Turret with raisable protective roof

Abstract

Disclosed is a turret (1) for an armoured vehicle which can accommodate a crew including a gunner, said turret having a fixed roof (2) with an opening (5) and a retractable protection system (3) in the form of an armoured hood or dome, which can be pivoted about a horizontal axis and / or in vertical translation, characterised in that: - the armoured cover or dome can assume at least four positions: a first position in which the retractable system (3) is retracted against the roof (2) and closes the opening (5), a second partial opening position in which the retractable system (3) is partially deployed in vertical translation upwards and makes it possible to protect a soldier in observation position, a third partial opening position in which the retractable system (3) is partially deployed in vertical translation upwards, but more so than in the second position, and makes it possible to protect a soldier in sniper position and a fourth complete opening position in which the retractable system (3) is fully deployed by pivoting and / or upward vertical translation by uncovering the opening (5) in order to allow evacuation of the crew; - the turret is provided with a mechanism ensuring, in use and as required, the movement of the retractable protection system (3) between the aforementioned four positions.

Description

Subject of the invention

[0001] The present invention falls within the technological field of integrating a protection system such as an opening roof with different functionalities or a retractable hood or dome arranged on a rotating turret of any armored vehicle.

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly to a retractable protection system in the form of a dome, with a view to replacing a trapdoor or hatch which is a generally pivoting panel intended to open and close an opening made in the roof of a turret. Technological background and state of the art

[0003] Currently, for example in an urban engagement context, the soldier shooter, to get into position during passive observation with binoculars (and not with the episcope) or in a situation of enemy fire, must position himself through the opening provided by the turret hatch. The shooter is then exposed to the enemy without protection. While hatches generally have a vertical edge at least 40 cm high, this is not sufficient to protect the shooter. They also offer some back protection to the shooter via the hatch door, but no protection is provided for shots coming from the front, the side and especially from above.

[0004] There are also light armored vehicles of the SUV or 4x4 type with a turret on the roof, which sometimes consists of a simple hatch on the roof with two pivoting leaves, in which an automatic weapon can be deployed and where the gunner can sit. In this case too, the gunner has only partial and very relative side protection (see for example US 3,800,659).

[0005] The principle of a hull that lifts up to reveal a weapon system is very old. In eclipsing turrets (for example, the Galopin turret, 1889), a firing chamber with an armored protective dome is installed on a column serving as a pivot. When fired, the firing chamber rises off the ground until it reveals the muzzle of two guns. After firing, the firing chamber descends so that the lowered dome connects to the structures surrounding it. The pivot column is mobile in the vertical direction, it is moved by the movement of a balance equipped with a counterweight. It is also capable of rotating to position the gun according to the target. This principle of the eclipsing turret, however, has never been applied to armored vehicles.

[0006] Document FR 2 936 305 B1 discloses a turret mounted rotatably on a platform which may be a vehicle and intended to support a weapons system such as a grenade launcher. The turret is mounted retractably and includes manual actuation means allowing it to be deployed above the platform and brought into firing position. The turret is provided with a weapon system protection cover closing a box, the latter being located under the platform.

[0007] Document US 8,146,479 B2, from the same applicant, discloses a lightweight retractable turret mounted on a platform, comprising firing means that can be deployed through an opening, a protective cover ensuring the closing of the opening and elevation and azimuth aiming means for the firing device, in which said protective cover has, on its external face, on the one hand close defense means and at least one observation device coupled to a viewing device arranged inside the platform.

[0008] These systems are remotely operated and do not allow a soldier to stand in them for shooting or observation.

[0009] WO 2014 / 127769 A1 discloses an armoured vehicle with a vehicle cabin on which a roof hood is arranged, the roof hood being arranged to pivot and translate relative to the vehicle cabin. The pivoting movement is relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and the translational movement can be carried out along an external contour of the body with, for example, vertical guidance for folding the roof hood downwards along the vehicle cabin into a transport position.

[0010] Document EP 1 361 409 A2 discloses an armoured vehicle comprising a hatch arranged at the top of the vehicle and hinged at its rear edge to the vehicle body so as to be pivotable between a closed position (I) covering a manhole provided in the vehicle body and an open position (II), in which the door allows passage into and out of the vehicle through the manhole, said hatch being provided with observation means allowing limited visibility outside the vehicle, when the access hatch is in the closed position (I) and comprising a windscreen provided with a front window and side windows hinged on either side of the front window so as to be pivotable relative to the front window, so that the windscreen can be arranged in a storage position (A) or in an operational position (B), storage position (A) in which the side windows are turned on the front window while,in the operational position (B), the front window and the side windows extend into the gap between the body and the access hatch in a partially open position (III), providing better visibility out of the vehicle than the limited visibility obtained by the aforementioned observation means. The vehicle body is provided with a storage space for stowing the windshield.,

[0011] Document DE 736 470 discloses an armored vehicle equipped with observation slits. The observation slit of this vehicle has the particularity of being a continuous annular slit, and adjustable in height. The height of the slit is adjusted by moving the vehicle hood, delimiting the slit in the turret. Either the entire hood can be adjusted vertically, so that an annular slit extending at the same height all around is created, or only a part of the hood, so that a partial annular slit is created.

[0012] Document FR 2 563 901 relates to an armoured hatch panel intended to cover an observation opening formed in the upper part of a combat vehicle (and preferably a turret), so that it protects a crew member of the vehicle. This hatch panel allows a practically unlimited direct view all around the surrounding environment, in its open position, but nevertheless ensures a degree of protection of the crew members, in this position. More precisely, in the open position, the panel covers the opening forming the hatch so that a small gap is formed between the lower part of the panel and the margin of the upper part of the vehicle so that a direct view is possible around the entire periphery, whereas. in the closed position, the panel constitutes a protection constituting additional armour. Aims of the invention

[0013] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art.

[0014] In particular, the present invention aims to produce an armoured vehicle turret with a retractable or retractable protection system, making it possible to protect a soldier who is either in a sniper position with a light weapon partly outside the turret, or in a visual observation position in the open air, but protected, without hindrance, without the need for hatches or episcopes.

[0015] More specifically, the present invention aims to provide a retractable protection system which also serves as a hatch for opening and closing an opening provided in the roof of the turret allowing the shooter to be put into firing position using a retractable and possibly miniaturized ballistic system, safely and instantly.

[0016] The retractable system according to the present invention must therefore have a function of access to the opening provided in the turret as well as a function of protecting the user. Brief description of the figures

[0017] There Figure 1 schematically represents a profile view of a turret, according to the invention, with the retractable protection system in the closed position. The Figure 2 schematically represents a profile view of the turret with the retractable protection system in a first intermediate open position for the protection of a soldier in an observation position. Figure 3 schematically represents a profile view of the turret with the retractable protection system in a second intermediate open position for the protection of a soldier in a sniping position with a light weapon. The Figure 4schematically represents a profile view of the turret with the protection system fully open and / or in the evacuation position. Figures 5 and 6 respectively represent a perspective view and a profile view of an embodiment of an embodiment of the turret according to the invention with a retractable protection system in the first intermediate open position, where the perforated protection plates are shown in detail. Legend

[0018] (1) armored turret (2) tank turret roof (3) retractable protection system (4) weapon protection support (micro-perforated strip) (5) opening (passage) Main characteristic elements of the invention

[0019] The present invention relates to an armored vehicle turret capable of accommodating a crew including a gunner, comprising a fixed roof with an opening and a retractable protection system in the form of an armored hood or cupola, capable of being moved in a pivoting manner around a horizontal axis and / or in vertical translation, said turret being such that: the retractable armoured hood or cupola can take at least four positions, a first position in which the retractable system is retracted against the roof and ensures the closure of the opening, a second partially open position in which the retractable system is partially deployed in vertical translation upwards and allows to protect a soldier in an observation position, a third partially open position in which the retractable system is partially deployed in vertical translation upwards, but more than in the second position, and allows to protect a soldier in a sniping position and a fourth fully open position in which the retractable system is fully deployed by pivoting and / or vertical translation upwards while uncovering the opening in order to allow evacuation of the crew;your turret is equipped with a mechanism ensuring, in use and according to needs, the movement of the retractable protection system between the four aforementioned positions; and in the second position, the retractable cupola reveals a lateral peripheral space closed by protective plates with loopholes, allowing the soldier to take an observation position of up to 360°. ;

[0020] According to particular embodiments of the invention, the turret comprises at least one (or a suitable combination of several) of the following characteristics: in the third position, the retractable cupola uncovers a larger lateral peripheral space than in the second position, leaving a free space at a certain height above the loophole protection plates, allowing the soldier to take up a sniping position with a light weapon; the loophole protection plates are (micro)perforated steel plates providing protection against projectiles of different calibers; in the second and third positions, the loophole protection plates are retractable downwards into the turret, for example by means of slides; the mechanism for moving the protection cupola is a lifting mechanism with jacks and / or hinges or a pantograph that can be operated by the crew;the movement mechanism is adapted to ensure movement of the protective cupola essentially parallel to itself between the first position, retracted, and the second and third positions, of partial deployment; the movement mechanism is adapted to ensure movement of the protective cupola pivoting from bottom to top and towards the front or rear of the turret, between the third position, of partial deployment and the fourth position, of complete deployment, to provide protection at the front or at the rear of the shield type for the crew evacuating the turret through the opening; the movement mechanism of the retractable armored cupola can be actuated manually, mechanically, for example hydraulically and / or remotely. Detailed description of the invention

[0021] The present invention relates to a tank turret comprising a retractable protection system in the form of an armored cupola, integrated into said turret, having any dome shape, generally with a (semi-)circular or polygonal profile and plan. An actuation system allows the cupola to be raised to allow the gunner to get into position. In front of him deploys a support such as a micro-perforated strip which protects the area below the weapon. In the present invention, the protective cupola has above all a shield function.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, shown in the figures 1 to 4, the turret 1 includes a protection system in the form of a retractable roof 3 making it possible to conceal an opening 5, which must allow the passage of soldiers, to enter the turret or to evacuate it, and also allows a soldier to put himself in a position for sniping with a light weapon or for visual observation, with the naked eye or with glasses.

[0023] According to the invention, the retractable protection system 3 can be moved between four different positions, as shown in the figures 1 to 4 . For the sake of clarity, the means of lifting the dome are not shown.

[0024] In a first position, the system 3 completely closes the opening 5 so as to create a watertight closure of the turret, as shown in Figure 1The protective dome with its structure is in its retracted state, and is then partly hidden in the passenger compartment. The gunner and his weapon are enclosed inside the turret and are not visible from the outside.

[0025] In a second position, which is also a first intermediate opening position, the protection system 3 is slightly deployed and raised relative to the rest of the turret, which allows the user to put himself in an observation or surveillance position, with the naked eye or with binoculars ( Figure 2). In this configuration, the soldier or shooter is protected above him by the dome 3 which serves as a shield and is advantageously protected laterally at the level of the normally open part by the installation of protective plates allowing observation, such as for example sheets with loopholes 4, preferably (micro)perforated sheets providing protection against projectiles of different calibers.

[0026] In a third position, which is also a second intermediate opening position, the protection system 3 is deployed even further, which makes it possible to provide a lateral opening above the protection plates 4 ( Figure 3). This position advantageously allows the sniper / elite shooter ("sniper") to operate with a light weapon, such as a pistol, rifle or submachine gun, in asymmetric engagement situations. The shooter can pivot on himself, 360° and remain protected from possible enemy fire. In a particular embodiment, and to give more ease to the sniper, the protective plates with loopholes 4 can be lowered, for example by means of slides.

[0027] A particular embodiment of the perforated protective sheets 4 is shown in the Figures 5 and 6 The way of making the loopholes (perforations) is known per se to the person skilled in the art.

[0028] In the fourth position, the protection system 3 is fully open, for example, but not limited to the scope of the present invention, by pivoting upwards and forwards, allowing the user to stand in the turret and having the protection system as a shield as shown in Figure 3 In this fourth position, the gunner and other crew members can also evacuate the turret while being protected on one side by cupola 3 which is raised to the maximum position.

[0029] The retractable system 3 according to the present invention therefore has a function of closing / opening the opening 5 provided in the turret, such as a hatch, as well as a function of protecting users. In addition to protection against enemy fire, the dome also provides environmental protection, for example by protecting people against extreme temperatures (for example in the desert) by cutting off the incident radiation.

[0030] The retractable protection system 3 can also, for example, uncover the opening 5 by being pivoted either towards the front side or towards the rear side of the turret, depending on the situation. Advantages of the invention

[0031] The protection system according to the invention can be placed in four positions, allowing on the one hand the protection of the user when placed in a shooting or observation situation, and on the other hand to open and close access to the turret.

[0032] When the system is fully open as shown in the Figure 4 , the turret can be evacuated while protecting the crew thanks to the cupola functioning as a shield. On the other hand, this arrangement allows the crew to easily access the first floor of a building by exiting from the top of the turret, given that the roof of the latter is generally located at a certain height. Evacuation from above can indeed be an advantage in certain situations.

[0033] When the system is placed in the protection position as illustrated by the figures 2 Or 3 , the user is protected from all projectiles coming from above. He is also posted in observation at a certain height, which allows better visibility, while being protected (watchtower effect).

[0034] Another advantage of the invention is that the armored vehicle can be used in "peacekeeping" mode (crew visible), keeping the cupola in the fourth position (fully deployed) or even removing the armored cupola.

Claims

1. An armored vehicle turret (1) able to accommodate a crew including a shooter, comprising a fixed roof (2) with an opening (5) and a retractable protection system (3) in the form of an armored cover or dome, able to be moved pivotably around a horizontal axis and / or in vertical translation, said turret being such that: - the retractable armored cover or dome can assume at least four positions, a first position in which the retractable system (3) is retracted against the roof (2) and provides closing of the opening (5), a second partial opening position in which the retractable system (3) is partially deployed in upward vertical translation and makes it possible to protect a soldier in the observation position, a third partial opening position in which the retractable system (3) is partially deployed in upward vertical translation, but more than in the second position, and makes it possible to protect a soldier in the sniper position, and a fourth complete opening position in which the retractable system (3) is fully deployed by pivoting and / or upward vertical translation while exposing the opening (5) in order to allow an evacuation of the crew; - the turret is provided with a mechanism ensuring, during use and depending on the needs, the movement of the retractable protection system (3) between the aforementioned four positions and in the second position, the retractable dome (3) exposes a lateral peripheral space closed off by protective plates with murder holes (4), allowing the soldier to assume an observation position of up to 360°.

2. The turret (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the third position, the retractable dome (3) exposes a larger lateral peripheral space than in the second position, leaving a free space over a certain height above the protective plates with murder holes (4), allowing the soldier to assume a light-arm sniper position.

3. The turret (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the protective plates with murder holes (4) are (micro)perforated steel plates providing protection against projectiles of different calibers.

4. The turret (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the second and third positions, the protective plates with murder holes (4) are downwardly retractable in the turret, for example using guides.

5. The turret (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement mechanism of the protective dome (3) is a lifting mechanism with jacks and / or hinges or a pantograph able to be actuated by the crew.

6. The turret (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the movement mechanism is suitable for ensuring a movement of the protective dome (3) essentially parallel to itself between the first retracted position, and the second and third partially deployed positions.

7. The turret (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the movement mechanism is suitable for moving the pivoting protective dome (3) upward and toward the front or back of the turret, between the third, partially deployed position and the fourth, fully deployed position, to provide protection in the front or rear of the shield type for the crew being evacuated from the turret through the opening (5).

8. The turret according to claim 5, characterized in that the movement mechanism of the retractable armored dome (3) can be manually actuated mechanically, for example hydraulically and / or by remote means.

Images