SE408224B - EQUIPMENT FOR USE IN A WEAPON SIMULATION SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

1311236-9 2 in which the beam or beams are directed, relative to the direction, in which the weapon is aimed at a target, or relative means of aiming firing the weapon at the target, scanning control means to bring control means for scanning with the beam with respect to an exit direction and detecting means for detecting when a beam is incident on the target, and according to the present invention, the equipment is characterized from the fact that there may be more than one beam, that the scanning the means in cooperation with the control means bring the beam or beams to scan separately in two directions, which are mutually essentially ortho- gonala, and that discriminatory bodies are arranged to in response on signals, which represent the direction in which a beam is direction, in operation provide information regarding the direction of the target relative to an output direction, when the detecting means detects, that a beam falls towards the target.

The invention will be described in more detail in the following with reference to display to the accompanying drawings. Pig l shows one striker and one target tank, equipped according to the present invention. Fig. 2 shows the target and two beams used for scanning. Fig. 3 is a simplified block diagram of the equipment carried by the target tank. Fig. 4 is a simplified block diagram of the one carried by the attacker tank the equipment. Fig. 5 schematically shows a source for two beams as well means for directing these beams. Fig. 6 schematically shows a source for a beam as well as means for guiding this beam. Fig. 7 is a simplified block diagram of means for generating signals for simulate the use of a laser rangefinder.

In Fig. 1, to which reference is now made, an attacking tank 1 is shown with a projector 2, which is mounted on a main gun 3. Simulated firing the main gun 3 brings one or more pulsed beams of radiation from a source not shown in Fig. 1 in the projector to scan relative to the axis of the main cannon. When a beam hits a detector 4, mounted on a target tank 5, a signal was transmitted by a radio frequency transmitter (not shown in Fig. 1) on the target to a receiver (not shown in Fig. 1) on the attacking tank by means of a circular beam the radio frequency link.

Fig. 2 shows the areas illuminated by each of the two the laser beams, which are directed from the projector 2 towards the target 5. A first beam 6 is relatively narrow in height and wide in sideways and was used for scanning in height. A second beam 7 is relatively narrow laterally but wide in height oïh was used for lateral scanning. Both beam- are used to determine the distance to the target from the attacker 3 7311236-9 and for sending a hit signal from the attacker to the target. Although a variety of types of scans are possible with two such beams, the rays in the described system move together but can be pulsed independently.

Fig. 3 shows a simplified block diagram of the target tank arranged equipment, which comprises a detection means 10, which comprises two detectors 4, which are arranged to provide 360? coverage laterally and preferably at least 400 vertical elevations around the target.

These detectors are connected via a threshold circuit 11 to a radio frequency transmitter 12 and also to a pulse repetition frequency discrimination The pulse repetition rate discriminator 13 outputs to two indicator lights 14 "during attack" and l4 "hit", and the later also leaves an electrical output signal at a point 16.

In Fig. 4, which shows the equipment on the attacking tank and now referred to, the projector 2 includes a source which includes comprises lasers 20 and 21, which are each connected to a pulse generator. rator 22 and 23, respectively, these lasers being located near the focal plane for collimating lenses 24 and 25 respectively.

A first beam of electromagnetic energy is generated by ur ~ charging the pulse generator 22 through the laser 20, whereby the radiation from this laser is substantially collimated by the lens 24. On similar method, a second beam is generated by the pulse generator 23, which is discharged through the laser 21, the radiation from the laser being substantially coefficient slide of the lens 25.

The direction of the beams can be varied with respect to the main axis 3 by means of a lateral guide 26 and a height guide control means 27. The height control means 27 responds to signals from one height correction means 29 and also from a scanning control unit 28. The lateral controller 26 responds to signals from a lateral correction means 30 and from the scanning control unit 28.

A receiver 34 is arranged to receive signals which from the target the tank is transmitted by the transmitter 12, and emits output signals via a mono- stable rocker 35 and a differentiator 36 for the scan control unit 28.

The receiver 34 also leaves an output signal to gates 37 and 57, which form part of a rate control and distance measuring circuit, which also forms means for correlating returns from the receiver 34, which returns are associated with the laser 20 respectively 21 emitted radiation pulses.

Pulses for the pulse generators 22 and 23 are obtained from a pulse 7311236-9 4 repetition rate generator 33 via a delay unit 42 and AND gates 40 and 41. The pulse repetition rate generator 38 is also connected to an input of an AND gate 39, which controls a flip-flop 43, whose outputs are connected to the other inputs of the gates 40 and 41. The outputs of gates 40 and 41 are also connected to the inputs to an OR gate 44, the output of which is connected to the input of a delay unit 45, the output of which is in turn connected to a car tilt 46 setting connection. The setting output of the rocker 46 outputs an input signal to an AND gate 47, the other inputs of which are added a clock 48 and, to receive a control signal, to a point 49 from a sequence controller 50. The sequence controller 50 provides control signals also come to the gate 39, to the setting of the rocker 43 and reset connections and (not shown for clarity to other elements of the system and receives signals from these elements. IN The output of gate 47 is connected to a counter 54 and to the shift the line input to a shift register 55. The shift register 55 time is fed back to its input via an OR gate 56, whose second input connection is connected to the output of AND gate 57, AND the inputs of the gates S7 and 37 are also connected to each of the flip-flops 43 setting or reset outputs. Another of the AND gates 37 inputs are also connected to the output of the shift register 55.

The output of the counter 54, which indicates the accumulated count, is connected via gates (not shown) to a distance indicator 58, to a hit signal circuit 59 and to the altitude correction circuit 29. A memory and the averaging circuit 60 is connected to the scan sailing unit 28 and receives signals from it as well as signals from the monostable the flip-flop 35 and the differentiator 36 via the scanning control unit to provide a means for interpolating between signals, which directions of the beam. The averaging and memory circuit 60 provides there is also an output signal to a shot drop indicator 61 and to a hit signal circuit 59 and to the scan rogler unit 28. An output time from the hit circuit 59 is connected to a monostable rocker 68, whose output is connected to the pulse repetition rate generator 38.

The scan control unit 28 and the averaging and memory circuit 60 together form a circle of discriminators for the creation of formation heträífande.orretningningsnoggrannheten. 7 A two-position switch 62 allows a member of the tank the crew to choose the type of ammunition to be "avEyras", for example S 7311236-9 pelvis undercalibrated panear projectile or high explosive "squash head", wherein a push button 63 is actuated to simulate the action of charging a shot. Switches 62 and 63 are connected to an ammunition counter 64, which has a preset counter for each type, each numerator's count being reduced by one each time the shot in question is selected and loaded. I _ Three pushbuttons 65, 66 and 67, which are connected to the sequence the control unit 50, are arranged in response to the command "ready for battle", for activating the simulated distance meter and for simulated firing of the main equipment.

In Fig. 5, to which reference is now made, further details are schematically shown. hoists of the source of the first and second beams and the means of to control these beams laterally and vertically.

A first beam, which is narrow in height, is formed by the GaAs laser diode 20, which is mounted with its junction lying in horizontal the plane, as well as the collimating lens 24. A second beam, which is narrow laterally, is formed by the GaAs laser diode 211, which is mounted with its upper lying in the vertical plane, and the collimating lens 25.

Although the radiation slots of the lasers 20 and 21 may be located in the focal planes of the lenses 24 and 25, it has been found advantageous to cause a slight displacement of the lasers from the fecal matter of these lenses. plane, so that each beam is given a small but specific angular divergence in the plane of its least divergence.

The lasers 20 and 21 and the lenses 24 and 25 are mounted on one common frame 70, which is pivotable about an axis 74 relative to one chassis 75. A screw 77 is in threaded engagement with the frame 70 and can freely rotate in but not move axially relative to the chassis 75.

The frame 70 can be inclined about the shaft 74 relative to the base 75 by by an electric motor 76, which drives the screw 77 via a worm drive 78.

The base 75 can also be rotated about a bearing 79 relative to one frame 80 by means of a screw 81, which engages a threaded one holes in the chassis 75 and is driven by an electric motor 82. During operation the frame 80 is directly aligned relative to the barrel of the main equipment 3 on the attacking tank. The electric motors 82 and 76 may suitably be stepper motors, and these together with associated governing bodies, which may, for example, be those contained therein British Patent Specification 1 298 332, the lateral guide means 26 and the height guide 27.

The operation of the system as a whole will now be described below '1311236-9 reference to Figs. 1-5.

When the equipment described with reference to Figs. 1-5 is mounted on an attacking vehicle, the first action is to adjust the frame 80 relative to the main cannon 3, so that at a certain distance and in a reference setting of the beam guides 26 and 27 overlap the area between the two beams 6 and 7, shown in Fig. 2, is directed in line with the axis of the main cannon 3.

Before a training exercise, the ammunition counters in the ammunition counter means 64 to represent that available for the exercise the number of shots of each type in the tank.

At the beginning of the simulated battle, the charger_presses the pushbutton 65. Signals from the sequence controller 50 to the lateral controller 26 and the height guide means 27 then return both mechanisms to the reference setting, where both beams are aligned with the main the course of the equipment. This allows the use of the equipment at a distance measurement mode. Signals from the sequence controller 50 also recover the counter 54 and the shift register 55 to zero and resets others counters, registers and gates to a reference state.

The main equipment is aimed at the target and when the distance meter current switch 66 is actuated, allows a signal from the sequence controller 50 to gate 39 pulses from the pulse repetition rate generator 38, which leaves 280 pulses / s, to pass to the flip-flop 43, this input set and reset alternately. Signals from rocker 43 open and alternately closes gates 40 and 41 and allows pulses from the pulse repetition rate generator 38 to be delayed by the delay the unit 42 passes alternately to the pulse generator 22 and the pulse generator towers 23, which are discharged into the lasers 20 and 21, respectively, each operating at a frequency of l40 pulses / s.

The exits of the gates 40 and 41 are also connected to the two the inputs to the OR gate 44, the output of which is connected to the the delay unit 45, which is arranged to compensate for fasting delays in the detector 10, the threshold circuit 11 and the transmitter 12 on the target tank 5 as well as delays in the receiverÉ34 and pulse generators rators 22 and 23 on the attacking tank ll The delayed the pulse from the delay unit 45 is fed to the bistable flip-flop 46 setting connection. A signal from point 49 of the sequence control the unit 50 is also fed as an input signal to the AND gate 47 and sounds pulses with the frequency 6 MHz from the clock 46 pass to the counter 54 and to the shift register 55.

The shift register 55 contains 128 bits. Counter 54 switches from its maximum value to zero at a count of l28 bits and leaves 7 7 7311236-9 an output signal to thereby reset the bistable flip-flop 46.

The flip-flop 43 is initially set so that the first pulse was transmitted by the laser 20. Each target vehicle carrying the one shown in Fig. 3 the equipment and located in the illuminated area 6 will transmit one pulse from its transmitter 12. This pulse is received by the receiver 34 and fed through AND gate 57 and OR gate 56 to the shift register 55, which is clocked by clock pulses from gate 47; Each of the receiver 34 received, returned pulse is thus stored in the shift register 55 in a position corresponding to its distance. After the counter 54 has accumulated 128 pulses from the 48 clock, resets an output signal from the counter flip-flop 46, thereby closing the gate 47. It is understood that the total time that has elapsed since the pulse was transmitted from the laser 20, including the delay introduced by the delay unit 45, typically is less than 30 us, while the time interval between successive pulses from the pulse repetition rate generator 38 is about 3.5 ms for one pulse repetition rate of 280 pulses / s.

The next pulse from the pulse repetition rate generator 38 came ~ more to reset the rocker 43, closing the gates 40 and 57 and gates 41 and 37 open. After that provided by the delay unit 45 delay, the bistable rocker 46 will be set and pulses from the clock 48 will be counted in the counter 54 and step shift " register 55. The pulses appearing on the output of the shift register 55 responds in time delay after the output pulse from the laser 21 against returns received and stored from the previous pool then from the lens 20. These pulses circulate back into the shift register ~ via gate 56 but is also presented together with any feedbacks from the receiver 34 on the AND gate 37. A simultaneous entering a pulse on the 55_ output of the shift register and from the receiver 34, the gate 37 is opened and the bistable rocker 46 is reset, whereby gate 47 is closed and further accumulation of pulses in the counter 54 stopped. It will be appreciated that the effect of the circuit is to open the gate 37, only if pulses are received after exactly the same time interval from the two beams, which therefore indicates the presence of a target fordou in the area of overlap between the beams 6 and 7 shown in Fig. 2.

The choice of the frequency 6 MHz for the clock 48 further corresponds to one distance interval of 25 m, so that the contents of the counter 54, when bistable rocker 46 is reset, represents the distance in the cremation of 25 m with a maximum distance of 3200 m. To reduce the effects of target movement or slight misalignment or atmcs ~ fresh scintillation recycled shift register55 content through 7311236-9 f * OR gate 56 even when gate 57 is closed, so that all rings of pulses transmitted from consecutive pulses in the laser 20 are stored in the shift register 55 for correlation with individual reversals from the 21 beam of the laser.

An output signal from gate 37 also passes to the sequence controller and indicates that the distance has been determined correctly and is now in the calculator 54. The sequence controller will then remove the activation voltage from point 49 and will open gates, not shown, which connect the counter 54 with the distance indicator 58 and with the height correction circuit 29. f I After determining the distance to the target, the charger selects it required ammunition type with switch 62 and push down pushbutton 63, which reduces the numerator of the counter in question by 1 and opens a gate to emit a signal, which represents the selected ammunition Lill höjdledskurrektionskrctsen 39- Höjåleds * the function of the correction circuit 29 is that together with the height control the means 27 lower both beams during the course of the main equipment 3 to an extent suitable for that measured in the counter 54 the distance and for the type of ammunition signaled by the counter 64.

The altitude correction means 29 sends a number of pulses to the altitude the control means 27, which number is suitable for the number of steps to be performed made by the stepper motor 76 (shown in Fig. S) in the height guide means 27.

This included generating a nonlinear function of two variables, which can be conveniently done with the one in French patent specification 2 G99 446 described device for polynomial development, or the values natively stored in a read-only memory, which was used to set a counter, which is stepped backwards away from the height guide 27 applied pulses.

When training, it is important that the tank shooter follows the same procedures and practices that may be required in an actual battle, and consequently, some compensation must be made for "advance angle ", which is either the shooter or an automatic fire control systems would introduce to compensate for the final flight time of the ammunition and the lateral crossing speed of the target. A lateral correction circuit 30 is consequently achieved, which in response to a manual input aisle 31 outputs output to the lateral controller 26, which brings stepper motor 82 (Fig. 5) to introduce an appropriate displacement.

The direction of the beam after this correction in the vertical and lateral directions is the "beam output direction", and this is the nick direction taken as the reference direction for comparison with the actual direction to 9 7311236-9 the goal of allowing an estimate of hit or miss.

During the charging operation, the new equipment will have raised either automatically or by the shooter and the main cannon is now ready for "firing" by the action of the pushbutton 67. The power switch 67 triggered the operation sequence is as follows. First happens a lateral scan with the beam, which is narrow laterally, from the laser 21 to determine the angular deviation of the target laterally from the beam output direction, secondly, a scan takes place in height with the one in height led the narrow beam from the laser 20 to determine the angular deviation of the target. height relative to the beam output direction, thirdly, provided that certain conditions are met, an indication of these deviations on the firing outcome indicator 61, fourthly determining whether the fired shot "hit" a target of determined size of the measured distance and fifthly, a sending a hit signal to the target, if a hit has been determined.

During the first event, signals from the sequence the control unit 50 tilts 43 and opens the gate 39, whereby pulses from the pulse repetition rate generator 38 is allowed to be delayed by the delay unit 42 passes through the gate 41 to the pulse generator 23 and firing the laser 21 at the frequency of the pulse repetition frequency generator 38. vens. At the same time, the lateral control mechanism 26 will be activated of the scan control unit 28, so that the direction of the beam is moved away to the right from the exit direction. The scan logic determines within predetermined scan limits, beam directions, between which the target is illuminated by the beam and feedbacks are received by the receiver 34 from the transmitter 12.

The monostable flip-flop 35, which is set by pulse signals from receiver 34, is reset after 4 ms, i.e. slightly longer than the time interval the choice between successive pulses, thus achieving a continuous signal to the scan control unit 28, when the target is illuminated by the beam.

The differentiator 36 leaves a signal to the search control unit 28, when the monostable rocker 35 is reset, which is characterized in that the target is then no longer illuminated by the beam. Signals, which represent the directions of the beam, when the monostable rocker_É5 changes state, released by the scan control unit 28 to memory and average values. desorgenet 60, which provides output signals to the hit disk finator 59 and the shot count indicator 61, which signals represent the mean the value of these directions laterally and vertically, a If the target is illuminated at the beginning of the scan, then the beam goes 7311235-9 l ° in the starting direction, the scan will be stopped as soon as the beam moves past the target, after which the scanning direction will be reversed to determine the left edge of the target. If the target is not illuminated by radiation in its exit direction, scans the beam to the right until the target has been illuminated and continues until the beam has passed past the goal and the returns are lost again. If the scan reg- clay baits reach the scanning limit to the right, which for example can be 32 milliradians from the initial position, without having illuminated the target, the direction of movement of the scan will be reversed and a similar logic will apply to the processing of the received signals, as the radiation len is to the left of the starting position. However, if the is still in the beam when the beam reaches its scanning limit, comes a second signal, which represents the scan limit plus one correction, to be delayed by the scanning control unit to the memory and the average unit 60. If no returns have been received from the transmitter on the target during a scan between the right and left boundaries laterally, the result is a "bad boom" and the firing sequence interrupted at this time. ' If a measurement has been made of the direction to the target laterally the starting direction, however, the beam is returned almost laterally to the direction so measured by means of signals from the sequence controller 50 to the scan control unit 28, which signals cause the scan the control unit 28 to actuate the lateral control means 26 to direct beam in the direction of the target in accordance with signals, which centers the mean lateral direction of the target and is received by the the control unit from the memory and averaging means 60. A scan in height is then started by a signal from the sequence controller 50, which sets the rocker 43 to control pulses from the pulse repetition the frequency generator 38 via the gate 40 to the pulse generator 22 and the laser 20. Thereafter, the scanning control unit 28 operates the height control the means 27, which moves the direction of the beam from the laser 20 upwards away from the beam exit direction, and the scanning and the value sequence follows a lateral determination similar logic for the determination of the direction of elevation.

The hit signal circuit 59 receives from the memory and average value circuit 60 signals, which represent the angular deviations of the target from the beam output direction, and from the counter 54 a signal representing the distance. The hit detector 59 has multiplication means and one comparator (not shown) to multiply these signals, which represent centers distance and angle, to determine if the product thereof is 11 1311236-9 less than a predetermined value, which represents the dimensions of the target.

Such multiplier means are well known and can be realized by either analog or digital circuits, and in the latter case they may be be included in a function generator of the one in the French patent specification 2,099,446, which function generator can also be used for other functions in the system. If a hit signals from the sequence controller 50 to the scan the control unit 28 the latter to actuate the height control means 27 directing the beam in the direction of the target in accordance with signals, representing the mean direction in height and received by the the control unit 28 from the memory and averaging means 60. A signal from the sequence controller 50 then opens the gate 39 and sounds pulses from the pulse repetition rate generator 39 set and reset set the rocker 43 as in the distance measurement mode. An additional signal from the sequence controller causes the hit discriminator 59 to release a hit signal to the monostable flip-flop 68, which causes the pulse the repetition rate generator 38 to operate at a higher frequency, 330 pulses / sphere at the distance measurement and scan modes below the duration of the delay caused by this monostable rocker ningen. The alternating setting and reset of the rocker 43 therefore results in pulses being transmitted alternately from the laser 20 and the laser 21, each operating at a pulse repetition rate reach 180 pulses / s. A target, which receives pulses from both beams, as shown in Fig. 2, will therefore receive 360 pulses / s at pulse the repetition rate discriminator 13, which contains the frequency sensitive circuits, which differentiate the hit rate of 360 pulses / s from the frequency 280 pulses / s, which was used in the distance measurement and search no. This has the effect that the hit indicator lies in the target the carriage is lit and a signal is given at point 16 for inactivity of the target tank's attack system and that, if necessary, light ammunition tion was lit, etc. Any other vehicle equipped with similar which is located either in the beam 6 or in the beam 7 but not in the area in which the two beams overlap, will receive only 180 pulses / s, for which the pulse repetition the frequency disk discriminator 13 does not respond, so only one of the two signal receiving vehicles will be deactivated.

It will be appreciated that the invention is suitable for a myriad of different embodiments. forms of conduct.

As an example, means may be provided to allow s t 6 and 7 scan .imultaneously and independently of each other instead of 7311236-9 12 in succession, as described. In this case, each beam can suitably modulated at a particular pulse repetition rate and to the receiver 34 connected, frequency-sensitive circuits, which react separately for them different pulse repetition rates, may be arranged to determine ma which beam is incident on the detector at any given moment.

Alternatively, gate circuits, which react during a predetermined intervals after the transmission of a pulse of the respective beam, be used to distinguish returns from a beam from returns from the other ray and thus determine which elder which rays falls against the target, '1 Furthermore, the height correction circuit 29 can be completely omitted, for example when an automatic firing control system is provided and is capable of transmitting appropriate height correction signals to the height joint control means 27.

Considerable freedom is possible within the scope of the invention in the design of the beam or beams used for the scan. The choice of a GaAs laser diode, which typically has a radiation slot width of only a few few micrometers, allows the generation of very narrow beams. Such a direction of the beam, when the detector is illuminated by the beam, will for most purposes be a sufficiently accurate representation of the direction of the target. In the context of the present invention, however, it has ~ time was found appropriate to work with wider beams to minimize the effects of discontinuities both in the laser transition itself and also in the atmosphere between the attacker and the target, whereby a known or scattering can be easily achieved by displacing the laser something from the focal plane of the lens either toward or away from the lens.

The use of a slightly divergent beam has it further the advantage of reducing the visible variations in the linear of the beam rather than angular width when measuring at different distances by one detector, which has a specified sensitivity threshold. About the beam to the other side is caused to diverge substantially, a distance loss to occur when a laser with specified power is used and any diffusion of the edges of the beam is likely to impair accuracy in the measurement of the direction of the beam and thus of the direction to the goal relative to the starting point, even if interpolating bodies are arranged to determine the direction of the target. Although it through use of masks and a widespread source of radiation is possible to work with round or square beams, have it associated with the invention has shown that the best results are obtained when using reversal of a beam whose minimum divergence is less than 1/3 of 13 7311236-9 the divergence of one towards the plane of the smallest divergence orthogonally plan. This means a beam with an aspect ratio of more than 3: 1.

The term "angular divergence" used in this context is intended to mean the same thing as that of electromagnetic radiation in general use the term angular beam width, which is the angle between the directions, in which the intensity of the radiation main lobe has decreased 3 dB below , its peak intensity.

It has further emerged that to reduce such variations in the apparent size of the beam it is also desirable to provide one feedback circuit ~ for controlling the power delivered to the laser, wherein a photodiode monitors the radiation from the laser during each pulse and controls the energy stored for the next pulse for maintenance of a constant radiant energy in the following pulses.

Although the use of two separate lasers for scanning in the joint and in height has been preferred, a single laser can be used, wherein the main requirement is that the edges of the beam should then be well defined and substantially symmetrical, so that the mean value ~ and the memory circuit 6G can effectively determine the direction of the center of the beam. The beam can a ä ' any shape but is suitably elongate.

Fig. 6 shows an arrangement with a source comprising a single one laser, which is used for scanning both laterally and vertically. Or ~ are arranged to rotate the laser around the center of the radiation slot, The plane of least divergence can be rotated to lie in the same plane as the plane, in which the direction of the beam is moved during detachment.

Referring to Fig. 6, a laser 90 is mounted in a holder 94, which can rotate about a center line 95 relative to a frame 96.

The laser 90 is mounted so that the center of the radiation slot is substantially coincides with the center line 95. The holder 94 has a flange 97, of which a quadrant is provided with teeth (not shown), which are in grip with a gear 98, which is driven by an electric motor 99, which is attached to the frame 96.

The frame 96 also carries a collimating lens 100, the laser 90 is located substantially in the focal plane of the collimation lens. Frame 96 can pivot about an axis 101 relative to a stand 102 but is forced off a spring 103 to remain in contact with a cam 104, which can be rotated about a shaft 105 of an electric motor (not shown). During operation, sta ~ fixed 102 relative to the barrel of the main weapon 3, so that an activation of the electric motor (not shown) for rotating the cam 104 comes a control of the beam from the laser 90 in height.

The beam is guided laterally by means of two tnnza prisms l fi b and 107, '2311236-9 14 which are arranged to rotate in opposite directions in a ring shaped housing l08, which is attached to the stand 102. Each thin prism 106, 107 are mounted in an annular holder 109 and 10, respectively, which annular holders have oblique, radial teeth cut in the peri- ferin of a side for engagement with a bevel gear lll. A torsional of the bevel gear by means of an electric motor (not shown) causes the two thin prisms to rotate in opposite directions.

The two prisms 106 and 107 are carefully aligned with each other, so that in one position the deflections of the beam produced by the prisms cancel each other out. Tender prisms each turn 900 from the positions, there the deflections cancel each other out, the deflections are added. In between- lying positions, the net deflection is the vector sum of the deflections, which are generated by each of the prisms, and lie in that plane, in which they also provide maximum deflection. This is adjusted during assembly the lateral procedure. Such an arrangement of oppositely rotatable, thin prisms to produce a variable deflection in a particular plane is known as "Risley's prisms".

In the arrangement according to Fig. 6, a scan in height may be suitable. is made with the plane of the laser transition lying sideways, after which the motor 99 is activated to rotate the holder 94 900 so that the laser transmission the aisle plane is in the vertical plane for lateral scanning.

The use of a single beam can cause false results when used for distance measurement, if two targets, which are equipped according to Fig. 3, is simultaneously illuminated by a beam 6 or a beam 7. w similarly, a target can receive a hit signal, if a single one beam ß illuminates a significantly larger area than that for target hits.

These effects can be avoided by additionally bringing the laser 90 in the holder 94 to rotate during the distance measurement mode and during the transmission of a hit signal, for example by arranging teeth around the periphery of the flange 97 to allow a continuous rotation, when driving takes place by means of the motor 99 and the gear 98. The motor 99 can be be a stepping motor which is driven from the pulse repetition frequency. generator 38 pulses obtained, so that its rotational speed is locked to the pulse repetition rate generator and the motor and gears conditions are so selected that the holder 94 moves 9 ° between the consecutive pulsed pulses from the pulse repetition rate generator, ie with 1120 rpm during the distance measurement mode and with l440 rpm below the transmission of a hit signal. Returns from alternating pulses correlated in the distance measurement mode with the distance, as described OVân. 7311236-9 A further refinement provides an improved simulation of a laser rangefinder, which normally cannot be used in training exercises, as the necessary effects for reliable position measurement entails a risk of eye damage. Such a laser rangefinder is normally equipped with a clock and counters and an indicator, whereby the counter and the clock during operation receive a start signal from the laser, which start signal corresponds to the output energy pulse, and a stop signal from an optical receiver in response to from one target, to which the beam from the laser is directed, reflected energy. Up- the finding provides the determination of the distance as described above method followed by the generation of start and stop signals for laser the position meter, these signals being separated by a time interval grass, which corresponds to the distance so measured. It is then not necessary necessary for the actual rangefinder to transmit, because its counting circuits are started and stopped by those generated in the manner described herein the start and stop signals, so that the distance can be indicated on it to the real distance meter indicator. The one for coming of these start and stop signals required equipment is shown in Fig. 7 and comprises a bistable rocker 120, the setting of which connection is connected to the sequence controller 50 and whose feedback scaffold connection is connected to a counter 121, which is similar mod counter 54 has its maximum count after counting of 128, pulses applied to its input terminal 122. The counter 121 is by gates not shown connected to the counter 54, so that then a control signal from the sequence controller 50 to these gates, the counter 121 is supplied is placed on the complement to the count number contained in the counter 54.

The setting output from the bistable rocker 120 provides one start signal via a differentiator 123 and is also connected to one gate 124, be second connection is connected to the clock 48 with the frequency 6 MHz. The output of the counter 121 is connected via a differential 125 to provide a stop signal and to the bistable rocker 120 reset connection.

The distance indicator 58 in Fig. 4 would not be provided in that case when a laser rangefinder was already installed on the attacker the tank, and at the end of the described distance measurement section The distance calculation note contained in the calculator 54 would be transferred via gates (not shown) to the counter 121 instead of to the distance the indicator 58. A signal from the sequence controller 50 then resets the bistable flip-flop 120, which produces a starting pulse from the differential tiator 123 and opens the gate 124 to emit clock pulses

Claims (13)

1311236-9 16 from the clock 48 via the connection 122 to the counter 121. The counter 121 then counts from the distance count complement to the maximum count and leaves an output signal to reset the bistable flip-flop 120 and a stop signal via the differentiator 125 for the laser rangefinder circuits. An equipment according to the present invention is suitable for simulating weapon firing on a firing range, in which case it is not necessary to send a hit signal from the firing point to a target and some simplification of the equipment on the target is possible. Detection means are mounted near the source, preferably in conjunction with a telescope or other means for optical amplification, which is directed in the same direction as the beam or beams. A corner reflector is mounted on the target for returning radiation from the beam to the detection means. “It will be appreciated that although the system described has consistently been intended for the use of the equipment together with a cannon on a tank, effective and relatively inexpensive tactical and directional training can be obtained if the projector is mounted on any suitable vehicle. In such a case, the equipment will be used in conjunction with a device, for example a sight, for aiming at a target and vertical and the lateral corrections of the scan will be adjusted to suit the requirements of the screen used. PATENT REQUIREMENTS Equipment for use in a weapon simulation system, which equipment comprises a source (21) connected to the weapon to be simulated and arranged to generate at least one beam of electromagnetic radiation during operation; , 27) to vary the direction in which the beam or beams are directed, relative to the direction in which the weapon is aimed at a target (5), or relative means for directing the weapon towards the target, scanning control means (28) for bringing control means for scanning with the beam with respect to an exit direction and detection means (4) for detecting when a beam is incident on the target, characterized in that the scanning control means (28) in cooperation with the control means (26, 27) ' causes the beam or beams to scan separately in two directions, which are mutually substantially orthogonal, and that discriminating means (60) are arranged so that in response to signals representing the direction in which a beam is directed, in operation to provide information regarding the direction of the target relative to an initial direction, when the detecting means (4) detects that a beam (6, 7) is incident on the target (5). Equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the discriminating means (60) are arranged to receive signals representing the directional boundaries between which the beam (6, 7) is incident on the target_ (5), and to interpolate between the directional. limits to produce signals that represent the mean direction of the target relative to the output direction. Equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the smallest angular divergence of the beam or one of the beams (6, 7) lies in a first plane and is less than 1/3 of the angular divergence of the beam in a second plane, which is orthogonal to the first plane. Equipment according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the radiation comprises first and second beams of radiation and that the scanning control means (28) in cooperation with the control means (27, 26) vary the first beam ( 6) vertical direction and varies the lateral direction of the other beam (7). Equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that means are arranged for modulating the first and second beams (6, 7) at different frequencies and in that frequency-sensitive circuits which receive the signals from the detection means are arranged, which circuits selectively responds to the modulation frequencies to determine which beam is incident on the target. Equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that a single beam is used and that means (99) are arranged to rotate the plane of the beam for minimum divergence approximately 900, so that the first plane with minimum divergence can be caused to lie in the same plane as the plane in which the beam is moved by the guide means (105, 106, 107). Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a hit signal circuit (59), which receives information regarding the direction of the target (5) relative to the output direction to provide a hit signal, if the direction of the target (5) is within certain limits around the starting direction. Equipment according to claim 7, comprising means for generating signals which in time are related to the release of radiation from the source and to its incidence towards the detection means, and a time measuring circuit which is in operation arranged to measure the time between the two signals and thereby produce a signal representing the distance of the target from the weapon, characterized in that the determined limits depend on the distance for determining a hit area, the magnitude of which is substantially constant with respect to the distance. 9. Equipment according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the hit signal is sent to the target by modulating the beam or beams and that the radiation comprises a beam (6), the smallest angular divergence of which lies in a first plane and is smaller. than 1/3 of the angular divergence of the beam in a second plane, which is orthogonal to the first plane, and that means (99) are arranged to rotate the first plane of said beam with the least divergence during the transmission of the hit signal to the target. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged to simulate the work of a pulse distance meter and comprising means for generating signals which in time are related to the release of radiation from the source and to the incident of a beam towards the detecting means, characterized by means (123, 125) for generating two pulses, which are separated in time by a time interval, which is equal to twice the transmission time of electromagnetic radiation between the source and the target. ll. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the source is arranged to generate first and second rays (6, 7) of electromagnetic radiation and that means (37) are arranged to, in accordance with the time interval between the release of the radiation in each beam and the incident of each beam towards the detection means (4) correlate signals associated with the incident of the first beam towards the detection means with signals corresponding to the incident of the second beam (6) towards the detection means (4). l2. Equipment according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the source is arranged to generate first and second beams, (6, 7), that means (43) are arranged to modulate both beams with pulses of the same frequency, so that pulses from each beam are transmitted alternately, and that frequency-sensitive circuits receiving signals from the detecting means selectively respond for a frequency equal to twice the modulation frequency, so that the frequency-sensitive circuits react selectively only for signals received from both beams. 1 ”e 7311236-9 Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the source comprises one or more diode lasers (20, 21), the laser or lasers being connected to collimating means (24, 25) and offset from their focal planes to provide a beam whose minimum divergence in any plane is more than 1/5 of a milliradian. PROMISED PUBLICATIONS:. Sweden 347 381 (F§1G 3/26), 377 718 (F41G 3/26)