EP4617612A1

EP4617612A1 - Improved weapon sub-system

Info

Publication number: EP4617612A1
Application number: EP24275023.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: designation of the inventor has not yet been filed The
Original assignee: BAE Systems PLC
Current assignee: BAE Systems PLC
Priority date: 2024-03-12
Filing date: 2024-03-12
Publication date: 2025-09-17

Abstract

A cannon system (10) which forms part of a weapon sub-system. The cannon system (10) comprises a cannon turret assembly system (100) comprising a turret assembly (102) for supporting a cannon (104). The turret assembly (102) is rotatably mounted to a support structure (20) such that it is rotatable about a z-axis to travel in a traverse path (106). The turret assembly (102) comprises a cannon assembly support (120) and a slew ring (130) with a radially outer engagement surface (132). The slew ring (130) is coupled to and rotatable with the cannon assembly support (120). The cannon assembly support (120) comprises an actuator (133) with an engagement member (137) for engagement with the radially outer engagement surface (132). The actuator (133) is mounted radially outwards of the slew ring (130).

Description

Field

The present disclosure relates to weapon sub-system.

Background

A weapon sub-system which enables a weapon system of which it forms a part to more quickly and/or more efficiently handle and direct the same or different types of ammunition components than weapon systems of the related art, is highly desirable.

Summary

According to the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus, system and/or method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.
Accordingly there may be provided a cannon system (10). The cannon system (10) may comprise a support structure (20).
The cannon system (10) may comprise a cannon turret assembly system (100) comprising a turret assembly (102) and a cannon (104). The turret assembly (102) may be rotatably mounted to the support structure (20) such that the turret assembly (102) is rotatable about a z-axis to travel in a traverse path (106). The cannon (104) may be mounted to the turret assembly (102). The cannon (104) may be provided with a firing chamber (110).
The cannon system (10) may comprise an ammunition feed unit (200) comprising an ammunition storage rack (202) defining an ammunition component transport path (205) extending in a transport direction (TD1) from an ammunition storage rack inlet (204) to an ammunition storage rack outlet (206). The ammunition feed unit (200) may be mounted to, and moveable with, the cannon (104). The ammunition feed unit (200) may be configured to receive an ammunition component (30) and deliver the ammunition component (30) to the firing chamber (110) of the cannon (104).
The cannon system (10) may comprise an ammunition supply system (300) comprising a first magazine (310) with a first magazine outlet (312) and a second magazine (320) with a second magazine outlet (322). Each of the first magazine (310) and the second magazine (320) may be fixedly mounted to the support structure (20) in a position adjacent to the traverse path (106) of the turret assembly (102) such that the first magazine (310) and the second magazine (320) are operable to deliver an ammunition component (30) to the ammunition feed unit (200). The first magazine (310) may be being spaced apart from the second magazine (320) around the traverse path (106).
The cannon turret assembly system (100) may be operable to position the ammunition feed unit (200) at a first position (P1) on the traverse path (106) in which the ammunition storage rack inlet (204) is aligned with the first magazine outlet (312).
The cannon turret assembly system (100) may be operable to position the ammunition feed unit (200) at a second position (P2) on the traverse path (106) in which the ammunition storage rack inlet (204) is aligned with the second magazine outlet (322).
The ammunition feed unit (200) may comprise a plurality of ammunition storage racks (202), each ammunition storage rack (202) defining an ammunition component transport path (205) extending in a transport direction (TD1) from an ammunition storage rack inlet (204) to an ammunition storage rack outlet (206). The inlet (204) of each of the ammunition storage racks (202) may be configured for receiving an ammunition component (30). The outlet (206) of each of the ammunition storage racks (202) may be configured for the transportation of an ammunition component (30) therethrough to the firing chamber (110) of the cannon (104).
The first magazine (310) may comprise a plurality of banks (314). Each bank (314) may be for storage of a different or the same ammunition component type (240, 242). Each of the banks (314) of the first magazine (310) may have a first magazine outlet (312).
The second magazine (320) may comprise a plurality of banks (324). Each bank (324) may be for storage of a different or the same ammunition component type (240, 242). Each of the banks (314) of the second magazine (320) may have a second magazine outlet (322).
The cannon turret assembly system (100) may be operable to position the ammunition feed unit (200) at a first position (P1) on the traverse path (106) in which one of the ammunition storage rack inlets (204) is aligned with one of the first magazine outlets (312).
The cannon turret assembly system (100) may be operable to position the ammunition feed unit (200) at a second position (P2) on the traverse path (106) in which one of the ammunition storage rack inlets (204) is aligned with one of the second magazine outlets (322).
The ammunition feed unit (200) may be configured to receive an ammunition component (30) from the first magazine (310) at the first position (P1). The ammunition feed unit (200) may be configured to receive an ammunition component (30) from the second magazine (320) at the second position (P2).
The cannon system (10) may further comprise an ammunition transport system (400) configured to deliver an ammunition component (30) from the first magazine (310) to the ammunition feed unit (200) at the first position (P1). The ammunition transport system (400) may be configured to deliver an ammunition component (30) from the second magazine (320) to the ammunition feed unit (200) at the second position (P2).
The first magazine (310) may be spaced apart from the second magazine (320) around the traverse path (106) by at least 45 degrees and no more than 180 degrees such that the first position (P1) of the ammunition feed unit (200) is at least 45 degrees and no more than 180 degrees around the traverse path (106) from the second position (P2).
The first magazine (310) may be spaced apart from the second magazine (320) around the traverse path (106) by 180 degrees such that the first position (P1) of the ammunition feed unit (200) is 180 degrees around the traverse path (106) from the second position (P2).
The traverse path (106) may be circular.
The cannon (104) may be pivotably mounted relative to the turret assembly (102) such that the cannon (104) is operable to pivot relative to the z-axis and relative to a plane defined by the x-axis and y-axis.
The support structure (20) may comprise part of vehicle (1000).
There may be provided a method of operation of a cannon system (10) according to the present disclosure.
The method may comprise controlling the turret assembly (102) to rotate about the z-axis to align the ammunition storage rack inlet (204) with the first magazine outlet (312) or the second magazine outlet (322).
The method may comprise controlling an ammunition transport system (400) to deliver an ammunition component (30) from an aligned magazine, through the first magazine outlet (312) or the second magazine outlet (322) through the ammunition storage rack inlet (204).
The method may comprise controlling the turret assembly (102) to rotate about the z-axis such that each of the ammunition storage rack inlets (204) is aligned with a different one of the first magazine outlets (312) or the second magazine outlets (322).
The method may comprise controlling an ammunition transport system (400) to deliver an ammunition component (30) from an aligned magazine, through one or more of the first magazine outlets (312) or one or more of the second magazine outlets (322) through the aligned ammunition storage rack inlet (204).
The method may further comprise delivering the ammunition component (30) from the ammunition feed unit (200) to the cannon firing chamber (110) for firing.
There may be provided a vehicle (1000) comprising a cannon system (10) according to the present disclosure, wherein the vehicle (1000) is a wheeled and/or tracked land vehicle (1002), a watercraft (1004) or an air vehicle (1006).
The vehicle (1000) may be operated according to the method of the present disclosure.
The vehicle (1000) may be a remotely controlled vehicle (1000).
There may be provided an ammunition feed unit (200) for loading an ammunition component (30) into a firing chamber (110) of a cannon system (10).
The ammunition feed unit (200) may comprise a gate unit (210).
The ammunition feed unit (200) may comprise a plurality of ammunition storage racks (202), each ammunition storage rack (230, 232, 238) defining an ammunition component transport path (205) extending in a transport direction (TD1) from an ammunition storage rack inlet (204) to an ammunition storage rack outlet (206). The inlet (204) of each of the ammunition storage racks (202) may be configured for receiving an ammunition component (30).
The outlet (206) of each of the ammunition storage racks (202) may be configured for delivering an ammunition component (30) to the gate unit (210).
The gate unit (210) may comprise a gate unit wall (218) defining an ammunition component receiving housing (212) which defines a gate chamber (214) and a gate unit opening (216) configured to receive one ammunition component (30) at a time into the gate chamber (214).
The gate unit (210) may be operable to align the gate unit opening (216) with each of the ammunition storage rack outlets (206).
The gate unit (210) may be configured such that when the gate unit opening (216) is aligned with one of the ammunition storage rack outlets (206), the gate unit (210) gate unit wall (218) is deployed across the or each other ammunition storage rack outlet (206) to prevent the passage of an ammunition component (30) therethrough.
The ammunition component receiving housing (212) may be rotatable about a first axis of rotation (222).
The first axis of rotation (222) may be perpendicular to the transport direction (TD1) of the ammunition component transport path (205).
The gate chamber (214) of the gate unit (210) may lead from the gate unit opening (216) to a gate unit (210) outlet centred on the first axis of rotation (222). The gate unit outlet (220) may be configured for delivering the ammunition component (30) to the firing chamber (110) of the cannon (104).
The ammunition feed unit (200) may further comprise an ammunition transport system (400) operable to move the ammunition component (30) through the gate chamber (214) in a direction along the first axis of rotation (222), through the gate unit outlet (220).
The transport system (400) may be operable to move the ammunition component (30) from the ammunition storage rack inlet (204) to, in series, the ammunition component transport path (205), the ammunition storage rack outlet (206), the gate unit opening (216) , the gate chamber (214), the gate unit outlet (220).
The ammunition transport system (400) may be operable move the ammunition component (30) through the gate chamber (214) in a direction along the first axis of rotation (222).
The ammunition transport system (400) may be operable to, in series: move the ammunition component (30) through the ammunition storage rack inlet (204); move the ammunition component (30) along the ammunition component transport path (205) in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (222) to towards the ammunition storage rack outlet (206); move the ammunition component (30) through the gate unit opening (216) into the gate chamber (214) in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (222); move the ammunition component (30) through the gate chamber (214) and through the gate unit outlet (220) in a direction along the first axis of rotation (222).
Each ammunition storage rack (202) may be configured to retain a plurality of ammunition components (30) along the transport path (205).
The ammunition storage rack inlet (204) of a first ammunition storage rack (230) of the plurality of ammunition storage racks (202) may be configured for receiving a first ammunition component (30) from a first ammunition source.
The ammunition storage rack inlet (204) of a second ammunition storage rack (232) of the plurality of ammunition storage racks (202) may be configured for receiving a second ammunition component (30) from a second ammunition source.
The ammunition storage rack inlet (204) of the first ammunition storage rack (230) may be provided at the end of the first ammunition storage rack (230) as an aperture (234) which extends in a direction parallel to the first axis of rotation (222) to receive an ammunition component (30) in the direction of the ammunition component transport path (205) defined by the ammunition storage rack (202).
The ammunition storage rack inlet (204) of the second ammunition storage rack (232) may be provided on a side of the second ammunition storage rack (232) as an aperture (236) aligned with a plane which extends in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (222) to receive an ammunition component (30) in the direction perpendicular to the ammunition component transport path (205) defined by the ammunition storage rack (202).
The first ammunition storage rack (230) may be configured for handling a first ammunition component type (240). The second ammunition storage rack (232) may be configured for handling a second ammunition component type (242).
Each of the plurality of ammunition storage racks (230, 232, 238) may be configured for handling each ammunition component type (240, 242).
The plurality of ammunition storage racks (202) may comprise at least two, but no more than five, ammunition storage racks (230, 232, 238).
There may be provided a cannon system (10) comprising a support structure (20). The cannon system (10) may comprise a cannon turret assembly system (100) comprising a turret assembly (102) and a cannon (104); the turret assembly (102) being rotatably mounted to the support structure (20) such that the turret assembly (102) is rotatable about a z-axis to travel in a traverse path (106). The cannon (104) may be mounted to the turret assembly (102). The cannon (104) may be provided with a firing chamber (110). The cannon system (10) may comprise an ammunition feed unit (200) as according to the present disclosure.
The cannon system (10) may comprise an ammunition supply system (300) comprising a first magazine (310) with a first magazine outlet (312) and a second magazine (320) with a second magazine outlet (322) each of the first magazine (310) and the second magazine (320) fixedly mounted to the support structure (20) in a position adjacent to the traverse path (106) of the turret assembly (102) such that the first magazine (310) and the second magazine (320) are operable to deliver an ammunition component (30) to the ammunition feed unit (200).
The first magazine (310) may be spaced apart from the second magazine (320) around the traverse path (106).
The cannon turret assembly system (100) may be operable to position the ammunition feed unit (200) at a first position (P1) on the traverse path (106) in which the ammunition storage rack inlet (204) is aligned with the first magazine outlet (312).
The cannon turret assembly system (100) may be operable to position the ammunition feed unit (200) at a second position (P2) on the traverse path (106) in which the ammunition storage rack inlet (204) is aligned with the second magazine outlet (322).
There may be provided an ammunition feed unit system (500) for loading an ammunition component (30) into a firing chamber (110) of a cannon system (10).
The ammunition feed unit system (500) may comprise an ammunition feed unit (200) and an intermediate ammunition loading unit (600).
The ammunition feed unit (200) may comprise an ammunition storage rack (202) defining an ammunition component transport path (205) extending in a transport direction (TD1) from an ammunition storage rack inlet (204) to an ammunition storage rack outlet (206).
The ammunition storage rack inlet (204) may be configured for receiving an ammunition component (30).
The ammunition storage rack outlet (206) may be configured for allowing the exit of an ammunition component (30) from the ammunition storage rack (202) for delivery to the firing chamber (110) of the cannon (104).
The intermediate ammunition loading unit (600) may comprise a support frame (602) centred on, and rotatable about, a z-axis.
The intermediate ammunition loading unit (600) may comprise a plurality of ammunition component support bays (604) fixed to the support frame (602), the ammunition component support bays (604) being spaced apart from one another around the central axis.
Each ammunition component support bay (604) may have an ammunition component support bay inlet (606) for the delivery of an ammunition component (30) therethrough to the ammunition component support bay (604) from an ammunition source.
Each ammunition component support bay (604) may be open at their upper side to define an outlet (608) for the delivery of an ammunition component (30) therethrough from the ammunition component support bay (604) to the ammunition storage rack inlet (204).
The ammunition feed unit (200) may be translatable about, the z-axis.
The ammunition feed unit (200) and the intermediate ammunition loading unit (600) may be operable to move relative to one another around the z-axis.
The ammunition feed unit (200) and the intermediate ammunition loading unit (600) may be operable to move with one another around the z-axis.
The ammunition feed unit (200) and the intermediate ammunition loading unit (600) may be mounted relative to one another such that each ammunition component support bay outlet (608) may be brought into alignment with the ammunition storage rack inlet (204) by translation of the ammunition feed unit (200) and rotation of the support frame (602) of the intermediate ammunition loading unit (600) relative to one another around the z-axis.
The support frame (602) may be operable to receive an ammunition component (30) into a first ammunition component support bay (610) of the plurality of ammunition component support bays (604) at a first angular position (AP1) around the z-axis.
The support frame (602) may be operable to rotate about the z-axis to deliver the ammunition component (30) to the ammunition storage rack inlet (204).
The support frame (602) may be operable to receive an ammunition component (30) into a second ammunition component support bay (612) of the plurality of ammunition component support bays (604) at a second angular position (AP2) around the z-axis.
The support frame (602) may be to rotate about the z-axis to deliver the ammunition component (30) to the ammunition storage rack inlet (204).
The ammunition feed unit (200) may comprise a second ammunition storage rack (232), the second ammunition storage rack (232) defining an ammunition component transport path (205) extending in a transport direction (TD1) from a second ammunition storage rack inlet (236) to a second ammunition storage rack outlet (206). The second ammunition storage rack inlet (236) may be configured for receiving an ammunition component (30) from the ammunition source.
There may be provided an ammunition feed unit system (500) further comprising an ammunition transport system (400) for moving the ammunition component (30), in series, through the ammunition component support bay inlet (606) into the ammunition component support bay (604), from the ammunition component support bay (604) through the ammunition component support bay outlet (608) through the ammunition storage rack inlet (204) into the ammunition feed unit (200), along the ammunition component transport path (205) of the ammunition feed unit (200) to the ammunition storage rack outlet (206), to the firing chamber (110) of the cannon (104).
The ammunition transport system (400) may be operable to, in series: move an ammunition component (30) through the ammunition component support bay inlet (606) into the ammunition component support bay (604) in a first direction (D1) perpendicular to the z-axis; move the ammunition component (30) through the ammunition component support bay outlet (608) through the ammunition storage rack inlet (204) into the ammunition feed unit (200) in a direction parallel to the z-axis; move the ammunition component (30) through the gate unit opening (216) into the gate chamber (214) in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (222); move the ammunition component (30) through the ammunition storage rack outlet (206) and into the firing chamber (110) of the cannon (104) in the first direction (D1).
The support frame (602) may define a radially inner wall (620), and the ammunition component support bays (604) extend to the radially inner wall (620) which provides an abutment to position an ammunition component (30).
The support frame (602) may define an aperture (628) in each of the ammunition component support bays (604).
The intermediate ammunition loading unit (600) may comprise an outer casing (622) which bounds the support frame (602), the support frame (602) being rotatable relative to the outer casing (622), the outer casing (622) comprising a window (629) positioned in line with the ammunition storage rack inlet (204) for the passage of an actuator (630) therethrough when the window (629) is aligned with a support bay aperture (628) to lift the ammunition component (30) into the ammunition storage rack inlet (204).
There may be provided a cannon system (10) comprising a support structure (20).
The cannon system (10) may comprise a cannon turret assembly system (100) comprising a turret assembly (102) and a cannon (104); the turret assembly (102) being rotatably mounted to the support structure (20) such that it is rotatable about a z-axis to travel in a traverse path (106).
The cannon system (10) may comprise a cannon (104) mounted to the turret assembly (102). The cannon (104) may be provided with a firing chamber (110).
The cannon system (10) may comprise an ammunition feed unit system (500) according to the present disclosure.
The ammunition feed unit (200) may be mounted to, and moveable with, the cannon (104). The ammunition feed unit (200) may be configured to receive an ammunition component (30) from the intermediate ammunition loading unit (600) and deliver the ammunition component (30) to the firing chamber (110) of the cannon (104).
The cannon system (10) may comprise an ammunition supply system (300) comprising a first magazine (310) with a first magazine outlet (312) and a second magazine (320) with a second magazine outlet (322), each of the first magazine (310) and the second magazine (320) fixedly mounted to the support structure (20) in a position adjacent to the traverse path (106) of the turret assembly (102) such that the first magazine (310) and the second magazine (320) are operable to deliver an ammunition component (30) to the intermediate ammunition loading unit (600).
The first magazine (310) may be spaced apart from the second magazine (320) around the traverse path (106). The cannon system (10) may be operable to rotate the support frame (602) of the intermediate ammunition loading unit (600) about the central axis to align the ammunition component support bay inlets (606) with the first magazine outlet (312) and the second magazine outlet (322).
The cannon system (10) may be operable to rotate the support frame (602) of the intermediate ammunition loading unit (600) about the central axis to align the ammunition component support bay outlets (608) with the ammunition storage rack inlet (204).
The outer casing (622) may comprise an inlet (626) for the passage therethrough of an ammunition component (30) to the ammunition component support bay inlet (606) of the support frame (602).
The outer casing (622) may be rotatable around the z-axis relative to the support structure (20) and relative to the support frame (602) to align the outer casing inlet (626) with the first magazine outlet (312) and/or the second magazine outlet (322).
There may be provided a cannon system (10) comprising a support structure (20). The cannon system (10) may comprise a cannon turret assembly system (100) comprising a turret assembly (102) for supporting a cannon (104). The turret assembly (102) may be rotatably mounted to the support structure (20) such that it is rotatable about a z-axis to travel in a traverse path (106).
The turret assembly (102) may comprise a cannon assembly support (120).
The turret assembly (102) may comprise a slew ring (130) with a radially outer engagement surface (132). The slew ring (130) may be coupled to and rotatable with the cannon assembly support (120). The cannon assembly support (120) may comprise an actuator (133) with an engagement member (137) for engagement with the radially outer engagement surface (132). The actuator (133) may be mounted radially outwards of the slew ring (130).
The radially outer engagement surface (132) of the slew ring (130) may comprise gear teeth (134). The engagement member (137) of the actuator (133) may comprise gear teeth (136) compatible with the slew ring gear teeth (134).
The actuator (133) may comprise a motor (136) mounted to the cannon assembly support (120). The motor (136) may be mounted radially outwards of the slew ring (130).
There may be provided a cannon system (10) which extends in an x-axis, y-axis and z-axis. The cannon system (10) may comprise a support structure (20). The cannon system (10) may comprise a cannon turret assembly system (100) comprising a turret assembly (102) for supporting a cannon (104). The turret assembly (102) may be rotatably mounted to the support structure (20) such that it is rotatable about the z-axis to travel in a traverse path (106). The turret assembly (102) may comprise a cannon assembly support (120). The turret assembly (102) may comprise a cannon assembly (140) pivotably mounted to the cannon assembly support (120) such that it can pivot at least 90 degrees but no more than 190 degrees about a cannon pivot axis (150).
The cannon pivot axis (150) may extend in a x-y plane defined by the x-axis and y-axis.
The cannon assembly (140) may comprise a cannon (104) with a barrel (160) having a barrel axis (152). The cannon assembly (140) may be constrained to pivot the barrel (160) about the cannon pivot axis (150) in a plane of movement extending through the z-axis and at right angles to the x-y plane from a starting position at which the barrel axis (152) is -5 degrees to the x-y plane.
The cannon assembly (140) may further comprise a pivot control feature (170). The cannon assembly (140) may further comprise a cannon actuator (172) with a pivot drive feature (174) for engagement with the pivot control feature (170). The cannon actuator (172) maybe operable to drive the pivot drive feature (174) and thereby drive the pivot control feature (170) to pivot the cannon assembly (140).
The pivot control feature (170) may be an elevation gear (176) which defines gear teeth (178). The pivot drive feature (174) may comprise gear teeth (180) for driving engagement with the gear teeth (178) of the pivot control feature (170). The elevation gear (176) may extend in an arc centred on the cannon pivot axis (150).
The elevation gear (176) may extend in an arc centred on the cannon pivot axis (150) which extends at least 90 degrees but no more than 190 degrees about the cannon pivot axis (150).
The turret assembly (102) may be rotatable about the full 360 degree circumference of the traverse path (106).
The cannon (104) may be provided with a firing chamber (110). The cannon system (10) may further comprise an ammunition feed unit (200) comprising an ammunition storage rack (202) defining an ammunition component transport path (205) extending in a transport direction (TD1) from an ammunition storage rack inlet (204) to an ammunition storage rack outlet (206). The ammunition feed unit (200) may be mounted to, and moveable with, the cannon (104). The ammunition feed unit (200) may be configured to receive an ammunition component (30) and deliver the ammunition component (30) to the firing chamber (110) of the cannon (104).
The ammunition feed unit (200) may be mounted to, and moveable with, the cannon (104). The ammunition feed unit (200) may be configured to deliver the ammunition component (30) to the firing chamber (110) of the cannon (104) at any position around the traverse path (106) and at any elevation of the cannon (104) barrel (160).
There may be provided a cannon system (10) for firing an ammunition component (30). The ammunition component (30) may comprise a casing (32).
The cannon system (10) may comprise a cannon (104) provided with a firing chamber (110), the firing chamber (110) having an inlet (190) for receiving an ammunition component (30) and an outlet (192) for the ejection of the ammunition casing (32).
The cannon system (10) may comprise a duct (193) with an inlet (194) and an outlet (195), the duct inlet (194) aligned with the firing chamber casing outlet (192) and configured for receiving the casing (32) from the firing chamber casing outlet (192). The duct (193) may define a guide path for transport of the casing (32) from the duct inlet (194) to the duct outlet (195). The duct outlet (195) may be configured for allowing the passage of the casing (32) therethrough.
The cannon system (10) may further comprise a support structure (20). The cannon system (10) may further comprise a cannon turret assembly system (100) comprising a turret assembly (102). The turret assembly (102) may be rotatably mounted to the support structure (20) such that it is rotatable about a z-axis to travel in a traverse path (106).
The cannon (104) may be mounted to the turret assembly (102).
The duct (193) may be mounted to, and moveable with, the turret assembly (102) around traverse path (106).
The firing chamber inlet (190) may be spaced apart from the firing chamber casing outlet (192) by the firing chamber (110) such that the system (10) is configured so that the casing (32) enters the firing chamber inlet (190) along a transport line in a first direction and exits the firing chamber casing outlet (192) along the same transport line in the first direction.
The duct (193) may tapers along its length from the inlet (194) to the outlet (195).
The duct (193) may define a casing receiving chamber (197) at the duct inlet (194). The duct (193) may taper along its length to have a diameter which is less than the length of the casing (32) but greater than the diameter of the casing (32).
The cannon system (10) may further comprise a bin (700) with a bin inlet (702). The outlet (195) of the duct (193) maybe positioned to deliver a casing (32) in the duct (193) to the bin (700).
The duct (193) may extend through the bin inlet (702) so the duct outlet (195) is inside the bin (700).
The bin (700) may be closed except for the bin inlet (702).
The bin (700) may be fixed relative to the support structure (20).
The bin (700) may be removably mounted.
The cannon system (10) may further comprise an ammunition feed unit (200) comprising an ammunition storage rack (202) defining an ammunition component transport path (205) extending in a transport direction (TD1) from an ammunition storage rack inlet (204) to an ammunition storage rack outlet (206). The ammunition feed unit (200) may be mounted to, and moveable with, the cannon (104). The ammunition feed unit (200) may be configured to receive an ammunition component (30) and deliver the ammunition component (30) to the firing chamber (110) of the cannon (104). The ammunition feed unit (200) may be mounted to, and moveable with, the cannon (104). The ammunition feed unit (200) may be configured to deliver the ammunition component (30) to the firing chamber (110) of the cannon (104) at any position around the traverse path (106) and at any elevation of the cannon (104) barrel (160).
The ammunition feed unit (200) may be mounted to, and moveable with the turret assembly (102) around traverse path (106).
Hence there may be provided a weapon sub-system which enables a weapon system of which it forms a part to more quickly and/or more efficiently handle and direct the same or different types of ammunition components than weapon systems of the related art.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a diagrammatic representation of a vehicle with a weapon system and parts thereof according to the present disclosure;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the vehicle shown in figure 1;
Figures 3, 4 show a perspective view of a weapon sub-system assembly according to the present disclosure;
Figures 5 to 8 show sectional views of features of the weapon sub-systems according to the present disclosure;
Figures 9, 10 show features of the weapon sub-systems according to the present disclosure;
Figure 11 shows features of the weapon sub-systems according to the present disclosure;
Figures 12 to 14 show different views of an example of an intermediate ammunition loading unit according to the present disclosure;
Figures 15, 16 shows features of the weapon sub-systems according to the present disclosure;
Figure 17 shows part of an ammunition feed unit system according to the present disclosure;
Figure 18 shows the ammunition feed unit system of figure 17;
Figure 19 shows an example of an intermediate ammunition loading unit which forms part of the ammunition feed unit system according to the present disclosure;
Figure 20 shows further features of the ammunition feed unit system of figures 17, 18;
Figure 21 shows features of weapon sub-systems according to the present disclosure;
Figure 22 shows a further example of an ammunition feed unit system according to the present disclosure, with some features common to the examples of figures 17 to 20;
Figures 23 to 29 show different views and features of an ammunition storage rack according to the present disclosure; and
Figures 30 to 33 show features of a cannon system according to the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to weapon sub-systems for handling ammunition components in weapon systems.
The present disclosure relates to a cannon system 10. The present disclosure relates to sub-components and sub-assemblies of a cannon system 10. The present disclosure relates to an ammunition feed unit 200. The present disclosure relates to an ammunition feed unit system 500.
The present disclosure may relate to mid-calibre weapon systems, for example weapon systems operable to fire ammunition components with a calibre in the range of 40mm up to about 140mm.
The weapon system may be mounted to a fixed substrate, or example to the ground or a platform or pallet. The weapon system may be free standing.
The vehicle 1000 may comprise the cannon system 10 according to the present disclosure. The weapon system may be mounted to and/or form part of a vehicle 1000 (for example as shown in figures 1, 2). The vehicle 1000 may be a land-based vehicle 1002 (for example a wheeled or tracked vehicle, comprising a track 1012 and/or wheels 1010 as shown in figures 1, 2), a watercraft 1004 or an air vehicle 1006. The vehicle may be remotely controlled. That is to say the vehicle may be configured to be an unmanned vehicle. The vehicle may be configured to not include any crew regions. That is to say the vehicle may be configured so that there is no space within it for an operator/user. Put another way, the vehicle may be configured such that the internal volume of the vehicle (i.e. the space defined within its outer casing/framework/wall) may be filled with equipment, cables, pipes and/or ammunition etc, such that there is no space available for an operator/user. The vehicle may be a self-propelled vehicle. The vehicle may be a battle tank. The weapon system may be a "light platform", which is a term of the art defining a system which has less mass than a full battle tank.
The cannon system 10 may comprise a support structure 20. For example, the support structure 20 may form part of a vehicle 1000. The support structure 20 may form at least a part of a superstructure of a vehicle 1000. For example the support structure 20 may be comprised of a shell 1014 (for example that which defines the outer wall of the vehicle 1000) and/or chassis or framework which supports the components/sub-components of the cannon system 10 (for example shown in figures 5 to 9).
As illustrated in figures 1, 2, the cannon system 10 and vehicle may extend in an x-axis, y-axis and z-axis. The x-axis, y-axis and z-axis may be perpendicular to one another. In some examples, and as presented in the figures, the system may be constructed such that the z-axis is generally vertical. For example, in a land-based vehicle, the system may be arranged such that the z-axis is vertical. In other examples, the system may be constructed such that the z-axis is at an angle to the vertical. For example, the z-axis may be horizonal. In the figures the cannon 104 is shown located above the ammunition supply system 300 (e.g. the magazines 310, 320). In other examples the cannon 104 may be located beneath the ammunition supply system 300 (e.g. the magazines 310, 320).
As illustrated in figures 1 to 11, 16, the cannon system 10 may comprise a cannon turret assembly system 100 comprising a turret assembly 102 and a cannon 104. The turret assembly 102 may be supported by and/or rotatably mounted to the support structure 20 such that the turret assembly 102 is rotatable about a central axis parallel to the z-axis to travel in a traverse path 106 (as illustrated in figure 2). Hence the turret assembly 102 may be centred on the z-axis. Hence the z-axis may be termed a "central axis", or "turret assembly rotation axis". The turret assembly 102 may be rotatable about the full 360 degree circumference of the traverse path 106.
When viewed from above, as illustrated in figures 2, the traverse path 106 may be circular.
The cannon 104 is mounted to the turret assembly 102. That is to say, the turret assembly 102 may support the cannon 104.
The cannon 104 is formed from a cannon assembly 140. As shown in figures 3, 4, the cannon assembly 140 is pivotably mounted to a cannon assembly support 120 about a pivot axis 150. The pivot axis 150 may also be termed the "elevation axis" (i.e. the axis about which the cannon elevates). The cannon pivot axis 150 may extend in a x-y plane defined by the x-axis and y-axis.
The cannon assembly 140 may comprise a trunnion. The trunnion may extend along the cannon pivot axis 150.
The cannon 104 may comprise a barrel 160 having a barrel axis 152 and housing which houses a firing chamber 110. The cannon assembly 140 is constrained to pivot the barrel 160 about the cannon pivot axis 150 in a plane of movement extending through the z-axis and at right angles to a plane defined by the x-axis and y-axis.
The cannon 104 may be pivotably mounted relative to the turret assembly 102 such that the cannon 104 is operable to pivot relative to the z-axis and relative to a plane defined by the x-axis and y-axis.
As illustrated in figures 5, 7, the cannon 104 is provided with a firing chamber 110. The firing chamber 110 is configured to receive an ammunition component 30 through an inlet 190. The firing chamber 110 also comprises an outlet 192 for the ejection of the ammunition casing 32 after the ammunition component has been fired/discharged. Hence the firing chamber 110 extends between the inlet 190 and the outlet 192.
The firing chamber 110 may be defined by a body 114 which is configured to align the firing chamber 110 with a direction parallel to the cannon pivot axis 150 so that an ammunition component 30 may be entered into the firing chamber 110 through the inlet 190 in a direction aligned with and/or parallel to the cannon pivot axis 150. The body 114 is mounted and operable to align the firing chamber 110 with the barrel axis 152 of the cannon 104.
Hence the body 114 is mounted and operable to have a first configuration in which the firing chamber 110 is aligned with and/or parallel to the cannon pivot axis 150 and a second configuration in which the firing chamber 110 is centred on the barrel axis 152. When the ammunition component 30 is centred on the barrel axis 152 (i.e. when the firing chamber 110 is centred on the barrel axis 152) it is in the correct orientation to be fired.
Hence in operation the sequence of events may be the body 114 is orientated to be in the first configuration in which the firing chamber 110 is aligned with and/or parallel to the cannon pivot axis 150, and in this configuration an ammunition component 30 is entered into the firing chamber 110. The body is then rotated 90 degrees to orientate it such that it is in the second configuration in which the firing chamber 110 is centred on the barrel axis 152. The ammunition component 30 is then triggered to be fired with (for example) a projectile or other payload being transported along and out of the barrel 160. The body 114 is then orientated (e.g. rotated) to be back in the first configuration in which the firing chamber 110 is aligned with and/or parallel to the cannon pivot axis 150 ready to receive the next ammunition component 30. The entry of a fresh (unused) ammunition component 30 into the firing chamber 110 causes the empty (fired) casing 32 to be ejected from a firing chamber casing outlet 192.
Hence the way in which the body 114 is mounted and rotates allows for ammunition components to be introduced from the side of the barrel (i.e. at right angles to the barrel axis 152 and parallel to the pivot axis 150) rather than at an end of the barrel (i.e. centred on the barrel axis 152).
The cannon system 10 may further comprise an ammunition feed unit 200 as illustrated in figures 2 to 11 and figures 22 to 29. As best shown in figures 22, 23, the ammunition feed unit 200 may comprise an ammunition storage rack 202 defining an ammunition component transport path 205 extending in a transport direction (illustrated by arrows marked as TD1) from an ammunition storage rack inlet 204 to an ammunition storage rack outlet 206.
The ammunition feed unit 200 may be mounted to, and moveable with, the cannon 104. The ammunition feed unit 200 may be mounted to, and moveable with, the cannon assembly 140. The ammunition feed unit 200 may be mounted to, and moveable with the turret assembly 102 around the traverse path 106. The ammunition feed unit 200 may be mounted to, and moveable with the cannon assembly support 120 around the traverse path 106.
The ammunition feed unit 200 may be mounted to the cannon assembly 140 such that the ammunition feed unit 200 travels with the cannon assembly 140 as the turret assembly 102 and cannon assembly support 120 rotate about the z-axis along the traverse path 106. The ammunition feed unit 200 may be mounted to the cannon assembly 140 such that as the cannon assembly 140 pivots about the cannon pivot axis 150, the ammunition feed unit 200 remains at a fixed angle relative to the z-axis. The ammunition feed unit 200 is pivotably mounted to the cannon assembly 140 such that as the cannon assembly 140 pivots about the cannon pivot axis 150 the cannon assembly 140 is also pivoting relative to the ammunition feed unit 200. Put another way, the ammunition feed unit 200 is pivotably mounted to the cannon assembly 140 such that as the cannon assembly 140 pivots about the cannon pivot axis 150 the cannon assembly 140 is also pivoting relative to the ammunition feed unit 200, which remains at a fixed angle relative to the z-axis (for example, vertical). The ammunition feed unit 200 may be configured to deliver the ammunition component 30 to the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104 at any position around the traverse path 106 and at any elevation of the cannon 104 barrel 160.
The ammunition feed unit 200 is configured to receive an ammunition component 30 and deliver the ammunition component 30 to the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104. That is to say, the ammunition feed unit 200 is configured for loading an ammunition component 30 into a firing chamber 110 of a cannon system 10.
The cannon system 10 may further comprise an ammunition supply system 300 comprising a first magazine 310 with a first magazine outlet 312 and a second magazine 320 with a second magazine outlet 322 each of the first magazine 310 and the second magazine 320 fixedly mounted to the support structure 20 in a position adjacent to the traverse path 106 of the turret assembly 102 such that the first magazine 310 and the second magazine 320 are operable to deliver an ammunition component 30 to the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 of the ammunition feed unit 200.
As illustrated in figures 2 to 10, the first magazine 310 may be spaced apart from the second magazine 320 around the traverse path 106.
The cannon turret assembly system 100 may be operable to position the ammunition feed unit 200 at a first position P1 on the traverse path 106 in which the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 is aligned with the first magazine outlet 312. That is to say the cannon turret assembly system 100 may be operable to rotate the turret assembly 102 which carries the ammunition feed unit 200 to position the ammunition feed unit 200 at the first position P1 on the traverse path 106 at which the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 is aligned with the first magazine outlet 312.
The cannon turret assembly system 100 may be operable to position the ammunition feed unit 200 at a second position P2 on the traverse path 106 in which the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 is aligned with the second magazine outlet 322. That is to say the cannon turret assembly system 100 may be operable to rotate the turret assembly 102 which carries the ammunition feed unit 200 to position the ammunition feed unit 200 at a second position P2 on the traverse path 106 at which the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 is aligned with the second magazine outlet 322.
The first magazine 310 may be spaced apart from the second magazine 320 around the traverse path 106 by at least 45 degrees and no more than 180 degrees such that the first position P1 of the ammunition feed unit 200 is at least 45 degrees and no more than 180 degrees around the traverse path 106 from the second position P2.
The first magazine 310 may be spaced apart from the second magazine 320 around the traverse path 106 by 180 degrees such that the first position P1 of the ammunition feed unit 200 is 180 degrees around the traverse path 106 from the second position P2.
In some examples one or more additional magazines may be provided so that the magazines are spaced apart from one another around the traverse path 106. In some examples there may be provided eight magazines, spaced apart from one another by 45 degrees around the traverse path 106. Each magazine may have the same features as that described for the first magazine 310 and the second magazine 320. Ammunition components 30 may be transferred from each magazine to the ammunition feed unit 200 (in examples where present) and/or the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 (in examples where present) as described for the first magazine 310 and the second magazine 320.
As illustrated in figure 23, the ammunition feed unit 200 may comprise a plurality of ammunition storage racks 202, each ammunition storage rack 202 defining an ammunition component transport path 205 extending in a transport direction TD1 from an ammunition storage rack inlet 204 to an ammunition storage rack outlet 206. The inlet 204 of each of the ammunition storage racks 202 may be configured for receiving an ammunition component 30. The outlet 206 of each of the ammunition storage racks 202 may be configured for the transportation of an ammunition component 30 therethrough to the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104. That is to say, the ammunition storage rack outlet 206 may be configured for allowing the exit (e.g. passage of) of an ammunition component 30 from the ammunition storage rack 202 for delivery to the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104.
As illustrated in figures 2 to 4, 10, the first magazine 310 may comprise a plurality of banks 314, each bank 314 for storage of a different or the same ammunition component type 240, 242, 244. Each of the banks 314 of the first magazine 310 may have a first magazine outlet 312.
Likewise the second magazine 320 may comprise a plurality of banks 324, each bank 324 for storage of a different or the same ammunition component type 240, 242, 244, each of the banks 314 of the second magazine 320 having a second magazine outlet 322.
A first bank of the plurality of banks 314, 324 may be used to store only a first ammunition component type 240, and a second bank of the plurality of banks 314, 324 may be used to store a different ammunition component type 242, 244 to that stored in the first bank. A third bank of the plurality of banks 314, 324 may be used to store a different ammunition component type 242, 244 to that stored in the first bank and a different or the same ammunition component type 242, 244 stored in the second bank of the plurality of banks 314, 324.
The magazines 310, 320 may be made up of columns and rows. For example, each bank 314, 324 of the plurality of banks 314, 324 of the magazines 314, 324 may comprise one more columns and/or one or more rows of the columns and rows that make up the magazine. Each bank 314, 324 of the plurality of banks 314, 324 may be configured in any appropriate arrangement. For example each bank 314, 324 of the plurality of banks 314, 324 may comprise one or more columns. In a further example, each bank 314, 324 of the plurality of banks 314, 324 may comprise one or more rows. In another example at least one of the banks 314, 32 of the plurality of banks 314, 324 may comprise one or more rows (for example the top two rows), and the remaining bank (or banks) of the plurality of banks 314, 324 comprise the remaining rows.
The term "ammunition component type 240, 242, 244" is taken to refer to the nature of the ammunition component - for example comprising a projectile, explosive or flare. Each ammunition component type is compatible with the weapon sub-systems, although may vary in composition, function and/or geometry.
The cannon turret assembly system 100 may be operable to position the ammunition feed unit 200 at a first position P1 on the traverse path 106 in which one of the ammunition storage rack inlets 204 is aligned with one of the first magazine outlets 312. That is to say the cannon turret assembly system 100 may be operable to rotate the turret assembly 102 which carries the ammunition feed unit 200 to position the ammunition feed unit 200 at the first position P1 on the traverse path 106 so that the ammunition storage rack inlets 204 are aligned with the first magazine outlets 312.
The cannon turret assembly system 100 may be operable to position the ammunition feed unit 200 at a second position P2 on the traverse path 106 in which one of the ammunition storage rack inlets 204 is aligned with one of the second magazine outlets 322. That is to say the cannon turret assembly system 100 may be operable to rotate the turret assembly 102 which carries the ammunition feed unit 200 to position the ammunition feed unit 200 at a second position P2 on the traverse path 106 so that the ammunition storage rack inlets 204 are aligned with the second magazine outlets 322.
The ammunition feed unit 200 may be configured to receive an ammunition component 30 from the first magazine 310 at the first position P1. The ammunition feed unit 200 may be configured to receive an ammunition component 30 directly from the first magazine 310 at the first position P1.
The ammunition feed unit 200 may be configured to receive an ammunition component 30 from the second magazine 320 at the second position P2. The ammunition feed unit 200 may be configured to receive an ammunition component 30 directly from the second magazine 320 at the second position P2.
The cannon system 10 may further comprise an ammunition transport system 400 configured to deliver an ammunition component 30 from the first magazine 310 to the ammunition feed unit 200 at the first position P1 and/or deliver an ammunition component 30 from the second magazine 320 to the ammunition feed unit 200 at the second position P2.
The ammunition transport system 400 may be of any conventional design capable of moving ammunition components 30 from one location to another, for example using actuators, chain systems and/or conveyors.
There may be provided a method of operation of a cannon system 10. The method may comprise controlling the turret assembly 102 to rotate about the z-axis (central axis) to align the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 with the first magazine outlet 312 or the second magazine outlet 322.
The method may comprise controlling an ammunition transport system 400 to deliver an ammunition component 30 from an aligned magazine, through the first magazine outlet 312 or the second magazine outlet 322 through the ammunition storage rack inlet 204.
The method may comprise controlling the turret assembly 102 to rotate about the z-axis such that each of the ammunition storage rack inlets 204 is aligned with a different one of the first magazine outlets 312 or the second magazine outlets 322.
The method may comprise controlling an ammunition transport system 400 to deliver an ammunition component 30 from an aligned magazine, through one or more of the first magazine outlets 312 or one or more of the second magazine outlets 322 through the aligned ammunition storage rack inlet 204.
The method may further comprise delivering the ammunition component 30 from the ammunition feed unit 200 to the firing chamber 110 for firing.
Hence there may be provided a cannon system 10 with a turret assembly 102 configured to load an ammunition feed unit 200 from a plurality of magazines 310, 320 on the traverse path of the turret assembly 102. This allows for improved speed of replenishment which results in more time being available to deliver a payload to a target.
Additionally this configuration enables more flexibility for replenishment if the system is used in a confined environment where a barrel of the cannon system may prevent the turret assembly 102 from turning, for example if the turret assembly is located against a wall, tree, rock face or other obstacle.
In examples where present, this arrangement also facilitates loading of the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 (described below) from each of the magazines 310, 320 concurrently, allowing the ammunition feed unit 200 to be reloaded at a higher rate than is possible in examples of the related art.
The provision of the ammunition feed unit 200 and (in examples where provided) the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 allows for large supplies of ammunition components to be provided for use with the weapon system while maintaining a small turret ring size, and an overall compact size for the weapon system as a whole. Hence the majority of the ammunition components 30 are carried in the magazines 310, 320, with only a relatively small number of ammunition components 30 being carried with the cannon in the ammunition feed unit 200 and (in examples where provided) the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600, and hence the rotating mass of the turret assembly 102 (in use) comprises only a relatively small number of ammunition components 30. That is to say, the configurations of the present disclosure separate most of the ammunition component 30 mass (i.e. that in the magazines 310, 320) from the mass of the turret assembly 102. This enables a weapon system of the present disclosure to have a turret assembly 102 which is relatively compact, capacious and/or low inertia compared to examples of the related art.
Additionally, since the turret assembly 102 may be of relative low inertia, the load on motors for rotating the turret assembly 102 (for example the motor 136 described below) is reduced, and the turret assembly 102 will be inherently easier to control - for example, when changing the speed and/or direction of rotation of the turret assembly 102.
Further this allows for greater stability on lighter platforms. Less torque needs to be opposed by the friction of the wheels. For example, with an arrangement according to the present disclosure, when the direction of a turret is changed rapidly on a light vehicle the vehicle is less likely to be disturbed especially if the ratio of masses between the vehicle and turret are not large.
As illustrated in figures 22 to 29 the ammunition feed unit 200 may comprise a gate unit 210. The inlet 204 of each of the ammunition storage racks 202 may be configured for receiving an ammunition component 30. The outlet 206 of each of the ammunition storage racks 202 may be configured for delivering an ammunition component 30 to the gate unit 210.
The gate unit 210 may comprise a gate unit wall 218 defining an ammunition component receiving housing 212 which defines a gate chamber 214 and a gate unit opening 216 configured (for example, sized) to receive one ammunition component 30 at a time into the gate chamber 214. The gate unit wall 218 may be cylindrical. The gate chamber 214 may be cylindrical. The gate chamber 214 may be sized to accommodate an ammunition component 30.
The gate unit opening 216 and ammunition storage rack outlets 206 may be of substantially the same size.
As illustrated in figures 28, 29, the gate unit 210 may be operable to align the gate unit opening 216 with each of the ammunition storage rack outlets 206 and configured such that when the gate unit opening 216 is aligned with one of the ammunition storage rack outlets 206, the gate unit 210 gate unit wall 218 is deployed across the or each other ammunition storage rack outlet 206 to prevent the passage of an ammunition component 30 therethrough.
Hence the gate unit 210 is configured such that when the gate unit opening 216 is aligned with any one of the ammunition storage rack outlets 206, the gate unit 210 gate unit wall 218 provides a barrier across the or each other ammunition storage rack outlet 206 to prevent the passage of an ammunition component 30 through the storage rack outlet 206.
The ammunition component receiving housing 212 is rotatable about a first axis of rotation 222. The first axis of rotation 222 is perpendicular to the transport direction TD1 of the ammunition component transport path 205. A gate unit motor 260 may be provided to drive the ammunition component receiving housing 212 about the first axis of rotation 222.
The gate chamber 214 of the gate unit 210 leads from the gate unit opening 216 to a gate unit 210 outlet centred on the first axis of rotation 222, the gate unit outlet 220 configured for delivering the ammunition component 30 to the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104.
The ammunition feed unit 200 may further comprise an ammunition transport system 400 operable to move the ammunition component 30 through the gate chamber 214 in a direction along the first axis of rotation 222, through the gate unit outlet 220 to the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104.
The transport system 400 may be operable to move the ammunition component 30 from the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 to, in series, the ammunition component transport path 205, the ammunition storage rack outlet 206, the gate unit opening 216, the gate chamber 214, the gate unit outlet 220 and the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104.
The ammunition transport system 400 may be operable move the ammunition component 30 through the gate chamber 214 in a direction along the first axis of rotation 222 to the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104.
The ammunition transport system 400 may be operable to, in series: move the ammunition component 30 through the ammunition storage rack inlet 204; move the ammunition component 30 along the ammunition component transport path 205 in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 222 to towards the ammunition storage rack outlet 206; move the ammunition component 30 through the gate unit opening 216 into the gate chamber 214 in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 222; move the ammunition component 30 through the gate chamber 214 and through the gate unit outlet 220 in a direction along the first axis of rotation 222 to the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104.
Each ammunition storage rack 202 may be configured to retain a plurality of ammunition components 30 along the transport path 205.
The ammunition storage rack inlet 204 of a first ammunition storage rack 230 of the plurality of ammunition storage racks 202 is configured for receiving a first ammunition component 30 from a first ammunition source. For example, the first ammunition source may be an intermediate ammunition loading unit 600, as described below. In other examples the first ammunition source may be the first magazine 310 and/or the second magazine 320. In other examples the first ammunition source may be one or more of the plurality of banks 324 the first magazine 310 and/or one or more of the plurality of banks 324 the second magazine 320.
The ammunition storage rack inlet 204 of a second ammunition storage rack 232 of the plurality of ammunition storage racks 202 is configured for receiving a second ammunition component 30 from a second ammunition source. For example, the second ammunition source may be the first magazine 310 and/or the second magazine 320. In other examples the second ammunition source may be one or more of the plurality of banks 324 the first magazine 310 and/or one or more of the plurality of banks 324 the second magazine 320.
The ammunition storage rack inlet 204 of the first ammunition storage rack 230 may be provided at the end of the first ammunition storage rack 230 as an aperture 234 which extends in a direction parallel to the first axis of rotation 222 to receive an ammunition component 30 in the direction of the ammunition component transport path 205 defined by the ammunition storage rack 202.
The ammunition storage rack inlet 204 of the second ammunition storage rack 232 may be provided on a side of the second ammunition storage rack 232 as an aperture 236 aligned with a plane which extends in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 222 to receive an ammunition component 30 in the direction perpendicular to the ammunition component transport path 205 defined by the ammunition storage rack 202.
The first ammunition storage rack 230 may be configured for handling (e.g. transporting and temporarily storing) a first ammunition component type 240. The second ammunition storage rack 232 is configured for handling (e.g. transporting and temporarily storing) a second ammunition component type 242.
Each of the plurality of ammunition storage racks 230, 232 are configured for handling (e.g. transporting and temporarily storing) each ammunition component type 240, 242.
The plurality of ammunition storage racks 202 may comprise at least two, but no more than five, ammunition storage racks 202.
In one example the ammunition feed unit 200 comprises a gate unit 210, a plurality of ammunition storage racks 202, each ammunition storage rack 202 defining an ammunition component transport path 205 extending in a transport direction TD1 from an ammunition storage rack inlet 204 to an ammunition storage rack outlet 206. The inlet 204 of each of the ammunition storage racks 202 may be configured for receiving an ammunition component 30. The outlet 206 of each of the ammunition storage racks 202 may be configured for delivering an ammunition component 30 to the gate unit 210. The gate unit 210 may comprise a gate unit wall 218 defining an ammunition component receiving housing 212 which defines a gate chamber 214 and a gate unit opening 216 configured to receive one ammunition component 30 at a time into the gate chamber 214. The gate unit 210 may be operable to align the gate unit opening 216 with each of the ammunition storage rack outlets 206 and configured such that when the gate unit opening 216 is aligned with one of the ammunition storage rack outlets 206, the gate unit 210 gate unit wall 218 is deployed across the or each other ammunition storage rack outlet 206 to prevent the passage of an ammunition component 30 therethrough.
The ammunition storage rack inlet 204 of a first ammunition storage rack 230 of the plurality of ammunition storage racks 202 may be configured for receiving a first ammunition component 30 from a first ammunition source. The ammunition storage rack inlet 204 of a second ammunition storage rack 232 of the plurality of ammunition storage racks 202 may be configured for receiving a second ammunition component 30 from a second ammunition source. The ammunition storage rack inlet 204 of a third ammunition storage rack 238 of the plurality of ammunition storage racks 202 may be configured for receiving a third ammunition component 30 from a third ammunition source. For example, the third ammunition source may be the first magazine 310 and/or the second magazine 320. In other examples the third ammunition source may be one or more of the plurality of banks 324 the first magazine 310 and/or one or more of the plurality of banks 324 the second magazine 320.
The first ammunition storage rack 230 may be configured for handling a first ammunition component type 240, a second ammunition component type 242 and/or a third ammunition component type 244.
The second ammunition storage rack 232 may be configured for handling a first ammunition component type 240, a second ammunition component type 242 and/or a third ammunition component type 244.
The third ammunition storage rack 238 may be configured for handling a first ammunition component type 240, a second ammunition component type 242 and/or a third ammunition component type 244.
In operation, as illustrated in figures 28, 29, on demand from a signal indicating an ammunition component type should passed to the cannon 104, the gate unit housing 212 is rotated about the first axis of rotation 222 to align the gate unit opening 216 with the ammunition storage rack outlet 206 of the ammunition storage rack 202 which contains the required ammunition component type. The transport system 400 may then be operated to move the ammunition component 30 into and through the gate chamber 214 to the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104. When a different ammunition component type is required, the gate unit housing 212 is rotated about the first axis of rotation 222 to align the gate unit opening 216 with the ammunition storage rack outlet 206 of the ammunition storage rack 202 which contains the required ammunition component type.
The geometry of the gate unit wall 218 blocks supply of ammunition component types from all ammunition storage racks 202 feeds apart from the chosen ammunition storage rack 202.
Hence there may be provided an ammunition feed unit 200 for loading an ammunition component 30 into a firing chamber 110 of a cannon system 10.
This system allows for rapid switching between different ammunition component types being possible. Hence a cannon system comprising such an ammunition feed unit 200 according to the present disclosure may change from firing one ammunition component type to another ammunition component type simply by use of the gate unit 210 to draw an ammunition component type from a different one of the storage racks 202.
This system also allows for the cannon to carry on firing while the turret is turning and changing its elevation, being supplied by with ammunition components from the different racks 202 of the ammunition feed unit 200 as it moves.
There may be provided an ammunition feed unit system 500 for loading an ammunition component 30 into a firing chamber 110 of a cannon system 10.
The ammunition feed unit system 500 may comprise the ammunition feed unit 200 according to the present disclosure and an intermediate ammunition loading unit 600, for example as illustrated in figures 5, 7 to 11, 15.
Examples of the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 is illustrated in figures 9 to 15, 17 to 22. The intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 may comprise a support frame 602 centred on, and rotatable about, the z-axis (i.e. a central rotational axis). The rotation of the support frame 602 may be controlled by a motor. A plurality of ammunition component support bays 604 may be fixed to or defined by the support frame 602. The plurality of ammunition component support bays 604 are thus rotatable with the support frame 602. The ammunition component support bays 604 may be spaced apart from one another around the z-axis. For example, the ammunition component support bays 604 may be spaced apart from one another equally around the z-axis.
Each ammunition component support bay 604 may have an ammunition component support bay inlet 606, which may be formed in the support frame 602, for the delivery of an ammunition component 30 therethrough to the ammunition component support bay 604 from an ammunition source. An actuator (forming part of the transport system 400) may be provided to push an ammunition component from the ammunition source to the component support bay 604.
As illustrated in the figures, each ammunition component support bay 604 may be open at their upper side to define an outlet 608 for the delivery of an ammunition component 30 therethrough from the ammunition component support bay 604 to the ammunition storage rack inlet 204.
Each ammunition component support bay 604 may extend radially inwards from the ammunition component support bay inlet 606. The support frame 602 may define a radially inner wall 620. The ammunition component support bays 604 may extend to the radially inner wall 620 which provides an abutment to position an ammunition component 30. The support frame 602 may define an aperture 628 in each of the ammunition component support bays 604.
As illustrated in figures 13 to 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 may comprise an outer casing 622 which bounds the support frame 602. That is to say, the outer casing 622 may extend around the outer circumference of the support frame 602. The outer casing 622 may be static relative to the support structure 20. The outer casing 622 may be rotatable relative to the support structure 20. The support frame 602 is operable to be rotatable relative to the outer casing 622.
The outer casing 622 may comprise an inlet 626 for the passage therethrough of an ammunition component 30 to the ammunition component support bay inlet 606 of the support frame 602. That is to say, and as shown in figures 15, 18, 20, the outer casing 622 may comprise a single inlet 626 for the passage therethrough of an ammunition component 30 to an aligned ammunition component support bay inlet 606 of the support frame 602. The support frame 602 is operable to rotate about the central z axis such that the support bay inlets 606 may be aligned with the outer casing inlet 626 for the passage of an ammunition component 30 therethrough.
The outer casing 622 may be rotatable around the z-axis relative to the support structure 20 and relative to the support frame 602 to align the outer casing inlet 626 with the ammunition sources (for example the first magazine outlet 312 and the second magazine outlet 322).
For example, the outer casing 622 may be rotatable around the z-axis to align the outer casing inlet 626 with the first magazine outlet 312. The outer casing 622 may be rotatable around the z-axis to align the outer casing inlet 626 with the second magazine outlet 322.
Hence the support bay inlets 606 are closed by the outer casing 622 when the outer casing inlet 626 is misaligned with the support bay inlets 606, and the support bay inlets 606 are open when the outer casing inlet 626 is aligned with the support bay inlets 606. Hence the outer casing 622 provides a means to close the support bays 604 to maintain the ammunition components 30 in the support bays 604.
As shown in figures 12, 13, 14, 17, 22, the outer casing 622 may comprise a plurality of inlets 626, spaced apart around the circumference of the outer casing 622. The number of outer casing inlets 626 may be the same as the number of support bay inlets 606. The spacing of the outer casing inlets 626 may be the same as the spacing of the support bay inlets 606 so that the outer casing inlets 626 may be aligned with all of the support bay inlets 606 at the same time, as shown in figures 12, 13, 14, 17, 22. This arrangement allows for the support bays 604 to be loaded from multiple ammunition sources at the same time, where the ammunition sources are spaced around the outside of the outer casing 622 on the traverse path 106. This arrangement also ensures that should the outer casing 622 become locked into a fixed position (for example because of damage or wear to the system which drives its rotation) then the support bays 604 may still be loaded through the support casing inlets 626.
In some examples, as shown in figures 19, 21, there may be no outer casing 622, and hence ammunition components 30 are fed through the support bay inlets 606 directly from the ammunition source.
As shown in figures 19, 20, 21, there may be provided a first intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 640 and a second intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 642.
As illustrated in figures 19, 20, 21, the first intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 640 may mounted to the turret assembly 102 and engageable with the support frame 602 to drive the support frame 602 relative to the turret assembly 102. The first intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 640 may mounted to the turret assembly 102 and engageable with the radially inner wall 620 of the support frame 602. The first intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 640 may be coupled to the support frame 602 via a geared arrangement (for example, the first intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 640 comprising a gear wheel which engages with a gear ring 650 coupled to or provided on the support frame 602).
As illustrated in figure 21, the second intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 642 may mounted to the support structure 20 and engageable with the support frame 602 to drive the support frame 602 relative to the support structure 20. The second intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 642 may be coupled to the support frame 602 via a geared arrangement (for example, the second intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 642 may comprise a gear wheel which engages with a gear ring 652 coupled to or provided on the support frame 602).
The first intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 640 and the second intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 642 may be engageable and disengageable with the support frame 602 independently of each other.
For example, the first intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 640 and the second intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 642 may be coupled to the support frame 602 via clutches which allow each motor 640, 642 to be engaged and disengaged from the support frame 602 independently of each other.
In a first mode of operation, with the first intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 640 coupled to the turret assembly 102 and the second intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 642 uncoupled from the support frame 602, the turret slew motor 136 is operable to move the support frame 602 around the z-axis, and the first intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 640 operable to index the support frame 602 relative to the turret loading system 200.
In a second mode of operation, with the first intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 640 uncoupled from the turret assembly 102 and the second intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 642 coupled to the support frame 602, the second intermediate ammunition loading unit motor 642 is operable to control the position of the support frame 602 (and hence the support bay inlets 606 relative) to the ammunition sources (for example the first magazine outlet 312 and the second magazine outlet 322). In this example, the mass of the support frame 602 and any ammunition components 30 it is carrying, will not be being moved by the turret slew motor 136, which means control of movement of the turret assembly 102 may be easier, and he slew motor 136 will be under less load.
In the example shown in figure 14, the outer casing 622 extends under the support frame 602, and comprises a window 629 positioned in line with the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 for the passage of an actuator 630 therethrough when the window 629 is aligned with a support bay aperture 628 to lift/push the ammunition component 30 into the ammunition storage rack inlet 204. Hence in this example, the outer casing 622 is rotatable about the z-axis to align the window 629 with the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 at any position around the z-axis.
As shown in figures 11, 14, 15 to 18, 20, 22, the actuator 630 may be provided under the support frame 602. The actuator 630 may be provided with a lift feature which is configured to pass through the window 629 and aperture 628 to lift/push the ammunition component 30 in the respective bay 604 into the ammunition storage rack inlet 204. As shown in figures 15 to 18, 20, 22, the actuator 630 may be mounted to, and fixed relative to, the turret assembly 102 and/or the ammunition feed unit 200 by a bracket 632 such that the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 and the actuator 630 are always aligned, and hence allow the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 to be loaded at any position around the traverse path 106. Hence the actuator 630 (and bracket 632) move with the ammunition feed unit 200 around the traverse path 106.
The intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 (for example the support frame 602 and the outer casing 622) may be mounted such that it is rotatable with the turret assembly 102 and also rotatable relative to the turret assembly 102.
As set out above, the ammunition feed unit 200 may be translatable about the central z-axis with the cannon assembly 140. The ammunition feed unit 200 and the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 (e.g. the support frame 602 of the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600) may be operable to move relative to one another around the central z-axis. The ammunition feed unit 200 and the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 (e.g. the support frame 602 of the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600) may be operable to move with one another around the z-axis.
The ammunition feed unit 200 and the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 are mounted relative to one another such that each ammunition component support bay outlet 608 may be brought into alignment with the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 by translation of the ammunition feed unit 200 and rotation of the support frame 602 of the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 relative to one another around the z-axis.
As illustrated in figure 5, the support frame 602 may be operable to receive an ammunition component 30 into a first ammunition component support bay 610 of the plurality of ammunition component support bays 604 at a first angular position AP1 around the central z-axis. The intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 is operable to receive an ammunition component 30 into each ammunition component support bay 604 at the first angular position AP1 from the first magazine 310, wherein the first magazine 310 is mounted in a fixed position relative to ammunition feed unit system 500.
The support frame 602 may be operable to rotate about the z-axis to deliver the ammunition component 30 to the ammunition storage rack inlet 204.
The system may be configured such that the support frame 602 may receive an ammunition component 30 into a second ammunition component support bay 612 of the plurality of ammunition component support bays 604 at a second angular position AP2 around the z-axis. The intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 is operable to receive an ammunition component 30 into each ammunition component support bay 604 at the second angular position AP2 from the second magazine 320, wherein the second magazine 320 is mounted in a fixed position relative to ammunition feed unit system 500.
The system may be configured such that support frame 602 may receive an ammunition component 30 into a second ammunition component support bay 612 of the plurality of ammunition component support bays 604 at a second angular position AP2 around the z-axis at the same time or a different time as receiving an ammunition component 30 into the first ammunition component support bay 610 at the first angular position AP1.
Hence it is possible to load the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 from the first magazine 310 and the second magazine 320, either in parallel or in series.
Hence since the ammunition component support bays 604 are rotatable about the central axis relative to the turret assembly 102, the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 may be loaded at all traverse positions of the turret assembly 102. Also since the cannon 104 is pivotable relative to the ammunition feed unit 200, and the ammunition feed unit 200 remains at a fixed angle to the z-axis, the ammunition feed unit 200 may be loaded at all elevations of the cannon 104.
The ammunition component support bay inlet 606 may extend at a right angle to the ammunition component support bay outlet 608.
The ammunition feed unit system 500 may further comprise at least part of the ammunition transport system 400.
The ammunition transport system 400 may be configured to move the ammunition component 30, in series, through the ammunition component support bay inlet 606 into the ammunition component support bay 604, from the ammunition component support bay 604 through the ammunition component support bay outlet 608 through the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 into the ammunition feed unit 200, along the ammunition component transport path 205 of the ammunition feed unit 200 to the ammunition storage rack outlet 206, to the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104.
The ammunition transport system 400 may be operable to, in series: move an ammunition component 30 through the ammunition component support bay inlet 606 into the ammunition component support bay 604 in a first direction D1 perpendicular to the z-axis; move the ammunition component 30 through the ammunition component support bay outlet 608 through the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 into the ammunition feed unit 200 in a direction parallel to the z-axis; move the ammunition component 30 through the gate unit opening 216 into the gate chamber 214 in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 222; move the ammunition component 30 through the ammunition storage rack outlet 206 and into the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104 in the first direction D1.
The ammunition feed unit 200 may be mounted to, and moveable with, the cannon 104. The ammunition feed unit 200 may be configured to receive an ammunition component 30 from the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 and deliver the ammunition component 30 to the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104.
The ammunition supply system 300 may be configured such that the first magazine 310 and the second magazine 320 are operable to deliver an ammunition component 30 to the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600. That is to say, the ammunition supply system 300 may be configured such that the first magazine 310 and the second magazine 320 are operable to deliver an ammunition component 30 to the ammunition component support bay inlet 606 of the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600.
As set out above, the first magazine 310 may be spaced apart from the second magazine 320 around the traverse path 106. The cannon system 10 may be operable to rotate the support frame 602 of the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 about the central z-axis to align the ammunition component support bay inlets 606 with the first magazine outlet(s) 312 and the second magazine outlet(s) 322 to thereby enable the passage of an ammunition component 30 from the first magazine 310 and/or the second magazine 320 to the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600.
The cannon system 10 may be operable to rotate the support frame 602 of the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 about the z-axis to align the ammunition component support bay outlets 608 with the ammunition storage rack inlet(s) 204 to thereby enable the passage of an ammunition component 30 from the ammunition component support bay 604 of the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 to the ammunition storage rack inlet 204.
In operation, an actuator (forming part of the transport system 400) pushes an ammunition component from the ammunition source (e.g. the first magazine 310 or the second magazine 320) to the component support bay 604. The support frame 602 may then rotate about the z-axis to align a support bay holding an ammunition component 30 with the window 629 and ammunition storage rack inlet 204. The actuator (forming part of the transport system 400) may push a further ammunition component from the ammunition source (e.g. the first magazine 310 or the second magazine 320) to the next empty component support bay 604 once the support frame 602 has rotated.
The actuator 630 is then operated to pass through the window 629 and aperture 628 to lift the ammunition component 30 in the respective bay 604 into the ammunition storage rack inlet 204 and hence into the ammunition feed unit 200. The transport system 400 then moves the ammunition component 30 along the ammunition component transport path 205 of the ammunition feed unit 200 towards the ammunition storage rack outlet 206 and (when required) to the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104. The support frame 602 may then rotate again about the z-axis to align the next support bay holding an ammunition component 30 with the window 629 and ammunition storage rack inlet 204, and the lift actuator 630 is operated again to lift the ammunition component 30 into the ammunition storage rack inlet 204. The process is repeated as required or as allowed by the operational requirement of the cannon system as a whole.
The intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 may be loaded from both the first magazine 310 and the second magazine 320, simultaneously or at different times, and since the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 can rotate independently of the turret and the support structure 20, the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 can be loaded while the turret is at any orientation and/or when the cannon is at any elevation. Hence an ammunition feed unit system 500 according to the present disclosure comprising an ammunition feed unit 200 and an intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 means that the cannon may be loaded more rapidly and while the turret is at any orientation and/or when the cannon is at any elevation.
Since the support frame 602 is rotatable relative to the turret assembly 102, they may be controlled to counter rotate so that the rotation of the support frame 602 counters at least some of the inertia of the turret assembly 102.
As shown in figures 3, 4, and as described above, the cannon assembly 140 is pivotably mounted to the cannon assembly support 120 about a pivot axis 150.
The cannon assembly support 120 forms a part of the turret assembly 102. As well as supporting the cannon assembly 140, the cannon assembly support 120 may carry the external plates / walls which define the turret shape. The cannon assembly support 120 is rotatable about the z-axis (i.e. the central axis), and since the other elements of the turret assembly 102 are carried by the cannon assembly support 120, the other elements rotate with the cannon assembly support 120 about the z-axis.
As illustrated in figure 32, the turret assembly 102 may comprise a slew ring 130 with a radially outer engagement surface 132. The slew ring 130 is coupled to and rotatable with the cannon assembly support 120. The cannon assembly support 120 may further comprise an actuator 133 with an engagement member 137 for engagement with the radially outer engagement surface 132. The actuator 133 may be mounted radially outwards of the slew ring 130.
The radially outer engagement surface 132 of the slew ring 130 may comprise gear teeth 134. The engagement member 137 of the actuator 133 may comprise gear teeth 136 compatible with the slew ring gear teeth 134.
The actuator 133 may comprise a motor 136 mounted to the cannon assembly support 120. The motor 136 may be mounted radially outwards of the slew ring 130.
In operation, the turret assembly 102 may be controlled to rotate about the z-axis by controlling a motor 136 to drive the actuator 133 (e.g. gear wheel), which, since the actuator 133 is engaged with the radially outer engagement surface 132 of the slew ring 130, causes the slew ring 130 and hence the cannon assembly support 120 and hence the turret assembly 102 as a whole to rotate about the z-axis.
Hence there may be provided a cannon system with a turret assembly 102 comprising a slew ring 130 which is driven from a position radially outwards of the slew ring 130, hence leaving space radially inwards of the slew ring 133 for other equipment.
That is to say, configuring the actuator 133 and slew ring 130 in this way results in more volume available within the turret for other part of the weapon system, for example an increased number of magazines 310, 320.
Since the motor 136 which powers the actuator 133 may mounted to the cannon assembly support 120 rather than to the turret assembly 102, the weight of the motor 136 is not included in the weight of the turret assembly 102. Hence the turret assembly 102 may be lighter, meaning that there is less turret mass to be rotated (meaning the turret assembly 102 can rotate more quickly about the z-axis, and meaning that there will be less wear and strain on the gear arrangements and motor). Alternatively, such an assembly in which the motor 136 is not included in the weight of the turret assembly 102 means that additional equipment and/or ammunition may be carried to the turret assembly 102, thereby providing extra resource.
Also, since the motor 136 is not carried by the turret assembly 102, this configuration allows for a more powerful motor 136 to be incorporated than would be possible in examples in which the motor 136 is attached to the turret assembly 102.
Further, mounting the motor 136 radially outward of the slew ring 130 of the turret assembly 102 has advantages for maintainability of the system i.e. it is easier to access the motor when required to maintain it.
The arrangement of the present disclosure may also result in greater torque being achievable, since the arrangement of the present disclosure, enables the slew ring 130 to have a greater diameter than examples of the related art, thereby enabling greater control for heavier arrangements as required.
The arrangement is possible because the system is not subject to the usual requirements of a turret system. For example, the requirement for protection of the motor is different than it would be on a tank. That is to say, the motor 136 may be protected in a more targeted and distributed manner. For example, the motor 136 may be put in an armoured box configured and sized for the motor 136, rather than (as may be done in the related art) shielded by armour which extends around the whole, or a large part, of the weapon system structure. Such an arrangement may result in a significant weight saving of the weapon system to which this arrangement is applied compared to examples of the related art. Further examples in which the weapon system is entirely remotely operates, the need for reversionary modes is reduced.
The cannon assembly 140 is pivotably mounted to the cannon assembly support 120 such that it can pivot at least 90 degrees but no more than 190 degrees about a cannon pivot axis 150. The range of movement is illustrated in Figure 1 which shows a side view of a vehicle comprising weapon sub-systems according to the present disclosure, with the maximum pivot angle identified by label "A".
The cannon assembly 140 may be constrained to pivot the barrel 160 about the cannon pivot axis 150 in a plane of movement extending through the z-axis and at right angles to the x-y plane from a starting position at which the barrel axis 152 is -5 degrees to the x-y plane (as identified in figure 1 by label "B").
The cannon assembly 140 may be constrained to pivot the barrel 160 about the cannon pivot axis 150 in a plane of movement extending through the z-axis and at right angles to the x-y plane from a lowest elevation position on one side of turret assembly 102 to a lowest elevation position on the opposite side of the turret assembly 102, where the barrel axis 152 is -5 degrees to the x-y plane at the lowest elevation position on both sides of the turret assembly 102.
The cannon assembly 140 is pivotably mounted to the cannon assembly support 120 such that it can pivot to, and remain fixed at, a position angled from the lowest elevation, for example as illustrated by label "C".
The cannon assembly 140 further comprises a pivot control feature 170.
As illustrated in figures 30, 31, the cannon assembly 140 further comprises a cannon actuator 172 with a pivot drive feature 174 for engagement with the pivot control feature 170. The cannon actuator 172 is operable to drive the pivot drive feature 174 and thereby drive the pivot control feature 170 to pivot the cannon assembly 140. The pivot control feature 170 may be an elevation gear 176 which defines gear teeth 178. The pivot drive feature 174 may comprise gear teeth 180 (for example a gear wheel) for driving engagement with the gear teeth 178 of the pivot control feature 170.
The elevation gear 176 may extends in an arc centred on the cannon pivot axis 150.
The elevation gear 176 may extend in an arc centred on the cannon pivot axis 150. The arc may extend at least 90 degrees but no more than 190 degrees about the cannon pivot axis 150.
In operation, the cannon actuator 172 is controlled to cause the pivot drive feature 174 to turn, and since the pivot drive feature 174 is engaged with the elevation gear 176 of the cannon assembly 140, rotation of the pivot drive feature 174 causes the cannon assembly 140 to pivot about the cannon pivot axis 150.
Since the elevation gear 176 extends in an arc centred on the cannon pivot axis 150 at least 90 degrees but no more than 190 degrees about the cannon pivot axis 150, the cannon 104 may be pivoted at least 90 degrees but no more than 190 degrees about the pivot axis 150.
Hence there may be provided a cannon system in which the barrel of the cannon can pivot about its pivot axis significantly more than is achievable with an arrangement of the related art.
This enables total aerial coverage. For example, it enables high overhead coverage against loitering explosive deploying drones.
The extended pivot range is in part enabled because of the way in which the cannon may be loaded, for example using the ammunition feed unit 200 and the rotating firing chamber as described above, which moves with the turret assembly 102, the cannon being fed from the side rather than its end.
As set out above, the cannon system 10 is configured for firing an ammunition component 30. The ammunition component 30 may comprise a casing 32. Also as set out above, the firing chamber 110 of the cannon 104 has an inlet 190 for receiving an ammunition component 30 and an outlet 192 for the ejection of the ammunition casing 32.
As illustrated in figures 4, 33, there may be provided a duct 193 (e.g. a chute) with an inlet 194 and an outlet 195. The inlet 194 and the outlet 195 are spaced apart from one another along the length/extent of the duct 193. The duct inlet 194 is aligned with the firing chamber casing outlet 192 and configured for receiving the casing 32 from the firing chamber casing outlet 192. The duct 193 defines a guide path for transport of the casing 32 from the duct inlet 194 to the duct outlet 195. The duct outlet 195 is configured for allowing the passage of the casing 32 therethrough.
The duct 193 may be being mounted to, and moveable with, the turret assembly 102 (for example the cannon assembly support 120) around traverse path 106.
The firing chamber inlet 190 may be spaced apart from the firing chamber casing outlet 192 by the firing chamber 110 such that the system 10 is configured so that the casing 32 enters the firing chamber inlet 190 along a transport line in a first direction and exits the firing chamber casing outlet 192 along the same transport line in the first direction.
The first direction may be aligned with and/or parallel to the pivot axis 150.
The duct 193 may taper along its length from the inlet 194 to the outlet 195.
The duct 193 may define a casing receiving chamber 197 at the duct inlet 194 and taper along its length to have a diameter which is less than the length of the casing 32 but greater than the diameter of the casing 32.
As illustrated in figures 3, 4, 33, the cannon system 10 may further comprise a bin 700 (e.g. a receptacle) with a bin inlet 702, the outlet 195 of the duct 193 is positioned to deliver a casing 32 in the duct 193 to the bin 700. The bin inlet 702 may be centred on the z-axis.
The duct 193 may extend through the bin inlet 702 so the duct outlet 195 is inside the bin 700. The bin 700 may be closed except for the bin inlet 702.
The duct 193 may be mounted relative to the bin 700 such that the duct 192 is spaced apart from the edge of the bin inlet 702 so that a clearance is maintained between the bin 700 (i.e. the edge of the bin inlet 702) and the duct 193.
As illustrated in figures 3, 4, the bin 700 may be mounted to (e.g. fixed relative to) the support structure 20. As illustrated in figures 3, 4, bin 700 may be mounted beneath the turret assembly 102. Hence the turret assembly 102 and the duct 193 are operable to rotate around traverse path 106 relative to the bin 700.
The bin 700 may be removably mounted.
Hence in operation the sequence of events may be the body 114 of the firing chamber 110 is orientated to be in the first configuration in which the firing chamber 110 is aligned with and/or parallel to the cannon pivot axis 150, and in this configuration an ammunition component 30 is entered into the firing chamber 110. The body is then rotated 90 degrees to orientate it such that it is in the second configuration in which the firing chamber 110 is centred on the barrel axis 152. The ammunition component is then triggered to be fired with (for example) a projectile or other payload being transported down the barrel 160, and a casing is ejected from a firing chamber casing outlet 192 (for example by the action of the next ammunition component 30 being located in the firing chamber 110) and through the duct inlet 194 into the duct receiving chamber 197. The casing then travels (for example, under the force of gravity) along the guide path to the duct outlet 195.
In examples where a bin 700 is present, the casing 32 then falls into the bin 700 where it is stored until the bin 700 is emptied.
In examples without a bin 700 the casing 32 is ejected from the outlet 195 in a controlled direction away from the turret assembly. Since the casing is falling through the duct 193, the kinetic energy of the casing 32 is absorbed by the duct 193, and hence the casing drops to the ground next to the weapon system, reducing the chance of the casing 32 hitting other equipment or personnel.
The outlet 195 of the duct 193 is positioned in the bin opening 702 and rotates relative to the bin 700 as the turret assembly 102 rotates. For example, as shown in figure 33, the duct 193 passes into the bin 700 through the bin inlet 702. As the turret assembly 102 (and hence the duct 193) rotates relative to the bin 700, the end of the duct 193 entered in the bin inlet 702 describes a circular path while retaining the duct outlet 195 within the bin 700.
Hence there may be provided a cannon system 10 for firing an ammunition component 30 which collects the shell of the ammunition component. This may be desirable for a number of reasons, for example prevent harm to personnel in the vicinity of the cannon when being fired (that is to prevent them from being hit by casings being ejected from the cannon), to be able to salvage and re-use the shell material and/or to avoid hazards being left behind after the weapon system has moved on.
The bin may be removeable, and hence removed if not required (and thus reduce weight of the system) or be used for storage of ammunition components.
Hence there may be provided a weapon sub-system which enables a weapon system of which it forms a part to more quickly and/or more efficiently handle and direct the same or different types of ammunition components than weapon systems of the related art.
The weapon system which comprises the weapon sub-systems of the present disclosure may be capable of high firing rates compared to weapon systems of the related art, making them suitable for targeting small and low altitude targets such as drones.
The weapon sub-systems of the present disclosure may allow for integration of a cannon loaded via its elevation axis (i.e. the pivot axis 150) on a compact light platform.
The weapon sub-systems of the present disclosure allows for firing of multiple ammunition component types at all traverses and elevations achievable by the cannon.
The weapon sub-systems of the present disclosure allows for ammunition to be replenished from a plurality of magazines 310, 320 with at least one of the ammunition components (those fed from the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 not requiring any interruption of firing operations to replenish. This is because the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 has multiple bays and rotates independently of the gun and chassis, meaning that at any traverse position the rotation required to align the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600 can be refilled from the magazines 310, 320 and supply to the ammunition feed unit 200.
Multiple ammunition components supplied from the magazines direct to the ammunition feed unit 200 from two traverse orientations. In the example shown, this significantly reduces disruption of fire missions by reducing maximum required turn for replenishment from 180 degrees to 90 degrees.
Spent ammunition can be collected using the duct 193 which transports round through the centre of the ammunition carousel and deposits cases into a bin located below the intermediate ammunition loading unit 600.
The use of the trunnion mounted cannon facilitates a very high degree of flexibility with regards to elevation of the barrel with 90 degrees over vertical being a possibility.
The weapon sub-systems allow a high degree of compactness and flexibility. The cannon system has access to a great deal of ammunition with its ammunition components able to fired without interruption to firing operations. It allows a great deal of flexibility in the use of further ammunition components (which may be of a different type) with minimal cycling actions required to transition from one nature to another.
Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

A cannon system comprising:
a support structure;

a cannon turret assembly system comprising a turret assembly for supporting a cannon; the turret assembly being rotatably mounted to the support structure such that it is rotatable about a z-axis to travel in a traverse path;

the turret assembly comprising:
a cannon assembly support;

a slew ring with a radially outer engagement surface;

the slew ring coupled to and rotatable with the cannon assembly support;

the cannon assembly support comprising an actuator with an engagement member for engagement with the radially outer engagement surface;

the actuator being mounted radially outwards of the slew ring.
A cannon system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the radially outer engagement surface of the slew ring comprises gear teeth and the engagement member of the actuator comprises gear teeth compatible with the slew ring gear teeth.
A cannon system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the actuator comprises a motor mounted to the cannon assembly support, the motor being mounted radially outwards of the slew ring.