Ignition system for a projectile, an electronic ignition device being provided in the projectile and a communication device allocated to the electronic ignition device being provided outside the projectile

Abstract

The invention relates to providing an ignition system (10) for a projectile (28) for ammunition (22), more particularly for cartridge ammunition, the ignition system (10) comprising an electronic ignition device (12) and a communication device, allocated to the electronic ignition device (12), for providing communication between the electronic ignition device (12) and a computer, more particularly a computing system, characterised in that the electronic ignition device (12) is provided in the projectile (28), and the communication device (14) is provided outside the projectile (28).

Description

[0001] Title: IGNITION SYSTEM FOR A PROJECT, WHICH INCLUDES AN ELECTRONIC IGNITION DEVICE IN THE PROJECT AND A COMMUNICATION DEVICE ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION DEVICE IS PROVIDED OUTSIDE THE PROJECT

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to an ignition system for a projectile for

[0004] Ammunition, especially cartridge ammunition, which

[0005] Ignition system comprising an electronic ignition device and a

[0006] Communication device for providing a

[0007] Communication between the electronic ignition device and a computer, in particular a computer system.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention relates to an electronic

[0009] Ignition device for such an ignition system and the

[0010] Providing an ignition system. Ammunition with electronic ignition systems is known from the prior art, with the entire electronic system, including communication means and power supply, being housed in a single projectile. A disadvantage of these systems is that the projectile itself requires a great deal of space, and the active body itself carries components that are no longer needed after firing.

[0011] The present invention is based on the object of providing an ignition system which is improved compared to the prior art.

[0012] This object is achieved with an ignition system having the features of claim 1.

[0013] According to the present invention, it is provided that the electronic ignition device is provided in the projectile and that the communication device is provided outside the projectile.

[0014] The projectile comprises, for example, an explosive-based charge, wherein the electronic ignition device of the ignition system is designed to initiate the ignition of the charge. The electronic ignition device is preferably time-controlled and comprises, for example, a timer so that the ignition can be set to a specific time. The communication device serves to provide communication between the electronic ignition device and an external computer. The computer is, for example, a fire control system or part of a fire control system. The fire control system can, for example, comprise electronic detection and / or guidance systems, such as radar, laser or infrared-based systems, or also optical systems. Furthermore, the fire control system can be designed to align weapon systems and / or guns and, in particular, to track moving targets.

[0015] The computing system can be used, in particular, to program the ignition device. This occurs, for example, via a data exchange using the communication device via a suitable interface and / or via means provided that connect the communication device and the electronic ignition device to one another. These means are, for example, a wire, a line, or a connector, or combinations thereof. Communication can also occur wirelessly.

[0016] The communication device and / or the electronic ignition device and, if applicable, other components of the system are advantageously designed in a modular manner, in particular with modular encapsulation. The modularization is advantageously carried out in a function-related manner. A modular design can also include a component, for example the communication device and / or the electronic ignition device, being enclosed in a housing.

[0017] The invention, i.e., the modular design of the ignition system components, allows a distributed ignition system to be easily implemented when the ignition system is integrated into the ammunition. The individual components, and thus the functions provided by each component, can be arranged spatially separated from one another in the ammunition. This allows the components to be integrated into the ammunition independently of one another.

[0018] This has the advantage, for example, that several smaller available volumes can be used when integrating the ignition system, thus providing more flexible solutions to installation space requirements.

[0019] By arranging components such as the communications device and the ignition system outside the projectile, the space required for the ignition system in the projectile is reduced to the space required for the functionally relevant electronics in the actual active body. To enable communication with components located in the projectile, such as the ignition device, in this case only the components absolutely necessary for receiving data are required within the projectile, and in particular in a minimalist design. Communication protocols for communication with a fire control system are often very complex due to the safety requirements and the complexity of the system. A less complex, parasitic protocol can be implemented for communication within the ammunition, in particular within the projectile.

[0020] Spatial separation can advantageously reduce or prevent the spread and / or influence of parasitic interference within the ignition system. Parasitic interference includes, for example, unwanted capacitive (i.e., unintended) capacitances between conductors or conductive structures.

[0021] Outside the projectile, the communication device can be provided, for example, in a casing of the ammunition.

[0022] The modular design of the ignition system components allows ammunition and / or the ignition system to be easily and efficiently adapted to different requirements, for example, to different weapon systems, by adapting individual components of the ignition system. This also reduces the development time for new or adapted weapon systems.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the ignition system comprises an energy generating device for supplying the electronic ignition device, and the energy generating device is provided outside the projectile. The energy generating device is, for example, a generator, in particular a so-called setback generator, also called an inertial generator. Outside the projectile, the energy generating device can be provided, for example, in a sabot of the projectile. Means are provided which connect the energy generating device and the electronic ignition device to one another. These means are, for example, a wire, a line, a connector, or combinations thereof.

[0024] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the ignition system comprises at least one interface for providing a connection between the ignition device and the communication device and / or at least one interface for providing a connection between the ignition device and the energy generation device and / or at least one interface for providing a connection between the communication device and the energy generation device and / or at least one interface for providing a connection between the communication device and the external computing system.

[0025] Communication via the interface can be defined using an interface specification, ICD, or Interface Control Document. The interface control describes, for example, how a system interface is structured and how it can be addressed. It is irrelevant how the components communicating via the interface, such as the computer system and the ignition system, themselves function.

[0026] Communication between the energy generation device and the ignition device also takes place, for example, via an interface, according to a specified protocol. The ignition device and, in particular, the energy generation device are thus independent of the particular weapon system in which the ammunition is ultimately used. Communication between the energy generation device and the ignition device enables, for example, control of the energy supply and / or energy generation.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the ignition system comprises at least one sensor device and / or at least one actuator device. Sensors are, for example, a sensor for detecting an approach, a sensor for detecting target tracking, and a sensor for detecting an impact. Actuators are, for example, an actuator for providing re-assurance and an actuator for providing final phase steering. The sensors and / or actuators can be integrated into the electronic ignition device. However, the sensors and / or actuators are preferably independent, modularly designed components, in particular modularly encapsulated, and can be connected to the electronic ignition device via suitable interfaces and / or means.Further embodiments relate to an electronic ignition device for an ignition system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic ignition device is designed such that at least one of the following functions is provided: a) communication via a communication device assigned to the electronic ignition devices with a computer system, b) providing an ignition safety device, in particular before firing and / or within a barrel and / or within a pre-barrel safety distance, c) initiating an ignition, for example an air blast point ignition and / or an impact ignition, d) providing overflight safety, f) recording and / or detecting at least one variable and / or an event and / or a state, in particular by means of corresponding sensors, g) controlling an actuator device, for example re-safety, final phase steering.With regard to the forward barrel safety distance, it can be provided that the fuze achieves the corresponding distance, in particular by means of suitable sensors. With regard to the air blast point, it can be provided that the detonation time is programmed before firing. An impact fuse can be implemented instantaneously or with a delay. Overflight safety provides security against premature detonation.

[0028] The task mentioned above is also carried out by the

[0029] Providing an ignition system according to the described embodiments and / or an electronic ignition device according to the described embodiments is achieved. According to the present invention, a modular fuze kit is provided that can be flexibly integrated into different ammunition and / or weapon systems. The fuze kit comprises the described components, for example an electronic ignition device, an energy generation device, a communication device, and optionally sensor and / or actuator devices, as well as suitable means and / or interfaces for providing a connection between the respective components.

[0030] The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by ammunition, in particular cartridge-loaded ammunition, comprising a projectile, and an ignition system for ammunition according to the described embodiments, and / or an electronic ignition device according to the described embodiments, wherein an electronic ignition device of the ignition system is arranged in the projectile and a communication device of the ignition system is preferably arranged outside the projectile.

[0031] In the context of the present invention, a projectile includes a projectile, a penetrator with or without a sabot.

[0032] Advantageously, the ammunition comprises a casing, and the communication device is arranged in the casing, in particular in a casing base of the casing. In the casing, for example, a

[0033] Propellant charge intended to fire the projectile.

[0034] The projectile is, for example, a sub-caliber kinetic energy projectile. Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the electronic ignition device is located within the projectile and / or that an energy generation device of the ignition system is located outside the projectile.

[0035] Further embodiments relate to a projectile for ammunition, in particular cartridge-loaded ammunition, according to the described embodiments, wherein an electronic ignition device is arranged in the projectile.

[0036] Advantageously, the projectile comprises a sabot, wherein an energy generating device is arranged in or on the sabot.

[0037] Further embodiments relate to the use of a projectile according to the described embodiments and / or ammunition according to the described embodiments for combating a target.

[0038] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, wherein identical or functionally similar elements are provided with identical reference numerals, if necessary, however, only once. They show: Fig. 1 schematically shows an ignition system for ammunition, in particular cartridge-loaded ammunition, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0039] Fig. 2 Ammunition, in particular cartridge-loaded ammunition with the ignition system of Fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, and

[0040] Fig. 3 Ammunition, in particular cartridge-loaded ammunition with the ignition system from Fig. 1 according to a further exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows an ignition system for a projectile for ammunition, in particular for cartridge-loaded ammunition. The ignition system is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 10. The ignition system comprises an electronic ignition device 12 and a communication device 14 associated with the electronic ignition device for providing communication between the electronic ignition device 12 and an external computer not shown in the figures.

[0042] The electronic ignition device 12 of the ignition system 10 is designed to initiate the ignition of a charge of a projectile. The electronic ignition device 12 is preferably time-controlled and comprises, for example, a timer, so that the ignition can be set to a specific time. The electronic ignition device 12 comprises, for example, a memory, in particular a programmable memory, and / or a computing device, in particular a programmable computing device. The electronic ignition device 12, in particular a memory and / or computing device, can be programmed, for example, via a computer (not shown) by means of the communication device 14.

[0043] The computer is, for example, a fire control system or part of a fire control system. The fire control system can, for example, include electronic detection and / or guidance systems, such as radar-, laser-, or infrared-based systems, or even optical systems. Furthermore, the fire control system can be designed to align weapon systems and / or guns, and in particular, to track moving targets.

[0044] The ignition system 10 comprises, for example, an energy generating device 16 for supplying the electronic ignition device 12. In principle, the energy generating device 16 can be designed in any way, for example it can comprise a battery or a generator. The energy generating device 16 is, for example, a generator, in particular a so-called setback generator, also called an inertia generator. The electrical energy is generated by the firing according to the law of induction. The electronic ignition device 12 can comprise a storage device for storing energy. The storage device can also be supplied by the communication unit 14. In this case, no generator or battery is necessary. The ignition system 10 further comprises, for example, a sensor device 18 and / or an actuator device 20. The ignition system 10 can also comprise a plurality of sensors 18 and / or a plurality of actuators 20.

[0045] Sensors 18 are, for example, a sensor for detecting an approach and / or a sensor for detecting target tracking and / or a sensor for detecting an impact. Actuators 20 are, for example, an actuator for providing re-assurance and / or an actuator for providing final phase steering. The sensors 18 and / or actuators 20 can be integrated into the electronic ignition device 12. However, the sensors 18 and / or actuators 20 are preferably independent, modularly designed components, preferably modularly encapsulated and can be connected to the electronic ignition device 12 via suitable interfaces and / or means. The energy supply to the sensors 18 or actuators 20 can be provided via the electronic ignition device 12.

[0046] Interfaces and / or means for data exchange and / or energy transmission between the components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the ignition system 10 are indicated in the figures as dashed connecting lines by way of example.

[0047] These means are, for example, a wire, a cable, or a connector, or combinations thereof. Data exchange and / or energy transmission can also occur wirelessly. For example, data exchange and / or energy transmission can also occur optically.

[0048] Data exchange via an interface can be defined using an interface specification (ICD, Interface Control Document). The interface control describes, for example, how a system interface is structured and how it can be addressed. It is irrelevant how the components communicating via the interface, such as the computer system and the ignition device 12, themselves function.

[0049] Communication between the energy generation device 16 and the firing device 12 also takes place, for example, via an interface according to a specified protocol. The firing device 12 and, in particular, the energy generation device 16 are thus independent of the particular weapon system in which the ammunition is ultimately used.

[0050] The components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the ignition system 10 are advantageously designed in a modular manner, in particular with modular encapsulation. The modularization is advantageously carried out on a function-related basis. A modular design can also include each component 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 being surrounded by a housing. The invention, i.e. the modular structure of components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the ignition system 10, makes it possible to easily implement a distributed ignition system when the ignition system 10 is integrated into ammunition. The individual components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and thus the functions provided by the respective components can be arranged spatially separate from one another in the ammunition. This means that the components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 can also be integrated into ammunition independently of one another.

[0051] Fig. 2 and 3 show an exemplary integration of the ignition system 10 into a munition 22.

[0052] According to the embodiment shown, the ammunition 22 is cartridge-loaded ammunition 22 .

[0053] The ammunition comprises a case 24. The case 24 comprises, for example, a case base 26 which is designed as a type of cavity.

[0054] According to the illustrated embodiment, the communication device 14 is arranged in the cartridge case base 26. The communication device 14 can also be arranged at a different location in the ammunition 22, but preferably outside a projectile 28 of the ammunition 22.

[0055] In the case, propellant charge 30 is provided for firing the projectile 28. In the projectile 28, according to the illustrated

[0056] In this embodiment, the electronic ignition device 12, the energy generation device 16, a sensor 18 and an actuator 20 are arranged.

[0057] Floor 28 comprises, according to the illustrated

[0058] Embodiment a penetrator 32 and a schematically shown sabot 34, see Fig. 3.

[0059] According to Fig. 3, it is provided that the energy generating device 16 is arranged in the sabot 34 and the electronic ignition device 12, the sensor 18 and the actuator 20 are arranged in the penetrator 32.

[0060] By arranging the communication device 14 outside the projectile, namely in the casing 24, and the energy generating device 16 in the sabot 34, the electronics arranged in the projectile 28, in particular in the penetrator 32, are reduced to a minimum in the actual active body.

[0061] The projectile 28 or the penetrator 32 comprise an explosive-based charge 36, wherein the electronic ignition device 12 of the ignition system 10 is designed to initiate the ignition of the charge 36.

[0062] The integration of the ignition system 10 into the ammunition 22 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is purely exemplary. Due to the modular design of the components 12, 14, 8, 18, 20 of the ignition system 10, an arbitrarily distributed ignition system 10 can be easily realized when the ignition system is integrated into the ammunition. The individual components 12, 14, 8, 18, 20, and thus the functions provided by the respective components 12, 14, 8, 18, 20, can be arranged spatially separate from one another in the ammunition 22. Due to the modular design of the components 12, 14, 8, 18, 20 of the ignition system 10, ammunition 22 and / or the ignition system 10 can be easily and efficiently adapted to different requirements, for example to different weapon systems, by adapting individual components 12, 14, 8, 18, 20 of the ignition system 10.In this way, the duration of development projects, for example of new or adapted weapons systems, can be significantly reduced.

[0063] List of reference symbols Ignition system Electronic ignition device Communication device Energy generation device Sensor Actuator Ammunition Case Case base Projectile Propellant charge Penetrator Sabot Explosive-based charge

Claims

Patent claims Ignition system (10) for a projectile (28) for ammunition (22), in particular for cartridge-loaded ammunition, the ignition system (10) comprising an electronic ignition device (12) and a communication device (14) assigned to the electronic ignition device (12) for providing communication between the electronic ignition device (12) and a computer, in particular a computing system, characterized in that the electronic ignition device (12) is provided in the projectile (28), and that the communication device (14) is provided outside the projectile (28). Ignition system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the ignition system (10) comprises an energy generation device (16) for supplying the electronic ignition device (12), and that the energy generation device (16) is provided outside the projectile (28).Ignition system (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the ignition system (10) has at least one interface for providing a connection between the ignition device (12) and the communication device (14) and / or at least one interface for providing a connection. of ignition device (12) and energy generation device (16) and / or at least one interface for providing a connection between communication device (14) and energy generation device (16) and / or at least one interface for providing a connection between communication device (14) and external computing system. Ignition system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ignition system (10) comprises at least one sensor device (18), in particular for detecting an approach, target tracking and / or an impact, and / or at least one actuator device (20), in particular for providing a re-safety and / or a final phase steering. Electronic ignition device (12) for an ignition system (10) according to at least one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the electronic ignition device (12) is designed such that at least one of the following functions is provided: a) communication via a communication device (14) assigned to the electronic ignition devices (12) with a computer system, b) provision of a detonation safety device, in particular before firing and / or within a tube and / or within a Pre-tube safety distance, c) initiating an ignition, for example an air blast point ignition and / or an impact ignition, d) providing overflight safety, e) sensing and / or detecting at least one variable and / or an event and / or a state, in particular by means of a sensor device, f) controlling an actuator device (20), for example re-safety, final phase steering.

6. Providing an ignition system (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4 and / or an electronic ignition device (12) according to claim 5.

7. Ammunition (22), in particular cartridge-loaded ammunition, comprising a projectile (28), and an ignition system (10) for ammunition (22) according to one of claims 1 to 4, and / or an electronic ignition device (12) according to claim 5, characterized in that an electronic ignition device (12) of the ignition system (10) is arranged in the projectile (28) and a communication device (14) of the ignition system (10) is arranged outside the projectile (28).

8. Ammunition (22) according to claim 7, characterized in that the ammunition comprises a casing, and the communication device is arranged in the casing, in particular in a casing base of the casing.

9. Ammunition (22) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that in the projectile a Actuator device (20) and / or a sensor device (20) is provided and / or an energy generation device (16) of the ignition system (10) is provided outside the projectile (28).

10. Projectile (28) for ammunition (22), in particular cartridged ammunition, according to at least one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that an electronic ignition device (12) is arranged in the projectile (28).

11. Projectile according to claim 10, characterized in that the projectile (28) comprises a sabot, wherein the electronic ignition device (12) is arranged in the projectile (28) and an energy generation device is arranged in or on the sabot.

12. Using a projectile (28) according to at least one of claims 10 or 11 and / or ammunition (22) according to at least one of claims 8 or 9 to combat a target.

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