Weapons control systems

Abstract

Weapons control systems are disclosed including a handheld display and wiring loom configurations for weapons control systems. A control system for a weapon comprises a sight unit for mounting to the weapon for capturing image data for targeting the weapon. The control system also comprises a handheld display having a sight viewable by at least one eye of an operator of the weapon to view data associated with operation of the weapon including image data collected by the sight unit and a controller to control operation of the weapon. The control system also comprises a communication system coupled to be in communication with the handheld display and the sight unit to enable the operator to remotely view the data associated with operation of the weapon and simultaneously control operation of the weapon.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to weapons control systems. In particular, the present invention relates to control systems for portable weapons, such as, but not limited to, machine guns and automatic grenade launchers. However, the weapons control systems according to embodiments of the present invention are applicable to other types of weapons.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002]Modern weaponry is typically equipped with one or more auxiliary devices, such as visible and / or infra-red aiming devices, thermal imaging systems, range finders, fire control systems, night vision image intensifiers, visible illumination devices, cameras and / or other sensors. Such auxiliary devices have specific applications, such as the image intensifier being for use in low light levels, and general applications, such as range finders, which are intended to be used in all conditions. However, all such auxiliary devices have the purpose of enhancing the performance of the weapon a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide a control system for a weapon that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of operator exposure and / or reduced situational and / or environmental awareness.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0043]a cable loom configuration coupling at least to the sight unit, the controller and the communications system such that disconnection of the cable loom configuration from the sight unit, the controller, the communications system or the cradle is not required for transportation of the weapon and weapon control system.

Problems solved by technology

One drawback of such auxiliary devices is that the individual controls of the auxiliary devices can sometimes complicate use of the weapon.

Additionally, the cables and the like required to implement the auxiliary devices can be cumbersome, ill-fitting and / or interfere with the operation of the weapon by, for example, snagging or catching on moving parts or the operator of the weapon.

Whilst the remote control device of WO 2005 / 022067 ameliorates some of the aforementioned drawbacks, it does not address or ameliorate the risk associated with enemy fire.

The remote control device of WO 2005 / 022067 is limited to remotely controlling the auxiliary devices and to operate a weapon with which the remote control is associated, the operator still needs to use the weapon in a conventional manner.

However, such concealment can impair operation of the weapon by the operator including reducing accuracy and increasing target location times. The operator's awareness of the environment and the situation can also be impaired.

The operator's environmental and situational awareness is also impaired when the operator is looking through a sight mounted on or to the weapon.

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