Projectile and weapon system

Abstract

Projectile (10) for firing by means of a tube weapon (102), wherein the projectile (10) has a projectile casing (12) with a first casing section (14) and a second casing section (16) which adjoin one another at a separation point (19), wherein an ejection charge (24), a programmable time fuse (26) and loitering ammunition (28) are arranged in the projectile casing (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a projectile for firing from a barrel weapon. Furthermore, the invention relates to a weapon system comprising such a projectile and a barrel weapon corresponding to the projectile for firing the projectile.

[0002] Projectiles for firing from a barrel weapon are well known, for example, tank, artillery, or mortar projectiles. The corresponding barrel weapons, which can fire the respective projectiles, are also well known. By firing a projectile from the corresponding barrel weapon, a target object can be engaged or attacked by direct fire (tank cannon) or indirect fire (artillery, mortar).

[0003] Loitering munitions are also known from the state of the art. Loitering munitions are a type of guided missile with a built-in munition (warhead) that is launched from a certain distance (approximately 10 km to 200 km) from a target area (launch point), flies to the target area, and can wait in the target area (dwell time) until a target object is acquired. Once acquired, the loitering munition can attack the target object by flying into it. Various types of loitering munitions are available on the market, for example, the Switchblade model.

[0004] Loitering munitions can be launched from land (e.g., from a land vehicle), from sea (e.g., from a ship), or from the air (e.g., from an aircraft or helicopter). Single or multi-canister canisters can be used (relatively small to medium-sized loitering munitions). Single or multi-canister launchers are ammunition containers used in military applications that can be used, among other things, to launch loitering munitions.

[0005] Relatively large loitering munitions can be launched using a rail. Depending on the design and size, the loitering munition can be powered by an electric motor with a battery or an internal combustion engine with a fuel tank. The capacity of the energy storage device (battery or fuel tank) determines the range of the loitering munition.

[0006] The disadvantage of loitering munitions is that they must travel to the target area under their own power, which consumes both time and energy. This limits the duration of the loitering munitions in the target area.

[0007] In the context of this application, "loitering" refers to the waiting or remaining of the loitering munition in the target area while exploring the target area and searching for target objects. If a militarily significant target object is found, the loitering munition can engage the target object if necessary.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of achieving high flexibility and rapid operational readiness of loitering ammunition.

[0009] The invention solves this problem by a projectile having the features of claim 1.

[0010] The projectile is designed and / or intended for firing from a barreled weapon (barreled weapon projectile). The projectile comprises a casing with a first casing section and a second casing section, which are separated from each other by a separation point or adjoin each other at a separation point. An expelling charge, a programmable time fuse, and loitering ammunition are arranged within the casing, i.e., inside the casing.

[0011] It is conceivable that additional shell sections are present in addition to the first and second shell sections.

[0012] Alternatively, the projectile casing can be formed from the first casing section and the second casing section (final construction – no further casing sections). The projectile casing can be formed in one piece (regardless of the number of casing sections). A multi-piece design (two or more casing sections) is also conceivable.

[0013] The proposed projectile enables loitering munitions to be delivered to or into the target area using a tube weapon. The loitering munition can therefore reach the target area much more quickly. Since the loitering munition does not have to travel the distance from the launch point to the target area under its own power, an energy storage unit with a lower capacity can be used (space-saving design of the loitering munition), or the dwell time in the target area can be increased with an energy storage unit with a constant capacity (higher chance of detecting a militarily significant target object). In addition, this munition can be used to increase the range of a tube weapon, since the range of the projectile and the range of the loitering munition are added together. The projectile therefore serves as a carrier projectile for the loitering munition.

[0014] The expelling charge is designed and / or intended to eject the loitering ammunition from the projectile or from the interior of the projectile casing. The expelling charge is, in particular, a pyrotechnic charge that may contain or consist of black powder. The time fuse is designed to be programmable by a fire control computer of the barrel weapon. The time fuse is designed and / or intended to initiate the expelling charge. The projectile components that enable the ejection of the loitering ammunition form an ejection mechanism.

[0015] Loitering munitions are designed to detect, track, and engage a target object. The target object is typically engaged by the loitering munition impacting it.

[0016] Loitering munitions have an effector, such as an explosive charge, as their payload. The effector is designed to detonate upon approaching or impacting the target. For this purpose, the payload or effector can be equipped with a mechanical impact fuse, a piezo impact fuse, a time-delay fuse, or a proximity fuse.

[0017] The loitering munition may have a main body and wings that can be folded out relative to the main body.

[0018] The loitering munition can be designed with a drive and thus comprise a drive, in particular an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, and an energy storage device corresponding to the drive, in particular a battery (electric motor) or a fuel tank (internal combustion engine). The drive typically drives one or more propellers. One or more impellers or one or more turbines can also be used to drive the loitering munition.

[0019] Loitering munitions can also be designed without propulsion or without propulsion. A non-propelled loitering munition can glide into the target (utilizing potential energy).

[0020] The loitering munition may further include on-board electronics for controlling the functional components of the loitering munition and / or for communicating with a base station (operating and data link terminal). Furthermore, the on-board electronics may include sensors for target detection. The sensors for target detection may include a daylight camera, a thermal imaging camera, and / or sensors for detecting target markers deployed in the target area.

[0021] The second shell section can expediently be attached to the first shell section by means of a screw connection. This allows for a structurally simple and stable coupling of the shell sections to one another. Specifically, an external thread can be formed on the outer circumference of one of the shell sections, e.g., the second shell section, and a corresponding internal thread can be formed on the inner circumference of the other shell section, e.g., the first shell section. Within the scope of a specific embodiment, the shell sections can be formed as shell parts and each have a cylindrical shape in sections.

[0022] Advantageously, the loitering ammunition can be arranged in the bullet casing in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the bullet casing. In other words, the loitering ammunition can be rotationally fixedly coupled to the bullet casing. This reduces the risk of damage to the loitering ammunition caused by the bullet casing. Furthermore, this rotationally fixed coupling reduces the influence of the loitering ammunition on the flight characteristics of the bullet.

[0023] According to an alternative design option, the loitering ammunition can be mounted in the projectile casing so that it can rotate relative to the projectile casing (loitering ammunition is not rotationally fixed, i.e., is arranged so that it can rotate within the projectile casing). This can reduce the loads acting on the loitering ammunition, particularly during the (external) ballistic flight phase of the (carrier) projectile. This contributes to the reliable use of the projectile in the loitering ammunition. Specifically, one or more bearing points can be arranged between the projectile casing and the loitering ammunition, which are designed such that the rotation or spin of the (carrier) projectile is only transmitted to the loitering ammunition in small proportions. These bearing points can, for example, each be designed as a plain bearing. Such a design is particularly advantageous for spin-stabilized or "spinning" projectiles, whereby the above-mentionedBearing points that at least largely “de-twist” the loitering ammunition relative to the bullet casing.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the projectile can be designed as a spin-stabilized projectile. The loitering ammunition can be arranged in a full-caliber projectile, which contributes to a favorable ratio of caliber diameter to the available space in the projectile casing for the loitering ammunition. Preferably, the direction of rotation of the threads of the screw connection between the first casing section and the second casing section is opposite to the direction of the twist (e.g., a left-hand thread design for a right-hand twist of the projectile).

[0025] The loitering ammunition preferably has a foldable brake vane, which can be used to reduce the spin after the loitering ammunition has been ejected from the projectile casing (spin-stabilized projectile). The brake vane can be a separate vane from the wings of the loitering ammunition or a vane that forms a (possibly subsequent) wing of the loitering ammunition.

[0026] The spin-stabilized projectile is designed for indirect fire or is fired by indirect fire, e.g., from an artillery cannon. The projectile can be designed as artillery ammunition with a separate propellant charge, e.g., in 155 mm (millimeter) caliber. It is fired by a rifled artillery cannon (a barrel with lands and grooves on the inner circumference).

[0027] As an alternative to the spin-stabilized design, the projectile can be designed as a fin-stabilized projectile. This allows the loitering ammunition to be housed in a projectile that flies without spin due to the fin stabilization. This simplifies the design of the loitering ammunition, for example, because a brake fin for "de-spin" can be omitted.

[0028] The fin-stabilized projectile can be designed as a sub-caliber anti-tank ammunition with an integrated propellant charge, for example, in 120 mm or 130 mm caliber. This projectile is designed for direct fire or is fired by direct fire from a tank cannon (especially a smoothbore cannon).

[0029] The fin-stabilized projectile can also be designed as mortar ammunition, for example, in 60 mm or 120 mm caliber. This projectile is used for indirect fire or is fired by indirect fire from a smoothbore mortar.

[0030] Within the scope of a preferred embodiment, the expelling charge can be matched to the projectile casing in such a way that, by moving the expelling charge (as a result of initiation by the time fuse), the second casing section can be separated or is separated from the first casing section, particularly at the separation point. This facilitates ejection of the loitering ammunition from the projectile casing, as the casing sections are specifically separated from one another. The separation of the casing sections from one another can occur at the screw connection (separation point). A predetermined breaking point, at which separation occurs, can be formed on one or both threads of the screw connection.

[0031] Specifically, the first casing section can be designed as the projectile front part (front part in the firing direction) and the second casing section can be designed as the projectile rear part or projectile base (rear part in the firing direction).

[0032] The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a weapon system having the features of claim 8.

[0033] The weapon system comprises a projectile with one or more of the aspects described above and a tube weapon corresponding to the projectile for firing the projectile.

[0034] With regard to the advantages that can be achieved in this way, reference is made to the relevant comments on the projectile.

[0035] As explained above, the projectile can be designed as artillery ammunition. The barreled weapon is then designed as an artillery cannon (rifled gun barrel), which can fire the projectile by indirect fire. The projectile is spin-stabilized.

[0036] As also explained above, the projectile can alternatively be designed as anti-tank ammunition. The tube weapon is then designed as a tank gun (especially a smoothbore gun), which can fire the projectile by direct fire. The projectile is fin-stabilized.

[0037] In an alternative design, and as also explained above, the projectile can also be designed as mortar ammunition. The gun is then designed as a smoothbore mortar, allowing the projectile to be fired by indirect fire. The projectile is fin-stabilized.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the weapon system can comprise a base station (operating and data link terminal) for operating the loitering munition and for data transmission between the base station and the loitering munition. This allows control of and communication with the loitering munition.

[0039] The measures described in connection with the projectile and / or those explained below can be used to further develop the weapon system.

[0040] The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a weapon system having the features of claim 10.

[0041] The weapon system is designed to carry out a method for delivering a loitering munition to a target area by means of a tube weapon, comprising the following steps: - Firing a projectile containing loitering ammunition in its casing by means of a barrel weapon, - (external ballistic) flight of the projectile towards the target area, - Ejection of the loitering ammunition from the projectile casing, - unfolding of the wings of the loitering munitions and / or activation of the on-board electronics of the loitering munitions, and - independent flight phase of the loitering munitions to the target area and / or in the target area.

[0042] With regard to the advantages that can be achieved in this way, reference is made to the relevant comments on the projectile.

[0043] The measures described in connection with the projectile and / or those explained below can be used to further develop the weapon system.

[0044] The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a weapon system having the features of claim 11.

[0045] The weapon system is designed to carry out a method for delivering a loitering munition to a target area by means of a tube weapon, comprising the following steps: - Firing a projectile containing loitering ammunition in its casing by means of a barrel weapon, - (external ballistic) flight of the projectile towards the target area, - Implementation of an ejection charge of the projectile (as a result of initiation by means of a time fuse of the projectile), whereby the projectile casing is separated into a first casing section and a second casing section and the loitering ammunition is ejected (from the projectile casing or the interior of the projectile casing), - after the loitering ammunition has been ejected, the twist of the loitering ammunition is reduced (in particular with an appropriate device such as a brake wing), - Unfolding of the wings of the loitering munitions and / or activation of the on-board electronics of the loitering munitions, - after activation of the on-board electronics, communication (comprising image data and / or control commands) takes place with a base station and / or with advanced observers, - Transition to an independent flight phase of the loitering munition, - independent flight phase of the loitering munition, whereby the loitering munition covers a remaining flight distance to the target area and / or carries out (guided or (partially) automated) surveillance and observation of the target area, and - where the loitering munition initiates engagement of a target object after identification of the target object in the target area.

[0046] With regard to the advantages that can be achieved in this way, reference is made to the relevant comments on the projectile.

[0047] The measures described in connection with the projectile and / or those explained below can be used to further develop the weapon system.

[0048] The above-mentioned task can also be solved by a method for delivering loitering munitions to a target area with the features described below.

[0049] The procedure for delivering a loitering munition to a target area using a tube weapon comprises the following steps: - Firing a projectile containing loitering ammunition in its casing by means of a barrel weapon, - (external ballistic) flight of the projectile towards the target area, - Ejection of the loitering ammunition from the projectile casing, - unfolding of the wings of the loitering munitions and / or activation of the on-board electronics of the loitering munitions, and - independent flight phase of the loitering munitions to the target area and / or in the target area.

[0050] With regard to the advantages that can be achieved in this way, reference is made to the relevant comments on the projectile.

[0051] Within the scope of a preferred embodiment of the method, the loitering ammunition can be ejected by implementing an ejection charge of the projectile (as a result of initiation by means of a programmable time fuse of the projectile), whereby the projectile casing is separated into a first casing section, in particular a first casing part, and a second casing section, in particular a second casing part. Thus, a targeted ejection of the loitering ammunition can occur according to the programming of the time fuse. The programming of the time fuse can occur shortly before or during the firing of the projectile using the barrel weapon.

[0052] Advantageously, if the projectile is designed as a spin-stabilized projectile, the spin of the loitering ammunition can be reduced after it has been ejected from the projectile casing, particularly with a suitable device such as a brake vane. This reduces the spin of the loitering ammunition and allows the loitering ammunition to enter an independent flight phase.

[0053] After activating the on-board electronics of the loitering munition, communication can be conveniently established with a base station and / or with forward observers. This allows commands and / or information to be exchanged and, for example, the loitering of the loitering munition to be initiated. In particular, image data and / or control commands can be exchanged via communication. Activating the on-board electronics also contributes to the transition of the loitering munition into an independent flight phase, preferably by activating the spin reduction device, deploying the wings, and / or activating the loitering munition's propulsion system.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the loitering munition can, in the independent flight phase, cover the remaining flight distance to the target area and / or carry out (guided or (partially) automated) surveillance and observation of the target area.

[0055] In concrete terms, loitering munitions can initiate combat after identifying a target object in the target area.

[0056] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, in which identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with identical reference numerals, if necessary, but only once. They show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of the projectile in a schematic sectional view; and Fig. 2 an embodiment of the weapon system with such a projectile and its operation in a schematic view.

[0057] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the projectile in a schematic sectional view, wherein the embodiment of the projectile is designated overall by the reference numeral 10.

[0058] The projectile 10 is designed and intended for firing from a barrel weapon 102. The projectile 10 has a projectile casing 12 with a first casing section 14 and a second casing section 16, which adjoin one another at a separation point 19 and are designed in this case as a first casing part 14 and a second casing part 16. The projectile casing 12 extends along a longitudinal axis L.

[0059] In the example, the projectile casing 12 is formed from the first casing part 14 and the second casing part 16 (two-part design of the projectile casing 12). The first casing part 14 is designed as the projectile front part (front part in the firing direction SR), and the second casing part 16 is designed as the projectile rear part (rear part in the firing direction SR). The first casing part 14 has a cylindrical section at the rear in the firing direction SR and an ogive-shaped section at the front in the firing direction SR. The second casing part 16 has a cylindrical shape.

[0060] The second shell part 16 is fastened to the first shell part 14 by means of a screw connection 18, wherein the screw connection 18 forms a separation point 19. In the example, an external thread 20 is formed on the outer circumference of the second shell part 16 and a corresponding internal thread 22 is formed on the inner circumference of the first shell part 14.

[0061] An expelling charge 24, a programmable time fuse 26, and a loitering ammunition 28 are arranged in the projectile casing 12, i.e., inside the projectile casing 12. The expelling charge 24 serves to eject the loitering ammunition 28 from the interior of the projectile casing 12. In the example, the expelling charge 24 is arranged at the front of the projectile casing 12, i.e., in front of the loitering ammunition 28 in the firing direction SR. An arrangement of the expelling charge 24 behind the loitering ammunition 28 in the firing direction SR is also conceivable.

[0062] The time fuse 26 serves to initiate the ejection charge 24. The ejection charge 24, the time fuse 26 and the loitering ammunition 28 can each be designed as described above.

[0063] The loitering ammunition 28 is arranged in the projectile casing 12 in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the projectile casing 12. Alternatively, a rotatable mounting of the loitering ammunition 28 in the projectile casing is conceivable, as described above.

[0064] In the example, the projectile 10 is designed as a spin-stabilized projectile. The direction of rotation of the external thread 20 and internal thread 22 of the screw connection 18 is opposite to the direction of the spin (e.g., a left-hand thread is used for a right-hand spin of the projectile).

[0065] The loitering ammunition 28 may have a fold-out brake vane (not shown) by means of which the spin can be reduced ("de-spinning") after the loitering ammunition 28 is ejected from the projectile casing 12. The brake vane may be a separate vane from the airfoils of the loitering ammunition 28 or a vane that forms an airfoil of the loitering ammunition 28.

[0066] The spin-stabilized projectile 10 is designed for indirect fire or is fired by indirect fire, e.g., from an artillery cannon. Projectile 10 can be designed as artillery ammunition with a separate propellant charge, e.g., in 155 mm (millimeter) caliber. It is fired by a rifled artillery cannon (a gun barrel with lands and rifling).

[0067] As an alternative to the design with spin stabilization, the projectile 10 can be designed as a fin-stabilized projectile, as described above.

[0068] The expelling charge 24 is matched to the projectile casing 12 such that, by moving the expelling charge 24 (as a result of initiation by the time fuse 26), the second casing part 16 can be separated or is separated from the first casing part 14. The separation of the casing parts 14, 16 from one another preferably occurs at the separation point 19 in the form of the screw connection 18, which is arranged behind the loitering ammunition 28 in the firing direction SR. A predetermined breaking point can be formed on one or both threads of the screw connection 18, at which a separation occurs (not shown).

[0069] Optionally, a separating charge 25 can be provided (in Fig. 1 shown in dashed lines), which acts on the separation point 19 and promotes the separation of the casing parts 14, 16 from each other. Initiation of the separation charge 25 can be achieved by means of the time fuse 26.

[0070] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the weapon system 100 with a projectile 10 as described above and its operation in a schematic view.

[0071] The weapon system 100 comprises the projectile 10 and a tube weapon 102 corresponding to the projectile 10 for firing the projectile 10.

[0072] As explained above, projectile 10 in the example is designed as artillery ammunition. The barrel weapon 102 is accordingly designed as an artillery cannon, which can fire projectile 10 by indirect fire. Projectile 10 is spin-stabilized.

[0073] Furthermore, the weapon system 100 in the example has a base station 104 (operating and data link terminal) for operating the loitering ammunition 28 and for data transmission between the base station 104 and the loitering ammunition 28.

[0074] The weapon system 100 is configured to deliver a loitering ammunition 28 to a target area 106 by means of the tube weapon 102.

[0075] The method for delivering a loitering ammunition 28 to a target area 26 by means of a tube weapon 102 is as follows: First, a projectile 10 (artillery carrier projectile), in whose projectile casing 12 the loitering ammunition 28 is arranged and which has a corresponding ejection mechanism, is fired by the barrel weapon 102 (step S1). Shortly before or during firing, the time fuse 26 is programmed by a fire control computer of the barrel weapon 102.

[0076] This is followed by an (external) ballistic flight of the projectile 10 towards the target area 106 (step S2).

[0077] The loitering ammunition 28 is then ejected from the projectile casing 12 (step S3). This ejection occurs as a result of the expelling charge 24 of the projectile 10 being moved (as a result of a time-controlled initiation by means of the (programmed) time fuse 26 of the projectile 10), whereby the projectile casing 12 is separated, in particular at a separation point, into a first casing part 14 and a second casing part 16, and the loitering ammunition 28 is ejected from the interior of the projectile casing 12.

[0078] If the projectile 10 is a spin-stabilized projectile 10 - as is the case here - the spin of the loitering ammunition 28 can be reduced in step S3 after the loitering ammunition 28 has been ejected, using a corresponding device, for example a brake wing that can be folded out relative to a main body of the loitering ammunition 28.

[0079] Subsequently, in step S4, the wings 27 (wings) of the loitering munition 28 are unfolded (the wings 27 are unfolded relative to a main body of the loitering munition 28). Furthermore, if not already done, on-board electronics 29 of the loitering munition 28 can be activated and communication with a base station 104 and / or with advanced observers can be established (communication can include image data and / or control commands). The transition to an independent flight phase of the loitering munition 28 then occurs.

[0080] As previously explained, the Loitering Munition 28 can communicate with the base station 104 (in Fig. 2 symbolized by radio waves). Alternatively or additionally, the loitering munition 28 can communicate with the barrel weapon 102, either directly and / or indirectly via the base station 104 (in Fig. 2 (also illustrated by radio waves). The communication can include image data and / or control commands. For example, a mission success can be reported to the tube weapon 102.

[0081] This is followed by an independent flight phase of the loitering munition 28 (step S5), during which the loitering munition 28 covers the remaining flight distance to the target area 106 and / or carries out (guided or (partially) automated) surveillance and observation of the target area 106 (so-called “loiting”).

[0082] After identifying a target object 108 in the target area 106, the loitering munition 28 initiates combat of the target object 108 (step S6).

Claims

[1] Projectile (10) for firing by means of a barrel weapon (102), wherein the projectile (10) has a projectile casing (12) with a first casing section (14) and a second casing section (16) which adjoin one another at a separation point (19), wherein an ejection charge (24), a programmable time fuse (26) and loitering ammunition (28) are arranged in the projectile casing (12). [2] Projectile (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the second casing section (16) is fastened to the first casing section (14) by means of a screw connection (18). [3] Projectile (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the loitering ammunition (28) is arranged in the projectile casing (12) in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the projectile casing (12). [4] Projectile (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the projectile (10) is designed as a spin-stabilized projectile. [5] Projectile (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the projectile (10) is designed as a wing-stabilized projectile. [6] Projectile (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the ejection charge (24) is matched to the projectile casing (12) in such a way that the second casing section (16) can be separated or is separated from the first casing section (14) by moving the ejection charge (24). [7] Projectile (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first casing section (14) is designed as a projectile front part and the second casing section (16) is designed as a projectile rear part or projectile base. [8] Weapon system (100), comprising - a projectile (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a tube weapon (102) corresponding to the projectile (10) for firing the projectile (10). [9] Weapon system (100) according to claim 8, further comprising a base station (104) for operating the loitering ammunition (28) and for data transmission between the base station (104) and the loitering ammunition (28). [10] Weapon system (100) arranged to carry out a method for delivering a loitering munition (28) to a target area (106) by means of a tube weapon (102), comprising the following steps: - firing a projectile (10), in the projectile casing (12) of which the loitering ammunition (28) is arranged, by means of the tube weapon (102), - Flight of the projectile (10) towards the target area (106), - Ejection of the loitering ammunition (28) from the projectile casing (12), - unfolding of wings (27) of the loitering munitions (28) and / or activation of on-board electronics (29) of the loitering munitions (28), and - independent flight phase of the loitering munition (28) to the target area (106) and / or in the target area (106). [11] Weapon system (100) arranged to carry out a method for delivering a loitering munition (28) to a target area (106) by means of a tube weapon (102), comprising the following steps: - firing a projectile (10), in the projectile casing (12) of which the loitering ammunition (28) is arranged, by means of the tube weapon (102), - Flight of the projectile (10) towards the target area (106), - Implementation of an ejection charge (24) of the projectile (10), wherein the projectile casing (12) is separated into a first casing section (14) and a second casing section (16) and the loitering ammunition (28) is ejected, - after ejection of the loitering ammunition (28), the twist of the loitering ammunition (28) is reduced, - unfolding of wings (27) of the loitering ammunition (28) and / or activation of on-board electronics (29) of the loitering ammunition (28), - wherein after activation of the on-board electronics (29) communication takes place with a base station (104) and / or with advanced observers, - independent flight phase of the loitering munition (28), wherein the loitering munition (28) covers a remaining flight distance to the target area (106) and / or monitors and observes the target area (106), and - wherein the loitering munition (28) initiates combat of the target object (108) after identification of a target object (108) in the target area (106).

Images