System and method for a flameless tracer/marker utilizing an electronic light source

Abstract

An electronic light source system is employed to create a flame-less tracer for a munitions projectile. The electronic light source system may be positioned in various locations and combinations of locations on a projectile (e.g., front, back, side, etc.) to enhance visibility of the projectile during flight. The electronic light source system provides a light source on the projectile that is visible to an observer at various viewing angles throughout the projectile flight without the environmental or safety issues presented by tracers using pyrotechnic materials. After assembly, the present system is encapsulated in glass or clear plastic to G-harden the present system, enabling the present system to sustain the large loads and stresses induced by gun launch. The present system may comprise a variety of light sources such as, for example, lasers, high output light-emitting diodes (LEDs), strobe lights, etc. The present system is capable of flashing the light sources at a variety of frequencies (e.g., 5 Hz, 20 Hz, etc.) to further attract the human eye. In addition, the present system presents the substantial benefit of being able to project light at various wavelengths outside the visible spectrum.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of provisional application 60 / 320,042, filed Mar. 24, 2003, the entire file wrapper contents of which provisional application are herein incorporated by reference as though fully set forth at length.FEDERAL RESEARCH STATEMENT [0002] The inventions described herein may be manufactured, used, and licensed by, or for the U.S. Government for U.S. Government purposes.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of the Invention [0004] This invention relates to munitions employed for training and tactical purposes. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tracer for small, medium and large caliber ammunition, mortar and canon caliber ammunition employing an electronic light source capable of providing flight path trace and site identification. [0005] 2. Background of the Invention [0006] In both military and non-military organizations, training and tactical exercises commonly employ ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention satisfies this need, and presents a system and an associated method (collectively referred to herein as “the system” or “the present system”) for utilizing an electronic light source in a flameless tracer and / or marker for use in small, medium and large caliber ammunition. The present system may be positioned in various locations and combinations of locations on a projectile (e.g., front, back, side, etc.) and inside a translucent or transparent projectile to enhance visibility of the projectile during flight and / or deliver a mark on a target. The goal of the present system is to provide a light source on or inside the projectile that is visible to an observer at various viewing angles throughout the projectile flight without the environmental or safety issues presented by conventional tracers. Depending on the need, the light source of the present system could mark a target with trace of flight, mark a target without trace of flight, or provide trace without mark. These options are controlled by the projectile design.

Problems solved by technology

Although such conventional methods have met with some degree of success, workers in the art have encountered certain difficulties.

For example, tracer ammunition has frequently resulted in fires on training ranges that have been attributed to energetic material tracers contacting and burning surrounding brush and other ground material.

These fires incur additional costs in extinguishing the fires and also interrupt training exercise.

Consequently, training exercises may be extended to replace time lost, thereby incurring additional expense.

Furthermore, materials used in pyrotechnic tracers are environmentally unfriendly.

These materials often pose environmental hazards to training areas as a result of toxic emissions into the atmosphere and such materials leaching into ground water.

Since projectiles housing the pyrotechnic materials may be transported, the nature and explosive properties of these pyrotechnic materials add significant costs and danger to personnel.

The need for such a system has heretofore remained unsatisfied.

Images