EP1248066A1 - Ammunition loading method and device for a ship mounted gun - Google Patents

Abstract

The system comprise means allowing three distinct munitions circulation zones to be defined. The first is a reception zone (2) for charges and projectiles and their introduction into containers. The second zone (3) is for the transfer of the containers into an intermediate magazine (10) located between the gun and the first zone. The third is the gun loading zone (4). All these zones are isolated from each other by resistant walls (9,11) defining hatchways (12,14) and there are container transfer means (8,10) from the first zone to the turret (16) then the projectiles and charges into the gun. An Independent claim is included for a loading method.

Description

The technical sector of the present invention is that of the loading systems of a weapon mounted on a ship.

The weapons mounted on a ship have a rate of fire compatible with the handling of projectiles and associated charges. The caliber is generally important and the means of handling are arranged in the vicinity of the weapon. If we handle ammunition made up of two burdens, i.e. one projectile and a separate charge, their handling becomes difficult to manage to feed the weapon. This problem becomes more important when the load is made up of modules of different liveliness. Else security on a ship is not compatible with the presence of propellant charges in large quantities in the vicinity of the weapon. It is therefore necessary to isolate the part of the ship where these loads are stored from the evolution area of the gunmen and provide for a secure transfer.

The object of the present invention is to provide a weapon loading system present in a space isolated like a ship offering a high level of security.

• on isole l'arme du magasin de stockage par des zones distinctes munies de barrières de séparation,
• on dispose les projectiles et les charges dans des conteneurs assurant leur protection la sécurité de manipulation, et
• on prévoit des moyens de transfert des conteneurs pleins et vides d'une zone à l'autre.

The subject of the invention is therefore a method of automatic loading of a large caliber weapon mounted on a ship, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

• the weapon is isolated from the storage magazine by separate zones provided with separation barriers,
• the projectiles and the charges are placed in containers ensuring their protection, safety in handling, and
• means are provided for transferring full and empty containers from one zone to another.

According to one embodiment, at least three are provided separate zones, a first zone in which supplies the store with projectiles and charges that are then introduced into containers, a second zone intermediary in which we operate a transfer of containers and a third area in which the weapon is supplied from containers, these three zones being physically separated from each other.

According to another embodiment, the three zones are arranged vertically.

The invention also relates to a system for automatic loading of a mounted large caliber weapon on a ship and firing ammunition consisting of charges and projectiles, characterized in that it includes means for defining at least three separate ammunition circulation areas, one first area for receiving charges and projectiles and their introduction into containers ensuring their protection handling safety, a second zone transfer of these containers to a store intermediary disposed between the weapon and the first zone, and a third loading area proper the weapon using projectiles and charges, all of these areas being isolated from each other by resistant walls and defining hatches and in that it includes means of transfer of containers from the first zone to the turret then projectiles and charges in the weapon.

According to one embodiment, reception stores for charges and projectiles are arranged in the first area to cooperate with first means and second transfer means in the first zone.

According to another embodiment, the stores are constituted by an enclosure defining housings in which the charges and projectiles are stored and include second means for transferring charges and projectiles in containers individual.

According to yet another embodiment, the second means load transfer consists of a comb provided gripping means and penetrating inside the store to transfer charge modules into a transport container.

According to yet another embodiment, the second means of projectile transfer consists of a pusher transferring each projectile into a container transport.

According to yet another embodiment, that the first transfer medium arranged in the first zone is consisting of at least one endless chain driving containers of charges and projectiles between a initial loading position at one end and one final position at the other end.

Advantageously, the endless chain is mounted on a frame supporting the drive means of the chain endless, said frame being equipped with a third means of transfer of load containers and projectiles between the final position on the endless chain and a intermediate store located in the second zone.

According to another embodiment, the third means of transfer consists of at least one pusher ensuring the translation of the full containers containing the charges and projectiles and empty containers, movable between a rest position and a position extension.

Advantageously, a hatch is interposed between the intermediate store and the first zone, of which the opening is controlled by the push button control.

Advantageously still, a fourth means of transfer integrated in the turret ensures the removal containers full of charges and projectiles in the intermediate store towards the loading means weapon proper and container transfer empty to the intermediate store.

According to another embodiment, the loading means of the weapon consists of a carriage supporting a barrel movable relative to the carriage, the carriage being mobile in site with respect to a structure (C) integral of the turret between a feeding position where the barrel receives the full containers and a position of repression of projectiles and charges in the weapon.

Advantageously, the carriage is integral in rotation of the turret bearing the weapon.

The transfer means define four flows of containers, a stream of full projectile containers and a flow of full load containers directed from the store towards the weapon, a stream of empty projectile containers and a flow of empty charge containers directed from the weapon to the store.

A very first advantage of the process and the system according to the invention resides in the fact that the weapon can be fed automatically without intervention of an operator.

Another advantage lies in obtaining a high rate of fire due to simultaneous transport of the projectile and the charge used to fire this projectile.

Another advantage is the security provided by insulating in sectors or zones isolated from each other other.

Yet another advantage is the availability of a projectile and charge reserve in the vicinity immediate turret giving great responsiveness and an ability to quickly change targets.

• la figure 1 représente une vue schématique de l'organisation du système selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est un schéma synoptique du système selon l'invention,
• la figure 3 représente une réalisation du premier moyen de transfert,
• la figure 4 représente une autre réalisation de ce moyen,
• les figures 5 et 6 représentent une vue du magasin intermédiaire,
• la figure 7 est une vue de l'arme montée en tourelle, et
• la figure 8 représente une position de la tourelle par rapport au magasin de charges.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the description given below by way of indication in relation to the drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 represents a schematic view of the organization of the system according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the system according to the invention,
• FIG. 3 represents an embodiment of the first transfer means,
• FIG. 4 represents another embodiment of this means,
• FIGS. 5 and 6 represent a view of the intermediate store,
• FIG. 7 is a view of the gun mounted in a turret, and
• FIG. 8 represents a position of the turret relative to the load magazine.

As indicated above, the invention provides a method of loading a mounted large caliber weapon on a ship, the weapon being fed automatically to ensure a very high rate of fire. By cadence high firing is meant a rate of 10 shots per minute for this type of weapon. Being on a ship imposes very restrictive safety rules which aim to ensure the safety of this vessel even in the event damage or destruction of the weapon or its mechanisms Power. The invention aims to solve this problem by providing a layout in separate areas by protective barriers and conveying of propellant and projectile charges without intervention manual. Protective barriers allow to isolate the areas between them in relation to an assault of to prevent the communication of a fire by example from one area to another and therefore limit the risk of transmission. Conveying of charges and projectiles aims to eliminate human intervention in a unstable environment of a ship on the sea. Finally, note that the propellant charges generally used are in the form of gargousse or breads (uni-modular loads) fuels which represent a pyrotechnic danger major for the ship.

In Figure 1, there is shown schematically the system 1 according to the invention arranged in zones 2, 3 and 4 with means of transfer from one zone to another. We have defined three areas in the figure but it stands to reason that we could multiply the number of these areas to further increase security. But three zones allow according to the invention to reach the security level wish. In the plan of the figure, we can note a vertical arrangement without this constituting a limitation of the invention. We could of course plan a horizontal arrangement of the system according to the invention. The first zone 2 is a storage zone of a limited number of charges and projectiles. Well of course, zone 2 can be replenished in the event of need from another storage unit not represented. Thus, zone 2 limited by the bridge lower 5 receives two magazines 6 and 7 arranged on the side and other of a second lower transfer means 8 between zone 2 and zone 3. In the figure, the stores 6 and 7 are made integral with the lower means of transfer appropriately and are equipped with means described below to bring the charges and projectiles to the transfer medium 8. The role of first transfer means 8 is to move the loads and projectiles from deck 5 to the bridge intermediate 9. The means 8 has a dimension sufficient to connect bridges 5 and 9 and we will talk in this case height since it is a ship.

In zone 3, there is an intermediate store 10 intended to receive charges and projectiles. This zone 3 and therefore store 10 are isolated between the bridge intermediate 9 and upper deck 11. The latter can be for example the outer deck of the ship. Bridges 9 and 11 are isolated by a hatch 12 which prohibits after closing all communication between these two bridges.

In zone 4, we have placed the weapon 13 which is fixed on deck 11 isolated from zone 3 by a hatch 14 of way as explained previously to isolate area 4 from zone 3. The weapon 13 comprises a barrel 15 mounted on a turret 16. Conventionally, the barrel 15 is movable in site relative to turret 16 which itself is movable in bearing with respect to deck 11 on a crown 17. According to a feature of the invention a medium (C) allows the projectiles and the loads from a low position near the hatch 14 to a high position behind the barrel 15.

It will be noted that the first transfer means 8, hatch 12, magazine 10, hatch 14 and medium C are aligned during transfer operations on a axis (a).

In Figure 2, a diagram is shown functional of the system according to the invention and illustrating the method according to the invention. The projectiles are transferred from store 6 along a transfer line 18 to a loopback circuit 19 in a container cooperating with an endless chain 20 coupled by means of transfer 8. Position 100 shown in the figure shows the place of transfer of a projectile in a container. This chain 20 brings the projectiles into their containers up to a high position 21 and they are transferred to the intermediate store 10. Then projectiles are transferred from the intermediate magazine 10 in the actual loading means of the weapon 13 integrating means C. This flow rising along the chain 20 allows to take charge of a projectile inserted into its container and this stream is combined so simultaneous with a downward flow of empty containers of projectiles. A similar process is carried out for bring the loads inserted in their containers next an upward flow from store 7 to weapon 13 through through an endless chain 22 and the store intermediate 10. Similarly, the chain 22 defines a flow descending from empty cargo containers. On the face, we see that the store 7 includes six stacked sectors which correspond to a filling of six modules of loads.

In Figure 3, there is shown the first means of lower transfer 8 to which the stores 6 are attached and 7. Tray 6 is in the form of a box incorporating a rotating assembly 25 in which the 101 projectiles are introduced manually by a operator. An interface 28 allows this operator to validate the type of projectile introduced into the magazine 6. This set can receive 30 projectiles for example. Each projectile 101 is held on the assembly 25 by clamps 26 in constant support but retractable so to bring the projectiles one by one at a selector 27 secured to the means 8. This selector 27 ensures the interface between store 6 and the transfer chain 20 not visible in this figure. This selector includes also the second means for transferring the projectiles towards the chain. In a variant of embodiment, the projectiles 101 are introduced into containers secured to the chain 20. To this end, the selector 27 allows the transfer of the projectile in the axis of the empty container placed immediately above and comprises a jack constituting one of the second means of transfer to introduce the projectile into the container. Of course, the container includes means allowing the projectile to be blocked. This provision is interesting since the movements ship's erratics do not affect the position of the projectile.

Loads 201 are placed in magazine 7 placed on a pedestal 29. The charges may appear under the form of modules of constant dimensions. For example, six modules can constitute a complete load as this is known in the field artillery. A comb 30 constituting the other part of the second means transfer is secured to the means 8 and is movable between the magazine 7 and the base 29 so as to take the 201 modules in the store to bring them to the base where they are supported by the chain 22 no visible in the figure. The base contains a certain number of receptacles or containers in which modules are introduced using the comb. So the comb 30 can take a certain number of modules from load in magazine 7, usually between 3 and 6, and transfer them to the container located at level where they are kept. This operation can be controlled automatically by the firing line, i.e. that according to operational needs we automatically selects the number of modules to form the load formed. Of course, the module container (not shown) has means allowing its cooperation with the comb 30.

The means 8 is shown equipped with a carcass of protection to isolate the chains 20 and 22 of the external environment in zone 2. Store 7 can contain 180 modules for example allowing ensure 30 shots at maximum range if using six modules every time. Store 7 has an interface 31 allowing the operator to order the store during manual filling operations. The store 7 also has six rotating assemblies with receptacles immobilizing the modules. The system includes also a selector 32 cooperating with the comb 30 to transfer modules 201 to a container integral with the chain 22. It is provided at the selector 27 a console 61 allowing an operator to control projectile filling operations and load modules in the containers.

It is an advantageous embodiment of the invention since the projectiles and modules are transported in a container ensuring their protection and a safe handling.

We understand that the chains 20 and 22 connected by example with the same motorization and constituting a part integral of the first transfer means allow hoist the full containers and lower them empty containers.

In FIG. 3, it can be seen that the transfer means 8 constituting an elevator has at its end upper cylinder 33 for transferring a container 102 of full projectile and container 202 of full loads to the intermediate store like this will be described below and a cylinder 34 provided with a clamp allowing to take the empty container 102 'from projectile and the empty container 202 'of charge in the intermediate store to transfer it to the chain 22. These jacks 33 and 34 constitute the third means of transfer.

FIG. 4 represents an alternative embodiment of the device of Figure 3 in which there is disposed at a different upper level store 6 as well as the selector 27.

In Figure 5, the store is shown intermediate 10 arranged in zone 3 and fixed on the intermediate bridge 9. This store 10 is located under the form of a motorized receptacle 40 centered on the axis of the circular 17 of the turret 16 delimiting for example twenty reception stations for modules and projectiles. These positions are distributed in two circles concentric of which one receives the containers of projectiles and the other the module containers, locked in their containers 102 and 202. So, two stations can be used to transfer one projectile-module couple to turret 16, eight stations to store four couples and the others ten positions correspond to the locations associated with each blow necessary to lower the empty containers from the turret and from the container climb full towards receptacle 40. In this figure, we see the special arrangement of the hatch 12 allowing the communication between store 10 and the means of transfer 8. This hatch has a means of command 41 actuated according to a safety sequence. The receptacle 40 is mounted on a base 42 incorporating rotating drive means. It is obvious that when actuators 33 and 34 are actuated, they introduce module and projectile containers in the barrel 40 crossing the base 42. Good of course, container locking means are provided in receptacle 40.

In Figure 6, there is shown a schematic view of the receptacle 40 rotating around its axis 43. The ten depicted locations are alternately full and empty and note positions 44, 45 and 46. The position 44 of projectile and module containers represents for example the position from which we transfer to the loading device the weapon itself. This transfer is carried out at using fourth means integrated in the turret as will be described below. After closing hatch 12, said means are actuated and they successively or simultaneously transfer a container of projectile full of the intermediate magazine towards the weapon and an empty container from the turret to the store intermediate. A similar process is repeated for load containers. The hatch 14 (fig. 1) is then closed and the receptacle 40 is actuated in rotation to bring the empty position 45 into the transfer position. After firing and opening the hatch 14, the empty containers are returned to store 40 in position 45 after rotation of the receptacle. he goes of course that after the transfer of the containers to the turret, position 44 is replenished using the transfer medium 8. The process is thus repeated for feed the weapon.

In Figure 7, there is shown the weapon 13 mounted on the turret 16 in rotation relative to the circular 17. The turret 13 conventionally supports the barrel 15 by through a cradle and fitted with balancers 50. The 155 mm type barrel is notably equipped with a brake mouth 51 of known type and a stuffing box 52 for igniting modules introduced into the chamber from the barrel. This structure is known in itself and has not to be described in more detail. The turret 16 is mobile in bearing around circular 17 and the barrel itself is mobile in site compared to a sector toothed 53. The feeding of the weapon with projectiles and modules is carried out as follows. A guide structure or means C is fixed in the turret and comes in the form of an arched cage of circle comprising two sides 54 and 55 joined between them and receiving a loading cart 56. This cart 56 is slidably mounted between a feeding position at one end of the structure (C) shown in the figure, called lower position, and a position of loading at the other end, called the high position. Well heard, the carriage 56 is actuated by a means not shown. The carriage 56 drives the during its movement a barrel 57 receiving the empty and full containers. In the lower position, the barrel 57 can be supplied from the store intermediate 10 whatever the position of the turret in elevation and cannon in deposit. Indeed, the barrel 57 in the lower position is aligned with the axis circular 17 on which position 44 of the receptacle 40 is aligned. The turret is equipped with two actuators 58 and 59 constituting the fourth means of transfer cooperating with barrel 57 to withdraw one 58 the full containers of the intermediate store 40 towards this barrel 57 and the other 59 to transfer the empty containers from the barrel to store 40. On the figure, we see that the barrel has four locations 60, two of which are filled with containers at flank 54 of structure C and two are blanks near flank 55. The process is the next. After opening hatch 14 (fig. 1) the two actuators 57 and 58 are controlled, one for collect a container containing a projectile by example to introduce it into the barrel 57 at sidewall 54, while the other actuator pushes the empty container into receptacle 40. In a second time, we perform the same operation to collect a container containing the load modules and for bring back an empty container. When the barrel 57 is provided with two containers, one containing the projectile and the other the modules we control the movement of the carriage 56 to the high position, i.e. behind the gun. Using an actuator not shown, we first transfer the projectile from the container to the weapon chamber then we transfer the modules from container to the room. The firing sequence classic can therefore intervene.

In Figure 8, there is shown a top view of the turret 16 showing the position of the magazine 7 containing the load modules. We see that the turret 16 and therefore the barrel 15 are movable in deposit at an angle of 125 ° on either side of a initial position around the site axis passing through the point C. In the figure, we have also schematized the X axis of barrel 15. We also see the offset of position of magazine 7 in relation to point C at the vertical from which charges and projectiles must to be brought.

Claims (16)

Method for automatic loading of a large caliber weapon mounted on a ship, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: the weapon is isolated from the storage magazine by separate zones provided with separation barriers, the projectiles and the charges are placed in containers ensuring their protection, safety in handling, and means are provided for transferring full and empty containers from one zone to another. Loading method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least three separate zones are provided, a first zone into which the magazine is supplied with projectiles and charges which are then introduced into containers, a second intermediate zone in which operates a transfer of the containers and a third zone in which the weapon is supplied from the containers, these three zones being physically separated from each other. Loading method according to claim 2, characterized in that the three zones are arranged vertically. Automatic loading system for a large caliber weapon mounted on a ship and firing ammunition made up of charges and projectiles, characterized in that it comprises means making it possible to define at least three distinct zones ((2, 3, 4 ) circulation of ammunition, a first zone (2) for receiving charges and projectiles and their introduction into containers (60) ensuring their protection, safety in handling, a second zone (3) for transferring these containers to a store intermediate (10) disposed between the weapon and the first zone, and a third zone (4) for proper loading of the weapon using projectiles and charges, all of these zones being isolated from each other others by resistant walls (9, 11) and defining hatches (12, 14) for passage and in that it comprises means of transfer (8, 10, 56) of the containers from the first zone (2) up to with the turret (16) then projectiles and charges in the weapon. Loading system according to claim 4, characterized in that magazines (6, 7) for receiving charges and projectiles are arranged in the first zone (2) to cooperate with first and second transfer means (8) in the first zoned. Loading system according to claim 5, characterized in that the magazines (6, 7) are constituted by an enclosure defining housings in which the charges (200) and the projectiles (100) are stored and include second transfer means ( 27, 30) of charges and projectiles in individual containers (60). Loading system according to claim 6, characterized in that the second load transfer means consists of a comb (30) provided with gripping means and penetrating inside the magazine (7) for transferring load modules ( 200) in a transport container. Loading system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the second projectile transfer means consists of a pusher transferring each projectile into a transport container. Loading system according to any one of Claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the first transfer means (20, 22) arranged in the first zone consists of at least one endless chain driving the containers (202, 102) of charges and projectiles between an initial loading position at one end and a final position at the other end. Loading system according to claim 9, characterized in that the endless chain (20, 22) is mounted on a frame supporting the drive means, said frame being equipped with third means (33, 34) for transferring containers from charges and projectiles between the final position on the endless chain and an intermediate magazine (10) arranged in the second zone. Loading system according to claim 10, characterized in that the third transfer means (33, 34) consist of at least two pushers ensuring the translation of the containers containing the charges and the projectiles and that of the empty containers, movable between a position rest and an extended position. Loading system according to claim 11, characterized in that a hatch (12) is interposed between the intermediate magazine (10) and the first zone (2), the opening of which is controlled by the control of the pusher and in that ' a hatch (14) is interposed between the turret (13) and store (10) whose opening is controlled from the turret. Loading system according to Claim 12, characterized in that fourth transfer means (58, 59) integrated in the turret ensure the collection of the containers full of charges and projectiles in the intermediate magazine (10) towards the loading means proper said of the weapon and the transfer of the empty containers to the intermediate store (10). Loading system according to claim 13, characterized in that the weapon loading means consists of a carriage (56) supporting a movable barrel (57) relative to the carriage, the carriage (56) being movable in elevation relative to a structure (C) integral with the turret between a feeding position where the barrel (57) receives the full containers and a position for discharging the projectiles and the charges into the weapon. Loading system according to claim 14, characterized in that the carriage (56) is integral in rotation with the bearing of the turret supporting the weapon. Loading system according to any one of claims, characterized in that the transfer means (20, 22) define four container flows, a flow of full projectile containers and a flow of containers of filled charges directed from the magazine to the weapon, a flow of empty projectile containers and a flow of empty charge containers directed from the weapon to the magazine.

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