US20110111374A1

US20110111374A1 - Training system

Info

Publication number: US20110111374A1
Application number: US12/567,484
Authority: US
Inventors: Moshe Charles; Shira Charles; Elana Rubin
Original assignee: ROVATEC Ltd
Current assignee: ROVATEC Ltd
Priority date: 2005-11-22
Filing date: 2009-09-25
Publication date: 2011-05-12
Also published as: EP1955006A4; WO2007060655A2; WO2007060655A3; IL172090A0; EP1955006A2

Abstract

A system permitting simulated firing from any hand held firearm. In particular, the present invention relates to light emitting munitions, being used as part of a system for registering “hits” during dry-fire exercises and gaming with any hand-held firearm, without any change to either the feel, or the external dimensions of the firearms.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system permitting simulated firing from any hand held firearm. In particular, the present invention relates to light emitting munitions, being used as part of a system for registering “hits” during dry-fire exercises and gaming with any hand-held firearm, without any change to either the feel, or the external dimensions of the firearm.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There has long existed the need for a system whereby a user can train with a firearm without placing himself or others at risk of accidental discharge of the firearm. This safety imperative coincides with an added desire to limit the wear and tear on a firearm brought about by extensive firing during training. This has proven to be especially relevant to those in the law-enforcement field or military personnel requiring a high degree of firearm practice.
The traditional means of firearm training, whereby a user at a shooting range fires live ammunition at a target, has proven to have a number of significant drawbacks. The more prevalent of these drawbacks include the above-mentioned risk of accidental discharge of the user's or others' firearms, the associated dangers of being present near live fire training, the increasing wear and tear on a firearm as it is used in training, and the general inconvenience of the shooting range paradigm. As such, there exists the need for an alternative to traditional firearm training that will mitigate the above disadvantages while maintaining the overall benefit of live fire training.
Many “dry-fire” inventions and methods now exist to ensure that users may train with their respective firearms without the safety risks and accompanying deterioration inherent in traditional firearm training. The present invention introduces a new system for achieving a high degree of safety and accuracy during training while significantly reducing the wear and tear on a firearm during same.
Various prior art apparatus and methods have been described and reviewed in earlier U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,795, US02/0057719, U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,951, and European Patent No. EP0467090, which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,795 (hereinafter: “Sweat”) describes the Multi-caliber Laser Firing Cartridge, comprised of a laser projector with a mechanical firing pin switch. The laser projector utilizes a concentric shape recalling that of a bullet. Sweat's innovation lies in the adjustable settings that allows a single cartridge to be used in different caliber weapons. Sweat also teaches a switch unit that allows a mechanical pulse delay using a specific described mechanism. However, the disclosed invention still has many disadvantages. Sweat dos not teach rim modification that prevents ejection of the cartridge, nor does Sweat describe the use of modulation to carry information. Furthermore, Sweat does not describe a safety interlock. Sweat's module can be activated by a single pressure switch, leading to a laser radiation in a direction perhaps unintended by the user.
U.S. Patent No. US02/0057719 (hereinafter: “Shechter”) describes an improved system over Sweat's innovation in that Shechter describes a rim design that prevents ejection of the bullet. However, Shecter teaches away from a firing pin switch, instead describing a mechanical wave sensor and/or an acoustic sensor. This is a disadvantage in that Shecter's mechanical wave sensor and/or acoustic sensor is prone to misfiring when subjected to extraneous vibration or noise, which often occur during simulation training.
European Patent No. 0467090 (hereinafter: “Budmiger”), which was not submitted for U.S. patent prosecution, teaches a switch mechanism that is comprised of a piezoelectric transducer and an independent power supply. However, Budmiger only claims as novelty a combination of a piezoelectric transducer and a battery as a firing pin impact switch and such novelty would appear to be limited to the specific combination described, leaving other innovations available to the public.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,951 (hereinafter: “Johnsen”) teaches the use of a multi-channel laser signal. The signal includes an alignment carrier that allows a training system to generate aiming feedback as well as a pulse that simulates a gunshot when an acoustic sensor detects a trigger release. Johnsen does not utilize a firing pin, nor is there a method dealing with an ejection mechanism. Johnsen's implementation is not limited to a handgun but can be applied to a rifle and a shotgun as well. There exists, however, several disadvantages to Johnsen's apparatus. Despite teaching visible light, Johnsen does not claim the use of visible light. Rather, Johnsen's claims specifically refer to non-visible light, modulated to carry information about the state of the weapon (firing or aiming). Johnsen also discloses specific algorithms and circuitry required to properly simulate the travel delay of a projectile for more accurate simulations, such specific algorithms and circuitry not being relevant for a handgun at a range of 25 yards or less. Johnsen's system does not use the case of the embodiment to complete an electrical circuit, relying instead on internal circuitry. Finally, the shape of the module in Johnsen is not concentric and does not resemble a true bullet.
Thus, such inventions as those described above generally suffer from at least one of several disadvantages, including, among others, the lack of a safety interlock and the use of an accident prone mechanical wave/acoustic sensor. Therefore, the need exists to create a module and system whereby the foregoing disadvantages are adequately remedied to a provide safe and durable “dry-fire” alternative. Furthermore, such inventions as those described above generally suffer from a general inability of managing the training arena either on “real time basis” or to record the training parameters for later analysis and debriefing purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a training aid and system, which training aid is capable of being manufactured in different sizes for use with any pre-existing handheld firearm. The training aid is designed to either replace a standard ammunition cartridge or a bolt or bolt carrier, for use during firearm training exercises and preferably bears a strong visual and physical resemblance to a standard cartridge. The training aid of the present invention is comprised of no combustible material and need not be capable of any physical projection. Rather, the training aid utilizes an illumination source to emit a visible light collinear with the barrel of the firearm.
The system of the present invention provides managing capabilities of the training arena either on “real time basis” or to record the training parameters for later analysis and debriefing purposes.
As is the case with any handheld firearm, a user must first “cock” the firearm loaded with the present invention in order initialize the training aid. Cocking is known as the process of displacing the hammer of a firearm to a rearward position, thereby preparing the trigger of the weapon for firing. Cocking is generally accomplished in one of several ways, depending on the make and model of a given firearm. In many handgun models a user may cock the weapon by manually thumbing back the hammer of the firearm. In other models, a “slide” is displaced to aft of the firearm. In still other models, such as in double action handguns, a rearward displacement of the trigger results in a complimentary rearward displacement of the hammer. Release of the hammer occurs when the trigger of the firearm is depressed with the requisite amount of pressure. Once the firearm has been appropriately cocked, the firearm thereby becomes ready to be discharged by a rearward displacement of the firearm's trigger.
When the user “pulls the trigger” of the firearm, it causes a complimentary displacement of the hammer to a forward position, which hammer hits the weapon's firing pin, thereby displacing the firing pin to hit the firing cap of the chambered cartridge. With a standard cartridge, this causes a chemical reaction whereby the primer is burned, the extreme heat from which burning leads to the bullet being launched from the cartridge at an extremely fast speed. When the training aid is chambered instead of a standard cartridge, the firing pin will hit an actuator located on the rear of the training aid, thereby completing an electrical circuit. Completion of the electrical circuit releases illumination from the illuminator in the training aid. The illumination then passes through a collimator for readily focusing the illumination. The focused illumination is emitted from the barrel of the firearm and appears for a fixed duration at a point collinear with the firearm's barrel.
The foregoing objective, feature, functions and advantages of the present invention can be more easily understood upon a thoughtful deliberation of the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
According to the present invention there is provided a training aid insert including: (a) a power source, an illuminator electrically attached to the power source, and (c) an actuator electrically attached to the illuminator for readily controlling illumination of the illuminator.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the training aid has a concentric shape recalling that of a standard cartridge.
According to yet further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator is a light emitting diode.
According to still further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator is a light bulb.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator is a laser.
According to still further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator is an “eye safe” laser.
According to yet further embodiments of the present invention the actuator further includes a pressure sensitive switch.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the pressure sensitive switch is constructed of electrically conductive material.
According to yet further embodiments of the present invention the pressure sensitive switch simulates a firearm primer.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the actuator includes an energy absorbing material.
According to still further embodiments of the present invention the training aid insert further includes a collimator for focusing and/or collimating illumination passing through the collimator.
According to yet further embodiments of the present invention the collimator collimates illumination passing through the collimator into an area of illumination is substantially between 0.01 and 0.1 centimeters in diameter when illuminating at 9 yards.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the collimator collimates illumination passing through the collimator into an area of illumination is substantially between 0.1 and 0.6 centimeters in diameter when illuminating at 9 yards.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the power source includes a capacitor for limiting illumination duration.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the training aid system further includes a time chip for controlling the time of illumination of the illuminator.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chip facilitates illumination of the illuminator for any time between 0.01 seconds and 1.0 seconds.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chip facilitates “eye safe” illumination of the illuminator.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chip facilitates illumination of the illuminator for substantially 0.25 seconds.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the time chip facilitates illumination of the illuminator for any time between 0.5 seconds and 2.0 seconds
According to further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator is modulated between 10-100 KHz.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator is modulated at substantially 40 KHz.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator illuminates at any wavelength.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator illuminates substantially at a wavelength producing visible red illumination.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the illuminator illuminates substantially at a wavelength producing visible green illumination.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the training aid insert further includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the signal is compatible with any weapon simulation system.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a training aid system including: (a) a handheld firearm including a barrel, (b) a training aid insert situated in the barrel including: (i) a power source, (ii) an illuminator electrically attached to the power source, and (iii) an actuator electrically attached to the illuminator for readily controlling illumination of the illuminator, and (c) an audio apparatus responsive to the training aid insert.
According to further embodiments of the system according to the present invention the training aid system includes a wireless transmitter and the audio apparatus includes a receiver.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the firearm includes a magazine with an identification chip and the audio apparatus includes a receiver.
According to still further embodiments of the present invention the training aid insert has a concentric shape recalling that of a standard cartridge.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the training aid system includes a pneumatic element.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the magazine includes a weighted striker for simulating subjective and objective recoil.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the magazine further includes a displacer for readily displacing the weighted striker against a striking surface.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the displacer is responsive to an action selected from the group consisting of: the training aid system being activated, the actuator being activated, a sound from a firing pin, a vibration from the firing pin and the firing pin striking the actuator.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the audio apparatus further includes a speaker.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the audio apparatus further includes a speaker for simulating a sound selected from the group consisting of: a specific handheld firearm being fired, voicing instructions by a human instructor and voicing imbedded instructions in accordance to a training scenario.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the audio apparatus includes a set of headphones for simulating a sound selected from the group consisting of: a specific handheld firearm being fired, voicing instructions by a human instructor and voicing imbedded instructions in accordance to a training scenario.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the audio apparatus further includes a processing unit.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the processing unit is a computer.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the computer is interfaced to a signal from the training aid system.
According to further embodiments of the present invention the signal received by the computers is fully interfaced with any on-line or web-based software running on the computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the training aid insert in a firearm; and

FIG. 2 is schematic view of the training aid system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a training aid insert 10 preferably including at least one hollow attachment 12. For the purpose of enhancing safety of the any user, trainer, fellow officers, range occupants and the like, training aid insert 10 is attached to, or integrally formed with a coupling element 14 for readily attaching a variety of hollow attachments 12 to training aid insert 10. Alternatively, other training aid inserts 10 can be used, including but not limited to, a bolt carrier training insert or a bolt training insert.
Preferably, coupling element 14 is selected from the group consisting of: a quick coupling, a tapped portion 16 of training aid insert 10, a screw-on portion of training aid insert 10 a magnetic coupling, an electromagnetic, and a snap-on attachment.
As shown, hollow attachments 12 includes
at least one extension 18 attached to, or integrally formed with hollow attachment 12 to readily extend hollow attachment 12 to fit any firearm barrel length.
Preferably, hollow extension 18 is attached to hollow attachment 12 by way of a readily connectable coupling 20.
Optionally coupling 20 is selected from the group consisting of: a quick coupling, a tapped portion of hollow attachment 12, a screw-on portion of hollow attachment 12 and a snap-on attachment.
Preferably, hollow attachments 12 are readily attachable to and detachable from training aid insert 10 subsequent to training aid insert 10 being chambered in any firearm thereby preferably alleviating the need to “field strip” the firearm both prior and after to using training aid insert 10.
Preferably, when using a firearm with training insert 10, a collet 22 is attached to or integrally formed with hollow extension 12.
Preferably, collet 22 protrudes from any firearm being used such that users, trainers, fellow officers, range occupants and the like can readily discern the firearm is chambered with training aid insert 10 and thus rendered safer.
Preferably, collet 22 has a bright color which is readily visible by any onlooker. More preferably, collet 22 is colored in a color known in the art as “safety orange” and as is commonly used by hunters and field going individuals.
Preferably, an aperture 24 is formed in collet 22 for readily facilitating illumination from training aid insert 10 to pass through collet 22 and onto any intended target. Preferably, an actuator 26 is provided for being struck be a firing pin of a firearm thereby bringing about an illumination of training aid insert 10.
Preferably, training aid insert 10 has a concentric shape recalling that of a firearm cartridge 28.
Preferably, training aid insert 10 includes an illuminator which is selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode (“LED”), a bulb of such desired shape and size so as to fit within the physical contours of training aid insert 10, is a laser diode for readily emitting coherent electro-magnetic radiation.
Preferably, the illuminator can produce illumination of visible light, IR, and/or UV illumination.
Optionally, actuator 26 is constructed of a crystalline. Optionally, actuator 26 is constructed of at least one crystalline formation, such that application of mechanical stress and/or pressure on actuator 26 generates sufficient electric current to power the illuminator.
Alternatively, actuator 26 is constructed of a non-conducting crystal, such that electricity and/or electric polarity is produced when the non-conducting crystal is subjected to pressure or strain.
FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a training aid system 30 including a first firearm 32. First firearm 32 includes a first magazine 34 for simulating live fire with first firearm 32.
Preferably, first magazine 34 is readily accommodated in first firearm 32 and is inserted into magazine well 36 formed in first firearm 32.
Preferably, first magazine 34 includes a recoil simulator 38 which can include, by way of example only, a pneumatic recoil simulator, a solenoid recoil simulator, an electrical recoil simulator or a mechanical recoil simulator.
Preferably, recoil simulator 38 is geared towards simulating subjective and objective recoil.
Alternatively, it is envisaged that recoil simulator 38 can be situated in a wide range of locations in first firearm 32 including, but not limited to, a bolt, a bolt carrier, frame, stocks, grips and/or carrying handle.
As used herein the term “objective recoil” includes but is not limited to the backwards displacement of a firearm by the conservation of momentum on emission of a projectile from the firearm, the rebounding of a firearm after the firearm has been fired.
As used herein the term “subjective recoil” includes but is not limited to the “flip” of a muzzle on a firearm after being fired and/or the felt torque of the firearm due to contrary forces being applied while a projectile travels down a rifled barrel and/or the slap the user feels and/or recoil impulse the user feels when firing a firearm.
Thus, recoil simulator 38 preferably simulates recoil with sufficient energy and or momentum to simulate subjective recoil and/or objective recoil of any cartridge known in the art.
Optionally, recoil simulator 38 can be attached to, or integrally formed with or within training aid insert 10 of FIG. 1.
Optionally, first magazine 34 includes at least one power source 40 for powering recoil simulator 38 and/or training aid insert 10 of FIG. 1.
Optionally, power source 40 can be used to provide power to any accessory or apparatus of first firearm 32.
Preferably, first firearm 32 includes a first breach 42 and a first barrel 44 wherein first barrel 44 and/or first breach 42 include a training aid insert 10 of FIG. 1.
Preferably, recoil simulator 38 is responsive to training aid insert 10 being activated and/or sound and/or vibration from first firearm 32 and/or recoil simulator 38.
Optionally, first magazine 34 includes a signal booster 46 and a transmitter 48 for readily transmitting signals to an audio apparatus 50 and/or a processing unit 52.
Optionally, first magazine 34 includes an audio element 53 for simulating the sounds of a weapon firing and/or any other use for producing an audio sound conducive to the training scenario, including but not limited to, CB, Communications, Personnel, CO orders and the like.
Optionally, first magazine 34 includes an identification chip 54 for readily transmitting a signal from first magazine 34 to any receiver.
Preferably, identification chip 54 readily transmits a signal substantially contemporaneously with every illumination of training aid insert 10.
Alternatively, identification chip 54 is attached to or integrally formed with or within training aid insert 10.
Preferably, identification chip 54 is capable of transmitting any type of signal compatible with any weapon simulation system known in the art, including but not limited to, Miles2000™. Namely and by way of example only identification chip 54 readily facilitates transmitting any signal indicative of simulating any weapon type.
Preferably, identification chip 54 is capable of transmitting any signal indicative of simulating any specific firearm.
Preferably, training aid system 30 includes a second firearm 56. Second firearm 56 includes a second magazine 58 for simulating live fire with second firearm 56.
Preferably, second magazine 58 is readily accommodated in second firearm 56 and is inserted into second magazine well 57 formed in second firearm 56.
Preferably, second magazine 58 includes a recoil simulator 38 which can include, by way of example only, a pneumatic recoil simulator, a solenoid recoil simulator, an electrical recoil simulator or a mechanical recoil simulator.
Preferably, recoil simulator 38 is geared towards simulating subjective and objective recoil.
Second firearm 56 includes a second breach 59 and a second barrel 61 wherein second barrel 61 and/or second breach 59 include a training aid insert 10 of FIG. 1
Preferably, any illumination of training aid insert 10 is recorded and transmitted to processing unit 52.
As shown in FIG. 2 audio apparatus 50 preferably includes a speaker 60 including a speaker receiver 62, is responsive to signals from transmitter 48.
Optionally, speaker 60 can be attached to, or integrally formed with any processing unit, including, but not limited to a computer 64.
By way of example only, it is envisaged that the use of either any receiver or any transmitter can be replaced by an appropriate transceiver.
Preferably, signals from training aid insert 10 received by computer 64 are fully interfaced with any software running on computer 64.
More preferably, signals from training aid insert 10 received by computer 64 are fully interfaced with any on-line or web-based software running on computer 64 including, but not limited to, any Role Playing Game (RPG).
Preferably, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) module 66 is attached to first firearm 32 for readily providing identification and location data.
Alternatively, RFID module 66 is attached to, or integrally formed with or within training aid insert 10 for readily providing identification and location data.
Preferably, training aid system 30 includes at least one headphone set 68 to be worn by a user during training sessions. By way of example only, the user can be a team leader, platoon leader, Training Officer and the like.
Preferably, headphone set 68 is responsive to signals from transmitter 48 and/or RFID module 66 and/or processing unit 52 and/or training aid insert 10.
Preferably, speaker 60 and/or headphones 68 are geared towards simulating the sounds of the any specific firearm being fired and/or voicing instructions by a human instructor or voicing imbedded instructions in accordance to the training scenario being performed.
Preferably, headphones 68 include an autonomous power source 70. Preferably, headphones 68 include an activator 72 for readily controlling the mode of use of headphones 68 between regular mode, active mode, training mode, simulation mode and combat mode.
Preferably headphones 68 include a transceiver module 74 for readily communicating with identification chip 54 and/or magazine transmitter 48 and/or RFID module 66 and/or processing unit 52 and/or training aid insert 10.
As used herein, the term “transmitter” includes, but is not limited to, a RF transmitter, an IR source, a WiFi module and a “blue tooth” module.
As used herein, the term “receiver” includes, but is not limited to, a RF receiver, an IR module, a WiFi module and a “blue tooth” module.
Preferably headphones 68 include a Heads Up Display (HUD) 76 for readily facilitating the user to control their surroundings and environments. A wide variety of reticles and General User Interfaces (GUI's) are envisaged for providing two dimensional and there dimensional images of targets, surroundings, structures, placement and vector of friendly and/or hostile forces.
A controller screen 78 is preferably responsive to processing unit 52, thereby facilitating viewing any and all activity of any user and any firearm either “real time”, projected, simulated or recorded for debriefing purposes.
Preferably, HUD 76 includes a reticle 80 selected from the group consisting of: a crosshair reticle, a square reticle, a gradient reticle, a circle dot reticle, a dot reticle, a German reticle, a Tactical Milling reticle (TMR), a Mil. Dot reticle, a Duplex reticle, a Boone & Crocket reticle, a varmint hunter's reticle, a wide Duplex reticle, a post reticle, a CPC reticle, a target dot reticle, a range finder reticle and a three dimensional reticle. Preferably, controller screen 78 includes an accurate representation of reticle 80.
Preferably, the user has a graphic representation on HUD 76 and/or controller screen 78 of all RFID modules 66 represented a non-hostile targets (friend) 82. Preferably, the user also has a graphical representation of all hostile targets (foe) 84.
Each user is preferably provided with a personal target 86 which personal target is preferably wearable and responsive to illumination from training aid insert 10. As explained hereinabove, preferably, each training aid insert 10 illuminates with a specific illumination thereby readily recognizable as originating from any specific weapon. Target 86 preferably includes a target transceiver 88 and an audio/physical indicator 90 responsive to target 86 being illuminated.
Pursuant to target 86 being illuminated by any specific training aid insert 10, target transceiver 88 transmits to processing unit 52 all relevant data, including but not limited to, identity of training aid insert “fired”, location of user in relation to other users and location of impact of illumination.
Preferably, thereafter, processing unit 52 ascertains the nature of the user injury and transmits the nature of the injury to headphones 68 and/or HUD 76 and/or audio/physical indicator 90 which can either “buzz”, light up, disable the firearm or vibrate to indicate to the user that they are either injured or proclaimed “dead”.
Thus, readily controlling an entire arena is envisaged wherein the user can see through HUD 76 all hostile and non-hostile targets (Friend or Foe).
Furthermore, the user can transmit the arena to the remote controller screen 78 and receive “real time” orders from their supervisors.
Further still, the entire sortie can be recorded and played back later on controller screen 78 and/or while debriefing.
Furthermore, it is envisaged that processing unit can simulate any environment to be shown on HUD 76 for training purposes, such that a user can train or practice any location and any scenario or location of either friendly targets 82 or foe targets 84.
Furthermore, it is envisaged that Relative Location Positioning can be performed between RFID modules 66 and/or transmitters 48.
Furthermore, the use of RFID modules 66 can assist in weapon retrieval; and personnel location during training, practice or even combat scenarios.
Furthermore, it is envisaged that usage of training system 30 can provide real time and recorded debriefing capabilities of any combination of data derived from personnel position and movements, firearm activation, target “hits” and identity of shooter and arena level control.
It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended to only serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A training aid system comprising:

(a) a training aid insert including:

(i) a power source;

(ii) an illuminator electrically attached to said power source; and

(iii) an actuator electrically attached to said illuminator for readily controlling illumination of said illuminator; and

(b) a firearm for readily accommodating and activating said training aid insert.

2. The training aid system of claim 1, wherein the training aid has a concentric shape recalling that of a standard cartridge.

3. The training aid system of claim 1, wherein said illuminator is a light emitting diode.

4. The training aid system of claim 1, wherein said illuminator is a laser.

5. The actuator of claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensitive switch.

6. The pressure sensitive switch of claim 5, wherein said pressure sensitive switch is constructed of electrically conductive material.

7. The pressure sensitive switch of claim 5, wherein pressure sensitive switch simulates a firearm primer.

8. The actuator of claim 1, wherein said actuator includes an energy absorbing material.

9. The training aid system of claim 1, wherein said collimator collimates illumination passing through said collimator into an area of illumination is substantially between 0.1 and 0.6 centimeters in diameter when illuminating at 9 yards.

10. The training aid system of claim 1, further comprising a time chip for controlling the time of illumination of said illuminator.

11. The training aid system of claim 10, wherein said time chip facilitates illumination of said illuminator for any time between 0.01 seconds and 1.0 seconds.

12. The training aid system of claim 10, wherein said time chip facilitates “eye safe” illumination of said illuminator.

13. The training aid system of claim 10, wherein said time chip facilitates illumination of said illuminator for substantially 0.25 seconds.

14. The training aid system of claim 1, wherein said illuminator is modulated between 10-100 Khz.

15. The training aid system of claim 1, wherein said illuminator illuminates at any wavelength.

16. The training aid system of claim 1, wherein said illuminator illuminates substantially at a wavelength producing visible red illumination or producing visible green illumination.

17. The training aid system of claim 1, further comprising a transmitter for transmitting a signal.

18. The training aid system of claim 17, wherein said signal is compatible with any weapon simulation system.

19. A training aid system comprising:

(a) a handheld firearm including a barrel;

(b) a training aid system situated in said barrel including:

(i) a power source;

(ii) an illuminator electrically attached to said power source; and

(c) an audio apparatus responsive to said training aid system.

20. The training aid system of claim 19, wherein said training aid system includes a wireless transmitter and said audio apparatus includes a receiver.

21. The training aid system of claim 19, wherein said firearm includes a magazine with an identification chip and said audio apparatus includes a receiver.

22. The training aid system of claim 19, wherein said training aid insert has a concentric shape recalling that of a standard cartridge.

23. The training aid system of claim 19, wherein said training aid insert includes an element selected from the group consisting of: a pneumatic element, a mechanical element and electronic.

24. The training aid system of claim 19, wherein said apparatus audio apparatus further includes a speaker for simulating a sound selected from the group consisting of: a specific handheld firearm being fired, voicing instructions by a human instructor and voicing imbedded instructions in accordance to a training scenario.

25. The training aid system of claim 19, wherein said audio apparatus further includes a processing unit.

26. The training aid system of claim 25, wherein said processing unit is interfaced to a signal from said training aid insert.

27. The training aid system of claim 25, wherein said signal received by said processing units is fully interfaced on any on-line or web-based software running on said computer.