Turret, in particular for naval applications, provided with a device for moving an ammunition guidance system

Abstract

The turret, in particular for naval applications, comprises a traversing part and an elevating part integrally rotatable with the traversing part. There is a barrel supported by the elevating part and integrally rotatable therewith about the elevation axis (X1). The barrel is configured to fire guided ammunition through itself. An ammunition guidance system (24) is configured to direct a guided piece of ammunition towards a target by means of an electromagnetic emission. A moving device (100), whereon the ammunition guidance system (24) is mounted, is configured to move the latter in such a way as to orient the electromagnetic emission towards the target. The moving device (100) is mounted to the traversing part (14) and comprises a frame (102) that rotatably supports the ammunition guidance system (24) about an azimuthal or traversing movement axis (Y1) and a zenithal or elevation movement axis (X1).

Description

[0001] TITLE : "Turret , in particular for naval applications , provided with a device for moving an ammunition guidance system"

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a turret , in particular for naval applications .

[0005] Technical background

[0006] In the industry, particularly but not exclusively in the naval industry, turrets are known which consist of a structure supporting and containing an artil lery installation . Generally the turret lies on a deck - or, more generally, on an upper surface - of a ship or a terrestrial vehicle , such as a military tank or the like .

[0007] In particular, a turret is moved - typically rotated - on the deck, wherein motion i s obtained, for example , through a combination of a traversing rotation ( i . e . a rotation about a substantially vertical azimuthal axis ) and an elevation rotation ( i . e . a rotation about a substantially hori zontal zenithal axis ) . More speci fically, in technical j argon, the component assemblies forming the turret are commonly distributed between the so-called "traversing mass" and "elevating mass" . The components forming the "traversing mass" are substantially located at the turret base and secured to a support structure . On the other hand, the components constituting the so-called "elevating mass" are generally rotatably supported by the components constituting the so-called "traversing mass" .

[0008] Some turret types employ an ammunition guidance system configured to direct a guided piece of ammunition to be fired by the firearm towards a target by means o f an electromagnetic emission, e . g . a radar beam or a laser ray . It is therefore appropriate to employ in the turret a device for moving the ammunition guidance system, which can orient the latter to direct the radar beam or the laser ray towards the target .

[0009] Such a turret type has been disclosed in patent publication WO 2017 / 081599 Al by the present Applicant . Summary of the invention

[0010] It is one obj ect of the present invention to provide a turret of a type which is improved over those made in accordance with the prior art , while at the same time being simple and economical to manufacture .

[0011] According to the present invention, this and other obj ects are achieved through a turret having the technical features set out in the independent claim .

[0012] It is understood that the appended claims are an integral part of the technical teachings provided in the following detailed description of the present invention . In particular, the appended dependent claims define some preferred embodiments of the present invention that include some optional technical features .

[0013] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in light of the following detailed description, provided herein merely as a nonlimiting example and referring, in particular, to the annexed drawings as summari zed below .

[0014] Brief description of the drawings

[0015] Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a turret made in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, wherein an ammunition guidance system is visible .

[0016] Figures 2 and 3 are partial front and lateral elevation views of the ammunition guidance system and an associated moving device mounted on the turret shown in Figure 1.

[0017] For completeness' sake, the following is a list of alphanumerical references and names used herein to identify parts, elements and components illustrated in the abovesummarized drawings.

[0018] 10. Turret

[0019] 12. Deck

[0020] 14. Traversing part

[0021] 16. Elevating part

[0022] 18. Barrel

[0023] 20a-b. Lateral portions

[0024] 22. Embrasure

[0025] 24. Ammunition guidance system

[0026] 26. Protection device

[0027] 28. Reclosable cavity

[0028] 30. Covering element

[0029] 100. Moving device

[0030] 102. Frame

[0031] 104. Cross member

[0032] 106. Upright

[0033] 108. Upright

[0034] 110. Traversing motor

[0035] 112. Traversing brake

[0036] 114. Elevation motor

[0037] 116. Elevation brake

[0038] X. Elevation axis

[0039] Y. Traversing axis

[0040] XI. Elevation movement axis

[0041] Y1. Traversing movement axis

[0042] Detailed description of the invention

[0043] With reference to the annexed drawings, numeral 10 designates as a whole a turret made in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention .

[0044] Turret 10 essentially consists of a structure that supports and contains an artillery installation . In particular, turret 10 has , as a whole , an external stealthtype conformation that reduces the reflection o f electromagnetic waves , thus reducing the radar blip of the turret .

[0045] In the embodiment illustrated herein, turret 10 lies on a stationary portion, such as a deck 12 of a ship . However, turret 10 may also be installed and find application in fields other than the naval one , e . g . be installed on the top surface of a terrestrial vehicle , such as a military tank or the like .

[0046] With particular reference to Figure 1 , turret 10 comprises a traversing mass or part 14 rotatably supported by deck 12 about an azimuthal or traversing rotation axi s Y ( substantially vertical ) . Also , turret 10 comprises an elevating mass or part 16 integrally rotatable with traversing part 14 about traversing axis Y and rotatably supported by traversing part 14 about a zenithal or elevation rotation axis X ( substantially hori zontal ) . Furthermore , turret 10 comprises a barrel 18 supported by elevating part 16 and integrally rotatable therewith about elevation axi s X . Barrel 18 is configured to fire guided ammunition through itsel f .

[0047] In the embodiment illustrated herein, traversing part 14 comprises a pair of lateral portions 20a, 20b mutually defining an embrasure 22 , in which elevating part 16 i s mounted rotatable about elevation axis X . Moreover, barrel 18 crosses embrasure 22 and protrudes frontally therefrom .

[0048] In addition, turret 10 further comprises an ammunition guidance system 24 configured to direct a guided piece of ammunition to be fired through barrel 18 towards a target by means of an electromagnetic emission, e . g . a radar beam or a laser ray . In this manner, the guided piece of ammunition fired through barrel 18 can be made to follow the target by a built-in electronic system that "tracks" the electromagnetic emission . In the illustrated embodiment , ammunition guidance system 24 is mounted rotatably integral with traversing part 14 , rotating together with it about traversing axis Y .

[0049] Turret 10 comprises a protection device 26 configured to assume an opening condition ( shown in Figure 1 ) and a closing condition (not shown) . In particular, protection device 26 is configured to move between the closing condition and the opening condition, e . g . progressively assuming one or more intermediate conditions during the trans ition between said closing and opening conditions . In the closing condition, protection device 26 encloses and protects ammunition guidance system 24 . In the opening condition, protection system 26 clears and exposes ammunition guidance system 24 .

[0050] In the embodiment illustrated herein, ammunition guidance system 24 is mounted to traversing part 14 . In particular, ammunition guidance system 24 is situated laterally relative to barrel 18 . Preferably, the ammunition guidance system is mounted to one of lateral portions 20a , 20b . When viewing Figure 1 , it is mounted to the first lateral portion 20a, i . e . the left-hand one .

[0051] Protection device 26 i s mounted to travers ing part 14 , in particular to the first lateral portion 20a whereon ammunition guidance system 24 i s mounted . In the clos ing condition, protection device 26 encloses and protects - in particular by covering it -ammunition guidance system 24 within traversing part 14 , e . g . within the first lateral portion 20a of the latter . In the opening condition, protection system 26 clears and exposes - in particular by uncovering it -ammunition guidance system 24 outs ide traversing part 14 , e . g . outside lateral portion 20a of the latter .

[0052] Preferably, traversing part 14 internally defines a reclosable cavity 28 that houses ammunition guidance system 24 . In particular, reclosable cavity 28 is defined in the first lateral portion 20a .

[0053] Protection device 26 comprises a covering element 30 which can be guidedly moved over traversing part 14 , in particular over the first lateral portion 20a, assuming one or more intermediate conditions corresponding to transitory positions between the closing condition and the opening condition . In particular, as will be further described below, covering element 30 makes a rototranslation between a frontal position (not visible in the drawings ) - corresponding to the closing condition - and a raised position - corresponding to the opening condition .

[0054] In the opening condition shown in Figure 1 , covering element 30 is in said raised position, in which it opens and clears reclosable cavity 28 , thus exposing ammunition guidance system 24 . In the closing condition (not shown in the drawings ) , covering element 30 is in said frontal position, in which it closes and covers reclosable cavity 28 , thus protecting ammunition guidance system 24 .

[0055] In particular, in the closing condition, ammunition guidance system 24 - together with its covering element 30 , in the embodiment illustrated herein - completes the outl ine of lateral portion 20a, making it substantially symmetrical to lateral portion 20b with respect to embrasure 22 . The closing condition typically occurs when turret 10 is inoperative , i . e . when barrel 18 is not being used for firing against a stationary or moving target . Thus , in the event of a sudden attack by an external enemy, ammunition guidance system 24 will be covered and completely hidden within traversing part 14 , in particular within the first lateral portion 20a . In such a situation, therefore , protection device 26 will ensure protection of ammunition guidance system 24 from the outside environment , while also making it less trackable by radar .

[0056] Vice versa, the opening condition generally occurs when turret 10 is operative , i . e . when barrel 18 is being used for firing against a stationary or moving target . Ammunition guidance system 24 can thus be directed towards the environment outside turret 10 in order to generate the electromagnetic emission towards a target to be hit with a piece of ammunition fired through barrel 18 .

[0057] As aforementioned, covering element 30 is configured to guidedly rototranslate over traversing part 14 , in particular in such a way that in the frontal position - i . e . in the closing condition -covering element 30 will face substantially in the same direction in which the barrel can be oriented, while in the raised position - i . e . in the opening condition - covering element 30 will face upwards , in particular above traversing part 14 .

[0058] Preferably, covering element 30 is substantially concave . In particular, when covering element 30 i s in the frontal position, its sunken portion faces towards cavity 28 of first lateral portion 20a, thus further expanding such cavity 28 at the front .

[0059] Furthermore , with particular reference to Figures 2 and 3 , turret 10 comprises a moving device 100 whereon ammunition guidance system 24 is mounted . Moving device 100 i s configured to move ammunition guidance system 24 in such a way as to orient the electromagnetic emission towards the target .

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated herein, ammunition guidance system 24 and associated moving device 100 are mounted to traversing part 14 . In particular, ammunition guidance system 24 and associated moving device 100 are mounted in lateral portion 20a, e . g . within reclosable cavity 28 .

[0061] Moving device 100 comprises a frame 102 that rotatably supports the ammunition guidance system 24 about at least one of an azimuthal or traversing movement axis Y1 and a zenithal or elevation movement axis XI . In the illustrated embodiment , frame 102 rotatably supports ammunition guidance system 24 about both traversing movement axis Y1 and elevation movement axis XI . In particular, frame 102 i s mounted to traversing part 14 , preferably to lateral portion 20a, and, more preferably, in reclosable cavity 28 .

[0062] Preferably, frame 102 comprises a cross member 104 rotatably supported by traversing part 14 about traversing movement axis Yl , in particular within reclosable cavity 28 . In addition, the frame comprises a pair of uprights 106 , 108 mounted on laterally opposite s ides of cross member 102 . Uprights 106 and 108 are integrally rotatable with cros s member 102 about traversing movement axis Yl . Uprights 106 and 108 laterally support ammunition guidance system 24 in rotation about elevation movement axis XI . In a simpli fied embodiment of the present invention (not shown) , ammunition guidance system 24 may be supported in rotation about elevation movement axis XI by j ust one of the uprights .

[0063] In the embodiment illustrated herein, cross member 104 is situated at the base of uprights 106 , 108 . In particular, cross member 104 and uprights 106 , 108 are located within reclosable cavity 28 .

[0064] In particular, moving device 100 comprises a traversing motor 110 mounted on traversing part 14 , in particular within reclosable cavity 28 , and configured to rotate cross member 104 integrally with uprights 106 , 108 about traversing movement axis Y1 relative to traversing part 14 . More particularly, moving device 100 further comprises a traversing brake 112 mounted on traversing part 14 and configured to stop the movement of the cross member about traversing movement axis Y1 .

[0065] Preferably, moving device 100 comprises an elevation motor 114 mounted on one o f the uprights , in particular upright 106 ( on the left in Figure 8 ) and configured to rotate ammunition guidance system 24 about elevation movement axis XI . More preferably, moving device 100 comprises an elevation brake 116 mounted on one of the uprights , in particular other upright 108 ( on the right in Figure 8 ) , and configured to stop the movement of ammunition guidance system 24 about elevation movement axis XI . In the illustrated embodiment , therefore , elevation motor 114 i s mounted on upright 106 , whereas elevation brake 116 is mounted on the other upright s ituated in a pos ition lateral ly opposite to upright 106 .

[0066] Moving device 100 may further comprise a control system (not shown) configured to control at least one apparatus selected from the group including : traversing motor 110 , traversing brake 112 , elevation motor 114 and elevation brake 116 , so as to position ammunition guidance system 24 with the desired orientation . For example , the control system may operate in accordance with a feedback control logic . Of course , without prej udice to the principle of the present invention, the forms of embodiment and the implementation details may be extensively varied from those described and illustrated herein merely by way of non- limiting example , without however departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims .

Claims

CLAIMS1. Turret (10) , in particular for naval applications, comprising : a traversing part (14) rotatably supported by the deck (12) about an azimuthal or traversing rotation axis (Y) ; an elevating part (16) integrally rotatable with the traversing part (14) about the traversing axis (Y) and rotatably supported by the traversing part (14) about a zenithal or elevation rotation axis (X) ; a barrel (18) supported by the elevating part (16) and integrally rotatable therewith about the elevation axis (X) ; said barrel (18) being configured to fire guided ammunition through itself; an ammunition guidance system (24) configured to direct a guided piece of ammunition to be fired through the barrel (18) towards a target by means of an electromagnetic emission; and a moving device (100) , whereon said ammunition guidance system (24) is mounted, configured to move the latter in such a way as to orient said electromagnetic emission towards said target; said turret being characterized in that said moving device (100) is mounted to the traversing part (14) and comprises a frame (102) that rotatably supports said ammunition guidance system (24) about at least one of an azimuthal or traversing movement axis (Yl) and a zenithal or elevation movement axis (XI) .

2. Turret according to claim 1, wherein the frame (102) of the moving device (100) comprises: a cross member (104) rotatably supported by said traversing part (14) about the traversing movement axis (Yl) , andat least one upright (106, 108) mounted laterally to the cross member (104) , integrally rotatable therewith about the traversing movement axis (Yl) , and laterally supporting said ammunition guidance system (24) in rotation about the elevation movement axis (XI) .

3. Turret according to claim 2, comprising a pair of uprights (106, 108) mounted on laterally opposite sides of said cross member (104) , integrally rotatable therewith about the traversing movement axis (Yl) , and laterally supporting said ammunition guidance system (24) in rotation about the elevation movement axis (XI) .

4. Turret according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said cross member (104) is situated at the base of said at least one upright (106, 108) .

5. Turret according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said moving device comprises a traversing motor (110) mounted on said traversing part (14) and configured to rotate the cross member (104) integrally with said at least one upright (106, 108) about the traversing axis (Yl) relative to the traversing part (14) .

6. Turret according to claim 5, wherein said moving device (100) comprises a traversing brake (112) mounted on said traversing part (14) and configured to stop the movement of said cross member (104) about the traversing axis (Yl) .

7. Turret according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said moving device (100) comprises an elevation motor (114) mounted on said at least one upright (106, 108) and configured to rotate said ammunition guidance system (24) about the elevation movement axis (XI) .

8. Turret according to claims 7, wherein said moving device (100) comprises an elevation brake (116) mounted on said at least one upright (106, 108) and configured to stop themovement of said ammunition guidance system (24) about the elevation movement axis (XI) .

9. Turret according to claim 8, wherein said elevation motor (114) and said elevation brake (116) are mounted on uprights (106, 108) of the frame (102) laterally opposite to each other.

10. Turret according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said traversing part (14) internally defines a cavity (28) , and wherein said moving device (100) is housed in said cavity (28) .

11. Turret according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a protection device (26) configured to assume a closing condition, wherein the protection device (26) encloses and protects the ammunition guidance system (24) and the moving device (100) , and an opening condition, wherein the protection system (26) clears and exposes the ammunition guidance system (24) and the moving device (100) .

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