EP2180285A2 - Fighting vehicle and process for stocking ammunition in said fighting vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The combat vehicle has an ammunition depot, where multiple ammunition bodies (11) are deposited for operating a large-caliber weapon (4). An automatic withdrawing unit (8) is provided for withdrawing ammunition bodies from the ammunition depot. The ammunition depot is formed by an ammunition cartridge (20), and is exchangeably arranged for providing the vehicle with ammunition over a vehicle opening. An independent claim is included for a method for providing the vehicle with ammunition of combat vehicles with the ammunition depot.

Description

The invention relates to a combat vehicle with an ammunition depot and a method for Aufmunitionieren combat vehicles with an ammunition depot, in which for the operation of a large caliber weapon multiple ammunition bodies are landfilled, and automated removal means for removing the ammunition from the ammunition depot.

In combat vehicles, it is necessary to operate the weapon to stockpile a large number of large-caliber ammunition body within the vehicle in designated ammunition depots. In the run-up to a combat mission, the Ammunition depots filled with a variety of ammunition, which can then be fired in the course of combat use gradually until the vehicle is demnuntioned, ie all ammunition were shot. In such a situation, the vehicle must be aufmunitioniert, ie the ammunition depots must be filled with ammunition bodies.

In the past, the Aufmunitionierung of the vehicle has proven particularly problematic during ongoing combat missions.

For example, in the case of DE 38 07 474 A1 described howitzer ammunition are ammunitioned by means of truck-like transport vehicles, which drive from behind to the rear of the combat vehicle zoom. Once there, a tailgate, which also serves as an entry or exit door for the vehicle crew, is opened, via which the ammunition bodies are brought individually from the transport vehicle into the ammunition depot of the combat vehicle. It is necessary that a crew member of the combat vehicle goes in the space between the transport vehicle and the combat vehicle and the sometimes quite significant weight ammunition body by hand first from a supply container of the transport vehicle takes and then provided for in the rear of the combat vehicle handling system passes. By means of the handling system, the ammunition bodies are conveyed into the ammunition depot located further inside the vehicle, from which the ammunition bodies can be supplied to their further use via automatically operating removal means.

Due to the considerable weight of the ammunition body, each ammunition body is to be handled individually. Furthermore, in order to store different types of ammunition bodies, it is necessary that the crew member for each transferred into the combat vehicle ammunition body manually specifying this identifier, including in the area of the combat vehicle rear usually appropriate input means are provided which are connected to the on-board systems of the combat vehicle.

This type of Aufmunitionierens requires even for a trained crew member a period of several minutes in which the aufmunitionierung occupying crew member is outside the combat vehicle unprotected, where it is exposed, for example, sniper unprotected.

The object of the invention is to provide a combat vehicle and a method for Aufmunitionieren combat vehicles, which allow a swift and thus less risky Aufmunitionieren for the crew members.

This object is achieved in a combat vehicle of the aforementioned type characterized in that the ammunition depot is formed of an ammunition cartridge, which is replaceably arranged to rearm the combat vehicle through a vehicle opening.

Due to the design of the ammunition depot as an exchangeable cassette, it is possible to quickly aufzumunitionieren the combat vehicle by replacing the cassette in one step. It is not necessary to handle each ammunition body separately, resulting in short Aufmunitionierzeiten. The security risks for the crew during the ammunition are reduced.

An embodiment of the combat vehicle is advantageous in which a handling system is provided, via which the ammunition cassette in the area the vehicle opening is arranged movable back and forth. Such a handling system allows handling of the very heavy ammunition cartridge. The ammunition cassette can be supplied outside the vehicle via a lifting device, such as a crane, the handling system. By a subsequent movement of the handling system in the direction of the vehicle opening, the ammunition cassette can be brought into your depot position inside the vehicle, in which automated removal means can remove the ammunition for loading the weapon from the ammunition cartridge.

With regard to a simple embodiment of the handling system is proposed that this has a linear rail on which the ammunition cartridge is arranged or deductible. The linear rail can be moved over the vehicle opening to the outside, record the ammunition cassette there and then be brought back into the vehicle interior. Advantageously, two parallel extending linear rails can be provided. Also, due to the weight of the ammunition cartridge, it is advantageous to provide the linear rail with supports which bear against the environment outside the vehicle. The corresponding supports can fold down when extending the linear rail.

In this context, it is further proposed that the linear rail via a drive, in particular a spindle drive, is movable so that it can be moved back and forth automatically.

Of particular advantage is an embodiment in which two ammunition depots formed by ammunition cassettes are provided for various types of ammunition body, in which one ammunition depot projectiles and in the other ammunition depot propellant charges are landfilled. Both types of large-caliber Weapons used ammunition bodies, namely the actual projectile and arranged in the tube of the weapon behind the projectile propellant can be stored and replaced in separate ammunition cassettes.

In this context, it is advantageous if the two ammunition cassettes are interchangeable via vehicle openings provided on opposite sides of the vehicle. In this way, both ammunition cartridges can be replaced at the same time. A supply or transport vehicle with an ammunition cassette equipped with projectiles can approach the one vehicle opening from one side of the vehicle, while at the same time an ammunition cartridge with propellant charges can be brought to the other side of the vehicle. This results in a further reduction of Aufmunitionierzeit.

It is further proposed that the ammunition cassette has a plurality of compartments for depositing the ammunition bodies, wherein in each case an ammunition body of a compartment is in a removal position and means are provided which automatically convey another ammunition body into the removal position upon removal of an ammunition body from the removal position. This ensures that there is always an ammunition body in a defined removal position, in which it is available for automated removal means.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the conveying means act on the ammunition body in the direction of the removal position with a force, as a result of which the ammunition bodies are conveyed into the removal position. The application of force can take place in various ways, for example by means of Gravity or provided on the respective subject Federkraftbeaufschlagung.

It is also proposed that the ammunition cassette is provided on the discharge side with removal slots for the removal means. In a corresponding removal slot, the removal means can engage with a driver in a further embodiment of the invention, which protrudes through the removal slot and rests behind the ammunition body. By moving the driver in the direction of the ammunition body can be removed from the ammunition cartridge individual ammunition.

In a further embodiment, it is proposed that the compartments lie one above the other in several planes and that on the removal side a transverse to the removal slots slot is provided, via which a driver is selectively inserted into the removal slots of different subjects. When stocking, for example, different floors in the respective subjects can be removed optionally different floors.

It is further proposed that the ammunition cassette is provided with a load coding which can be read by a read-out element arranged fixed to the vehicle. By reading the cargo encoding the onboard systems of the combat vehicle receive information about the placement of the ammunition cartridge, such as what type of projectiles is stored in which tray. It is not necessary to enter this information manually by means of an identifier, which also reduces the Aufmunitionierzeit.

In addition, it is proposed to solve the above object in a method of the type mentioned that the ammunition depot is formed by an ammunition cartridge, wherein at least one partially emptied ammunition cartridge is replaced by a vehicle opening against a loaded.

The replacement of an empty or at least partially emptied ammunition cartridge in one step against a loaded ammunition cartridge allows a rapid Aufmunitionierung the combat vehicle. The risks for the crewmember entrusted with the Aufmunitionierung be reduced.

In an embodiment of the method, it is proposed that two ammunition depots formed by ammunition cassettes are exchanged for loaded ammunition cassettes for storing various ammunition bodies via different vehicle openings.

It is further proposed that the vehicle openings are arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle and the replacement of the ammunition cassettes takes place from two sides of the vehicle. In this way, two transport vehicles can approach from both sides of the vehicle, without them standing in each other's way.

Finally, with regard to the method, it is proposed that the two ammunition cassettes be replaced simultaneously, resulting in a short Aufmunitionierzeit.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Kampffahrzeugs,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf Teile des Kampffahrzeugs gemäß Fig. 1 während eines Aufmunitioniervorgangs,

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht gemäß der Darstellung in Fig. 2 und

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer im Fahrzeuginneren angeordneten Munitionskassette.

Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained below with the aid of the accompanying drawings of an embodiment. Show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a combat vehicle,

Fig. 2

a perspective view of parts of the combat vehicle according to Fig. 1 during a Aufmunitioniervorgangs,

Fig. 3

a plan view as shown in FIG Fig. 2 and

Fig. 4

a perspective view of a vehicle disposed inside ammunition cartridge.

Fig. 1 shows in perspective view of a combat vehicle 1, which is a chain-driven main battle tank or a chain-driven howitzer. The combat vehicle 1 is composed of a receiving the vehicle crew tub 3 and a relative to the tub 3 rotatably mounted, the large-caliber weapon 4 bearing tower 2. Side of the tower 2 is schematically shown in dashed lines the position of a vehicle opening 5, for example, as a armored swivel or sliding hatch can be executed.

About the vehicle opening 5, an ammunition cartridge 20, the in Fig. 2 is conveyed into the interior of the tower 2, which will be described in detail below.

In the ammunition cartridge 20 is a solid metal part, which was prepared for example by casting and has a corresponding weight. The ammunition cassette 20 has a plurality of compartments 21, which lie one above the other in horizontal planes, with a slot-shaped cross section, cf. Fig. 4 , In the compartments 21 each have a plurality of ammunition body 11, in the embodiment six per compartment 21, stored in a horizontal position. The horizontal stocking offers in contrast to a vertical stocking the advantage that even very long ammunition 11 can be stored in less high spaces.

Due to the considerable weight of the ammunition cassette 20 equipped with the ammunition bodies 20, a handling system 12 is provided, via which the ammunition cassette 20 can be moved from a position outside of the combat vehicle 1 into the ammunition cassette 20 Fig. 4 spend illustrated depot position. The handling system 12 has two mutually parallel linear rails 6, on which the ammunition cartridge 20 can be discontinued. The linear rails 6 can in particular be movable via spindle drives, so that an ammunition cassette placed on the linear rails can be moved back and forth automatically. Due to the considerable weight of a stocked ammunition cassette 20 6 supports can be provided below the rails over which the rails 6 are supported outside the vehicle to the environment. With the help of the handling system 12, it is possible to automatically move the loaded ammunition cassette 20 back and forth in the area of the vehicle opening 5 between a receiving position lying outside the vehicle and a depot position lying in the vehicle.

In the in Fig. 4 the depot position is shown, from which the ammunition body 11 can be removed via automated removal means 8 of the ammunition cassette and fed to your further use. In this position, the ammunition cartridge 20 engages a vehicle-mounted removal means 8 with a driver provided on a linear drive 9 behind the ammunition body 11, whereby this in a movement of the driver in the direction of the ammunition body 11 in the in Fig. 4 E-designated removal direction emerges from the ammunition cartridge 20 and is then supplied via not shown in the figures handling means of the weapon 4. The ammunition cartridge 20 has a vertical shaft 24, in which the driver can be moved up and down, so that optionally one of the compartments 21 can be accessed.

Hereinafter, the process of Aufmunitionierens as well as the running during the removal of an ammunition body from the cartridge-like ammunition depot operations are described in detail.

A transport vehicle transporting the ammunition cassette 20 initially approaches the combat vehicle 1 laterally in the region of the opening 5. Then configured as ammunition flap vehicle opening 5 is opened. The two linear rails 6 of the handling system 12 travel together with an inside of the tower 2, empty or at least partially emptied ammunition cartridge 20 to the vehicle outside. In this case, vertical supports can provide support for the linear rails 6 with respect to the ground.

In the vehicle-outside position, the ammunition cassette 20 is accessible to a handling device, for example a crane-like lifting device of the transport vehicle. The transport vehicle lifts the empty ammunition cassette 20 from the handling system 12, and then sets a loaded ammunition cassette 20 in a corresponding position on the linear rails 6 from. Then drive the linear rails 6, wherein at the same time the optionally provided vertical supports are retracted until the ammunition cartridge 20, the in Fig. 4 Depot position shown occupies the side next to the weapon 4 stored cradle 7.

In this position, a removal means 8 provided on the vehicle can access the ammunition bodies 11 via slots 22 provided on the removal side in the ammunition cartridge 20 and extending in the direction of the stored ammunition bodies 11, and these optionally from one of the superimposed ones Separate or remove compartments 21. In addition, the ammunition cassette 20 is provided with a load coding 27 in which the specifications of the stockpiled ammunition body 11 as well as its position within one of the compartments 21 are stored in the form of an electronic data record. Upon reaching the depot position, this load coding 27 can be read from a vehicle-mounted read element 13, so that the on-board systems receive information about what type of ammunition body 11 is stored in which compartment 21.

To remove an ammunition body 11 from the ammunition cassette 20, the height of the linear drive 9 of the removal means 8 is initially adjusted via a guide 10 to the height of the desired compartment 21. The arranged on the linear actuator 9 driver can this unimpeded by a vertically or transversely to the bearing direction of the ammunition body 11 extending shaft 24 are moved up and down. Once the driver or the linear actuator 9 are at the correct height, the driver is moved in the direction of lying in the removal position ammunition body 11, whereby this is taken and in the in Fig. 4 E direction of the ammunition cartridge 20 leaves. In order to prevent further ammunition bodies 11 from being taken along due to friction and emerging from the compartment 21, retaining means 28 are provided which narrow the cross-section of the compartments 21 away from the removal position. In the embodiment, the retaining means 28 are formed of elongated metal sheets, which are welded to the front side against the compartments 21.

Advantageously, leaving the ammunition body 11, a handling means is placed in axial alignment with the ammunition body 11 in front of the ammunition cassette 20, which receives the ammunition body 11 and automatically feeds the weapon 4.

After removal of the ammunition body 11 of the adjacent ammunition body 11 slips into the removal position, including the embodiment of funding means 23 are provided, which consist of a pressure element 25 and a spring 26 and the ammunition body 11 act on in the direction of the removal position with a force. Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange the slot-like receiving compartments 21 inclined with respect to the horizontal, so that the ammunition bodies 11 slip in the direction of the removal position under the influence of gravity. It is also conceivable to provide the removal position in a different position or a plurality of removal positions, for which purpose a suitable removal means is provided, which can access the corresponding removal positions.

In this way, the ammunition depot all ammunition body 11 can be removed until the combat vehicle is completely demnunted. During a combat mission, the Aufmunitionierung of the combat vehicle by replacing the ammunition cartridge 20 can be done quickly, which is why comparatively low risks for the vehicle crew.

While the representations in the FIGS. 1 to 4 show a combat vehicle 1 with an ammunition cartridge 20, it is also possible to operate a vehicle with two such ammunition cassettes 20 as ammunition depots. In such a case, ammunition body 11 in the form of projectiles can be stored in one ammunition cassette 20, whereby in the second ammunition cassette 20 ammunition body 11 can be accommodated in the form of propellant charges. For a quick Aufmunitionierung the combat vehicle 1, it is advantageous in this context, when the ammunition cartridge 20 with the floors and those with the propellant charges each have separate vehicle openings. 5 can be replaced at the same time, including two transport vehicles from different sides can approach the combat vehicle.

In the combat vehicle according to Fig. 1 If the rotational contour of the vehicle 1 allows this, it is however also conceivable to use larger ammunition cassettes 20, which in their depot position over the contour of the tower 2 protrude outward, resulting in an increase in the ammunition supply.

With the combat vehicle described above and the associated method results in a rapid Aufmunitionierung. It is not necessary for a crewmember to spend a long time in the unprotected area outside the combat vehicle for the purpose of ammunition.

Reference numerals:

1

fighting vehicle

2

tower

3

tub

4

weapon

5

car Openers

6

linear rail

7

cradle

8th

extraction means

9

linear actuator

10

guide

11

ammunition

12

handling system

13

read element

20

Ammunition depot, ammunition cassette

21

subject

22

removal slot

23

Funds, funding

24

shaft

25

pressure element

26

feather

27

cargo coding

28

Retention means

e

removal device

Claims (16)

Combat vehicle with an ammunition depot (20) in which a plurality of ammunition bodies (11) can be disposed of in order to operate a large-caliber weapon (4), and automated removal means (8) for removing the ammunition bodies (11) from the ammunition depot (20),
characterized,
in that the ammunition depot (20) is formed by an ammunition cassette which is arranged exchangeably for ammunition of the vehicle via a vehicle opening (5). Combat vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by a handling system (12), by way of which the ammunition cassette (20) can be moved back and forth in the region of the vehicle opening (5). Combat vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the handling system (12) comprises a linear rail (6) on which the ammunition cassette (20) is deductible. Combat vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the linear rail (6) via a drive, in particular a spindle drive, is movable. Combat vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two ammunition depots (20) formed by ammunition cassettes are provided for various ammunition bodies (11), in which one ammunition depot (20) projectiles and in the other ammunition depot (20) propellant charges can be disposed of. Combat vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the two ammunition cassettes (20) are interchangeable via vehicle openings (5) provided on opposite sides of the vehicle. Combat vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ammunition cassette (20) has a plurality of compartments (21) for depositing the ammunition bodies (11), wherein in each case an ammunition body (11) of a compartment (21) is in a removal position, and wherein Means (23) are provided which, upon removal of an ammunition body (11) from the removal position, automatically convey another ammunition body (11) into the removal position. Combat vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that the conveying means (23) act on the ammunition body (11) in the direction of the removal position with a force, as a result of which the ammunition body (11) are conveyed into the removal position. Combat vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ammunition cassette (20) is provided on the removal side with removal slots (22) for the removal means (8). Combat vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the removal means (8) has a driver which projects through the removal slot (22) and rests behind the ammunition body (11). Combat vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that the compartments (21) lie one above the other in several planes and that on the removal side a transversely to the removal slots (22) extending shaft (24) is provided, via which a driver optionally in the removal slots (22) of different Tray (21) is insertable. Combat vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ammunition cassette (20) is provided with a load code (27) which can be read by a reading element (13) arranged fixed to the vehicle. Method for ammunition of combat vehicles with an ammunition depot (20) in which a plurality of ammunition bodies (11) can be disposed of in order to operate a large-caliber weapon (4), and automated removal means (8) for removing the ammunition bodies (11) from the ammunition depot (20),
characterized,
in that the ammunition depot (20) is formed by an ammunition cassette, an ammunition cassette which is at least partially emptied being exchanged for a loaded one via a vehicle opening (5) in order to ammunition the vehicle. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that two ammunition depots (20) formed by ammunition cassettes are exchanged for loaded ammunition cassettes for storing various ammunition bodies (11) via different vehicle openings (5). A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the vehicle openings (5) are arranged on opposite sides of the vehicle and the replacement of the ammunition cassettes (20) takes place from two sides of the vehicle. A method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the two ammunition cassettes (20) are replaced simultaneously.

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