Modular ignition system and ammunition equipped with the modular ignition system

Abstract

The present invention relates to 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 (14) assigned to the electronic ignition device (12) for providing communication between the electronic ignition device (12) and a computer, more particularly a computing system, characterized in that the electronic ignition device (12) is provided within the projectile (28) and the communication device (14) is provided outside the projectile (28).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ignition system for a projectile for ammunition, more particularly for cartridge ammunition, the ignition system comprising an electronic ignition device and a communication device assigned to the electronic ignition device for providing communication between the electronic ignition device and a computer, more particularly a computing system.

[0002] The present invention further relates to an electronic ignition device for such an ignition system, and to the provision of an ignition system. [Background technology]

[0003] Ammunition with an electronic ignition system is known from the prior art, in which the entire electronic system, including communication means and energy supply means, is located in the projectile of the ammunition. The disadvantage of the known system is that a lot of space is required in the projectile and the ignition body itself carries equipment that is no longer needed after launch. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention is based on the object of providing an ignition system that is improved compared to the prior art.

[0005] This object is achieved by an ignition system having the features of claim 1.

[0006] In accordance with the present invention, the electronic ignition device is located within the projectile and the communication device is located external to the projectile.

[0007] The projectile comprises, for example, an explosive-based charge, and an electronic igniter of the ignition system is designed to initiate ignition of the charge. The electronic igniter is preferably temperature controlled and also includes a timer, for example so that ignition can be set to a specific time.

[0008] The communications device serves to provide communication between the electronic ignition device and an external computer. The computer may be, for example, a launch control system or part of a launch control system. The launch control system may include an electronic acquisition and / or control system, such as, for example, a radar, laser or infrared-based system, or an optical system. Furthermore, the launch control system may be designed to position the weapon system and / or weapon, more specifically, to track a moving target.

[0009] The computing system can be used to more specifically program the ignition device, for example by exchanging data with the communication device via a suitable interface and / or via means connecting the communication device and the electronic ignition device to each other, such as wires, cables, or connectors, or a combination thereof. The communication can also be wireless.

[0010] The communication device and / or electronic ignition device, and optionally other components of the system, are advantageously designed to be modular, more particularly modularly encapsulated. The modularization is advantageously based on function. The modular design can also include each component, e.g., the communication device and / or the electronic ignition device, being enclosed by a housing.

[0011] The modular structure of the components of the ignition system according to the present invention allows for the creation of a distributed ignition system by incorporating the ignition system into the ammunition. The individual components, and therefore the functions provided by each component, can be spatially separated from one another within the ammunition. This means that the components can be incorporated into the ammunition independently of one another.

[0012] This has the advantage that, for example, multiple smaller available volumes can be used when incorporating ignition systems, thus providing a more flexible solution to installation space requirements.

[0013] By locating components such as a communication device or an ignition system outside the projectile, the installation space required for the ignition system within the projectile is reduced to that required for the actual functionally related electronics within the actual working body. To enable communication with a component located within the projectile, such as the ignition device, only components absolutely necessary for receiving data are required within the projectile, more specifically, with a minimal design. Communication protocols for communicating with the launch control system are often very complex due to safety requirements and system complexity. Within the munition, more specifically within the projectile, a less complex parasitic protocol can be implemented for communication.

[0014] Spatial separation can advantageously reduce or prevent the spread and / or effects of parasitic interference within the ignition system, for example, unintended and unwanted capacitance between conductors or conductive arrangements within a circuit.

[0015] Outside the projectile, a communication device may be provided, for example, within the casing of the ammunition.

[0016] The modular construction of the ignition system components allows the munitions and / or ignition system to be easily and efficiently adapted to different requirements, e.g., different weapon systems, by adjusting the individual components of the ignition system. In this way, development time for new or adapted weapon systems can also be reduced.

[0017] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the ignition system comprises an energy generator for supplying energy to the electronic ignition device, the energy generator being arranged outside the projectile. The energy generator is, for example, a generator, more specifically a so-called setback generator, also called an inertial generator. Outside the projectile, the energy generator may be arranged, for example, in the sabot of the projectile. Means are provided for connecting the energy generator and the electronic ignition device. These means are, for example, wires, cables, or connectors, or a combination thereof.

[0018] According to one embodiment, it is presented that the ignition system comprises at least one interface for providing a connection between an ignition device and a communication device, and / or at least one interface for providing a connection between the ignition device and an energy generating device, and / or at least one interface for providing a connection between the communication device and the energy generating device, and / or at least one interface for providing a connection between the communication device and an external computing system.

[0019] Communication over an interface can be specified using an interface specification, an ICD (Interface Control Document). An interface control describes, for example, how a system's interface is structured and how it can be processed, regardless of how the components communicating over the interface, such as a computing system and an ignition device, function.

[0020] The communication between the energy generator and the ignition device is also performed via an interface according to a specified protocol. The ignition device, and more specifically the energy generator, is therefore independent of the specific weapon system in which the munition will ultimately be used. The communication between the energy generator and the ignition device makes it possible, for example, to control the energy supply and / or energy generation.

[0021] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the ignition system comprises at least one sensor device and / or at least one actuator device. The sensors include, for example, a sensor for detecting approach, a sensor for detecting target tracking, and a sensor for detecting impact. Examples of actuators are an actuator for providing relock and an actuator for providing final maneuver. The sensor and / or actuator can be integrated into the electronic ignition device. However, the sensor and / or actuator are preferably independent, modularly designed components, more particularly modularly encapsulated, and can be connected to the electronic ignition device via appropriate interfaces and / or means.

[0022] A further embodiment relates to an electronic ignition device for an ignition system according to at least one of the previous claims, characterized in that the electronic ignition device is designed to provide at least one of the following functions:

[0023] a) communicating with a computing system via a communication device assigned to the electronic ignition device; b) providing an ignition safety, more specifically, providing an ignition safety before launch and / or in the barrel and / or within a safe distance after launch; c) initiating ignition, e.g., air injection point ignition and / or impact ignition; d) providing an in-flight safety; f) acquiring and / or detecting at least one variable and / or event and / or condition, more specifically by a corresponding sensor; g) controlling an actuator device, e.g., relock, final stage maneuver. Regarding the safe distance after launch, the igniter may be provided with determining the corresponding distance, more specifically by a suitable sensor. Regarding the air injection point, it may be provided with being able to program the detonation time before launch. Impact ignition can be achieved immediately or with a delay. The in-flight safety provides safety against premature detonation.

[0024] The object stated at the outset is also achieved by providing an ignition system according to the described embodiments and / or an electronic ignition device according to the described embodiments. According to the invention, a modular igniter kit is provided that can be flexibly integrated into different munitions and / or weapon systems. The igniter kit includes the described components, such as an electronic ignition device, an energy generation device, a communication device, and optionally a sensor and / or actuator device, as well as suitable means and / or interfaces for providing a connection between each of the components.

[0025] The object stated at the outset is also achieved by ammunition comprising a projectile, more particularly cartridge ammunition, and by an ignition system for the ammunition according to the described embodiments and / or by an electronic ignition device according to the described embodiments, wherein the electronic ignition device of the ignition system is arranged inside the projectile and the communication device of the ignition system is preferably arranged outside the projectile.

[0026] In the context of the present invention, projectiles include projectiles with or without a sabot, penetrators.

[0027] Advantageously, it is provided that the ammunition comprises a casing and that the communication device is arranged in the casing, more particularly in the casing base of the casing, for example the casing containing a propellant charge for launching the projectile.

[0028] The projectile is, for example, a sub-caliber impact projectile. It is furthermore advantageously provided that an electronic ignition device is provided within the projectile and / or an energy generator of the ignition system is provided outside the projectile.

[0029] A further embodiment relates to a projectile for ammunition, more particularly cartridge ammunition, according to the described embodiments, wherein the electronic ignition device is disposed within the projectile.

[0030] Advantageously, it is provided that the projectile comprises a sabot and that the energy generating device is arranged in or on the sabot.

[0031] Further embodiments relate to the use of projectiles according to the described embodiments and / or munitions for combating targets according to the described embodiments.

[0032] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which identical or functionally identical elements are designated with the same reference numbers, but only once where appropriate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of an ignition system for ammunition, more particularly cartridge ammunition, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates ammunition, more specifically cartridge ammunition, having the ignition system of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows ammunition, more particularly cartridge ammunition, having the ignition system of FIG. 1 according to a further embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] 1 shows an ignition system for ammunition, and more particularly for a projectile for cartridge ammunition. The ignition system is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The ignition system includes 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).

[0035] The electronic igniter 12 of the ignition system 10 is designed to initiate ignition of the projectile charge. The electronic igniter 12 is preferably temperature controlled and includes, for example, a timer so that ignition can be set to a specific time.

[0036] Electronic ignition device 12 may, for example, more specifically include a programmable memory device and / or a programmable computing device in particular. Electronic ignition device 12, more specifically the memory device and / or the computing device, may be programmed, for example, by communication device 14 via a computer (not shown).

[0037] The computer may be, for example, a launch control system or part of a launch control system. The launch control system may include an electronic acquisition and / or control system, such as, for example, a radar, laser or infrared-based system, or an optical system. Additionally, the launch control system may be designed to position the weapon system and / or weapon, more specifically, to track a moving target.

[0038] The ignition system 10 includes, for example, an energy generator 16 for supplying the electronic ignition device 12. In principle, the energy generator 16 can be designed in any manner and can include, for example, a battery or a generator. The energy generator 16 is, for example, a generator, more specifically, a so-called setback generator, also known as an inertial generator. Electrical energy is generated by firing according to the law of induction. The electronic ignition device 12 may also include a storage device for storing energy. The storage device can also be supplied by the communication unit 14. In this case, a generator or battery is not required.

[0039] The ignition system 10 may further include, for example, a sensor device 18 and / or an actuator device 20. The ignition system 10 may also include multiple sensors 18 and / or multiple actuators 20.

[0040] The sensor 18 is, for example, a sensor for detecting approach and / or a sensor for detecting target tracking and / or a sensor for detecting impact. The actuator 20 is, for example, an actuator for providing relock and / or an actuator for providing a final stage maneuver. The sensor 18 and / or the actuator 20 can be integrated into the electronic ignition device 12. However, the sensor 18 and / or the actuator 20 are preferably independent modularly designed components, preferably modularly encapsulated, that can be connected to the electronic ignition device 12 via appropriate interfaces and / or means. The energy supply to the sensor 18 or the actuator 20 can be provided via the electronic ignition device 12.

[0041] 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 shown by way of example in the figures as dashed connecting lines.

[0042] These means may be, for example, wires, cables, or connectors, or a combination thereof. Data exchange and / or energy transmission may be performed wirelessly. For example, data exchange and / or energy transmission may be performed optically.

[0043] Data exchange over an interface can be specified using an interface specification, ICD (Interface Control Document). Interface control describes, for example, how a system's interface is structured and how it can be processed, regardless of how the components communicating over the interface, for example, the computing system and ignition device 12, themselves function.

[0044] Communication between the energy generator 16 and the igniter 12 also occurs according to a specified protocol, e.g., via an interface. Thus, the igniter 12, and more specifically the energy generator 16, is independent of the given weapon system in which the munition will ultimately be used.

[0045] The components 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 of the ignition system 10 are advantageously designed to be modular, and more specifically, modularly encapsulated. The modularization is advantageously based on function. The modular design may also include each component 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 being enclosed by a housing.

[0046] The modular structure of the components 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 of the present invention, i.e., ignition system 10, allows for a simple implementation of a distributed ignition system when ignition system 10 is incorporated into ammunition. The individual components 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20, and therefore the functions provided by each component, can be spatially separated from one another within the ammunition. This allows the components 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 to be incorporated into the ammunition independently of one another.

[0047] 2 and 3 show an example of the incorporation of ignition system 10 into ammunition 22.

[0048] According to the illustrated embodiment, the ammunition 22 is a cartridge ammunition 22 .

[0049] The ammunition comprises a casing 24. The casing 24 comprises a casing base 26, which is designed, for example, as a kind of cavity.

[0050] According to the illustrated embodiment, the communication device 14 is located within the casing base 26. The communication device 14 may also be located elsewhere within the ammunition 22, but is preferably located outside the projectile 28 of the ammunition 22.

[0051] The casing contains, for example, a propellant charge 30 for launching the projectile 28 .

[0052] According to the illustrated embodiment, the electronic igniter 12 , energy generator 16 , sensor 18 , and actuator 20 are disposed within a projectile 28 .

[0053] According to the illustrated embodiment, the projectile 28 comprises a penetrator 32 and a sabot 34, shown diagrammatically (see FIG. 3).

[0054] According to FIG. 3, it is proposed that the energy generating device 16 is arranged in a sabot 34 , and the electronic ignition device 12 , the sensor 18 and the actuator 20 are arranged in a penetrator 32 .

[0055] By locating the communication device 14 outside the projectile, i.e., within the casing 24, and the energy generating device 16 within the sabot 34, the electronics located within the actual effector projectile 28, and more specifically, the penetrator 32, are minimized.

[0056] The projectile 28 and / or penetrator 32 includes an explosive-based charge 36 , and the electronic igniter 12 of the ignition system 10 is designed to initiate ignition of the charge 36 .

[0057] The incorporation of the ignition system 10 into the ammunition 22 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is purely by way of example.

[0058] The modular structure of the components 12, 14, 8, 18, and 20 of the ignition system 10 allows for an arbitrarily distributed ignition system 10 to be realized in a simple manner when the ignition system is integrated into a munition. The individual components 12, 14, 8, 18, and 20, and thus the functions provided by each component 12, 14, 8, 18, and 20, can be spatially separated from one another within the munition 22. The modular structure of the components 12, 14, 8, 18, and 20 of the ignition system 10 allows the munition 22 and / or the ignition system 10 to be easily and efficiently adapted to different requirements, e.g., different weapon systems, by adapting the individual components 12, 14, 8, 18, and 20 of the ignition system 10. In this way, the duration of a development project for a new or adapted weapon system, for example, can be significantly shortened. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 10. Ignition System 12 Electronic ignition system 14. Communications equipment 16 Energy Generator 18 Sensors 20 Actuator 22 ammunition 24 Casing 26 Casing base 28 Projectile 30 Propellant Charge 32 Penetrator 34 Sabot 36 Explosive-based charges

Claims

1. 1. An ignition system (10) for a projectile (28) for ammunition (22), more particularly for cartridge ammunition, 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, more particularly a computing system, wherein the electronic ignition device (12) is provided within the projectile (28) and the communication device (14) is provided outside the projectile (28).

2. 2. The ignition system (10) of claim 1, further comprising an energy generator (16) for supplying energy to the electronic ignition device (12), the energy generator (16) being provided external to the projectile (28).

3. 3. The ignition system (10) of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ignition system (10) comprises at least one interface for providing a connection between the electronic ignition device (12) and the communication device (14), and / or at least one interface for providing a connection between the electronic ignition device (12) and an energy generating device (16), and / or at least one interface for providing a connection between the communication device (14) and an energy generating device (16), and / or at least one interface for providing a connection between the communication device (14) and the external computing system.

4. 4. The ignition system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ignition system (10) comprises at least one sensor device (18), more particularly for detecting approach, target tracking and / or impact, and / or at least one actuator device (20), more particularly for providing relock and / or final stage maneuvers.

5. An electronic ignition device (12) 5. An electronic ignition device (12) for an ignition system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is designed to provide at least one of the following functions: a) communicating with a computing system via a communication device (14) assigned to said electronic ignition device (12); b) providing detonation protection, more particularly providing detonation protection before launch and / or in the barrel and / or within a safe distance after launch; c) initiating ignition, for example air injection point ignition and / or impact ignition; d) providing in-flight safety; e) acquiring and / or detecting at least one variable and / or event and / or state, more particularly by means of a sensor device; f) controlling an actuator device (20), for example relocking, final maneuvers.

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

7. The ammunition (22), more particularly cartridge ammunition, comprises a projectile (28) and an ignition system (10) for the ammunition (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and / or an electronic ignition device (12) according to claim 5, characterized in that the electronic ignition device (12) of the ignition system (10) is arranged inside 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 (14) is arranged in the casing, more particularly in a casing base of the casing.

9. Ammunition (22) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that an actuator device (20) and / or a sensor device (20) are provided on the projectile (28) and / or an energy generator (16) of the ignition system (10) is provided outside the projectile (28).

10. Ammunition (22), more particularly said projectile (28) for cartridge ammunition, according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that an electronic ignition device (12) is arranged in said projectile (28).

11. 11. The projectile (28) of claim 10, wherein the projectile (28) comprises a sabot, the electronic ignition device (12) is disposed within the projectile (28), and an energy generator is disposed within or on the sabot.

12. Use of a projectile (28) according to claim 10 or claim 11 and / or ammunition (22) according to claim 8 or claim 9 for combating a target.

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