characterized in that,
   after ignition of the sustainer (23), the central beam channel (36) in this burns itself free or clear.
7. Projectile according to one of Claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that
   a combined detonation and fragmentation warhead (22) is coaxially disposed in direction of flight in front of the sustainer (23) and is provided in its casing (28) with radially outgoing prefabricated fragments in the form of cubes (29) as well as with axially outgoing prefabricated fragments in the form of balls (31) and behind its front end (30) with a further packing of balls (31), the ignition device (12) being capable of remote-controlled initiation by way of a laser guide-beam.
8. Projectile according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that,
   at the rear end, it is sunk deeply into the casing (47) of a propellent charge container (45) and is surrounded peripherally as well as at the rear by a propellent charge (46) in which also at least one inert-gas cartridge (49) is located for blowing the tube clear after the relatively slow emergence of the projectile (11) from the tube.
9. Projectile according to one of Claims 1 to 7,
   characterized in that,
   with a propellent charge container (45), to be charged separately and having a casing (47) which is partly combustible and an inert-gas cartridge (49) embedded in the propellent charge (46), the clear distance to the projectile's base (51) can be bridged by an axially spring-loaded telescopically extending contact ram (52), which temporarily is electrically conductively connected by way of a protective cover (43) in the rear section (21) of the projectile with an initialization contact ring (44) in the projectile's base (51), before the propellent charge (46) can be ignited.

Images