Vehicle with movable weapon station

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle (10), in particular a military land vehicle, with a weapon station (1), in particular a remotely controlled weapon station, which is mounted on a platform (3) that can be moved between an operating position (B) and a transport position (T) via a lifting device (2), wherein the platform (3) can be moved back and forth along a lifting ramp (7) via the lifting device (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a military land vehicle, with a weapon station, in particular a remotely controlled weapon station, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Typically, such weapon stations are mounted on the vehicle roof or on a vehicle loading platform and, in order not to restrict the weapon's aiming range, often represent the highest point of the vehicle. As such, the weapon stations protrude beyond the vehicle's contours and therefore also increase its loading dimensions.

[0003] Military vehicles, in particular, need to be transported from time to time to be deployed to different locations. For this purpose, the vehicle is often transported in a transport vehicle such as an aircraft, helicopter, ship, or railcar. Since a vehicle equipped with a weapon station often exceeds the maximum permissible transport dimensions for loading, the weapon stations must first be dismantled before loading, which is a very labor-intensive process.

[0004] However, vehicles are already known whose weapon stations are mounted on a platform that can be lowered by means of a lifting device from an operational position, in which the weapon station can engage a target, to a lower transport position. The weapon station and the lifting device can be designed in such a way that the maximum permissible loading dimensions are not exceeded when the weapon station is in the transport position.

[0005] EP 1 191 303 A2 describes such a vehicle with a weapon station mounted on a platform, which can be moved back and forth between an operating position and a transport position via a lifting device. While this vehicle is characterized by the ability to selectively reduce its loading dimensions by lowering the platform and the weapon station mounted on it, the lifting device's load-bearing capacity is inherently rather low, particularly in the operating position. This is because, in the operating position, the distance between the weapon station and the vehicle itself, or rather to the point where the lifting device connects to the vehicle, is comparatively large, which can result in high torques in the connection area between the lifting device and the vehicle. These torques limit both the size and weight of the weapon station and the maximum lifting height.

[0006] GB 1 404 197 A discloses a launching device for guided projectiles, in particular for installation in an armored vehicle, with a launching ramp that can be aligned in lateral and vertical angles and is mounted on a sled which can be moved on inclined rails parallel to itself against stops between a rest position inside the vehicle and one or more firing positions above the armor.

[0007] DE 33 38 479 A1 discloses an extendable, swiveling telescopic support mast mounted on a vehicle for an observation or combat platform.

[0008] The invention presents itself as Aufgabe , to specify a vehicle with a weapon station movable between an operating position and a transport position via a lifting device, in which the lifting device is characterized by improved stability.

[0009] This task is accomplished in a vehicle of the type mentioned above by the characterizing features of claim 1. gelöst .

[0010] The inclined lifting mechanism allows for reliable movement of the platform, and consequently of the weapon station mounted on it, between the operational and transport positions. This inclined design enables both the weight and firing reaction forces of the weapon station to be transferred quickly and efficiently into the vehicle via the platform, thus improving overall stability. This allows even relatively heavy weapon stations to be mounted on the platform and moved reliably.

[0011] It has also proven advantageous if the weapon station can be moved parallel to the platform along the lifting ramp. Due to this parallel movement, the platform's orientation does not change when moving between the transport and operating positions. Furthermore, this design makes the acting forces and torques largely independent of the position of the weapon station or the platform, thus achieving high stability not only in the operating position but also between the operating and transport positions. This is generally not the case when the platform or weapon station is moved between the transport and operating positions via a pivoting motion. According to the invention, the platform is movable in a linear direction along the lifting ramp. The platform can therefore be moved upwards and downwards along the lifting ramp by means of the lifting device.The platform can be moved back and forth like a portal.

[0012] The lifting incline can form an acute angle with the horizontal. This angle can be between 20 and 80 degrees, preferably between 30 and 75 degrees, particularly preferably between 40 and 70 degrees, and even more preferably between 45 and 65 degrees. The larger the angle, the greater the platform's stroke when moving between the transport position and the operating position. The platform can thus be moved obliquely upwards into the operating position and, conversely, obliquely downwards into the transport position via the lifting device.

[0013] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the platform to be horizontally oriented. The platform can be horizontally oriented regardless of its position, so that the angle of the platform relative to the horizontal or the lifting incline remains constant during movement between the transport and operating positions. The weapon station mounted on the platform can also be horizontally oriented accordingly. The platform can have a flat, plate-like geometry, which allows for a large downward movement into the transport position and thus a large lifting range. This design allows the platform to be positioned very close to the lower mounting surface, which will be described in more detail below.

[0014] For reliable movement, it has proven advantageous for the lifting ramp to include a guide for the platform's movement. The platform can thus be moved back and forth or up and down along the guide via the lifting device. This guide enables reliable and predefined linear movement of the platform, preventing unintended movements. From a design perspective, the guide can be a linear guide, allowing the platform to move along the vehicle's lifting ramp in a straight line between the transport position and the operating position.

[0015] To ensure reliable support of the platform and thus reliable force transmission into the vehicle, the invention provides that the lifting ramp is connected to a sloping surface of the vehicle's upper surface. The lifting ramp can be bolted to a sloping surface of the vehicle. This bolted connection allows forces from the lifting ramp, and therefore also from the guide, to be transferred into the vehicle or the vehicle's upper surface, preventing relative movement of the lifting ramp and the guide with respect to the vehicle. Advantageously, multiple bolted connections are provided along the lifting ramp or along the guide to ensure sufficient stability even with very heavy weapon stations.

[0016] Regarding the platform's guidance, it has proven advantageous to use two parallel guides. Such a double guide further improves the platform's stability. The forces introduced into the vehicle can be distributed across the two guides, thus reducing the load acting on each guide. The two guides can be designed like rails, allowing the platform to move up and down along the ramp. Furthermore, the ramp can incorporate a mounting plate that connects the two guides and allows the ramp to be mounted flat on the vehicle's upper surface, particularly on the ramp itself. The mounting plate prevents any relative movement between the two guides and simplifies the overall assembly process.

[0017] To move the platform up and down along the ramp, it has proven advantageous for the platform to have a drive system, ideally integrated into the platform itself, allowing it to move back and forth along the ramp. This drive system enables automated platform movement. This has proven particularly beneficial for heavy weapon platforms, as moving the platform into its operational position requires considerable force, which is difficult or impossible to exert manually. Furthermore, the drive system allows the platform's movement to be controlled remotely, for example, from the protected interior of the vehicle or from a distant command post. This significantly reduces the risk of a soldier being exposed to fire while manually moving the platform in a vulnerable position outside the vehicle.The drive unit is advantageously integrated into the platform. This allows the drive unit to move along the platform's incline together. Furthermore, the drive unit is not visible from the outside, as it is located within the protected interior of the platform.

[0018] Especially with remotely controlled weapon stations, which can be operated, for example, from the protected interior of the vehicle, a corresponding automated movement of the platform is advantageous. This allows the weapon station not only to be aimed and fired remotely, but also to be moved back and forth between the transport position and the operational position.

[0019] For the drive system, it has proven advantageous for the lifting device to have a rack and pinion meshing with the rack. The pinion can be located on the platform side, so that the platform can be moved along the rack by rotating the pinion. This design, similar to a linear drive, allows the platform to be reliably moved up and down along the lifting ramp. The rack can be located on the ramp side and thus be fixed in place. The rack can extend parallel to the guide along the lifting ramp and be rigidly connected to the ramp, for example, to the mounting plate of the ramp, using screws. A direct connection to the vehicle or the ramp surface is also possible.The platform can be moved up and down the ramp via the rack and pinion connection, similar to a rack railway, thus preventing relative movement with respect to the guide and the rack, and therefore, for example, slipping or sliding of the platform. Drive via a rack and pinion connection has therefore proven particularly advantageous for very heavy weapon stations.

[0020] Regarding the drive system, it has proven advantageous for the lifting device to have an electric drive for rotating the pinion. This electric drive allows the platform to be raised and lowered along the lifting incline. The electric drive can be located on the platform side and thus directly coupled to the pinion. The vehicle's electrical system can be used for power supply. To ensure the electric motor receives power despite the platform's movement, a cable connecting it to the vehicle's electrical system can be provided. This cable must, however, allow for relative movement of the platform and the electric drive with respect to the vehicle. Therefore, the cable can be a trailing cable with a corresponding guide. The cable and its guide can be located next to the platform and extend parallel to the lifting incline.Alternatively, power can also be supplied via a power rail or a battery.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lifting device has an emergency drive interface through which the pinion can be driven by an external drive device. If the electric motor fails, the platform can thus still be moved via an external drive device. Even if the military vehicle is, for example, partially destroyed or can no longer supply energy to drive the pinion or the electric motor for another reason, the platform, and therefore also the weapon station, can still be moved back and forth between the two end positions. The external drive device could, for example, be a cordless screwdriver, which can be used to move the pinion and thus drive the platform. If the electric drive fails, the cordless screwdriver can be temporarily connected to the pinion via the emergency drive interface to drive the platform.In terms of design, the emergency drive interface can, for example, be designed as a hexagonal interface, through which torques can be transmitted from the external drive device to the pinion.

[0022] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the platform can be locked in the operating position by means of a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism prevents movement of the platform, thus increasing stability, especially during firing. Furthermore, the locking mechanism ensures that only minimal forces act on the drive system, as these forces can be transferred directly into the vehicle. Therefore, it is not necessary to apply a continuous force via the lifting device to secure the platform in the operating position.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the platform can be locked in the transport position. The platform can thus be locked in both end positions, resulting in the advantages already explained with regard to the operating position. An additional locking mechanism, which can be operated automatically and / or manually, can be provided to lock the platform in the transport position. In addition, a stop can be provided for the operating position and / or the transport position to prevent further movement of the platform.

[0024] To lock the platform, it has proven advantageous for the locking mechanism, particularly for locking the platform in the operating position, to include a locking element that is movable between a locked position and a release position. In the locked position, the platform can be secured and thus fixed in place. In the release position, the platform can be moved via the drive mechanism as described above. From a design perspective, the locking element can be configured as a conical pin, which allows the platform to be clamped in the end position to be locked. The locking element can engage with the platform in a positive-locking manner and, in particular, with as little play as possible. A friction-locking mechanism is also possible, provided that such a mechanism reliably prevents movement of the platform, even with a heavy weapon station.

[0025] With regard to the locking mechanism, it has proven advantageous if the locking element is movable between the locked and released positions via an actuating element. The locking element can be moved back and forth linearly via the actuating element, so that it can be moved either into the platform to prevent movement or out of it to release movement. The locking element can thus be arranged to be movable relative to the platform. The platform can have a recess, particularly on its underside, into which the locking element can be inserted to lock the platform. The locking element can be movable in a horizontal direction and thus interact with the platform at an angle. It is advantageous if the actuating element for moving the locking element can be operated remotely, e.g., via a remote control.It can be moved from the protected interior of the vehicle or from a remote command post. This eliminates the need for a soldier to put themselves in danger for locking or releasing the vehicle.

[0026] Regarding the design of the actuating element, it has proven advantageous to use a pneumatic cylinder. This allows the locking element to move pneumatically back and forth. The pneumatic cylinder can be connected to the vehicle's pneumatic system. Alternatively, the locking element can also be moved electrically or hydraulically via the actuating element.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism has an emergency drive interface through which the locking element can be moved by means of an external drive device. If the actuator fails, for example due to damage, and is no longer available to move the locking element, the locking element can also be moved manually via the external drive device. In this respect, the platform can be locked and unlocked not only automatically but also manually. A cordless screwdriver with the emergency drive interface of the locking mechanism can also be used to move the locking element, so that both the release and locking as well as the movement of the platform described above can be achieved using a cordless screwdriver.To move the locking element via an external drive, it may be necessary to vent the pneumatic cylinder beforehand, especially manually, so that it does not prevent the movement.

[0028] An external drive device allows a pinion to rotate, which meshes with a rack connected to the locking element. This allows the locking element to be moved back and forth between the locked and released positions by rotating the pinion. Similar to the emergency drive interface of the lifting device, the emergency drive interface of the locking mechanism can be designed as a hexagonal interface, enabling both emergency drive interfaces to be operated with the same tool, particularly the same cordless screwdriver. This allows the same person to easily perform both the movement of the locking element and the movement of the platform sequentially.

[0029] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to provide several, in particular two, locking elements, each movable via an actuating element, especially a pneumatic cylinder. A double locking mechanism can be achieved using the two locking elements, so that the acting forces can be distributed between them. Moreover, the two locking elements provide redundancy, thus reducing the overall risk of failure. The two locking elements can be arranged parallel to each other and move in the same direction.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the weapon station protrudes from the vehicle's contour in its operating position. Advantageously, the weapon station protrudes upwards from the vehicle's contour, so that this arrangement of the weapon station also allows targets in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle to be engaged. For this purpose, the weapon tube(s) of the weapon station can be moved into a depression position. The weapon station can thus represent the highest point, so that by lowering the weapon station or moving it into the transport position, the loading dimensions, particularly in the vertical direction, can be reduced.

[0031] In this respect, it has also proven advantageous for the weapon station to be positioned within the vehicle's contours when in transport mode. When the weapon station is positioned within the vehicle's contours, the loading dimensions are determined solely by the vehicle itself, so the weapon station does not influence or increase these dimensions. For loading, the weapon station can therefore be moved into the vehicle's contours. The weapon station is then positioned below the vehicle's roof plane and no longer constitutes the vehicle's highest point. While it is advantageous for minimizing loading dimensions if the weapon station is positioned completely within the vehicle's contours in transport mode, it may also suffice if the weapon station protrudes less from the vehicle's contours in transport mode than in its operational position.This also helps to reduce the overall loading dimensions.

[0032] Regarding the vehicle's design, it has proven advantageous to have an upper mounting surface for the locking mechanism that is offset downwards from the highest point of the vehicle roof and arranged horizontally. This downward offset provides sufficient space for mounting the locking mechanism, ensuring it does not protrude from the vehicle's contours. Instead, the pneumatic cylinder can be positioned on the upper mounting surface and move the locking element parallel to it. Previously, the weapon station was mounted directly onto the upper mounting surface without any lowering mechanism. This new design allows the upper mounting surface to provide ample space for the direct mounting of the weapon station itself.

[0033] By utilizing the mounting surface for the locking mechanism and, if necessary, part of the lifting device, the position of the weapon station mounted on the platform changes only slightly compared to a weapon station mounted directly on the upper mounting surface. This eliminates the need for extensive modifications to the weapon station's control electronics in the vehicle, and the platform, lifting device, lifting ramp, and locking mechanism can be used as a retrofit solution for vehicles with permanently mounted weapon stations.

[0034] Furthermore, a cover can be provided to conceal the offset of the upper mounting surface, resulting in an uninterrupted appearance. This can be advantageous with regard to the vehicle's identifiability. The cover can be adapted to and follow the contours of the vehicle. The upper mounting surface can thus be concealed by the cover. The cover can conceal the locking mechanism and any part of the lifting device mounted on the upper mounting surface. Additionally, the lifting ramp or guide can extend onto the cover, allowing the ramp to be at least partially supported against the vehicle by the cover. The cover can seamlessly transition into the ramp, enabling the straight lifting ramp to extend from the ramp onto the cover.

[0035] To enable the locking element(s) to engage in the platform in the operating position, the cover may have recesses that allow for the necessary movement of the locking elements. Furthermore, the cover may have a maintenance opening, which can be fitted with a cover. This cover may also be adapted to the contours of the vehicle but can be removed, for example, to perform maintenance work or to manually release the locking mechanism. The cover may also be designed as a locking housing that protects the locking mechanism from external influences.

[0036] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the vehicle to have a sloping surface to which the lifting ramp is mounted. Forces can thus be transferred from the lifting ramp into the vehicle via this sloping surface. It is advantageous for the lifting ramp to lie flat on the sloping surface to ensure reliable force transmission. The platform can then be moved up and down along the sloping surface using the lifting device.

[0037] The vehicle can have a lower mounting surface offset downwards relative to the upper mounting surface, with the inclined surface extending between the two mounting surfaces. The two mounting surfaces can thus be parallel to each other, and the platform can be positioned essentially at the level of the upper mounting surface in the operating position and essentially at the level of the lower mounting surface in the transport position. The inclined surface can be designed as a flat surface and extend diagonally between the two mounting surfaces. The lifting ramp or guide can extend from the upper mounting surface to the lower mounting surface along the inclined surface. The two mounting surfaces can be oriented essentially horizontally.

[0038] Furthermore, the vehicle can have a chassis, e.g., a hull, and a turret rotatably mounted relative to the chassis, with the traverse ramp being located on the turret. In this respect, the ramp can also be part of the turret, as can the two mounting surfaces. The turret can be mounted on the chassis, and the traverse ramp can be located in the upper part of the turret, so that the weapon station, in its operational position, represents the highest point of the vehicle and thus protrudes above the turret's contour. The turret can also mount a large-caliber weapon, which can be the vehicle's main armament. The traverse ramp can be located next to the weapon, so that the weapon station can also be located next to the weapon on the turret. The weapon station can have a significantly smaller caliber than the weapon but achieve a significantly higher rate of fire.For example, the weapon station can be equipped with a machine gun. Advantageously, the weapon station can automatically fire cartridge ammunition, which can be fed, for instance, via an ammunition belt. The vehicle itself could be a wheeled howitzer, capable of engaging targets at long range with its main armament. The weapon station, on the other hand, can be used to engage targets at close range.

[0039] Regarding the mounting of the weapon station, it has proven advantageous for the platform to have a mounting interface for attaching the weapon station to the platform. This mounting interface allows for a mechanical connection between the weapon station and the platform, ensuring the weapon station is securely held in place. Furthermore, control signals and electrical power can be transmitted to the weapon station via the mounting interface for operation and control. The control signals can be transmitted from the vehicle to the platform and then to the weapon station via cables. The weapon station can be detachably connected to the platform, particularly via multiple bolted connections. Advantageously, the mounting platform has a connecting flange at its lower end to ensure a reliable connection.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that weapon stations of different types can be mounted on the platform via the mounting interface. The interface thus allows for a degree of modularity and adaptation to different weapon station types. It is therefore possible to select weapon stations depending on the external boundary conditions and then arrange them on the platform via the mounting interface. Since very heavy and large weapon stations can also be used, the other components, and in particular the lifting device, must be designed accordingly. The movement of the platform and the weapon station along the lifting ramp, which allows for the support of sometimes considerable forces via the ramp, enables the reliable use and movement of even large and heavy weapon stations.

[0041] Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1a, b perspective side views of a vehicle with a platform movable via a lifting device in an operating position and in a transport position; Fig. 2a, b perspective side views of two different weapon stations mounted on the platform in the operating position; Fig. 3 a perspective detail view of a locking mechanism for securing the platform; Fig. 4 a sectional view looking at the platform and the locking mechanism in the operating position.

[0042] The presentation in the Fig. 1 The figure shows a perspective view of a military vehicle 10, which has a hull and a turret mounted on the hull that can rotate. The turret houses the vehicle 10's main armament in the form of a 155 mm artillery gun. In addition to the large-caliber artillery gun, a remotely controlled weapon station 1 is also provided, which is primarily used for engaging enemies at close range.

[0043] In order for weapon station 1 to cover the entire area surrounding vehicle 10, it is positioned according to the illustrations in the Fig. 2a, 2b The highest point of vehicle 10 is represented by the weapon station 1, which protrudes upwards above the roof of vehicle 10 or the roof of the turret. Although this exposed position allows for reliable engagement of the immediate vicinity of vehicle 10, the weapon station 1 significantly increases the vehicle 10's loading dimensions. To ensure that vehicle 10 remains within the maximum permissible loading dimensions despite the weapon station 1, the weapon station 1 is positioned between the points shown in the illustrations of the Fig. 2a, 2b The weapon station 1 can be moved downwards from the operating position B shown to a lowered transport position T. In transport position T, the weapon station 1 is then arranged within the contour of the vehicle 10, so that it no longer protrudes from the turret roof and the maximum permissible loading dimensions can be observed.

[0044] To move the weapon station 1 up and down between the operating position B and the transport position T, it is arranged on a platform 3 which can be moved on a lifting ramp 7 by means of a lifting device 2. In the illustrations of the Fig. 1a und 1b This platform 3 is shown in its two end positions, i.e., in the transport position T and the operating position B.

[0045] The lifting ramp 7 extends in an inclined direction, allowing the platform 3 to be moved up and down along the ramp 7 between the transport position T and the operating position B. The lifting ramp 7 has two guides 7.1 arranged side by side like a rail, which are connected to each other via a mounting plate 7.2. This mounting plate 7.2 rests flat on an inclined surface 10.1 of the vehicle 10 or the turret and is connected to it by several screw connections. By means of the lifting device 2, the platform 3 can thus be moved up and down along the lifting ramp 7 or along the guides 7.1 on the inclined surface 10.1. Since the lifting ramp 7 rests directly on the inclined surface 10.1, the weight of the sometimes very heavy weapon station 1 can be reliably absorbed by the vehicle 10, and it can be moved safely back and forth between the transport position T and the operating position B.

[0046] The inclined surface 10.1 is designed as a flat surface that connects an upper mounting surface 10.2 and a lower mounting surface 10.3 of the tower. Based on the illustration in the Fig. 2a, 2b It can be seen that these two mounting surfaces 10.2, 10.3 can be arranged horizontally and parallel to each other. In operating position B, the platform 3 is positioned approximately at the height of the upper mounting surface 10.3, and in transport position T, approximately at the height of the lower mounting surface 10.4. The upper mounting surface 10.3 is offset downwards relative to the tower roof, resulting in a gap on which the locking mechanism 5, described in more detail below, is located. Furthermore, a cover 6 is provided that conceals this gap, i.e., the upper mounting surface 10.2, so that it is not visible from the outside. The cover 6, which integrates into the contour of the tower, can be seen, for example, in the illustration of the Fig. 3 to be recognized. Below the cover is the locking device 5, which is located on the upper mounting surface 10.2.

[0047] To move platform 3 between transport position T and operating position B, the lifting device 2 essentially comprises three elements: a rack 2.2 extending along and connected to the lifting ramp 7, a pinion on the platform side, and a drive integrated into platform 3 for rotating the pinion. The pinion is arranged on rack 2.2 such that it moves linearly along rack 2.2 during rotation. Since the pinion is integrated into or connected to platform 3, rotating the pinion allows platform 3, and thus also the weapon station 1 mounted on platform 3, to be moved back and forth linearly along lifting ramp 7.

[0048] The drive unit includes an electric motor for moving the pinion. This motor is connected to vehicle 10 via a trailing cable connection and is powered by vehicle 10. In the illustrations of the Fig. 2a und 2b The trailing cable guide 4, which moves along with the platform 3 during movement, can be seen, protecting the current-carrying cables against external influences and extending parallel to the lifting incline 7 along the inclined surface 10.1 of the tower.

[0049] Although platform 3 is usually moved automatically from inside vehicle 10 via lifting device 2, it is also possible to move platform 3 using an external drive device. This ensures that platform 3 can continue to move even if, for example, lifting device 3 malfunctions or there is a power outage.

[0050] For the corresponding movement of the platform 3, the lifting device 2 has a [feature] as shown in the illustration of the Fig. 4 The emergency drive interface 2.3 is identifiable. This is coupled to the pinion, so that the pinion also rotates via a rotary movement of the emergency drive interface 2.3, thus allowing the platform 3 to be raised and lowered in the manner described above. The emergency drive interface 2.3 can be coupled to a tool or a cordless screwdriver, so that the platform 3 can also be moved by an external drive.

[0051] To ensure that platform 3 remains reliably in position B, particularly in operating position B, where it must absorb not only the weight of weapon station 1 but also launch reaction forces, and to keep the forces acting on the drive or lifting device 2 within manageable limits, a locking mechanism 5 is provided. The locking mechanism 5 essentially consists of two components, as shown in the illustration. Fig. 3 The pneumatic cylinders 5.3, each connected to a locking element 5.2, allow the locking elements 5.2 to be moved linearly between a locking position and a release position via the pneumatic cylinders 5.3. When the platform 3 is in operating position B, the locking elements 5.2 can engage with it in the locking position, thus preventing movement of the platform 3 and allowing most of the acting forces to be transferred to the vehicle 10 via the locking elements 5.2. The locking elements 5.2 are movable in a horizontal direction, parallel to the upper mounting surface 10.3.

[0052] To lower a platform 3 locked in operating position B into transport position T, it is therefore necessary to first release the locking mechanism and move the locking elements 5.2 into the release position. Normally, this is done by retracting the locking elements 5.2 using the pneumatic cylinders 5.3. However, if this is not possible, for example due to damage or a malfunction, the locking mechanism can also be released via an external drive device. This works essentially the same way as moving the platform 3 via the emergency drive interface 2.3 of the lifting device 2. The locking mechanism 5 also has an emergency drive interface 5.4, which is shown in the diagram. Fig. 4 can be seen.

[0053] This emergency drive interface 5.4 is also connected to a pinion, which can be rotated by turning the emergency drive interface 5.4, for example, manually with a tool or with a cordless screwdriver. The pinion meshes with a rack that is linearly movable via the pinion and is coupled to the two locking elements 5.2, so that by rotating the pinion, the locking elements 5.2 can be moved linearly between the locked and unlocked positions. However, the two pneumatic cylinders 5.3 would first have to be vented, as they would prevent such movement via an external drive. Overall, the platform 3 can thus be moved up and down, as well as locked and unlocked, by an external drive, for example, in an emergency situation.

[0054] To provide access to the locking mechanism 5 and, in particular, the pneumatic cylinders 5.3, the cover 6 has an opening which can optionally be closed by means of a cover 6.1 and which is shown in the illustration of the Fig. 2a und 2b This is evident in the depiction of the Fig. 3 The cover 6.1 is removed so that the locking mechanism 5 and, in particular, the two pneumatic cylinders 5.3 arranged parallel to each other can be seen.

[0055] Furthermore, the panel 6, as shown in the illustration, has Fig. 1a Two recesses are provided so that the locking elements 5.2 extend through the wall of the panel 6 in the locking position and can thus lock the platform 3 in the operating position B. Furthermore, the lifting ramp 7 extends to the panel 6 and is supported at its upper end on the panel 6 or via the panel 6 on the vehicle 10. The panel 6 transitions seamlessly into the inclined surface 10.1, so that the lifting ramp 7 can also extend from the inclined surface 10.1 to the panel 6. This is shown, for example, in the illustration of the Fig. 1a Clearly visible.

[0056] As can be seen from the representations of the Fig. 2a und 2b As can be seen, three different weapon stations can be mounted on the platform. In the illustrations of the Fig. 2a und 2bTherefore, two weapon stations of different types are shown. Platform 3 has a universal mounting interface 2.3 for mounting various weapon station types. Furthermore, weapon station 1 can also be supplied with electrical energy for its operation via mounting interface 2.3, and control signals for aiming and firing weapon station 1 can also be transmitted via mounting interface 2.3.

[0057] Overall, the weapon station 1 can be moved between operating position B and transport position T via the platform 3, which can be moved diagonally upwards and downwards. This ensures that the maximum permissible loading dimensions are maintained in transport position T, allowing the vehicle 10 to be loaded into a transport vehicle despite the weapon platform 1. Since platform 1 is positioned on the lifting ramp 7 in every position, including between transport position T and operating position B, and this ramp is supported across its entire surface by the turret of the vehicle 10, high mechanical stability is guaranteed at all times. Reference symbol:

[0058] 1 Weapon station 2 Lifting device 2.2 Rack and pinion 2.3 Emergency drive interface 3 Platform 3.2 Mounting interface 4 Trailing cable guide 5 Locking device 5.2 Locking element 5.3 Pneumatic cylinder 5.4 Emergency drive interface 6 Casing 6.1 Cover 7 Lifting ramp 7.1 Guide 7.2 Mounting plate 10 Vehicle 10.1 Inclined surface 10.2 Upper mounting surface 10.3 Lower mounting surface Operating position T Transport position

Claims

1. Vehicle, in particular a military land vehicle, with a lifting device (2), a platform (3), a lifting ramp (7), and a weapon station (1), in particular a remotely controllable weapon station, which is mounted on the platform (3) that can be moved between an operating position (B) and a transport position (T) by means of a lifting device (2), wherein the platform (3) can be moved back and forth in a linear direction along the lifting ramp (7) via the lifting device (2), characterized in that the lifting ramp (7) is connected to an inclined surface (10.1) on the upper side of the vehicle.

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the weapon station (1) can be moved parallel along the lifting ramp (7) via the platform (3).

3. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the lifting ramp (7) has a guide (7.1), whereby the platform (3) can be moved back and forth along the guide (7.1) via the lifting device (2).

4. Vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the lifting ramp (7) is bolted to the inclined surface (10.1) of the vehicle (10).

5. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (3) can be moved back and forth along the lifting ramp (7) by means of a drive integrated in the platform (3).

6. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting device (2) has a rack (2.2) and a pinion meshing with the rack (2.2), wherein the pinion is arranged on the platform side so that the platform (3) can be moved along the rack (2.2) by rotating the pinion, and wherein the lifting device (2) has an electric drive for rotating the pinion.

7. Vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that the lifting device (2) has an emergency drive interface (2.3) via which the pinion can be driven by means of an external drive device.

8. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (3) can be locked in the operating position (B) by means of a locking device (5).

9. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the locking device (5) for locking the platform (3) has a locking element (5.2) which can be moved between a locking position and a release position.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the locking element (5.2) can be moved between the locking position and the release position by means of an actuating element, wherein the actuating element is designed as a pneumatic cylinder (5.3).

11. Vehicle according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the locking device (5) has an emergency drive interface (5.4) via which the locking element (5.2) can be moved by means of an external drive device.

12. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weapon station (1) protrudes beyond the contour of the vehicle (10) in the operating position (B).

13. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weapon station (1) is arranged within the contour of the vehicle (10) in the transport position (T).

14. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a vehicle substructure and a turret arranged rotatably relative to the vehicle substructure, wherein the lifting ramp (7) is arranged on the turret of the vehicle (10).

15. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (3) has an interface (3.2) for mounting the weapon station (1) on the platform (3), wherein weapon stations (1) of different types can be mounted on the platform (3) via the interface (3.2).

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