US3710675A - Aiming arrangement for grenade throwers - Google Patents

Aiming arrangement for grenade throwers Download PDF

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Publication number
US3710675A
US3710675A US00096060A US3710675DA US3710675A US 3710675 A US3710675 A US 3710675A US 00096060 A US00096060 A US 00096060A US 3710675D A US3710675D A US 3710675DA US 3710675 A US3710675 A US 3710675A
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United States
Prior art keywords
tube
launching tube
elevation
casing
angle
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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US00096060A
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English (en)
Inventor
N Asikainen
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Tampella Oy AB
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Tampella Oy AB
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41F—APPARATUS FOR LAUNCHING PROJECTILES OR MISSILES FROM BARRELS, e.g. CANNONS; LAUNCHERS FOR ROCKETS OR TORPEDOES; HARPOON GUNS
    • F41F1/00—Launching apparatus for projecting projectiles or missiles from barrels, e.g. cannons; Harpoon guns
    • F41F1/06—Mortars
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G1/00—Sighting devices
    • F41G1/46—Sighting devices for particular applications
    • F41G1/50—Sighting devices for particular applications for trench mortars or for other mortars

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A device for automatically setting the elevation angle of the aiming attachment of a grenade launcher in response to adjusting the range scale to the desired range.
  • the range scale is on the surface of a casing mounted on the launcher tube for rotation adjustment.
  • a sleeve extends over the scale indicia to protect the indicia and has a viewing window with a hairline to permit accurate adjustment of the range scale casing.
  • a cam at the end face of the casing cooperates with a follower 0n the support shaft of the aiming device to adjust the angular setting of the aiming device in response to setting the range scale.
  • the range scale casing is rotatably supported by a clamp sleeve which connects the bipod to the upper end of the launcher tube; With the aiming device angle preset by adjusting the range scale, it is a simple matter to adjust the bipod to position the launcher tube at an elevation angle to fire a projectile the required range.
  • This invention relates to apparatus for determining and making the angular adjustment of the aiming attachment of mortars, grenade launchers, and the like, and facilitates rapidly setting up and changing the range of the mortar.
  • the invention relates to apparatus for automatically setting the elevation indicating device of the aiming attachment of a mortar or grenade launcher in response to setting the desired range on a scale located on the barrel or launcher tube and which facilitates the use and reading of the range table.
  • Grenade launchers mortars and the like are aimed with the aid of a range table which indicates the required elevational angle of the barrel for firing a projectile a particular horizontal distance.
  • the usual launcher has the bottom of its barrel supported on a base having a cooperating socket, and the upper end of the barrel is supported by an adjustable bipod or similar mount.
  • the aiming device usually includes a sight mounted on the barrel and which is adjustable to facilitate making changes in the elevation angle and azimuth angle of the barrel. Connected to the aiming device are two spirit levels which are perpendicular to each other. When the barrel is in the usual firing position, both levels are horizontal and indicate that the barrel is properly positioned. One level has its bubble axis perpendicular to a vertical plane including the axis of the barrel.
  • the base and the support plates for the bipod arms are first seated on the ground so the barrel of the launcher is directed along an azimuth in line with the target. After the range of the target is determined, the range table is consulted to determine the proper elevational angle of the barrel to hit the target. Next, the aiming device is set to the angle read from the range scale. Then, the bipod arms are adjusted until the bubbles of both spirit levels are centered, i.e., both levels are horizontal, and the barrel is then properly aimed.
  • the range table was either a separate unit which could readily be misplaced or lost, or was directly attached to the launcher, for example, to the barrel or the launcher tube.
  • the disadvantage of this latter arrangement is that the range scale attached to the tube of the launcher is easily damaged by external forces, e.g.. a blow or the like, when the launcher is being transported.
  • a portion of the table can be obliterated or become illegible so rapid determination of the proper settings of the sight and aiming device, especially in an emergency, is difficult if not impossible.
  • an object of the invention is to so mount and arrange the range scale that it is always visible for operation of the launcher yet is protected against damage, and a range scale separate from the launcher is not required.
  • a device is provided for determining and making the angular setting of the aiming device so the elevation angle of the launcher barrel can be properly adjusted, the device having particular utility with a grenade thrower or launcher of the type in which the launcher barrel has an articulated mounting at its lower end, and is supported at the top end by a bipod support which is connected to the barrel by a hinged joint to a clamp sleeve that. surrounds the barrel,
  • the aiming device is adjusted for its proper angular setting relative to the axis of the barrel by means of a casing with a range scale on its peripheral surface and mounted on the barrel for rotation.
  • a casing with a range scale on its peripheral surface and mounted on the barrel for rotation.
  • the rotatable casing is axially elongated to provide space for the numerals of the range table of sufficient size so the range scale can easily be read.
  • the rotatable casing on which the scale indicia are placed is threadedly received in the sleeve which is fixed to the barrel and the aiming device is supported on. the sleeve.
  • rotating the casing permits adjusting the initial axial position of the casing very precisely and means are provided to change the angular position of the sight in response to such axial movement of the casing.
  • the sleeve covers the casing except at a short handgrip part of the casing which is exposed below the casing.
  • the mechanical connection between the casing and sight and via which the elevational angle of the aiming device is adjusted in response to rotation of the casing includes an axial cam formed on the upper end face of the casing and a follower secured to the support shaft of the sight and which is spring urged into engagement with the cam.
  • the adjusting device has no projecting parts which cause interference with either the operation of the launcher when in use or during transporta tion of the launcher.
  • the device provides for precise adjustment of the elevationangle and simple operation.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view in elevation of a grenade launcher in its firing position and including the range setting device of this invention
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view in rear elevation of the barrel of the launcher of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a side elevational view in partial section of the portion of the barrel of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a partial view in section taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2.
  • the grenade thrower 1 shown at FIG. 1 has a projectile launching tube 2 with a spherical shaped lower end 3.
  • a base plate 4 has a spherical socket 5 toreceive spherical end 3 so launching tube 2 is supported on the base for pivotal movement.
  • the upper end of tube 2 is supported by a bipod 6 having a pair of legs 6a (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) each of which is supported at its lower end by a support plate 6b at an articulated connection.
  • the upper end of bipod 6 is connected to a bracket 7 which in turn is connected to lugs 8a of a clamp sleeve 8 which encircles launching tube 2.
  • the upper end of bracket 9 is provided with suitable openingsfor connection to lugs 8a with a bolt 9.
  • the aiming attachment 10 for the grenade launcher is mounted on clamp sleeve 8.
  • clamp sleeve 8 encircles launching tube 2.
  • an extension sleeve 11 Secured to the lower end of the clamp sleeve is an extension sleeve 11.
  • Extension sleeve 11 is secured to clamp sleeve 8 in any suitable manner, for example, by screws 12, as shown at FIG. 3.
  • a thread 14 is formed on the exterior surface of a hollow cylindrical casing 15 which is mounted on launching tube 2 for rotation.
  • casing 15 has a thin side wall and extends into the annular space between extension sleeve 11 and the outside of the launching tube, with its thread 14 in mesh with the thread l3of sleeve 11.
  • Extending below the lower end of extension sleeve 11 is a knurled hand grip portion 15a of the casing which facilitates manually rotating the casing.
  • a transparent glass or plastic viewing window 16 is mounted and which, as shown at FIGS. 1 and 2, faces upwardly when the grenade launcher is in its firing position.
  • Window 16 provides for viewing the outer peripheral surface of a length of casing 15, and a range table 17 is provided on this length of the casing.
  • the range table 17 can extend around practically the entire circumference of the easing 15.
  • a hairline indicator 16a' which provides for rapid accurate alignment of the indicia of the range table with the indicator and facilitates reading the scale.
  • cam ring 18 Threaded onto the top end of casing 15 is a cam ring 18 having an axially facing cam face 19.
  • Cam ring 18 is secured to casing 15 against rotation by a lock pin 20.
  • cam face 19 rises only slightly along the substantially 360 circumferential extent of the face.
  • Aiming attachment'lO is supported by a shaft 21 which extends through and is mounted for rotation in a bushing 22.
  • Bushing 22 is secured to a flanged collar 23 which in turn is secured to the upper end of extension sleeve 11.
  • Shaft 21 has an inner rectangular end portion 21a and a cam follower arm 24 with a mating rectangular opening therethrough is mounted on and secured to rectangular portion 21a.
  • Cam follower arm 24 has a projecting rounded tip 24a which engages cam face 19.
  • Tip 24a is normally urged into engagement with cam face 19 by a helically woundtorsion spring 25 located in and having one ofits endssecured to bushing 22, and having its other end bent back and extending through a bore 26 of follower arm 24. With spring 25 appropriately tensioned, tip 24a of follower arm 24 is constantly urged into engagement with cam face 19.
  • a stop projection 27 is provided at the respective ends of cam face 19, and rotation of the casing is limited by the engagement of tip 24a with one side of projection 27 when casing 15 is rotated in a counter clockwise direction, and by engagement of the other side of projection 27 when casing 15 is rotated in a clockwise direction.
  • the body ofclamp sleeve 8 is spaced from the outer surface of launching tube 2 to provide an annular space to accommodatespring 28.
  • a ring 30 At the upper end of clamp sleeve 28 is a ring 30 that presents a downwardly facing annular shoulder 31 which engages the upwardly facing transverse annular shoulder of a projecting ring portion 32 of the launcher tube.
  • Spring 28 has its lower end seated on the upwardly facing seat 29 and its upper end seated against the downwardly facing surface of ring portion 32.
  • Spring 28 therefore exerts a downwardly directed force on clamp sleeve 8 to normally maintain shoulder 31 against the top surface of ring portion 32 of the launching tubebut allows the launcher tube to move axially downwardlyrelative to the clampsleeve 8 when the thrower 1 is fired, so clamp sleeve 8 and its associated parts will not be damaged by recoil.
  • Spring 28 does of course return the sleeve to its proper position on the launching tube, after the recoil, so the parts return to their initial positions as shown at FIG. 3.
  • retaining Aiming device includes an apertured sight 33 mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis on ears 33a so the sight can be pivoted in a vertical plane by manipulating thumbpiece 34 regardless of the angular position of shaft 21.
  • spirit levels 35 and 36 are mounted on aiming device 10 .
  • the level 36 has its axis in a vertical plane parallel to the axis of the launcher tube 2.
  • the vertical plane in which the axis of level 36 moves when shaft 21 is rotated is perpendicular to the shaft.
  • Level 36 provides means for accurately setting the angle of elevation of the launching tube.
  • Level 35 has its axis parallel to shaft 21 and is in a plane perpendicular to the vertical plane in which the axis of launcher tube 2 lies. Both levels are secured to the aiming device.
  • the angle of inclination of level 36 is changed by rotating shaft 21, but the level 35 remains horizontal.
  • the aiming device can also include the usual elevational adjustment knob 37 and the azimuth angle indicator 38.
  • the elevation adjusting knob 37 provides forminor corrective adjustments in elevation angle when it is not desired to make such adjustments by rotating casing 15.
  • the precise adjustment for the azimuth angle of the launching tube is set by using the sight 33 and the azimuth indicator scale 38 in the usual manner.
  • the range of the target is determined by using suitable range determining equipment and when the range is known, casing is rotated by turning knurled end 15a until the predetermined range distance appears under hairline 160.
  • the propellant charge numerals 17a at the left side of window 16 the user of the grenade launcher also knows the number of charges of propellant necessary to project the grenadeto hit the'target.
  • Range table 17 indicates that the proper angle of elevation of the launcher tube 2 to project a grenade or other missile 150 yards is 50 when the projectile is fired with a propellant charge 0.
  • a device to facilitate determining the proper angle of elevation of the launching tube of grenade throwers and the like to project a projectile a predetermined distance comprising, in combination a projectile launching tube;
  • elevation indicating means connected to said launching tube to indicate a position of the tube corresponding to a predetermined elevational angle of the tube
  • a device wherein said elevation indicating means is connected to said launching tube to angular adjustment in response to rotation of said casing, and said indicating means includes a level angularly adjustable in a vertical plane parallel to a vertical plane including the axis of the launching tube.
  • a device mounts thelower end of the launching tube for pivotal movement;
  • a clamp sleeve surrounds the upper end of the tube
  • an adjustable bipod is hingedly connected to said clamp sleeve and is adjustable to provide said means to adjust the angle of elevation of the launching tube;
  • a second sleeve secured to said clamp sleeve extends around the range table of said casing in closely overlying protective relation thereto.
  • a device wherein said casing projects beyond the end of said second sleeve to provide a hand grip for rotating said casing;
  • said second sleeve has a transparent viewing window therein for viewing the range table on said casing.
  • said coupling means includes a cam on said casing, and a follower connected to said elevation indicating means and operable to change the angular posi tion of said indicating means in response to rotation of said casing.
  • a device wherein said cam is an axial cam at an endof said casing
  • said follower is secured to a shaft supported for rotation by said launcher tube and connected to said elevation indicating means;
  • Y 8 A device according to claim 3 wherein said launcher tube has an inwardly facing transverse annular shoulder
  • said clamp sleeve has an inwardly extending portion presenting a downwardly facing surface engaging said shoulder; spring means between said launcher tube and clamp resiliently urge said shoulder into abutting relation with said surface to resiliently mount said sleeve relative to said launcher tube.
  • a device 9 wherein the indicia on said range table are indicative of the distance any one ofanumber of projectiles having different propellant charges will be projected by the launcher tube for a particular angle of elevation of the tube.
  • a device to facilitate determining the proper angle of elevation'of the launching tube of'grenade throwers and the like to project a projectile a predetermined distance comprising, in combination:
  • first and second elements mounted on said launching tube, one of, said elements including a range table with indicia and the other of said elements including an indicator,
  • d. means rotatably mounting one of said first and second. elements on 'said launching tube for manually adjusting said indicia and indicator relative to each other to indicate the distance a particular missile will be projected for a particular elevational angle of the launching tube,
  • elevation indicating means connected to said launching tube to indicate a position of the tube corresponding to a predetermined elevational angle of the tube
  • one of said first and second elements is a cylindrical member mounted for rotation about said launching tube.
  • a device wherein the other of said elements is a further cylinder fixedly mounted on said launching tube and including said indicator for cooperation with said indicia on the outer surface of said cylindrical member.
  • said means rotatabl mountingsaid cylindrical member on said launching ube comprises a spiral thread mounted 16.
  • said cam is an axial cam atone end of the said cylindrical member and said follower is secured to a shaft supported for rotation by said launching tube and connected to said elevation indicating means.
  • a device to facilitate determining the proper angle of elevation of the launching tube of grenade throwers and the like to project a projectile a predetermined distance comprising, in combination a.aprojectile launching tube,
  • a cylindrical member rotatably mounted on said launching tube said cylindrical member including a range table with indicia indicating the distance a particular missile will be projected for'a particular elevational angle of the launching tube,
  • elevation indicating means connected to said launching tube toindicate a position of the tube 7 corresponding to a predetermined elevational angle of the tube

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
  • Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)
US00096060A 1969-12-12 1970-12-08 Aiming arrangement for grenade throwers Expired - Lifetime US3710675A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19691962339 DE1962339A1 (de) 1969-12-12 1969-12-12 Vorrichtung zum Einrichten der Winkellage des Richtaufsatzes bei Granatwerfern u.dgl.

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US3710675A true US3710675A (en) 1973-01-16

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US00096060A Expired - Lifetime US3710675A (en) 1969-12-12 1970-12-08 Aiming arrangement for grenade throwers

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US (1) US3710675A (da)
CA (1) CA925734A (da)
DE (1) DE1962339A1 (da)
DK (1) DK133024C (da)
FI (1) FI53887C (da)
FR (1) FR2073090A5 (da)
GB (1) GB1325590A (da)
IL (1) IL35602A (da)
NO (1) NO127591B (da)
SE (1) SE358465B (da)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3824699A (en) * 1972-06-19 1974-07-23 Us Army Aiming device for indirect fire guns
US6192612B1 (en) 1998-03-02 2001-02-27 Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland, Maier & Neustadt, P.C. Propulsion device
US6460447B1 (en) * 1999-02-09 2002-10-08 Brad E. Meyers Weapon aiming
US6499382B1 (en) 1998-08-24 2002-12-31 General Dynamics Canada Ltd. Aiming system for weapon capable of superelevation
US20060272194A1 (en) * 2005-02-08 2006-12-07 Arnold Guettner Firearm for low velocity projectiles
US20080282877A1 (en) * 2004-09-09 2008-11-20 Daniel De Villiers An Indirect Fire Weapon Aiming Device
US9207044B2 (en) * 2011-11-07 2015-12-08 Blair Brown Sight adapter for handheld mortar system
US9709359B1 (en) * 2011-12-05 2017-07-18 James Travis Robbins Fixed optic for boresight
US10551147B1 (en) * 2017-03-23 2020-02-04 Combat Weapons Development Llc Multi-barrel mortar launcher and method
US20200088497A1 (en) * 2018-09-19 2020-03-19 Steven T. Hartman Sighting device for handheld mortar system

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1334413A (en) * 1916-05-13 1920-03-23 William S Peirce Ordnance
US2876545A (en) * 1957-12-19 1959-03-10 Gabrusti Magur-Lag Mortar sight

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1334413A (en) * 1916-05-13 1920-03-23 William S Peirce Ordnance
US2876545A (en) * 1957-12-19 1959-03-10 Gabrusti Magur-Lag Mortar sight

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3824699A (en) * 1972-06-19 1974-07-23 Us Army Aiming device for indirect fire guns
US6192612B1 (en) 1998-03-02 2001-02-27 Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland, Maier & Neustadt, P.C. Propulsion device
US6499382B1 (en) 1998-08-24 2002-12-31 General Dynamics Canada Ltd. Aiming system for weapon capable of superelevation
US6460447B1 (en) * 1999-02-09 2002-10-08 Brad E. Meyers Weapon aiming
US6708597B2 (en) 1999-02-09 2004-03-23 Brad E. Meyers Weapon aiming
US20080282877A1 (en) * 2004-09-09 2008-11-20 Daniel De Villiers An Indirect Fire Weapon Aiming Device
US7637198B2 (en) * 2004-09-09 2009-12-29 Csir Indirect fire weapon aiming device
US20060272194A1 (en) * 2005-02-08 2006-12-07 Arnold Guettner Firearm for low velocity projectiles
US9207044B2 (en) * 2011-11-07 2015-12-08 Blair Brown Sight adapter for handheld mortar system
US10663255B2 (en) 2011-11-07 2020-05-26 Blair Brown Sight adapter for handheld mortar system
US9709359B1 (en) * 2011-12-05 2017-07-18 James Travis Robbins Fixed optic for boresight
US10551147B1 (en) * 2017-03-23 2020-02-04 Combat Weapons Development Llc Multi-barrel mortar launcher and method
US20200088497A1 (en) * 2018-09-19 2020-03-19 Steven T. Hartman Sighting device for handheld mortar system
US10605567B1 (en) * 2018-09-19 2020-03-31 Steven T. Hartman Sighting device for handheld mortar system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK133024B (da) 1976-03-08
FR2073090A5 (da) 1971-09-24
DK133024C (da) 1976-08-09
GB1325590A (en) 1973-08-01
NO127591B (da) 1973-07-16
FI53887C (fi) 1978-08-10
DE1962339A1 (de) 1971-10-14
FI53887B (fi) 1978-05-02
IL35602A0 (en) 1971-04-28
SE358465B (da) 1973-07-30
CA925734A (en) 1973-05-08
IL35602A (en) 1974-06-30

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