EP0696463A2 - Method and device for transfering payloads to a remote area - Google Patents

Abstract

The water (14) is pored into a container (2) which, by use of a device (1) is fired to the site of the fire. The device is formed as a tube weapon, rod firefighting weapon or similar in which is incorporated a drive cage (15) for accommodation of the container at least during the acceleration phase in the weapon tube (28). The tube weapon is provided with a load space (12) pivotable out of its axis (29) for the drive cage and the container. The drive cage is selectively formed in one piece or is multi-part. In the latter event, the dividing lines run in the longitudinal axis of the drive cage, which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the weapon tube. The drive cage is pot-shaped and has an upper sealing edge, which locates on the inner wall of the weapon tube, sealing in a radial manner. The drive cage is made of glass fibre-reinforced plastics.

Description

The invention relates to a method for moving payloads to a remote location and in particular for fighting fires with suitable fire extinguishing agents and a device for carrying out this method. The invention is preferably, but not exclusively, aimed at combating forest and wildfires in which large amounts of fire-retardant substances, such as water or lime, are to be brought to the place of use with suitable devices.

DE 39 05 118 A1 discloses a device for transporting fire extinguishing agents, which consists of a container that can be brought to the scene of the fire or disaster by rail, road or water vehicles. It is possible to either work with fire extinguishers provided separately on the container at the source of the fire or to use the container only as a transport container for the fire extinguishing agents. Large quantities of fire extinguishing agents can be transported with the container. Such a fire extinguishing system based on an integrated handling, storage and transport system enables quite effective forest and steppe fire fighting in easily accessible terrain.

Furthermore, it is already known from practice to bring fire extinguishing agents into the fire area by airplanes or helicopters. This process is complex, time-consuming and not dangerous for the crews of the aircraft. In addition, fire-fighting water regularly begins to evaporate before it can spread its extinguishing effect in the fire area.

Based on the prior art mentioned, it is an object of the invention to propose a method for the transfer of payloads of any kind and in particular for combating fires and disaster sources (poisonous gases, oil or the like), with which large amounts of payloads or fire extinguishing agents over large Distances can be traveled with sufficient accuracy and in a technically simple manner. It is important that this process can be repeated any number of times and at short notice.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a device for carrying out the inventive method.

These aforementioned objects are achieved by the features of claims 1 with regard to the method and 4 with respect to the device. Inventive refinements and developments are described in subclaims 2 to 3 and 5 to 27.

In the device designed as a low-pressure cannon with a diameter of up to two meters and a barrel length of up to twenty meters, a fire-retardant substance, such as water or lime, is accelerated to a speed of up to 250 m / s in a suitable container. The filled container has a mass of up to ten tons. This mass can be fired with sufficient accuracy at a maximum distance of about five kilometers at the stated speed.

The above values are to be considered as maximum values. The commonly used parameters are: Gun barrel diameter about 1.4 m, Gun barrel length about 10 m, removable mass about 2 tons, Airspeed about 160 m / s and Range about 2 km.

Dabei ist S die gewünschte bzw. geforderte Entfernung bzw. Reichweite, g ist die Erdbeschleunigung und α ist der Winkel zwischen der Horizontalen und der Neigung des Waffenrohres.The required initial speed for the mass to be transported (container with fire extinguishing agents) is calculated by neglecting the air friction, which plays a subordinate role with these large masses and relatively low speeds, from the formula: $$\text{V = √}\overline{\text{S g / <figure-callout id="2" label="sin" filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0005.png" state="{{state}}">sin</figure-callout> 2 α}}$$

S is the desired or required distance or range, g is the acceleration due to gravity and α is the angle between the horizontal and the inclination of the barrel.

With an assumed angle α of 45 ° and a desired distance S of 2 km, a required initial speed for the mass of 141 m / s is calculated according to the above formula. Taking air friction into account, this results in a required initial speed of around 160 m / s.

The filled containers in the weapon are driven by compressed air which is drawn off through a hose from a compressed air tank filled by a compressor. An alternative possibility is the classic drive with a propellant lighter and a propellant powder.

wobei b die mittlere Beschleunigung der Masse im Waffenrohr und s die Waffenrohrlänge ist. Bei einer innenballistischen Masse von zwei Tonnen, einem Durchmesser des Waffenrohres von 1,4 m, einer Waffenrohrlänge von 10 m und einem mittleren Gasdruck von 17 bar ergibt sich eine Geschwindigkeit von 161 m/s, was wieder zu der Reichweite von 2 km führt.The achievable speed v of the filled containers is calculated from the formula: $$\text{v = √}\overline{\text{2bs}}$$

where b is the average acceleration of the mass in the barrel and s is the barrel length. With an internal ballistic mass of two tons, a diameter of the gun barrel of 1.4 m, a gun barrel length of 10 m and an average gas pressure of 17 bar, this results in a speed of 161 m / s, which again leads to a range of 2 km.

With the method according to the invention and the same device, there is no danger to the operators, who can regularly stay at a great distance from the location of the fire. Furthermore, the method and the device have the advantage that even fires in rough terrain, for example in inaccessible mountain areas, can be effectively combated and extinguished.

Figur 1

die Vorrichtung in der Ausbildung als Steilfeuerwaffe, teilweise im Schnitt;

Figur 2

einen Treibkäfig im Schnitt gemäß der Linie II - II in Figur 3;

Figur 3

den Treibkäfig im Schnitt gemäß der Linie III - III in Figur 2;

Figur 4

den Treibkäfig mit eingesetztem Behältnis im Schnitt;

Figur 5

die steilfeuerwaffe nach Figur 1 mit ausgeschwenktem Laderaum;

Figur 6

die Steilfeuerwaffe auf einem Trägerfahrzeug;

Figur 7

die Zündkammer der Steilfeuerwaffe im Schnitt;

Figur 8

die Zündkammer der Steilfeuerwaffe für Preßluftanschluß im Schnitt;

Figur 9

einen starren Geschoßkörper für die Behältnisaufnahme im Schnitt;

Figur 10

eine Draufsicht auf den Geschoßkörper nach Figur 9;

Figur 11

den starren Geschoßkörper nach Figur 9 mit Zündeinrichtung.

Figur 12

die Steilfeuerwaffe mit zugeordneten Tanks;

Figur 13

einen Geschoßkörper in Tropfenform.

An example of the invention is shown in the drawing. In it show:

Figure 1

the device in training as a firearm, partly in section;

Figure 2

a sabot in section along the line II - II in Figure 3;

Figure 3

the sabot in section along the line III - III in Figure 2;

Figure 4

the section of the sabot with the container inserted;

Figure 5

the steep firearm according to Figure 1 with the loading space swung out;

Figure 6

the firearm on a carrier vehicle;

Figure 7

the firing chamber of the firearm in section;

Figure 8

the firing chamber of the steep firearm for compressed air connection in section;

Figure 9

a rigid projectile body for the receptacle in section;

Figure 10

a plan view of the projectile body of Figure 9;

Figure 11

the rigid projectile body according to Figure 9 with ignition device.

Figure 12

the firearm with assigned tanks;

Figure 13

a drop-shaped projectile body.

The device 1 for combating fires or other causes of catastrophes, such as poisonous gases, oil or the like, is designed according to FIG. 1 as a firearm. This steeple 1 (or generally "cannon") is supported by a pressure plate 6 with a ball socket, in which the ball 7 of the rear end of the steeple 1 articulates. This structure is known for mortar weapons. 28 is the weapon barrel and 29 the weapon barrel axis (soul axis). The pressure plate 6 is anchored with its claws 33 in the ground.

The required position of the gun barrel 28 is achieved by supports 8 articulated on both sides of the gun barrel, which are supported at the end on a further pressure plate 9 with claws 34.

For better mobility, the weapon 1 according to FIG. 6 can also be mounted on a carrier vehicle 32. This enables the device 1 to be transported relatively quickly and easily to distant fire areas. Road, rail, water and air vehicles are suitable as carrier vehicles. Both in use on the carrier vehicle and in stationary use, the supports are mechanically or hydraulically positioned and the pressure plates 6 and 9 are used to absorb high recoil forces. This always applies when the carrier vehicle is to fire directly.

To support the container 2 during the acceleration phase in the gun barrel 28, a sabot 15 is used as a corset, which separates from the barrel 2 after leaving the gun barrel 28 and then quickly goes down due to its high air resistance and low mass. The sabot 15 is reusable several times. The sabot 15 is optionally formed in one part or in several parts. In order to achieve a better separation of the sabot 15 from the container 2, it is advisable to divide the sabot 15 in the longitudinal direction, as indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The individual parts of the sabot 15 are assembled before being inserted into the weapon barrel 28 and are thereby fixed by adjusting bolts 23. Instead of the adjusting bolt 23 with a bore, a tongue and groove system is alternatively also conceivable. The parts of the sabot 15 are made of plastic or glass fiber reinforced plastic by injection molding.

An alternative to the sabot 15 is shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11. Here a rigid projectile body 13 is used, on the outer surface of which winding tail plates 16 are attached for stabilization during the flight through the air.

The container 2 with the fire extinguishing agents 14 is inserted into the projectile body 13.

In the case of using the container 2 in the sabot 15, stabilization for the container 2 flying alone is not necessary, since the container itself forms a spherical teardrop shape during the flight phase due to its elastically deformable material, for example rubber.

• Ausschwenken des Laderaumes 12 mechanisch, maschinell oder manuell oder hydraulisch
• Einbringen des Treibkäfigs 15 in den Laderaum 12
• Einbringen des Behältnisses 2 in den Treibkäfig 15 (oder Einbringen des starren Geschoßkörpers 13)
• Einfüllen der Feuerlöschmittel 14 bzw. der feuerhemmenden Stoffe durch die verschließbaren Öffnungen 17 oder 18 des Behältnisses 2 bzw. des Geschoßkörpers 13
• Verschließen des Behältnisses 2 bzw. des Geschoßkörpers 13 mit an sich bekannten Verschlußmitteln (Stopfen oder dergleichen)
• Einschwenken des Laderaumes 12 und Fixieren des Laderaumes von Abschuß mit Bolzen 20 in den vorgesehenen Laschen 21 außen an der Vorrichtung 1.

In order to be able to better load the payload (fire extinguishing agent 14) into the device 1, a loading space 12 which can be swung out from the longitudinal axis 29 of the weapon barrel 28 is provided in the lower region of the device 1. The device can be loaded with fire extinguishing agents 14 as follows:

• Swinging out of the loading space 12 mechanically, mechanically or manually or hydraulically
• Introducing the sabot 15 into the cargo hold 12
• Inserting the container 2 into the sabot 15 (or inserting the rigid projectile body 13)
• Filling the fire extinguishing agent 14 or the fire-retardant substances through the closable openings 17 or 18 of the container 2 or the projectile body 13
• Closing the container 2 or the projectile body 13 with closure means known per se (stopper or the like)
• Swiveling in the loading space 12 and fixing the loading space from firing with bolts 20 in the provided tabs 21 on the outside of the device 1.

Thereupon the pressure build-up (low pressure) takes place in the weapon barrel 28 and the acceleration of the payload by the released compressed air or by the powder gases released by ignition of the propellant charge powder 31.

After leaving the gun barrel 28, the sabot 15 separates from the container 2 in the manner described above.

The sabot 15 has an upper sealing edge 22 which rests in the weapon barrel 28 in a radially sealing manner. The pressure chamber (ignition chamber 5) is thus sealed in the direction of the weapon barrel muzzle. The gas pressure acts up to below the sealing edge 22 and also laterally on the sabot 15, whereby a lightweight construction of the sabot 15 is possible because of the good distribution of forces.

After the end of the ballistic flight, the container or the projectile body 13 falls to the ground and bursts. As a result, the fire extinguishing agents 14 are effective directly in the fire area.

A still improved distribution of the fire extinguishing agent results from the fact that the container 2 or the projectile body 13 with the container 2 is disassembled by an igniter 25 with connected explosive charge 24. A timer can be used as the igniter 25, which is timed before firing and activated by the physical forces (acceleration and gas pressure) when firing from the barrel 28. The container 2 or the projectile body 13 is disassembled after a set time. Alternatively, a detonator can also be used, which detonates the inserted explosive charge at a predetermined distance when approaching the ground and thereby optimally distributes the fire extinguishing agents 14 in the fire area. In another alternative, impact detonators can also be used. The ignition systems described are all general prior art.

With this invention, as an alternative to the previous fire-fighting methods, such as the use of helicopters and airplanes as a means of transport for extinguishing masses or the use of hose systems, a new concept is proposed, which is characterized by a considerable increase in performance by moving large extinguishing masses at great distances with a low-pressure cannon with a large caliber distinguished. A significant increase in performance is also achieved by generating the finest drops of water and thus converting the heat of vaporization to lower the temperature at the source of the fire. The air / gas temperature is below the ignition temperature of the fuel, which leads to an interruption of the fire process.

Due to the high impact speed in the target area, a good distribution of the extinguishing mass is achieved. In addition, the use of detonators means that extinguishing is possible from above the air from a predetermined height possible.

The new system can be used to fight wildfires at military training areas and in inaccessible, alpine areas as well as fires from ammunition depots, aircraft fires, industrial fires and on tank farms.

Another important area of application is the transportation of food, medication and other aids, which have to be moved to a distant and difficult to access place under time pressure.

FIG. 12 schematically shows that tanks 35 for receiving compressed air as the drive medium for the fire extinguishing agent 14 are arranged on both sides of the weapon barrel 28 of the firearm. Instead of compressed air, other substances, for example liquid air, liquid oxygen or hydrocarbon, can also be used. The drive medium is introduced into the ignition chamber 5 through the lines 37 after the valves 36, which are designed as slide or piston valves, are opened.

In order to achieve favorable flight properties for the container 2 or the projectile body 13, the container 2 (projectile body 13), which consists of plastically and / or elastically deformable material such as rubber or the like, can be designed in the form of drops. The sabot 15 is dropped in the flight phase. A stabilizer 38 (stabilizing wing) serves to stabilize the container 2. Furthermore, a rod 39 can be inserted in the longitudinal axis inside the container 2 or the projectile body 13. The rod 39 can be variable in the longitudinal extent by using a spring. Finally, the front part of the container 2 can be created approximately from the height of the sabot 15 as a hollow chamber 40, into which, for example, a plastic, such as polystyrene or others, is introduced, which likewise maintains the favorable form of flight of the container 2 or the projectile body 13 contributes.

Claims (27)

Method of moving payloads to a remote location
characterized,
that the payloads (14) are filled into containers (2), which are moved with a suitable device (1) over predeterminable distances with sufficient accuracy to the target area and release the payload (14) in the target area. A method according to claim 1, in particular for fighting fires with suitable fire extinguishing agents,
characterized,
that the fire extinguishing agents (14) are filled into containers (2) which are brought into the fire area over a predeterminable distance by means of a suitable device (1) with sufficient accuracy and release the fire extinguishing agents (14) in the fire area. The method of claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
that the containers (2) either break through an impact in the fire area or are disassembled by external means (24, 25) at a predeterminable distance or time before or by the ground impact and release the fire extinguishing agent (14). Device for carrying out the method for moving payloads to a remote location, in particular for fighting fires with suitable fire extinguishing agents,
characterized,
that the device (1) is designed as a tubular weapon, high-force firearm or the like, into which a sabot (15) for receiving the containers (2) is inserted at least during the acceleration phase in the weapon barrel (28). Device according to claim 4,
characterized,
that the device (1) designed as a tubular weapon is provided with a loading space (12) for the sabot cages (15) and containers (2) which can be swung out from the weapon barrel axis (29). Device according to claim 4 or 5,
characterized,
that the sabot (15) is optionally formed in one piece or in several parts, the dividing lines in the case of multipartism extending in the longitudinal axis of the sabot (15) which corresponds to the longitudinal axis (29) of the weapon barrel (28). Device according to one of claims 4 to 6,
characterized,
that the sabot (15) is essentially pot-shaped and has an upper sealing edge (22) which bears radially sealingly against the inner wall of the weapon barrel (28). Device according to one of claims 4 to 7,
characterized,
that the sabot (15) has in its longitudinal axis, externally attached webs (30). Device according to one of claims 4 to 8,
characterized,
that the sabot (15) made of plastic, in particular from a glass fiber reinforced plastic is formed. Device according to claim 4,
characterized,
that the containers (2) are formed from at least flame-retardant material. Device according to claim 4 or 10,
characterized,
that the containers (2) are formed from elastically deformable material. Device according to one of claims 4, 10 or 11,
characterized,
that the containers (2) are drop-shaped. Device according to claim 4,
characterized,
that an ignition chamber (5) is provided in the device (1), which is designed as a tubular weapon or high-powered firearm, which is operatively connected by means of a line to a compressed air tank (27) with a connected compressor (26). Device according to claim 4,
characterized,
that an ignition chamber (5) is provided in the device (1), which is designed as a tubular weapon or a high-powered firearm, into which a propellant charge powder (31) with a propellant charge lighter (4) can be inserted. Device according to claim 14,
characterized,
that the propellant charge system is designed as a high-low pressure system, in which the propellant charge powder (31) burns in a high pressure chamber and the powder gases released flow through holes in a low-pressure chamber and accelerate the containers (2) or the drive cages (15). Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the weapon barrel (28) of the device (1) consists of an inner liner made of steel, which is wrapped with glass fibers soaked in epoxy resin. Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the device (1) is supported in the rear area by a pressure plate (6) with a ball socket, into which the spherical end (7) of the device (1) is inserted. Device according to claim 4,
characterized,
that the fire extinguishing means (14) are introduced in a rigid floor (13) which has on its outer body winding tail plates (16) for stabilization during the flight phase. Device according to claim 4,
characterized,
that for better distribution of the fire extinguishing agent (14) the containers (2) or the projectile (13) are provided with an explosive charge (24) which are detonated by means of an igniter (25). Device according to claim 19,
characterized,
that the igniter (25) is optionally a time fuse, a distance fuse or a impact fuse. Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that several sub-containers with an explosive charge or detonating cord are placed in a container (2), the container (2) being disassembled after a predetermined flight time or flight distance and releasing the sub-containers, which in turn after a predetermined flight time or distance by means of the explosive charge or the detonating cord can be dismantled. Device according to claim 4,
characterized,
that the acceleration of the containers (2) in the weapon barrel (28) by injecting and igniting hydrocarbons and liquid air or liquid oxygen in the ignition chamber (5). Device according to claim 4,
characterized,
that the device (1) is an aircraft. Device according to claim 4 or 23,
characterized,
that the containers (2) can be dropped from the aircraft by opening the sabot (15). Device according to one of claims 4, 5, 13 or 14,
characterized,
that the device (1) can be mounted on a carrier vehicle (32) and can be brought into the firing position on the carrier vehicle (32) by suitable means (10, 11). Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that tanks (35) with a propellant are directly assigned to the ignition chamber (5) in the lower part of the weapon barrel (28) on both sides by means of a feed line (37) and valve (36). Device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the container (2) or the projectile body (13) is formed from a plastically deformable material in teardrop shape, suitable means (39, 40) being used to stabilize the teardrop shape and optionally an additional tail unit (38) at the rear of the Container (2) or the projectile body (13) is provided.

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