EP1884735A1 - Firing control device for a vehicle-mounted weapon system and method of implementing such a device - Google Patents

Firing control device for a vehicle-mounted weapon system and method of implementing such a device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1884735A1
EP1884735A1 EP07290864A EP07290864A EP1884735A1 EP 1884735 A1 EP1884735 A1 EP 1884735A1 EP 07290864 A EP07290864 A EP 07290864A EP 07290864 A EP07290864 A EP 07290864A EP 1884735 A1 EP1884735 A1 EP 1884735A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
firing
mode
priority
fire control
speed
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Granted
Application number
EP07290864A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1884735B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Yves Claquin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nexter Systems SA
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Nexter Systems SA
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Publication of EP1884735A1 publication Critical patent/EP1884735A1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G3/00—Aiming or laying means
    • F41G3/22—Aiming or laying means for vehicle-borne armament, e.g. on aircraft
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A19/00—Firing or trigger mechanisms; Cocking mechanisms
    • F41A19/58—Electric firing mechanisms
    • F41A19/64—Electric firing mechanisms for automatic or burst-firing mode
    • F41A19/66—Electronic shot-velocity control
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G3/00—Aiming or laying means
    • F41G3/12—Aiming or laying means with means for compensating for muzzle velocity or powder temperature with means for compensating for gun vibrations
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G5/00—Elevating or traversing control systems for guns
    • F41G5/14—Elevating or traversing control systems for guns for vehicle-borne guns

Definitions

  • the technical field of the invention is that of devices and methods for controlling the firing of a weapon system mounted on a vehicle.
  • the most empirical weapons systems are connected to a fire control device that simply fires as soon as it is operated by the user.
  • the firing line also integrates the signals provided by specific sensors which make it possible in particular to measure the movements of the vehicle or the barrel tube (bow) caused by the acceleration of the tube due to the movements of the vehicle.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for controlling the firing of a weapon mounted on a vehicle and which make it possible at all times to provide the user with the possibility of shooting in the best operational conditions necessary.
  • the subject of the invention is a fire control device for a vehicle-mounted weapon system, which device comprises a fire control means which is connected to a fire computer connected to sensors and which can determine the moment. firing according to data relating to the firing environment and / or to the behavior of the weapon system, characterized in that the firing calculator incorporates an information processing means which provides a calculation of the instantaneous firing method according to at least two different determination modes, a mode giving priority to the accuracy of the shot and a mode giving priority to the speed of shooting, the firing control means allowing the choice of one or other of the modes of calculating the instant of fire.
  • the fire control means may for example comprise a double-stroke button, the shortest stroke corresponding to the mode giving priority to accuracy, the longest race corresponding to the mode giving priority to the speed.
  • the fire control means may comprise at least two distinct actuators, one associated with the mode giving priority to accuracy, the other associated with the mode giving priority to speed.
  • the fire control means may thus comprise two buttons, one associated with the mode giving priority to the precision, the other associated with the mode giving priority to speed.
  • the computer may be coupled to a means ensuring the pointing of an armament to a target target.
  • the computer can be coupled to sensors that provide information on the parameters affecting the accuracy of the shot.
  • the invention also relates to a firing control method of a weapon system mounted on a vehicle, wherein a firing computer connected to sensors determines the firing time according to data relating to the environment.
  • weapon system an operator initiating the firing by an action on a firing control means, characterized in that the operator has the choice between two different firing modes, a mode giving priority to the accuracy of the firing system. shooting and a mode giving priority to the speed of fire, the choice of one or other of the modes by the operator using the fire control means leading the computer to implement at the level of a means for processing the information, a calculation of the firing instant following at least two different modes of determination, means thus ensuring the firing trigger by implementing a different firing trigger condition.
  • the firing trigger condition will be more severe than when the operator chooses the timed firing mode.
  • the trigger condition corresponding to the speed-priority firing mode may be chosen such that the opening time of the associated firing window is less than or equal to half a second.
  • the information processing means may implement algorithms calculating at each instant the error that would be committed if the shot was fired at the moment considered, the means allowing shooting only if the foreseeable error is below a certain threshold, the chosen threshold being different according to the firing mode chosen.
  • a weapon system 1 comprises a tube 2 which is pivotally mounted on journals 3 relative to a turret 4. The latter is itself pivotally mounted about a vertical axis 5 relative to to a vehicle (not shown).
  • Motorization means 6 and 7 respectively provide pivoting in the field and site of the weapon system to allow its pointing towards a target (not shown). These motorization means are controlled by a pointing device 8 which is intended to ensure the orientation of the weapon system 1 to the target.
  • Optical aiming means (not shown) are also used to designate the target, that is to say, indicate its direction to the weapon system.
  • This weapon system is associated with a fire control device 9.
  • the device 9 comprises a firing control means 10 (here comprising a push button 16) which is connected to a firing computer 11.
  • the firing control means 10 is intended to detect a firing order given by the operator.
  • the computer 11 is also intended to determine the firing time based on data relating to the shooting environment and / or the behavior of the weapon system 1.
  • the computer 11 incorporates an information processing means 14, for example an instantaneous firing time determination algorithm and is connected, on the one hand to the pointing device 8 and on the other hand to different sensors 12, 13 which give information on the parameters affecting the accuracy of the shot.
  • an information processing means 14 for example an instantaneous firing time determination algorithm
  • the computer 11 incorporates an information processing means 14, for example an instantaneous firing time determination algorithm and is connected, on the one hand to the pointing device 8 and on the other hand to different sensors 12, 13 which give information on the parameters affecting the accuracy of the shot.
  • meteorological parameters speed and direction of the wind
  • parameters on the weapon's tube geometry deformation or arc
  • weapon system dynamics parameters intensity and orientation of the vector acceleration applied to the barrel of the weapon
  • the skilled person will select the sensors according to the functional characteristics of his information processing means 14 ensuring the triggering of the shot.
  • the pointing device 8 may include different calculation algorithms that use the information provided by the pointing device 8 (information to determine the difference between the orientation of the tube and the target) and those from the sensors of environment (12,13). These algorithms calculate at each moment the error that would be made if the shot was actually triggered at the moment considered.
  • the error can be defined as a difference in meters between the target point and the intended impact point given the shooting environment.
  • the means 14 When the computer 11 detects a firing order given by the control means 10, the means 14 therefore authorizes the firing of this firing only if the calculated predictable error is below a certain level or threshold which is a value or else a set of values characterizing a predefined law giving, for example, the variability of the threshold as a function of time and incorporated (s) in a memory or a register of the computer 11.
  • a certain level or threshold which is a value or else a set of values characterizing a predefined law giving, for example, the variability of the threshold as a function of time and incorporated (s) in a memory or a register of the computer 11.
  • the processing means 14 also incorporates an algorithm for comparing the error calculated with this (or these) threshold (s), which algorithm thus allows to authorize a firing order which is then transmitted to the weapon by the line Firing control 15. It would of course be possible to implement an information processing means 14 of analog type (devoid of algorithms but implementing electronic filters).
  • an information processing means 14 will be implemented which can use at least two different triggering conditions (for example by implementing two values or two sets of different threshold values. or by implementing two modes of calculation different from the moment of shooting).
  • the processing means 14 thus comprises, with relatively simple means, two modes of determining the moment of fire: a mode giving priority to the accuracy of the shot and a mode giving priority to the speed of shooting.
  • choosing a larger error threshold makes it possible to reduce the accuracy of the shot but gives priority to the speed of the shot.
  • This threshold of priority can be defined at the speed so that the opening time of the firing window does not exceed half a second.
  • the invention also incorporates a fire control means 10 which allows the choice of one or the other of the firing modes.
  • the operator will press the command means 10 with a reduced stroke. He can indeed control his firing command and wait for the time necessary for the accuracy to be ensured.
  • the longest C2 run is chosen and it is natural for a user to press the fire button to the maximum to trigger the shot at the earliest.
  • a user can initially prioritize the accuracy of the shot by holding the firing button 16 halfway, then change and trigger the rapid fire by continuing the movement of depression.
  • the information processing means 14 will have its threshold modified (or its modified mode of operation) and will automatically change firing mode.
  • control means 10 made in the form of a pivoting lever, the choice of the shooting mode can then be made according to the direction of rotation of the lever.
  • the shooting can be triggered with priority to accuracy by a clockwise rotation and shooting with priority to speed with a rotation in the opposite direction of clockwise.
  • FIG. 2 thus schematically shows a firing control means 10 comprising two actuators or push buttons 16a, 16b.
  • the push button 16a makes it possible to control the shot with priority to precision (choice of the threshold 16).
  • the push button 16b makes it possible to control the shot with a priority to the speed (choice of the threshold 17).
  • the processing means 14 will retain the threshold corresponding to the priority to the speed (second order given by the user).
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic representation.
  • the control means used may associate an actuator of a given technology for the choice of the "priority to precision” mode and an actuator of another technology for the "priority to speed” mode. and a pedal or a voice command (precision) and a button (speed) ...
  • the pointing device 8 may be associated with an automatic target tracking device.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)

Abstract

The device (9) has a firing control unit (10) e.g. pivoting lever, connected to a firing computer (11) which is connected to sensors (12, 13), where the firing computer determines firing instant with respect to data relative to a firing environment. The computer has an information processing unit (14) authorizing two firing instant determination modes that respectively give priority to precision of firing and speed of firing. The firing control unit selects one mode or the other mode to enable the computer to implement information processing at the level of the information processing unit. An independent claim is also included for a method for controlling firing for a weapon system mounted on a vehicle.

Description

Le domaine technique de l'invention est celui des dispositifs et des procédés permettant la commande du tir d'un système d'arme monté sur véhicule.The technical field of the invention is that of devices and methods for controlling the firing of a weapon system mounted on a vehicle.

Les systèmes d'armes les plus empiriques sont reliés à un dispositif de commande de tir qui provoque tout simplement le tir dès qu'il est actionné par l'utilisateur.The most empirical weapons systems are connected to a fire control device that simply fires as soon as it is operated by the user.

Pour augmenter la précision du tir il est connu de réaliser des systèmes d'armes dotés d'un dispositif de conduite de tir.To increase the accuracy of shooting it is known to realize weapons systems with a fire control device.

Les conduites de tir des véhicules blindés comportent aujourd'hui des moyens permettant d'assurer le tir de l'arme lorsque cette dernière est correctement orientée par rapport à la cible.Shooting lines of armored vehicles now include means to ensure the firing of the weapon when the latter is correctly oriented relative to the target.

Il est ainsi possible aujourd'hui de prendre en compte la situation courante du véhicule blindé afin de déterminer l'instant optimum du tir.It is thus possible today to take into account the current situation of the armored vehicle in order to determine the optimum moment of the shot.

Il est par exemple possible dans une certaine mesure de prendre en compte les perturbations subies par le véhicule lors de son déplacement.It is for example possible to some extent to take into account the disturbances experienced by the vehicle during its movement.

Dans ce cas, la conduite de tir intègre également les signaux fournis par des capteurs spécifiques qui permettent notamment de mesurer les mouvements du véhicule ou du tube de l'arme (arcure) occasionnés par les accélérations du tube dues aux déplacements du véhicule.In this case, the firing line also integrates the signals provided by specific sensors which make it possible in particular to measure the movements of the vehicle or the barrel tube (bow) caused by the acceleration of the tube due to the movements of the vehicle.

Cependant la recherche de la précision du tir conduit le plus souvent à retarder le déclenchement du tir ce qui nuit à la sécurité du tireur.However the search for the accuracy of the shot usually leads to delaying the triggering of the shot which affects the safety of the shooter.

On connaît par le brevet EP1679483 un procédé de commande de ralliement d'un système d'arme d'une plate-forme de tir. Suivant ce brevet les motorisations de la plate-forme peuvent être commandées directement d'une façon manuelle ou bien automatiquement à partir du calculateur de tir. Cependant ce brevet est muet sur les moyens de commande du tir lui-même et sur les possibilités d'améliorer la précision du tir.We know by the patent EP1679483 a rally control method of a weapon system of a firing platform. According to this patent the operators of the platform can be controlled directly in a manual manner or automatically from the fire calculator. However, this patent is silent on the control means of the shot itself and on the possibilities of improving the accuracy of the shot.

On connaît aussi par le brevet US5966859 différents dispositifs permettant d'améliorer le contrôle du tir d'une arme de petit calibre individuelle. Ces moyens utilisent par exemple une analyse du rythme cardiaque du tireur de façon à déterminer le meilleur moment pour déclencher le tir. Ce brevet décrit également un moyen de déclenchement de tir dans lequel un détecteur de cible permet de n'autoriser le tir que lorsque l'arme se trouve effectivement alignée avec la cible. Une telle solution n'est cependant pas transposable à un dispositif de commande de tir intégré à un véhicule car les conditions de tir et les paramètres influençant la précision du tir sont très différents.Also known by the patent US5966859 different devices to improve the control of the firing of a small individual weapon. These means use for example an analysis of the firer's heart rate so as to determine the best moment to trigger the shot. This patent also discloses a firing triggering means in which a target detector permits firing only when the weapon is effectively aligned with the target. Such a solution can not, however, be transposed to a firing control device integrated into a vehicle because the firing conditions and the parameters influencing the accuracy of firing are very different.

Le but de l'invention est de proposer un dispositif et un procédé de commande du tir d'une arme monté sur un véhicule et qui permettent d'assurer à chaque instant à l'utilisateur la possibilité de tirer dans les meilleures conditions opérationnelles nécessaires.The object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for controlling the firing of a weapon mounted on a vehicle and which make it possible at all times to provide the user with the possibility of shooting in the best operational conditions necessary.

Ainsi, l'invention a pour objet un dispositif de commande du tir pour un système d'arme monté sur véhicule, dispositif comprenant un moyen de commande de tir qui est relié à un calculateur de tir raccordé à des capteurs et pouvant déterminer l'instant de tir en fonction de données relatives à l'environnement de tir et/ou au comportement du système d'arme, dispositif caractérisé en ce que le calculateur de tir incorpore un moyen de traitement de l'information qui assure un calcul de l'instant de tir suivant au moins deux modes de détermination différents, un mode donnant priorité à la précision du tir et un mode donnant priorité à la rapidité du tir, le moyen de commande de tir permettant le choix de l'un ou de l'autre des modes de calcul de l'instant de tir.Thus, the subject of the invention is a fire control device for a vehicle-mounted weapon system, which device comprises a fire control means which is connected to a fire computer connected to sensors and which can determine the moment. firing according to data relating to the firing environment and / or to the behavior of the weapon system, characterized in that the firing calculator incorporates an information processing means which provides a calculation of the instantaneous firing method according to at least two different determination modes, a mode giving priority to the accuracy of the shot and a mode giving priority to the speed of shooting, the firing control means allowing the choice of one or other of the modes of calculating the instant of fire.

Le moyen de commande de tir pourra par exemple comporter un bouton à double course, la course la plus courte correspondant au mode donnant la priorité à la précision, la course la plus longue correspondant au mode donnant priorité à la rapidité.The fire control means may for example comprise a double-stroke button, the shortest stroke corresponding to the mode giving priority to accuracy, the longest race corresponding to the mode giving priority to the speed.

Alternativement, le moyen de commande de tir pourra comporter au moins deux actionneurs distincts, l'un associé au mode donnant la priorité à la précision, l'autre associé au mode donnant priorité à la rapidité.Alternatively, the fire control means may comprise at least two distinct actuators, one associated with the mode giving priority to accuracy, the other associated with the mode giving priority to speed.

Le moyen de commande de tir pourra ainsi comporter deux boutons, l'un associé au mode donnant la priorité à la précision, l'autre associé au mode donnant priorité à la rapidité.The fire control means may thus comprise two buttons, one associated with the mode giving priority to the precision, the other associated with the mode giving priority to speed.

Le calculateur pourra être couplé à un moyen assurant le pointage d'un armement vers une cible visée.The computer may be coupled to a means ensuring the pointing of an armament to a target target.

Le calculateur pourra être couplé à des capteurs qui donnent des informations sur les paramètres influant sur la précision du tir.The computer can be coupled to sensors that provide information on the parameters affecting the accuracy of the shot.

L'invention a également pour objet un procédé de commande du tir d'un système d'arme monté sur véhicule, procédé dans lequel un calculateur de tir relié à des capteurs détermine l'instant de tir en fonction de données relatives à l'environnement du système d'arme, un opérateur déclenchant le tir par une action sur un moyen de commande de tir, procédé caractérisé en ce que, l'opérateur a le choix entre deux modes de tir différents, un mode donnant la priorité à la précision du tir et un mode donnant la priorité à la rapidité du tir, le choix de l'un ou l'autre des modes par l'opérateur à l'aide du moyen de commande de tir conduisant le calculateur à mettre en oeuvre au niveau d'un moyen de traitement de l'information un calcul de l'instant de tir suivant au moins deux modes de détermination différents, moyen assurant ainsi le déclenchement de tir en mettant en oeuvre une condition de déclenchement de tir différente.The invention also relates to a firing control method of a weapon system mounted on a vehicle, wherein a firing computer connected to sensors determines the firing time according to data relating to the environment. weapon system, an operator initiating the firing by an action on a firing control means, characterized in that the operator has the choice between two different firing modes, a mode giving priority to the accuracy of the firing system. shooting and a mode giving priority to the speed of fire, the choice of one or other of the modes by the operator using the fire control means leading the computer to implement at the level of a means for processing the information, a calculation of the firing instant following at least two different modes of determination, means thus ensuring the firing trigger by implementing a different firing trigger condition.

Lorsque l'opérateur choisit le mode de tir avec priorité à la précision, la condition de déclenchement de tir sera plus sévère que lorsque l'opérateur choisit le mode de tir avec priorité à la rapidité.When the operator chooses the precision-priority firing mode, the firing trigger condition will be more severe than when the operator chooses the timed firing mode.

La condition de déclenchement correspondant au mode de tir avec priorité à la rapidité pourra être choisie de telle sorte que le délai d'ouverture de la fenêtre de tir associée soit inférieur ou égal à une demi-seconde.The trigger condition corresponding to the speed-priority firing mode may be chosen such that the opening time of the associated firing window is less than or equal to half a second.

Suivant un mode particulier de réalisation, le moyen de traitement de l'information pourra mettre en oeuvre des algorithmes calculant à chaque instant l'erreur qui serait commise si le tir était déclenché à l'instant considéré, le moyen n'autorisant le tir que si l'erreur prévisible est inférieure à un certain seuil, le seuil choisi étant différent suivant le mode de tir choisi.According to a particular embodiment, the information processing means may implement algorithms calculating at each instant the error that would be committed if the shot was fired at the moment considered, the means allowing shooting only if the foreseeable error is below a certain threshold, the chosen threshold being different according to the firing mode chosen.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre d'un mode particulier de réalisation, description faite en référence aux dessins annexés et dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est un schéma d'architecture d'un dispositif de commande de tir selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 2 montre une variante de réalisation d'un moyen de commande de tir mis en oeuvre par l'invention.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of a particular embodiment, a description given with reference to the appended drawings and in which:
  • FIG. 1 is an architecture diagram of a firing control device according to one embodiment of the invention,
  • FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a firing control means implemented by the invention.

En se reportant à la figure 1, un système d'arme 1 comprend un tube 2 qui est monté pivotant sur des tourillons 3 par rapport à une tourelle 4. Cette dernière est elle-même montée pivotante autour d'un axe vertical 5 par rapport à un véhicule (non représenté).Referring to Figure 1, a weapon system 1 comprises a tube 2 which is pivotally mounted on journals 3 relative to a turret 4. The latter is itself pivotally mounted about a vertical axis 5 relative to to a vehicle (not shown).

Des moyens de motorisation 6 et 7 assurent respectivement le pivotement en gisement et en site du système d'arme pour permettre son pointage en direction d'une cible (non représentée). Ces moyens de motorisation sont commandés par un dispositif de pointage 8 qui est destiné à assurer l'orientation du système d'arme 1 vers la cible visée. Des moyens de visée optiques (non représentés) sont par ailleurs utilisés pour désigner la cible, c'est-à-dire indiquer sa direction au système d'arme.Motorization means 6 and 7 respectively provide pivoting in the field and site of the weapon system to allow its pointing towards a target (not shown). These motorization means are controlled by a pointing device 8 which is intended to ensure the orientation of the weapon system 1 to the target. Optical aiming means (not shown) are also used to designate the target, that is to say, indicate its direction to the weapon system.

Ce système d'arme est associé à un dispositif 9 de commande du tir. Le dispositif 9 comprend un moyen de commande de tir 10 (comportant ici un bouton poussoir 16) qui est relié à un calculateur de tir 11. Le moyen de commande de tir 10 est destiné à détecter un ordre de tir donné par l'opérateur.This weapon system is associated with a fire control device 9. The device 9 comprises a firing control means 10 (here comprising a push button 16) which is connected to a firing computer 11. The firing control means 10 is intended to detect a firing order given by the operator.

Le calculateur 11 est par ailleurs destiné à déterminer l'instant de tir en fonction de données relatives à l'environnement de tir et/ou au comportement du système d'arme 1.The computer 11 is also intended to determine the firing time based on data relating to the shooting environment and / or the behavior of the weapon system 1.

A cet effet, le calculateur 11 incorpore un moyen de traitement de l'information 14, par exemple un algorithme de détermination de l'instant de tir et il est relié, d'une part au dispositif de pointage 8 et d'autre part à différents capteurs 12, 13 qui donnent des informations sur les paramètres influant sur la précision du tir. On pourra considérer par exemple : les paramètres météorologiques (vitesse et direction du vent), les paramètres sur la géométrie du tube de l'arme (déformation ou arcure), les paramètres de la dynamique du système d'arme (intensité et orientation du vecteur accélération appliqué au tube de l'arme)...For this purpose, the computer 11 incorporates an information processing means 14, for example an instantaneous firing time determination algorithm and is connected, on the one hand to the pointing device 8 and on the other hand to different sensors 12, 13 which give information on the parameters affecting the accuracy of the shot. For example, we can consider: meteorological parameters (speed and direction of the wind), parameters on the weapon's tube geometry (deformation or arc), weapon system dynamics parameters (intensity and orientation of the vector acceleration applied to the barrel of the weapon) ...

On n'a représenté schématiquement sur la figure 1, que deux blocs 12 et 13. Bien entendu, cette représentation ne préjuge pas du nombre et de la nature des capteurs qui seront effectivement mis en oeuvre.Only two blocks 12 and 13 are shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1. Of course, this representation does not prejudge the number and nature of the sensors that will actually be implemented.

L'Homme du Métier choisira les capteurs en fonction des caractéristiques fonctionnelles de son moyen de traitement de l'information 14 assurant le déclenchement du tir.The skilled person will select the sensors according to the functional characteristics of his information processing means 14 ensuring the triggering of the shot.

De tels moyens sont biens connus de l'Homme du Métier et il n'est pas nécessaire de les décrire en détails.Such means are well known to those skilled in the art and it is not necessary to describe them in detail.

On notera simplement qu'ils pourront comporter différents algorithmes de calcul qui utilisent les informations fournies par le dispositif de pointage 8 (informations permettant de déterminer l'écart entre l'orientation du tube et la cible visée) ainsi que celles issues des capteurs d'environnement (12,13). Ces algorithmes calculent ainsi à chaque instant l'erreur qui serait commise si le tir était effectivement déclenché à l'instant considéré. On pourra définir l'erreur comme un écart en mètres entre le point visé et le point d'impact prévu compte tenu de l'environnement de tir.Note simply that they may include different calculation algorithms that use the information provided by the pointing device 8 (information to determine the difference between the orientation of the tube and the target) and those from the sensors of environment (12,13). These algorithms calculate at each moment the error that would be made if the shot was actually triggered at the moment considered. The error can be defined as a difference in meters between the target point and the intended impact point given the shooting environment.

Lorsque le calculateur 11 détecte un ordre de tir donné par le moyen de commande 10, le moyen 14 n'autorise donc le déclenchement de ce tir que si l'erreur prévisible calculée est inférieure à un certain niveau ou seuil qui est une valeur ou bien un jeu de valeurs caractérisant une loi prédéfinie donnant, par exemple, la variabilité du seuil en fonction du temps et incorporée(s) dans une mémoire ou un registre du calculateur 11.When the computer 11 detects a firing order given by the control means 10, the means 14 therefore authorizes the firing of this firing only if the calculated predictable error is below a certain level or threshold which is a value or else a set of values characterizing a predefined law giving, for example, the variability of the threshold as a function of time and incorporated (s) in a memory or a register of the computer 11.

Le moyen de traitement 14 incorpore donc également un algorithme de comparaison de l'erreur calculée avec ce (ou ces) seuil(s), algorithme qui permet ainsi d'autoriser un ordre de tir qui est ensuite transmis à l'arme par la ligne de commande de tir 15. Il serait bien entendu possible de mettre en oeuvre un moyen de traitement de l'information 14 de type analogique (dépourvu d'algorithmes mais mettant en oeuvre des filtres électroniques).The processing means 14 also incorporates an algorithm for comparing the error calculated with this (or these) threshold (s), which algorithm thus allows to authorize a firing order which is then transmitted to the weapon by the line Firing control 15. It would of course be possible to implement an information processing means 14 of analog type (devoid of algorithms but implementing electronic filters).

Conformément à l'invention, on mettra en oeuvre un moyen de traitement de l'information 14 qui peut faire appel à au moins deux conditions de déclenchement de tir différentes (par exemple en mettant en oeuvre deux valeurs ou deux jeux de valeurs de seuils différents, ou encore en mettant en oeuvre deux modes de calculs différents de l'instant de tir).According to the invention, an information processing means 14 will be implemented which can use at least two different triggering conditions (for example by implementing two values or two sets of different threshold values. or by implementing two modes of calculation different from the moment of shooting).

Ces conditions ou niveaux de déclenchement sont schématisés sur la figure par les blocs 16 et 17 qui figurent par exemple deux mémoires ou registres différents du calculateur 11 auxquels fait appel le moyen de traitement 14 en fonction des commandes reçues du moyen 10.These conditions or trigger levels are shown schematically in the figure by the blocks 16 and 17, which for example comprise two different memories or registers of the computer 11 which the processing means 14 uses according to the commands received from the means 10.

Le moyen de traitement 14 comporte ainsi, avec des moyens relativement simples, deux modes de détermination de l'instant de tir : un mode donnant priorité à la précision du tir et un mode donnant priorité à la rapidité du tir.The processing means 14 thus comprises, with relatively simple means, two modes of determining the moment of fire: a mode giving priority to the accuracy of the shot and a mode giving priority to the speed of shooting.

En effet, choisir un seuil d'erreur faible conduit à donner lors du déclenchement tir une priorité à la précision du tir. Il en découlera un intervalle plus important pour le déclenchement effectif du tir (ouverture de la fenêtre de tir).Indeed, to choose a low error threshold leads to giving at the shooting trigger a priority to the accuracy of the shot. This will result in a larger interval for the actual triggering of the shot (opening of the firing window).

Inversement choisir un seuil d'erreur plus important permet de diminuer la précision du tir mais donne une priorité à la rapidité du tir. On maîtrise ainsi dans une certaine mesure la rapidité de déclenchement du tir. On pourra définir ce seuil de priorité à la vitesse de telle sorte que le délai d'ouverture de la fenêtre de tir ne dépasse pas la demi-seconde. Selon un autre mode de réalisation on pourra, au lieu de choisir un seuil différent, mettre en oeuvre pour chaque mode de fonctionnement des algorithmes (ou moyens analogiques) différents et n'utilisant notamment pas le même mode de calcul de l'erreur.Conversely, choosing a larger error threshold makes it possible to reduce the accuracy of the shot but gives priority to the speed of the shot. To a certain extent, we control the speed of firing. This threshold of priority can be defined at the speed so that the opening time of the firing window does not exceed half a second. According to another embodiment, it will be possible, instead of choosing a different threshold, to implement for each mode of operation different algorithms (or analog means) and not using in particular the same mode of calculating the error.

Dans le mode donnant la priorité à la rapidité du tir on pourra par exemple utiliser un algorithme ignorant certaines sources d'erreur qui seront prises en compte au niveau du mode donnant la priorité à la précision du tir.In the mode giving priority to the speed of fire, for example, we could use an algorithm that ignores certain sources of error that will be taken into account in the mode giving priority to the accuracy of the shot.

L'invention incorpore par ailleurs un moyen de commande de tir 10 qui permet le choix de l'un ou de l'autre des modes de tir.The invention also incorporates a fire control means 10 which allows the choice of one or the other of the firing modes.

Suivant l'exemple de la figure 1, on a représenté un moyen de commande de tir 10 sous la forme d'un bouton poussoir 16 ayant deux courses possibles :

  • une course faible C1 dans laquelle il commande au calculateur 11 d'utiliser le seuil 16 correspondant à la priorité à la précision du tir (seuil d'erreur le plus faible par exemple),
  • une course longue C2 dans laquelle il commande au calculateur d'utiliser le seuil 17 correspondant à la priorité à la rapidité du tir (seuil d'erreur le plus fort par exemple).
According to the example of FIG. 1, a firing control means 10 is represented in the form of a push button 16 having two possible strokes:
  • a weak stroke C1 in which it commands the computer 11 to use the threshold 16 corresponding to the priority of the accuracy of the shot (the lowest error threshold, for example),
  • a long stroke C2 in which it commands the computer to use the threshold 17 corresponding to the priority to the speed of fire (the strongest error threshold for example).

D'un point de vue ergonomique, utiliser un seul bouton avec deux courses (bouton à double détente) est un bon moyen permettant de donner à un utilisateur un choix naturel de l'un ou de l'autre des modes de tir.From an ergonomic point of view, using a single button with two strokes (double trigger button) is a good way to give a user a natural choice of one or other of the shooting modes.

Si les circonstances opérationnelles permettent de privilégier la précision du tir, l'opérateur enfoncera d'une course réduite le moyen de commande 10. Il peut en effet maîtriser sa commande de tir et attendre la durée nécessaire pour que la précision soit assurée.If the operational circumstances make it possible to give priority to the accuracy of the shot, the operator will press the command means 10 with a reduced stroke. He can indeed control his firing command and wait for the time necessary for the accuracy to be ensured.

Si les circonstances nécessitent un tir rapide, la course C2 la plus longue est choisie et il est naturel pour un utilisateur d'enfoncer le bouton de tir au maximum pour déclencher le tir au plus tôt.If the circumstances require a quick shot, the longest C2 run is chosen and it is natural for a user to press the fire button to the maximum to trigger the shot at the earliest.

On notera par ailleurs qu'il est possible de passer d'un mode à l'autre si le besoin opérationnel apparaît.Note also that it is possible to switch from one mode to another if the operational need appears.

Un utilisateur peut dans un premier temps privilégier la précision du tir en maintenant le bouton de tir 16 à mi-course, puis se raviser et déclencher le tir rapide en poursuivant le mouvement d'enfoncement.A user can initially prioritize the accuracy of the shot by holding the firing button 16 halfway, then change and trigger the rapid fire by continuing the movement of depression.

Le moyen de traitement de l'information 14 verra son seuil modifié (ou son mode de fonctionnement modifié) et changera automatiquement de mode de tir.The information processing means 14 will have its threshold modified (or its modified mode of operation) and will automatically change firing mode.

Il est bien entendu possible de définir des moyens de commande de tir de structure différente.It is of course possible to define fire control means of different structure.

On pourrait ainsi avoir un moyen de commande 10 réalisé sous la forme d'un levier pivotant, le choix du mode de tir pourra alors être fait en fonction du sens de rotation du levier.It could thus have a control means 10 made in the form of a pivoting lever, the choice of the shooting mode can then be made according to the direction of rotation of the lever.

On pourra déclencher le tir avec priorité à la précision par une rotation dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre et le tir avec priorité à la rapidité avec une rotation dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre.The shooting can be triggered with priority to accuracy by a clockwise rotation and shooting with priority to speed with a rotation in the opposite direction of clockwise.

On pourrait définir un moyen de commande de tir comportant deux actionneurs distincts, un pour chaque mode de tir.One could define a fire control means comprising two distinct actuators, one for each firing mode.

La figure 2 montre ainsi de façon schématique un moyen de commande de tir 10 comportant deux actionneurs ou boutons poussoirs 16a, 16b. Le bouton poussoir 16a permet de commander le tir avec une priorité à la précision (choix du seuil 16). Le bouton poussoir 16b permet de commander le tir avec une priorité à la rapidité (choix du seuil 17).FIG. 2 thus schematically shows a firing control means 10 comprising two actuators or push buttons 16a, 16b. The push button 16a makes it possible to control the shot with priority to precision (choice of the threshold 16). The push button 16b makes it possible to control the shot with a priority to the speed (choice of the threshold 17).

Il est possible pour l'utilisateur d'enfoncer successivement l'un puis l'autre des boutons. Dans ce cas, pour éviter toute ambiguïté, on pourra prévoir au niveau du moyen de traitement de l'information 14 des moyens permettant de privilégier le mode "rapidité du tir".It is possible for the user to successively press one then the other of the buttons. In this case, to avoid any ambiguity, may be provided at the information processing means 14 means to favor the mode "rapidity of fire".

Ainsi, lorsqu'un opérateur aura enfoncé le bouton 16a en premier lieu, puis ensuite enfoncé le bouton 16b, le moyen de traitement 14 retiendra le seuil correspondant à la priorité à la rapidité (deuxième ordre donné par l'utilisateur).Thus, when an operator has pressed the button 16a first, and then pressed the button 16b, the processing means 14 will retain the threshold corresponding to the priority to the speed (second order given by the user).

Bien entendu la figure 2 est une représentation schématique. Le moyen de commande mis en oeuvre pourra associer un actionneur d'une technologie donnée pour le choix du mode "priorité à la précision" et un actionneur d'une autre technologie pour le mode "priorité à la rapidité. On pourra ainsi associer un bouton et une pédale ou bien une commande vocale (précision) et un bouton (rapidité)...Of course, FIG. 2 is a schematic representation. The control means used may associate an actuator of a given technology for the choice of the "priority to precision" mode and an actuator of another technology for the "priority to speed" mode. and a pedal or a voice command (precision) and a button (speed) ...

A titre de variante on pourra associer au dispositif de pointage 8 un dispositif de poursuite automatique de cible.Alternatively, the pointing device 8 may be associated with an automatic target tracking device.

Claims (10)

Dispositif (9) de commande du tir pour un système d'arme (1) monté sur véhicule, dispositif comprenant un moyen (10) de commande de tir qui est relié à un calculateur de tir (11) raccordé à des capteurs (12,13) et pouvant déterminer l'instant de tir en fonction de données relatives à l'environnement de tir et/ou au comportement du système d'arme, dispositif caractérisé en ce que le calculateur de tir (11) incorpore un moyen de traitement de l'information (14) qui assure un calcul de l'instant de tir suivant au moins deux modes de détermination différents, un mode donnant priorité à la précision du tir et un mode donnant priorité à la rapidité du tir, le moyen de commande de tir (10) permettant le choix de l'un ou de l'autre des modes de calcul de l'instant de tir.A firing control device (9) for a vehicle-mounted weapon system (1), comprising a firing control means (10) which is connected to a firing computer (11) connected to sensors (12, 13) and which can determine the firing time according to data relating to the firing environment and / or to the behavior of the weapon system, characterized in that the firing calculator (11) incorporates a firing system the information (14) which provides a calculation of the next firing time at least two different determination modes, a mode giving priority to the accuracy of the shot and a mode giving priority to the speed of fire, the control means of shot (10) allowing the choice of one or the other modes of calculation of the moment of shooting. Dispositif de commande du tir selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le moyen de commande de tir (10) comporte un bouton (16) à double course, la course la plus courte (C1) correspondant au mode donnant la priorité à la précision, la course la plus longue (C2) correspondant au mode donnant priorité à la rapidité.A fire control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fire control means (10) comprises a double-stroke button (16), the shortest stroke (C1) corresponding to the priority-giving mode. , the longest stroke (C2) corresponding to the mode giving priority to speed. Dispositif de commande du tir selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le moyen de commande de tir (10) comporte au moins deux actionneurs distincts (16a,16b), l'un associé au mode donnant la priorité à la précision, l'autre associé au mode donnant priorité à la rapidité.A fire control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fire control means (10) comprises at least two separate actuators (16a, 16b), one associated with the priority-giving mode, the other associated with the mode giving priority to speed. Dispositif de commande du tir selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que le moyen de commande de tir (10) comporte deux boutons (16a,16b), l'un (16a) associé au mode donnant la priorité à la précision, l'autre (16b) associé au mode donnant priorité à la rapiditéA fire control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the fire control means (10) has two knobs (16a, 16b), one (16a) associated with the priority mode for accuracy, the other (16b) associated with the mode giving priority to speed Dispositif de commande de tir selon une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que le calculateur (11) est couplé à un moyen (8) assurant le pointage d'un armement vers une cible visée.Fire control device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the computer (11) is coupled to a means (8) for pointing an armament towards a target target. Dispositif de commande de tir selon une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le calculateur (11) est couplé à des capteurs (12,13) qui donnent des informations sur les paramètres influant sur la précision du tir.Fire control device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the computer (11) is coupled to sensors (12, 13) which provide information on the parameters affecting the accuracy of the shot. Procédé de commande du tir d'un système d'arme monté sur véhicule, procédé dans lequel un calculateur de tir (11) relié à des capteurs (12,13) détermine l'instant de tir en fonction de données relatives à l'environnement du système d'arme, un opérateur déclenchant le tir par une action sur un moyen de commande de tir (10), procédé caractérisé en ce que, l'opérateur a le choix entre deux modes de tir différents, un mode donnant la priorité à la précision du tir et un mode donnant la priorité à la rapidité du tir, le choix de l'un ou l'autre des modes par l'opérateur à l'aide du moyen de commande de tir (10) conduisant le calculateur (11) à mettre en oeuvre au niveau d'un moyen (14) de traitement de l'information un calcul de l'instant de tir suivant au moins deux modes de détermination différents, moyen_assurant ainsi le déclenchement de tir en mettant en oeuvre une condition de déclenchement de tir différente.A method of controlling the firing of a vehicle-mounted weapon system, wherein a firing computer (11) connected to sensors (12,13) determines the firing instant based on environmental data of the weapon system, an operator initiating the firing by an action on a firing control means (10), characterized in that the operator has the choice between two different firing modes, a mode giving priority to the accuracy of the shot and a mode giving priority to the speed of fire, the choice of one or other of the modes by the operator using the fire control means (10) driving the calculator (11). ) to implement at a level of information processing means (14) a calculation of the firing instant according to at least two different modes of determination, thereby providing firing triggering by implementing a firing condition; shooting trigger different. Procédé de commande de tir selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que, lorsque l'opérateur choisit le mode de tir avec priorité à la précision, la condition de déclenchement de tir est plus sévère que lorsque l'opérateur choisit le mode de tir avec priorité à la rapidité.A fire control method according to claim 7, characterized in that , when the operator selects the precision-priority firing mode, the firing trigger condition is more severe than when the operator chooses the firing mode with priority to speed. Procédé de commande de tir selon une des revendications 7 ou 8, caractérisé en ce que, la condition de déclenchement correspondant au mode de tir avec priorité à la rapidité est choisie de telle sorte que le délai d'ouverture de la fenêtre de tir associée soit inférieur ou égal à une demi-seconde.A fire control method according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the triggering condition corresponding to the speed-priority firing mode is chosen so that the opening delay of the associated firing window is less than or equal to half a second. Procédé de commande de tir selon une des revendications 7 à 9, caractérisé en ce que le moyen (14) de traitement de l'information met en oeuvre des algorithmes calculant à chaque instant l'erreur qui serait commise si le tir était déclenché à l'instant considéré, le moyen (14) n'autorisant le tir que si l'erreur prévisible est inférieure à un certain seuil, le seuil choisi étant différent suivant le mode de tir choisi.A fire control method according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the information processing means (14) implements algorithms calculating at each instant the error that would be committed if the firing was triggered at the moment. moment considered, the means (14) allowing shooting only if the foreseeable error is below a certain threshold, the chosen threshold being different according to the chosen firing mode.
EP07290864A 2006-07-24 2007-07-10 Firing control device for a vehicle-mounted weapon system and method of implementing such a device Active EP1884735B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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FR0606824A FR2904104B1 (en) 2006-07-24 2006-07-24 SHOOTING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE - FITTED VEHICLE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF IMPLEMENTING SUCH A DEVICE.

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WO2014123604A1 (en) * 2012-12-13 2014-08-14 Raytheon Company Mechanism for defeating armor using ballistic weapons

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GB2071287A (en) * 1980-03-07 1981-09-16 Dorand G Method and equipment for the control of aiming and firing at a real target
US5966859A (en) 1997-11-14 1999-10-19 Samuels; Mark A. Devices and methods for controlled manual and automatic firearm operation
EP1679483A1 (en) 2004-12-21 2006-07-12 Giat Industries Method for controlling a weapon system of a shooting platform and shooting platform for carrying out this method

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2071287A (en) * 1980-03-07 1981-09-16 Dorand G Method and equipment for the control of aiming and firing at a real target
US5966859A (en) 1997-11-14 1999-10-19 Samuels; Mark A. Devices and methods for controlled manual and automatic firearm operation
EP1679483A1 (en) 2004-12-21 2006-07-12 Giat Industries Method for controlling a weapon system of a shooting platform and shooting platform for carrying out this method

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014123604A1 (en) * 2012-12-13 2014-08-14 Raytheon Company Mechanism for defeating armor using ballistic weapons
US9360265B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2016-06-07 Raytheon Company Mechanism for defeating armor using ballistic weapons

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FR2904104A1 (en) 2008-01-25
FR2904104B1 (en) 2010-10-22
ATE461413T1 (en) 2010-04-15
DE602007005312D1 (en) 2010-04-29

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