US3907433A - Moving target firing simulator and a method of adjustment of said simulator - Google Patents

Moving target firing simulator and a method of adjustment of said simulator Download PDF

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US3907433A
US3907433A US407964A US40796473A US3907433A US 3907433 A US3907433 A US 3907433A US 407964 A US407964 A US 407964A US 40796473 A US40796473 A US 40796473A US 3907433 A US3907433 A US 3907433A
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target
spot
axis
firing
simulator
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Jacques Nault
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G3/00—Aiming or laying means
    • F41G3/26—Teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying
    • F41G3/2616—Teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying using a light emitting device
    • F41G3/2622—Teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying using a light emitting device for simulating the firing of a gun or the trajectory of a projectile
    • F41G3/2655—Teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying using a light emitting device for simulating the firing of a gun or the trajectory of a projectile in which the light beam is sent from the weapon to the target
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G3/00—Aiming or laying means
    • F41G3/26—Teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying
    • F41G3/28—Small-scale apparatus
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41J—TARGETS; TARGET RANGES; BULLET CATCHERS
    • F41J5/00—Target indicating systems; Target-hit or score detecting systems
    • F41J5/02—Photo-electric hit-detector systems

Definitions

  • a screen provided with an opening which forms an object for the optical system is placed between this latter and a pulse generator.
  • the contour, dimensions and distance between the opening and the optical system. the mean distance between the weapon and the target and the spatial distribution of the receivers on the target are so determined that the envelope of the center of the spot remains practically inscribed within the simplified perimeter of the target face when the spot is displaced around the target with its contour approximately tangent to one photosensitive receiver.
  • MOVING TARGET FIRING SIMULATOR AND A METHOD OF ADJUSTMENT OF SAID SIMULATOR This invention relates to a simulator for firing at a moving target as well as to a method for adjusting said simulator.
  • the simulator comprises a convergent optical system having a plane mirror for concentrating the waves emitted in the direction of the target into a narrow beam, a servocontrolled gyrostabilized equipment unit for displacing the mirror both in angle of elevation and in direction, and a fire control computer.
  • the electromagnetic pulse trains are emitted parallel to the firing axis and directed towards the point which it is assumed that the moving target is intended to reach, taking into account the parameters transmitted to the computer by the tank crew.
  • the computer delays the emission of the pulse trains after ignition of the charge by a time interval equal to the real flight time of the projectile in order to ensure better simulation of real firing.
  • the pulse emitter is housed within the gun barrel of a real tank; the firing axis coincides in this case with the axis of the optical system which is combined with the pulse emitter.
  • a delay circuit triggers the pulse with a time-lag corresponding to the time of flight of a real projectile up to the target.
  • This system further comprises a target-stopping mechanism which is operated by the photosensitive detector when this latter records a direct hit. This mechanism can also cause the emission of smoke and sound signals when the target is hit.
  • the optical system of the simulator comprises orientable prisms which serve to deviate the axis of the emitted electromagnetic beam through a predetermined angle with respect to the firing axis.
  • the gunner then sets his sights on the point which the target is intended to reach while taking into account the time of flight of a real projectile, the effect of firing of the charge being to cause simultaneousemission of the electromagnetic pulse train.
  • Simulators of this type suffer from a certain number of disadvantages.
  • Their optical systems cannot be adapted to different types of targets each having a predetermined contour (tanks of different classes, armored vehicles of various types), with the direct result that firing accuracy is adversely affected.
  • the photosensitive receivers are mounted on the target in a more or less erratic fashion, the number of receivers being in any case the outcome ofa compromise inasmuch as some direct hits will not be recorded if the number is to small whereas on the other hand, if the number is too large, shots which do not in fact reach the target are liable to be detected as direct hits by reason of the appreciable dimensions of the spots formed by the intersection of the electromagnetic beams with the target.
  • simulators which are intended to oper ate on real vehicles are particularly costly (especially the on-board computer simulator) since they can be employed only during field operations.
  • the primary function of the simulator which is contemplated by the invention is to train personnel for sub sequent service in the operation of ballistic missiles such as anti-tank rocket launchers, for example.
  • the simulator is intended in particular for limited-firing exercises in which the target is constituted by a small-scale model of a real target, the range and the velocity of motion of the model being reduced in the same proportion.
  • the chief object of the invention is to reduce the cost and duration of target-practice exercises by simulating real-firing conditions as closely as possible and to eliminate any hazards to personnel.
  • the moving target firing simulator of the type contemplated by the invention comprises a weapon having a firing axis and equipped with a generator which produces electromagnetic pulse trains of short wavelength and is controlled by the firing mechanism of the weapon, a convergent optical system for concentrating said pulse trains into a narrow beam and means for displacing the axis of said beam through a predetermined angle with respect to the firing axis.
  • the simulator is characterized in that it comprises a screen pierced by an opening which forms an object for the optical system, said screen being placed between the pulse-train generator and the optical system, that the contour and the dimensions of said opening the distance between said opening and the optical system, the distribution of the photosensitive receivers on one lateral face of the target, are so determined that the envelope of the center of the spot remains practically inscribed within the simplified perimeter of the lateral face of the target when the spot is displaced around said target with its contour approximately tangent to a photosensitive receiver.
  • the waves employed by way of example can be light waves within the visible region of the spectrum or waves within the ultraviolet or infrared regions.
  • these waves can be monochromatic and have both time and spatial coherence as in laser radiation.
  • the optical system and the photosensitive detectors are clearly adapted to the nature of the waves employed.
  • the instructor sets the angular displacement of the wave-beam prior to firing and without the firers knowledge, in such a manner as to ensure that said displacement is equal at absolute value and in opposite direction to the theoretical firing-angle correction corresponding to the conditions of range and velocity which he intends to impart to the target, and to the postulated velocity of a real projectile.
  • the firer in turn sets up an estimated correction on the firecorrector of the weapon and, if this correction is accurate, the wave beam which is produced by the firer strikes the target and is detected by the photosensitive receiver.
  • the photosensitive receivers are arranged in spaced relation along a line and within a region located internally of said line, said line being such as to limit the area swept by the spot within the amplified perimeter so that the surface swept by the spot covers practically the entire target face when said spot is placed in successive positions in which its center coincides with each receiver in turn.
  • the invention is also directed to a method of adjustment of the firing simulator.
  • the method essentially consists of determining the contour and the dimensions of the opening pierced in the screen which is associated with the optical system, the distance between said opening and said optical system, the mean distance from the weapon to the scale model which serves as a target, and the distribution of the photosensitive detectors on the target so that the envelope of the center of the spot should remain practically inscribed within the simplified perimeter of the target face when the spot is displaced around the target and its contour is maintained approximately tangent to a photosensitive receiver.
  • the spot has two axes of symmetry which are not necessarily orthogonal. Under these conditions, each axis has a length substantially equal to the minimum dimension of all the contours, which are simplified if necessary, of the lateral faces of the target as measured parallel to the direction of the axis aforesaid.
  • the number of receivers on each lateral face of the target is equal at a maximum to the product of the ratios between the maximum dimensions of said face as measured parallel to each of the axes of the spot and the lengths of the corresponding axes of said spot.
  • the distances as measured parallel to the axes of the spot between the receivers and the apparent contour of the target are great at least equal to the length of the corresponding half-axis of the spot.
  • the effect thereby achieved is to reduce to a minimum the number of photosensitive receivers required to record any direct hit and only those hits which are actually on the target.
  • the beam can be angularly displaced either by moving the wave-train generator in a transverse direction with respect to the optical axis or by means of an adjustable optical deflector which is placed between the generator and the convergent optical system.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of operation of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the detection and operation circuit which is actuated by a photosensitive receiver
  • FIG. 3 is an axial sectional view of a first embodiment of a firing simulator in accordance with the invention.
  • FIGS. 4 to 8 are sectional views taken along lines lVlV to VIII-VIII of FIG. 3;
  • FIGS. 9 to 11 are profile, front and top views respectively of a target equipped with photosensitive receivers
  • FIG. 12 is a view of a larger scale and similar to FIG.
  • FIG. 13 is a fragmentary axial sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG. 13;
  • FIG. 15 is a transverse sectional view taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 13;
  • FIGS. 16 to 23 are diagrams illustrating the shape of the spot and the distribution of the receivers in various simple cases
  • FIG. 24 is a diagram which is similar to FIG. 1 and shows the parameters to be determined for the adjustment of the firing simulator.
  • FIG. 1 which illustrates the principle of operation of the firing simulator in accordance with the invention
  • a moving target 1 constituted by a'small-scale model ofa tank which is advancing in the directionf.
  • a predetermined number of photosensitive receivers are placed on said target.
  • the simulator also comprises a weapon 2, the external shape and dimensions of which are those of a real antitank weapon.
  • Said weapon 2 comprises a normal corrector for firing at a moving target, said corrector being designed to produce an angular displacement as a function of corrections estimated and set up by the firer; the horizontal projection between the sighting line V which joins the weapon to the target and the firing axis T is shown at A and said firing axis is angularly displaced in the direction fof motion of the target.
  • the weapon 2 is equipped with an electromagnetic wave train generator which, in the example herein described, is a light-flash generator triggered by. the firing mechanism of the weapon and a convergent optical system so arranged as to form a narrow light beam P starting from a flash.
  • Means are additionally provided for displacing the axis P of the beam through a predetermined angle with respect to the firing axis T.
  • FIG. 1 shows the horizontal projection P of this angular displacement.
  • the system operates as follows:
  • the instructor desires to simulate firing at a real tank which moves at predetermined values of distance, velocity and direction, he determines by means of firing tables the theoretical angular corrections corresponding to these postulated conditions of distance and velocity and to the initial velocity at which a real projectile would travel. Without the knowledge of the firer, he then produces action on the weapon in such a manner as to ensure that the light beam P which will be emitted at the moment of fictitious firing is displaced with respect to the firing axis T through an angle which is equal at absoslute value to the resultant of these theoretical corrections and of opposite direction, the beam P being displaced to the rear of the firing line with respect to the direction of motion of the model 1.
  • the instructor then causes the model 1 to move at a distance and velocity which are reduced with respect to the postulated conditions of the real tank in a ratio equal to the coefficient of reduction of the model 1. So far as the firer is concerned, said model therefore has the same apparent contour as the real tank would have under the postutated conditions; the distance and velocity estimated by the firer according to the movements of the model are those which he would estimate in real firing under the conditions postulated by the instructor.
  • the firer then sets up on the normal fire corrector of the weapon 2 the angular corrections corresponding to the distance and the velocity which he has estimated, aims at the model and actuates the firing mechanism of the weapon, thereby causing the emission of the light beam P.
  • the beam P whose velocity of propagation is practically infinite in comparison with the velocity of a real projectile, strikes the model and is detected by one of the photosensitive receivers which are mounted on said model.
  • the simulator further comprises a chain of operational elements, one particular embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 2.
  • the photosensitive receivers which are photoelectric cells 3 in the example described are connected to an amplifier 4, the output of which actuates a relay 5 through an adjustable delay circuit 6.
  • the relay 5 When the relay 5 is energized, it causes either stopping or changing of speed of the motor 7 of the model which is controlled by a remote-control circuit 8 either by cable or by radio waves.
  • the instructor Prior to firing, the instructor sets the timedelay of the circuit 6 at a value equal to the actual time of flight of the real projectile under the conditions which it is desired to simulate.
  • the relay 5 is also connected to a circuit 9 which has a fixed timedelay of the order of a few seconds and controls a second relay 11. When energized, said second relay cancels the action of the first delay 5 and puts back the motor 7 under the control of the remotecontrol circuit 8.
  • the relay 5 When there is a direct hit, the light beam P is detected by a photoelectric cell 3. After a time-delay equal to the actual time of flight of the projectile under real tiring conditions, the relay 5 causes the model to stop or modifies the movement of this latter. In order to complete the illusion of real firing, the relay 5 can also trigger the emission of visual or sound signals such as glows and sounds of explosions. After a fixed timedelay as determined by the circuit 9, the relay 11 re moves the inhibitiion which had been introduced by the relay 5 and the motor 7 can again be controlled by the remote-control circuit 8 for another shot.
  • the fixed and adjustable time-delays of the chain of FIG. 2 can be obtained by any mechanical or electrical means well known to those versed in the art.
  • the light-flash generator and the optical system are mounted within a cylindrical tube 21 whose axis coincides with the firing axis of the weapon.
  • the light generator comprises a lamp 22 which is capable of emitting a flash of high intensity and short duration and which is secured to a support 23.
  • the lamp 22 is placed within an enclosure consisting of a reflector 24 and closed at the front end by means of an opaque screen 25 pierced by an opening 26 which performs the function of object for the optical system.
  • An electronic triggering device of conventional type which is not illustrated serves to cause the emission of a flash by means of the trigger of the weapon.
  • the flash generator is capable of displacement in two directions substantially at right angles to the firing axis.
  • the enclosure containing the lamp 22 is secured by means of a screw 27 which passes through a button-hole slot to a slide unit 29 which comprises a block 31 fitted with a stud 32 and a back-plate 33 which is attached to said stud by means of screws 28.
  • a disc 34 having a flange 35 which is attached to the tube 21 at right angles to the axis of said tube has a first slot 36 with rectilinear edges placed at the level of the opening 26 and a second slot .37 also having rectilinear edges which are parallel to those of the first slot.
  • the lug 32 of the slide unit 29 is engaged in said second slot 37 and guided by this latter in its movement of displacement.
  • the reflector 24, the screens 25 and the slide unit 29 are limited by circular arcs having a radius substantially equal to the internal radius of the tube 21 in such a manner as to conform to the shape of said tube in the end positions of the light-flash generator.
  • the optical system for forming the light beam comprises a convergent assembly represented schematically by a lens 38.
  • Said lens is fastened by means of threaded studs 41 within a cylindrical sleeve 39 which is coaxial with the tube 21 and projects to a slight extent from said tube at forward end of the weapon.
  • the sleeve 39 has a groove 42 which is ssubstantially at right angles to the axis of the sleeve and extends over approximately one-half the periphery of the sleeve.
  • the head of a screw 43 which is attached to the tube 21 is engaged within said groove 42.
  • a lock-screw 44 which passes through the tube 21 serves to secure the sleeve 39 in a predetermined angular position with respect to the tube 21.
  • the optical axis of the lens 38 coincides with the axis of the sleeve 39 and with the firing axis of the weapon(
  • the end portion of the sleeve 39 which is directed towards the rear of the weapon is cut diagonally.
  • a stud 45 which is substantially at right angles to the axis of the sleeve is fixed at the extremity of said end portion and engaged within a bore 46 formed in the block 31 of the slide unit'29.
  • the instructor In order to set up the vertical angular displacement prior to firing, the instructor displaces the screen 25 in the vertical direction by means of the button-hole slot 20 and locks said screen in position by tightening the screw 27.
  • the movement of rotation of the sleeve 39 is accompanied by the stud 45 and the slide unit 29 which comes, for example, into the position shown in chaindotted lines in FIG. 5.
  • the slide unit 29 and the flash generator are subjected to a rectilinear displacement substantially at right angles to the optical axis of the lens 38 and to the firing axis by means of the guiding action produced on the lug 32 by the slot 37.
  • the opening 26 which performs the function of object for the lens 38 is thus displaced transversely with respect to the optical axis of said lens, thereby causing the angular displacement of the light beam P which emerges from the lens 38 at the moment of firing.
  • the slot 36 permits the passage of the incident light cone in all positions of the slide unit 29.
  • the opening 26 has a shape of the elliptical type and has both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis.
  • the lens 38 forms a real image of said opening 26, said image being located at a distance from the weapon which is comprised within the range of distances which are contemplated for the traveling motion of the model I.
  • FIGS. 9 to 11 the apparent contour of the model 1 is shown respectively in a profile view, a front view and a top view.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 there are further shown in thin lines the simplified apparent contours of said model when this latter is located at a mean distance or at extreme firing distances.
  • the luminous spot 51 formed by the intersection of the light beam P with the apparent contour 52 or 53 of the model when this latter is located at a mean firing distance.
  • the dimensions of the opening 26 and the distance of this latter with respect to the lens 38 are chosen such that the vertical axis of the luminous spot is substantially equal to the minimum vertical dimension C of the contours 52 and 53.
  • the horizontal axis H of the spot 51 is substantially equal to the minimum horizontal dimension D of the contours 52 and 53.
  • Recesses designated by the general reference 54 are located at intervals on the lateral faces and the front and rear faces of the model.
  • a photosensitive receiver which is a photoelectric cell in the example described is housed at the center of each recess.
  • the initial operation consists in delineating the apparent contour of each lateral target face.
  • These contours can be slightly simplified as has been done in FIGS. 9 to 11, in other words, it is agreed beforehand not to detect shots which reach certain peripheral portions of the target such as, for example, that portion of the model tank which corresponds to the gun (as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11). It is also agreed to detect shots which fall outside but in the immediate vicinity of certain portions of the target such as the portions corresponding to the tank tracks.
  • the general shape of the spot is determined with a view to ensuring that its contour conforms as accurately as possible to the simplified contours of the different target faces.
  • the dimensions of the spot are accordingly chosen so as to be as large as possible, taking account of the following limitation:
  • the spot must be contained within the simplified contour of any particular lateral face of the target except in some instances of slight overstepping when it is displaced in a direction parallel to itself, one edge of said spot being intended to follow an arc of the contour of said face and the operation being repeated in the case of each lateral face of the target.
  • the shape and the dimensions of the spot then make it possible to determine in a consistent manner both the shape and the dimensions of the opening 26 which performs the function of object in the optical system.
  • the number and distribution of the photosensitive receivers on each lateral face of the target are accordingly determined in accordance with the following rules.
  • FIGS. 16 to 22 schematic examples of target faces on which the areas thus swept are shaded.
  • the line S delimits a given internal domain D.
  • the spots are represented in FIGS. 18, 20 and 23.
  • the photoelectric receivers are distributed along the line S and also within the domain D if necessary.
  • the spatial distribution of any receivers which may be placed within said domain D is determined by forming within said domain a line S (not shown) by the same means which have served to form the line S from the contour of the target face. Said line S can in turn delimit another intemal domain D and so on.
  • the spacing of said receivers is chosen such that, if the image of the spot is placed in successive positions in which its center coincides in turn with one of the receivers, practically the entire surface of the target face aforesaid is covered by the spot in the successive positions of this latter.
  • each target face has a simple geometrical shape or is at least formed by elements which have a simple geometrical shape.
  • the spot itself will also have a simple shape and a symmetry with respect to two axes, not necessarily at right angles, and consequently a center within the precise geometrical meaning of the term.
  • each axis of the spot has a length substantially equal to the minimum dimension of all the lateral faces of the target as measured parallel to the direction of the axis aforesaid;
  • the distances from each point of the line S to one lateral face of the target with respect to the simplified contour of said face, said distances being measured parallel to each axis of the spot, are at least equal to the length of the corresponding half-axis.
  • the number of photosensitive receivers placed on one face of the target is equal at a maximum to the product of the ratios between the maximum dimensions of said face as measured parallel to the direction of each axis of the spot and the length of the corresponding axis of the spot, each of these ratios being rounded-off to the nearest whole number of high value.
  • FIGS. 16 to 18 consideration is given to a target having two first lateral faces with a simplified contour as shown in FIG. 16 and two other lateral faces having a simplified contour as shown in FIG. 17.
  • the spot (shown in FIG. 18) is given a rectangular shape with a center 71 and two orthogonal axes represented in dashed lines.
  • the vertical axis of the spot has a length 2y equal to the minimum vertical dimension a (FIG. 16) of all the faces of the target.
  • the horizontal axis of the spot has a length 2b equal to the minimum horizontal dimension b of all the faces.
  • Each point of the lines S corresponding to each face is located with respect to the simplified contour of the corresponding face at a horizontal distance which is at least equal to h and to a vertical distance which is at least equal to y.
  • the ratio d/2h between the maximum horizontal dimension of the two first faces and the length of the horizontal axis of the spot is equal to 6, and the ratio c/2v between the maximum vertical dimension of said faces and the length of the vertical axis of the spot is equal to 1.4 which is rounded-off to the higher integer 2.
  • the number of photosensitive receivers is equal at a maximum to 12. It is apparent from FIG. 16 that the actual number of receivers which are represented by X can be reduced in this case to 8. But it is readily apparent that, if the dimension e (FIG. 16) were increased, the lengths of the axes of the spot would be unchanged and the number of receivers would be greater than eight while remaining smaller than twelve.
  • FIGS. 19 and 20 consideration is given to only one face (FIG. 19) of the target. Since the simiplified contour of this face is made up of elements of parallelograms, the spot (FIG. 20) also has the shape of a parallelogram with two non-orthogonal axes and a center 72.
  • One of the axes of the spot has a length 2g equal to the minimum dimension 1' (FIG. 19) of the face of the target in the direction of said axis.
  • the other axis of the spot has a length 2j equal to the minimum dimension I of the face in the direction of said second axis.
  • the points of the line S are located with respect to the contour of the face at distances which are measured parallel to the two axes of the spot and are at least equal respectively to g and to j.
  • the internal domain limited by the line S has a zero area.
  • the ratios m/2g and n/2j between the maximum dimensions of the target face as measured parallel to the axes of the spot and the lengths of said axes are respectively equal to 3 and 2.3.
  • maximum number of receivers equal to 9 is obtained by virtue of the rule set forth in the foregoing. It is apparent from FIG. 19 that the acutal number of receivers can be reduced to 5.
  • FIGS. 21 to 23 relate to a target having two first faces as shown in FIG. 21 and two other faces as shown in FIG. 22.
  • the shape of the spot is illustrated in FIG. 23.
  • the lines S relating to two pairs of faces have a shape which is similar to that of the lines S shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 it is seen from FIGS. 9 and 10 that there have ben adopted the simplified contours of the lateral faces of the model which are composed of rectilinear segments and arcs of curves of the elliptical type which, in the case illustrated, are circular half-circumferences.
  • the spot 51 is in turn formed by the elements aforesaid and has two orthogonal axes of symmetry, the lengths of which are chosen as stated earlier.
  • the recesses 54 which contain the photoelectric cells are spaced along a line S (not shown) which is determined as in the previous examples.
  • the ratio G/H between the maximum horizontal dimension of the two lateral faces of the model corresponding to FIG. 9 and the horizontal axis of the spot is equal to 2.4.
  • the ratio F/C between the maximum vertical dimension of the same lateral faces of the model and the vertical axis of the spot is equal to 1.75. If these two ratios are rounded-off to the two nearest whole numbers of higher value, there is determined by means of the rule given above a maximum number of photoelectric cells which is equal to six and which is equal in this case to the actual number of cells 54a to 54f. This coincidence between the maximum number and the actual number of cells is due to the reg ular shape of the simplified contours of the target faces.
  • FIG. 12 there is shown the apparent contour at a means firing distance of the lateral face of the model corresponding to FIG. 9.
  • the six essential cells 54a to 54f and the contours of the spots 51 which are centered on each of these cells. It is apparent that the entire group consisting of the six spots covers practically the entire face without projecting beyond the contour to any appreciable extent.
  • the center of the light beam P which represents the point of impact of the projectile under real firing conditions is located near the contour of the face but inside this. latter, for example at K, the luminous spot will be represented by the chain-dotted outline 51a. This spot will be detected by the cell 54d and, in consequence, this will be effectively counted as a direct hit.
  • the center of the beam P is located at L outside the apparent contour of the model face and therefore at a vertical distance with respect to the nearest cell 540 which is greater than a vertical halfaxis of the spot 51b, and at a horizontal distance greater than a horizontal half-axis of said spot with respect to the cell 54b, it is apparent that the spot 51! will not be detected by any cell although it covers part of the model face.
  • FIG. 24 there will now be described a numerical example of execution of the invention in the case in which the simulator is applied to practise firing of antitank rocket launchers.
  • NUMERICAL EXAMPLE a Determination of the angle of correction
  • the angle of correction is the resultant of an angle of horizontal correction and an angle of vertical correction.
  • the angle of vertical correction is given by the range tables for the weapon considered and is a function of the firing range.
  • the angle of horizontal correction B (shown in FIG. 1) is determined as follows:
  • the velocity of the projectile between 100 and 200 meters is first considered as a constant. Moreover, as in all ballistic firing, it is assumed that the speed and direction of displacement of the target do not vary during the time of flight of the projectile (rocket).
  • P0 is the distance traversed by the electromagnetic pulses of the beam P (FIG. 1) up to the target
  • Vc is a vector representing the speed of the target as this latter moves along an axis Z-Z
  • E is the projection of Vc on a line at right angles to Pc
  • Tc is the distance between the weapon and the point 0 at which the projectile is assumed to strike the target under real firing conditions and therefore corresponds to the line of fire T of FIG. 1,
  • M is the angle between V0 and E.
  • the angle of horizontal correction B expressed in mils is of small value and can consequently be assimilated with its tangent. Its value is given by the expression:
  • V(m/sec) 0 l.5'3 6-9-12 which corresponds approximately to the following speeds in km/hr: 0 5 l0 20 30 40 (in practice, 40 km/hr is an exceptional maximum in the case of an armoured vehicle such as a tank).
  • the determination of the configuration and the dimensions of the spot assumes special significance. ln point of fact, it permits the possibility of calculating the minimum number of photosensitive detec tors and ensuring the most rational distribution of these latter on the face considered of the target in order to obtain practically punctual firing precision.
  • the opening 26 can be changed by replacing the opaque screen 25 by a similar screen in which is formed an opening having a suitable contour and dimensions.
  • the light-flash generator is stationary and the weapon is provided for the purpose of deviating the light beam P with an optical deflector constituted by an orientable prism 61 having a rectangular cross section.
  • the prism 61 is placed at the level of the opening 26 which serves as an object for the lens 38 (said lens having been omitted from FIGS. 13 to 15) and between said opening and said lens.
  • the prism 61 produces a deviation of the incident beam through angle of degrees, with the result that the flash generator is disposed laterally with respect to the tube 21 as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 in order that the beam emerging from the prism 61 should have a direction which is close to that of the optical axis of the lens 38.
  • the prism 61 is supported by a shaft 62 which is substantially vertical in the firing position. Said shaft 62 is mounted at one end in a bearing 63 which is attached to the tube 21 and at the other end in a footstep bearing mounted in a slide-blcok 64. A threaded micrometric rod 66 engages with the slideblock 64 and serves to subject this latter to a rectilinear movement of translation in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens 38 and to the firing axis, this movement being guided by means of slideways 65.
  • the vertical shaft 62 is regidly fixed to an arm 67 which is substantially horizontal in the firing position.
  • a threaded micrometric rod 68 disposed in meshing engagement with an internally-threaded block 69 which is attached to the tube 61 serves to displace the arm 67 and to cause rotation of the prism 61 about the vertical shaft 62.
  • said shaft 62 is inclined with respect to the vertical central position thereof. this being equivalent to rotating the prism 61 about a horizontal axis.
  • the beam which is incident upon the lens 38 and consequently also the emergent beam P can be deviated with respect to two rectangular axes.
  • the invention clearly makes it possible to train personnel at low cost under all real combat conditions and removes any danger. Training may be undertaken in particular on the premises of military barracks and does not entail the need for specially equipped shooting ranges.
  • the opening 26 of the optical system with example, to variable contour adapted to the type of target, such as a contour which is of the oval type or which is related to an ellipse.
  • the lens 38 can be replaced by a more elaborate optical system of a type known per se, with a view to eliminating the lateral iridescence fringes. of the spot and thus to forming a spot having a perfectly sharp contour.
  • a moving target firing simulator comprising a weapon having a firing axis and equipped with a generator which produces electromagnetic pulse trains of short wavelength and is controlled by the firing mechanism of said weapon, a convergent optical system for concentrating said pulse trains into a narrow beam di rected to the target, said beam forming at its intersection with said target a spot having a predetermined contour and whose center travels on an envelope when the beam is moved with respect to the target, means for displacing the axis of said beam through a predeterminedangle with respect to the firing axis, and photosensitive receivers distributed on target faces
  • said simulator comprises a screen pierced by an opening which forms an object for the optical system, said screen being placed between the pulse-train generator and the optical system, and wherein the contour and the dimensions of said opening, the distance between said opening and said optical system, the distribution of the photosensitive receivers on one lateral face of the target, are so determined that the envelope of the center of the spot remains practically inscribed within aa simplified perimeter of the lateral face of the target
  • a simulator according to claim 1 wherein the photosensitive receivers are arranged in spaced relation along a line and within a region located internally of said line, said line bounding the area swept by the spot within said simplified perimeter in order that the surface swept by the spot should cover practically the entire target face when said spot is placed in successive positions in which its center coincides with each receiver in turn.
  • each point of the line aforesaid is located with respect to the simplified perimeter of the corresponding target face at distances which are measured parallel to the axes of the spot and are at least equal to half of the corresponding axis.
  • a simulator according to claim 4 wherein the number of photosensitive receivers placed on one lateral face of the target is equal at a maximum to the product of the ratios between the maximum dimension of said face as measured parallel to each axis of the spot and the length of the corresponding axis of said spot,
  • a simulator according to claim 1, wherein the weapon comprises means for moving the pulse train generator in a transverse direction with respect to the optical axis of the convergent system, said optical axis being such as tocoincide with the firing axis of the weapon.
  • a simulator according to claim 6, wherein the weapon comprises a support having'a rectilinear slot located substantially at right angles to the firing axis and a slide unit which is engaged within said slot and supports the pulse train generator.
  • the weapon comprises a rotary tubular sleeve which is coaxial with the firing axis and contains the convergent optical system and wherein the sleeve is providedwith a stud substantially at right angles to the slot aforesaid and engaged in a bore on the slide unit.
  • a simulator comprising a rectangular deflecting prism placed between the pulsetrain generator and the convergent optical system and rotatably mounted about two axes at right angles to each other and to the optical axis of the convergent system, said axis being such as to coincide with the firing axis of the weapon, wherein the prism is mounted on a shaft which is transverse with respect to the tubular sleeve and substantially vertical in firing position, and wherein one extremity of said shaft is rigidly fixed to a supporting slide unit whilst the other extremity is engaged in a bearing which is attached to the tubular sleeve.
  • a simulator according to claim 9 wherein the slide unit is engaged in guiding slideways and meshes with a threaded micrometric rod which is substantially parallel to the axis of the optical system of the weapon.
  • a simulator according to claim 10 wherein the prism support shaft is fitted with a transverse arm which can be displaced in rotation about a vertical axis in firing position by means of a threaded operating rod attached to the tubular sleeve.
  • a simulator according to claim 1 which comprises a first relay actuated by a photosensitive receiver in order to produce a sound or visual signal and in order to actuate a control system to modify the movement of the target, said simulator comprising means for disconnecting said control system for modifying the movement of said target.
  • a simulator according to claim 1, wherein the opening which is formed in the screen and determines the contour of the spot has an elongated contour, for example, and may be of the rectangular or elliptical type.
US407964A 1972-11-03 1973-10-19 Moving target firing simulator and a method of adjustment of said simulator Expired - Lifetime US3907433A (en)

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CH (1) CH585385A5 (de)
DE (1) DE2354907A1 (de)
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GB (1) GB1444959A (de)

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4021662A (en) * 1975-07-09 1977-05-03 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Laser target simulator
US4218138A (en) * 1978-03-02 1980-08-19 Saab-Scania Aktiebolag Method and means for determining positions of reflectors with fan-shaped beams
US4218834A (en) * 1978-03-02 1980-08-26 Saab-Scania Ab Scoring of simulated weapons fire with sweeping fan-shaped beams
US4227261A (en) * 1978-03-02 1980-10-07 Saab-Scania Ab Transmission of information by sweeping fan-shaped beams
US4232865A (en) * 1978-03-27 1980-11-11 Cybiotronics Limited Radiation sensing mobile target game
US4470818A (en) * 1982-10-12 1984-09-11 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Thermal sight training device
US4478581A (en) * 1981-04-07 1984-10-23 Precitronic Gesellschaft Fur Feinmechanik Und Electronics Mbh Method and apparatus for shooting simulation of ballistic ammunition _with movable targets
US4561849A (en) * 1982-09-21 1985-12-31 Precitronic Gesellschaft Fur Feinmechanik Und Electronic Mbh Device for simulating combat firing between combat participants
US4592554A (en) * 1983-04-05 1986-06-03 Peter Gilbertson Equipment for simulated shooting
US4600305A (en) * 1984-08-20 1986-07-15 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Dynamic energy centroid locator and processor (declp)
FR2619650A1 (fr) * 1987-08-18 1989-02-24 Sacreste Jean Dispositif de simulation de combat sur modeles reduits
US20070238073A1 (en) * 2006-04-05 2007-10-11 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Projectile targeting analysis
US20070243504A1 (en) * 2004-03-26 2007-10-18 Saab Ab System and Method for Weapon Effect Simulation
US20140065578A1 (en) * 2011-12-13 2014-03-06 Joon-Ho Lee Airburst simulation system and method of simulation for airburst
WO2014142546A1 (ko) * 2013-03-13 2014-09-18 국방과학연구소 연속 가변 가능한 크기를 갖는 적외선 표적 모의 장치

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GB2169995A (en) * 1985-01-11 1986-07-23 John Francis Shortall Portable electronic toy
FR3022339B1 (fr) * 2014-06-17 2018-05-04 Georges Maciel Dispositif activeur de feux d'artifices par tanks pyrotechniques

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US3083474A (en) * 1961-03-06 1963-04-02 Aircraft Armaments Inc Hit indicator apparatus
US3169191A (en) * 1962-01-10 1965-02-09 Aircraft Armaments Inc Method to adjust photoelectric telescope to respond to constant object size
US3339293A (en) * 1962-09-18 1967-09-05 Bolkow Gmbh Infrared marksmanship training apparatus
US3588108A (en) * 1967-04-11 1971-06-28 Solartron Electronic Group Weapon-training systems

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US3083474A (en) * 1961-03-06 1963-04-02 Aircraft Armaments Inc Hit indicator apparatus
US3169191A (en) * 1962-01-10 1965-02-09 Aircraft Armaments Inc Method to adjust photoelectric telescope to respond to constant object size
US3339293A (en) * 1962-09-18 1967-09-05 Bolkow Gmbh Infrared marksmanship training apparatus
US3588108A (en) * 1967-04-11 1971-06-28 Solartron Electronic Group Weapon-training systems

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4021662A (en) * 1975-07-09 1977-05-03 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Laser target simulator
US4218138A (en) * 1978-03-02 1980-08-19 Saab-Scania Aktiebolag Method and means for determining positions of reflectors with fan-shaped beams
US4218834A (en) * 1978-03-02 1980-08-26 Saab-Scania Ab Scoring of simulated weapons fire with sweeping fan-shaped beams
US4227261A (en) * 1978-03-02 1980-10-07 Saab-Scania Ab Transmission of information by sweeping fan-shaped beams
US4232865A (en) * 1978-03-27 1980-11-11 Cybiotronics Limited Radiation sensing mobile target game
US4478581A (en) * 1981-04-07 1984-10-23 Precitronic Gesellschaft Fur Feinmechanik Und Electronics Mbh Method and apparatus for shooting simulation of ballistic ammunition _with movable targets
US4561849A (en) * 1982-09-21 1985-12-31 Precitronic Gesellschaft Fur Feinmechanik Und Electronic Mbh Device for simulating combat firing between combat participants
US4470818A (en) * 1982-10-12 1984-09-11 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Thermal sight training device
US4592554A (en) * 1983-04-05 1986-06-03 Peter Gilbertson Equipment for simulated shooting
US4600305A (en) * 1984-08-20 1986-07-15 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Dynamic energy centroid locator and processor (declp)
FR2619650A1 (fr) * 1987-08-18 1989-02-24 Sacreste Jean Dispositif de simulation de combat sur modeles reduits
US20070243504A1 (en) * 2004-03-26 2007-10-18 Saab Ab System and Method for Weapon Effect Simulation
US9791243B2 (en) * 2004-03-26 2017-10-17 Saab Ab System and method for weapon effect simulation
US20070238073A1 (en) * 2006-04-05 2007-10-11 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Projectile targeting analysis
US20140065578A1 (en) * 2011-12-13 2014-03-06 Joon-Ho Lee Airburst simulation system and method of simulation for airburst
US8986010B2 (en) * 2011-12-13 2015-03-24 Agency For Defense Development Airburst simulation system and method of simulation for airburst
WO2014142546A1 (ko) * 2013-03-13 2014-09-18 국방과학연구소 연속 가변 가능한 크기를 갖는 적외선 표적 모의 장치

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CH585385A5 (de) 1977-02-28
DE2354907A1 (de) 1974-05-16
FR2209448A5 (de) 1974-06-28
GB1444959A (en) 1976-08-04

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