GB1502406A - Weapon control system - Google Patents

Abstract

1502406 Weapon Control System HOLLANDSE SIGNAALAPPARATEN BV 28 Jan 1976 [20 Feb 1975] 3353/76 Heading G3N In a weapon control system comprising target tracking means to measure the range and angular coordinates of a target being tracked, a computer to establish from the coordinates the lead angle (i.e. the angular difference between the instantaneous and impact positions of the target) varying with the target position and velocity, and a firing device which can be brought and held in the direction of the aiming point determined from the lead angle, the target tracking means is rigidly connected to the firing device and switching means are incorporated to drive servo loops with the aid of error voltages in two phases: (1) the firing device and the target tracking means are directed at the target, whereby the error voltages are dependent on the angular difference between the orientation of the target tracking means and the target position, then (2) the firing device and the target tracking means are directed at the aiming point, whereby the error voltages are dependent on the calculated changes in the lead angle. Thus the target tracking means and the firing device use the same servo loops. The target tracking means may comprise a TV angle tracking unit and a laser to measure the range of the target, both mounted on the firing device. In phase (1) the computer determines the lead angle from the angular coordinates and, after centring of the unit on the target (by means of a "tracking window" superimposed on the TV), from the laser range measurements, and in phase (2) the computer determines the lead angle changes from the angular coordinates and range values extrapolated from target motion in phase (1). The target may be tracked in angular coordinates in phase (2) as well as in phase (1).