Measurement and / or programming device for a barrelled firearm

Abstract

The invention relates to a measurement and / or programming device (1) for a barrelled firearm, having at least one coil, in particular a measurement coil (14) and / or a programming coil (15), wherein the measurement and / or programming device (1) has a projectile passage opening (18) and the projectile passage opening (18) is delimited by an inner wall face (19), wherein the inner wall face (19) has an inner cross section which expands in the firing direction. The measurement and / or programming device (1) is less likely to become damaged, and permits precise firing of a shot in that the measurement and / or programming device (1) has an extension part (17), wherein the extension part (17) forms at least part of the inner wall face (19), wherein the length of the extension part (17) is greater than the smallest opening radius of the extension part (17).

Description

[0001] Measuring and / or programming device for a barrel weapon

[0002] The invention relates to a measuring and / or programming device having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1. The measuring and / or programming device is particularly suitable for use on a barrel weapon and for programmable ammunition. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for firing and programming ammunition having the features of patent claim 12.

[0003] The measuring and / or programming device is used to measure and / or generate electromagnetic fields on and / or within the measuring and / or programming device, which is preferably located at the muzzle of a gun. The measuring and / or programming device can measure fields and generate corresponding signals. The signal can be used to verify the temporal correlation to the projectile and also the programming of a projectile itself.

[0004] In the context of this description, the term "tube weapon" refers to both guns and rocket launch tubes. The term "projectile" refers to all missiles that can be fired from a tube weapon, i.e., ballistic projectiles and projectiles that are at least partially self-propelled. Ballistic projectiles are common, conventional projectiles that may detonate upon impact, as well as programmable projectiles that, for example, detonate in flight. The projectiles can be spin-stabilized and / or arrow-stabilized. The projectiles can be designed, for example, as propellant projectiles, as primary projectiles that carry several secondary projectiles, or as practice projectiles with a core and jacket. The muzzle velocity of a projectile is usually denoted by Vo or is also called the Vo velocity.This is the speed at which a projectile fired from a gun moves relative to the barrel upon exiting the barrel. The duration of flight, the distance of flight, and the point of impact depend on the velocity (Vo). Precise knowledge of the muzzle velocity (V) is essential. ois particularly important in connection with programmable projectiles, since the time at which a programming code is transmitted to the projectile depends on the muzzle velocity Vo. The muzzle velocity Vo also depends on the weight and temperature of the propellant landing as well as the condition of the barrel. The barrel weapon is particularly suitable for firing air burst munitions. Air burst munitions (ABM) are a type of munition that disintegrates during the flight phase without the need to hit a target object or approach a target object. For this purpose, a disintegrating charge within this munition is ignited and exploded by a suitable mechanism at a programmed time. If the muzzle velocity Vo of the air burst munition is known with sufficient accuracy, the desired distance can be determined by specifying a time after which the disintegrating charge should detonate after leaving the muzzle.Due to the natural dispersion of muzzle velocities of air burst ammunition, it is particularly important for this type of ammunition to determine the exit velocity in the muzzle Vo with sufficient speed.

[0005] A measuring and programming device is known from the generic EP 2 699 871 B1, wherein this device is designed for programming a programmable projectile in the muzzle region of a gun with at least one programming coil. A measuring device is integrated into this device, which detects the fields and / or signals emerging from the programming coil. In a first embodiment, the measuring device is embedded in a fastening ring that can be glued to the end face of the gun muzzle. A second embodiment has a support tube with three tube sections. Ring coils for measuring the projectile velocity are arranged between the first tube section and the second or third tube section. The third tube section serves as the programming section, wherein a transmitting coil is provided in a coil body in this third tube section.In a third embodiment, the fastening ring is designed as a cap that can be slipped over the muzzle of the gun. The measuring and programming device according to the first and third embodiments has an opening in the muzzle region, with the inner wall surface of the opening tapering conically in the firing direction.

[0006] In the prior art, this measuring and programming device of the known type is mounted on the muzzle of a gun barrel in the form of a cap or a cylindrical extension. A stepped-cylindrical design of the inner wall area is known in the prior art. It can be used with both smoothbore and rifled guns.

[0007] A particular technical problem with the known measuring and programming device is the lack of robustness of the electronic components against high gas pressures, temperatures, and / or falling parts of the ammunition. Particularly in the case of sub-caliber ammunition, such as arrow ammunition, falling parts of the sabot can directly or indirectly damage mechanical or electronic components upon collision. Indirect damage, for example, refers to damage caused by shock waves in the outer casing to the internal electronic components. Direct and indirect damage can also be caused by high gas pressures. This problem is further exacerbated by the fact that sensitive electronic components cannot be completely covered by metallic materials, as otherwise the transmission or reception performance of these electronic components would be impaired.Furthermore, precision is important in weapon systems. Excessive dispersion in the hit pattern must be avoided. The recoil generated during firing can cause additional dispersion in the hit pattern, especially with a rapid firing rate.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a measuring and / or programming device and a method for measuring and / or programming ammunition in a gun, which has a lower probability of damage and enables precise firing.

[0009] This object underlying the invention is now achieved by a measuring and / or programming device having the features of patent claim 1.

[0010] According to the invention, the measuring and / or programming device comprises an extension part, wherein the extension part forms at least part of the inner wall surface, wherein the length of the extension part is greater than the smallest opening radius of the extension part. The extension part has a conical inner wall surface, wherein the length of the extension part is greater than, in particular, the smallest opening radius of the extension part. The axial length of the inner wall surface is greater than half the caliber, in particular more than the caliber of the weapon barrel. Due to the greater length of the extension part, the measuring coil and the programming coil can be arranged at a greater distance in the axial direction, which increases the time between the measurement of the velocity and the programming. This simplifies programming.

[0011] The smallest diameter of the bullet passage opening is preferably greater than 30 mm. The barrel weapon preferably has a caliber of at least 30 mm. This means that the measuring and / or programming device can be used in particular on barrel weapons with a caliber of at least 30 mm. The measuring and / or programming device is preferably used in a barrel weapon with a caliber of 30 mm. The inner wall surface is formed by the extension part. In the mounted position, the inner wall surface is arranged concentrically to the center axis of the weapon barrel. Due to the conical inner geometry of the inner wall surface, the entire measuring and / or programming device can be positioned outside the possible trajectory of the bullet. In addition, gas pressures acting on the measuring and / or programming device are reduced by the cross-sectional expansion.The test has shown that the angle of inclination of the conical wall surface with respect to a linear-cylindrical gun barrel, depending on the bullet velocity, preferably runs between 5° and 45° from each side to the central axis of the extension part.

[0012] The inner wall surface is preferably inclined at an angle of 10° + / - 5° relative to a central axis of the extension part. The central axis forms the rotational symmetry axis of the inner wall surface. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the wall surface is inclined at a particular angle of 10° to each side of the central axis. The faster the projectile, the smaller the angle can be set.

[0013] The extension piece is made of a plastic material. This has the advantage that the electromagnetic fields to be measured or generated are not overly influenced by the extension piece. The extension piece is made of a temperature-resistant, high-performance polymer, preferably polyimide. Polyimide has the advantage of high strength and rigidity. This high-performance polymer can protect the electronic components from damage and reduces the transmission or reception power to a lesser extent than metallic materials.

[0014] The extension part is mounted behind the muzzle of the weapon, in particular as viewed in the direction of fire. The invention particularly relates to a special type of arrangement on a muzzle brake, wherein the measuring and / or programming device is arranged behind the muzzle brake, as viewed in the direction of fire. In a preferred embodiment, the muzzle brake is made of titanium. The extension part is preferably arranged as an extension of the muzzle brake. The muzzle brake is arranged or interposed between the weapon barrel and the measuring and / or programming device. In this way, the pressure of the gas can be reduced before entering the measuring and programming device, thus further counteracting damage. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for medium-caliber weapons, where the gas pressures are correspondingly high.By reducing the gas pressure using the muzzle brake in a 30 mm caliber, the gas pressure acting on the conical measuring and / or programming device can be reduced by between 50% and 70%. A further advantage of this design is the reduction of recoil acting on the weapon. Due to the conical design of the measuring and / or programming device at the muzzle of the weapon, this also has a detrimental effect on the weapon as a recoil amplifier. The muzzle brake can compensate for this recoil amplification.

[0015] The measuring and / or programming device has at least one coil. Preferably, a measuring coil and a programming coil are present.

[0016] The measuring coil is arranged axially between the muzzle brake, in particular a collar of the muzzle brake, and the extension piece. This allows for a compact design.

[0017] To protect the measuring coil and the programming coil, at least one damping or sealing element is preferably arranged between the extension part and the muzzle brake. In particular, several damping or sealing elements are arranged between the extension part and the muzzle brake.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the measuring coil and the sealing element, as well as a coil protection ring, are arranged between the extension part and the muzzle brake. The coil protection ring further reduces the risk of damage to the measuring coil. The coil protection ring can preferably be arranged with a radially extending leg between the damping or sealing element. A further leg extending in the axial direction rests against the outer circumference of the measuring coil.

[0019] The programming coil is arranged radially outside the conical inner wall surface of the extension part. The programming coil is arranged axially spaced from the measuring coil, particularly in the direction of flight of the projectile. The programming coil is arranged on an outer circumference of the extension part, particularly in the region of a constriction of the extension part.

[0020] The assembly, namely the measuring and programming device, comprises a hood, which encompasses the extension part and at least a portion of the muzzle brake, in particular a collar, on the outer circumference. This allows the measuring and programming device to be protected, and the measuring and programming device can be attached to the muzzle brake via the hood.

[0021] Further damping is preferably achieved in that the hood has an inner collar extending radially inwards, wherein a sealing and damping element is arranged between the inner collar and the extension part.

[0022] The object is further achieved by a method for firing a projectile with the steps: a) igniting an ammunition comprising a programmable or non-programmable projectile, b) accelerating the projectile in a weapon barrel by gas at a gas pressure, wherein the method is characterized by flying through an arrangement with a muzzle brake and a measuring and programming device, whereby the gas pressure acting on the measuring and programming device is reduced to a lower gas pressure by means of the muzzle brake before the projectile passes through the measuring and programming device.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the non-programmable projectile is of a smaller caliber than the weapon barrel and includes sabot elements. The method comprises an additional step, namely reducing the gas pressure to a lower gas pressure by means of the muzzle brake before the projectile passes through the measuring and / or programming device. In a preferred embodiment, the measured velocity in the method is the exit velocity of the projectile at the muzzle, Vo.

[0024] When a non-programmable projectile passes through the measuring and / or programming device, sabot elements can be released. After the projectile passes through a measuring coil, the projectile's velocity can be measured. Furthermore, when the projectile passes through a programming coil, the programmable projectile can be programmed with a detonation time. Programming with a detonation time takes place after the projectile's velocity has been measured. There are now numerous possibilities for designing and developing the measuring and / or programming device according to the invention. In this regard, reference is first made to the patent claims subordinate to claim 1. A preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing and the associated description. The drawing shows:

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a highly schematic representation of a measuring and programming device arranged on a muzzle brake,

[0026] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged detail of a part of the measuring and programming device, namely a section through an extension part, and

[0027] Fig. 3 is a highly schematic representation of the measuring and programming device and the muzzle brake according to Fig. 1, wherein different trajectories are shown and an alternative embodiment (not according to the invention) of the extension part is indicated in dashed lines.

[0028] Figures 1 to 3 are discussed in more detail below.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a measuring and programming device 1. The measuring and programming device 1 is arranged on a muzzle brake 2. The muzzle brake 2 has a plurality of impact surfaces 3, 4. The impact surfaces 3, 4 are slightly inclined backwards as viewed in the direction of fire in order to reduce recoil due to the resulting counterforce. Furthermore, gas outlet openings 5, 6 are formed on the muzzle brake 2, in particular at circumferential intervals. In particular, a first group of gas outlet openings 5 ​​is formed behind the first impact surface 3. These gas outlet openings 5 ​​are in particular spaced apart circumferentially. Behind the second impact surface 4, a corresponding group of gas outlet openings 6 is formed, which are also circumferentially spaced apart. In Fig. 1, only one of the gas outlet openings 5, 6 is shown.

[0030] The muzzle brake 2 has a weapon barrel mount 7, wherein the muzzle brake 2 can be attached to the weapon barrel with the weapon barrel mount 7. The muzzle brake 2 is attached to the weapon barrel (not shown) via fastening means (not shown). The measuring and programming device 1 is arranged at the end opposite the weapon barrel mount 7. At this end, the muzzle brake 2 has a collar 8, wherein the collar 8 has a radially inner step 9 and a radially outer step 10.

[0031] The muzzle brake has an inner sleeve 11. The step 9 is delimited on the radial inside by the inner sleeve 11. The inner sleeve 11 has a conically inclined inner wall surface 12, which also delimits the bullet passage opening 18.

[0032] On its radially outer circumference, the collar 8 has a retaining ring 13, which delimits the step 10 with its undesignated radially inner surface. The step 9 and the step 10 each have bottom surfaces (not further designated), wherein the bottom surface of the step 9, viewed in the axial direction, lies further toward the weapon barrel end than the bottom surface of the step 10. The muzzle brake 2 is made in particular in one piece from a metal material, in particular from titanium.

[0033] The measuring and programming device 1 has two coils, namely a measuring coil 14 and a programming coil 15. The measuring coil 14 is arranged closer to the muzzle brake 2 than the programming coil 15, since the velocity of the projectile (not shown) must first be measured with the measuring coil 14 upon firing, in order to then program the fragmentation time using the programming coil 15. The measuring coil 14 is arranged here within a housing (not designated in more detail). The measuring coil 14 is arranged on the step 9 and thus radially outside the inner sleeve 11. On its outer circumference and on an outer side extending in the axial direction, the measuring coil 14 is suitably encompassed by a coil protection ring 16.

[0034] The measuring and programming device 1 has an extension part 17, wherein the extension part 17 delimits a bullet passage opening 18 with its inner wall surface 19.

[0035] In Fig. 2 it is clearly visible that the opening angle of the extension part 17 is 20° + / - 0.1°. The angle of inclination of the inner wall surface 19 relative to the central axis M is therefore approximately 10°. It has been found that the angle of inclination with respect to the central axis M, i.e. with respect to the linear cylindrical shape of the weapon barrel, should preferably be between 5° and 45° from each side to the central axis M, depending on the projectile velocity. The faster the projectile, the smaller the angle can be set. This has the advantage that the projectile or parts of the projectile do not come into contact with the inner wall surface 19 of the extension part 17. Fig. 3 shows, on the one hand, an envelope of a trajectory 20 of a projectile without a sabot and, on the other hand, an envelope of the trajectory of a projectile with a sabot 21.With the inner wall surface 19 according to the invention, the projectile, regardless of whether it has a sabot or not, does not come into contact with the inner wall surface 19. An alternative, non-inventive geometric profile of the inner wall surface 22 is shown in dashed lines in Fig. 3, which is stepped. It can be seen that when a projectile with sabots is fired, the descending sabots would come into contact with the step 23. It is clearly evident from Fig. 3 that the risk of damage to the measuring and programming device 1 is improved by the design according to the invention.

[0036] In the following, reference may be made again to Fig. 1 and the other components will be explained in more detail.

[0037] At the transition to the inner sleeve 11, the extension part 17 preferably has the same diameter as the inner sleeve 11 or a smaller diameter than the inner sleeve 11. The angle of inclination of the inner wall surface 12 of the inner sleeve 11 is preferably less than or equal to the angle of inclination of the inner wall surface 19 relative to the central axis. The continuous transition between the inner sleeve 11 and the extension part 17 reduces the risk of damage, namely by reducing the load on the components. Since, in particular, no step or the like is formed here, the forces acting on the components are reduced.

[0038] The extension part 17 has a radial constriction 24 on its outer circumference, with the programming coil 15 arranged within this constriction 24. This design allows for easier contact with the programming coil 15 and, if necessary, replacement. Both the measuring coil 14 and the programming coil 15 are connected via a common cable feed 25, which is shown only very schematically here. The measuring coil 14 and the programming coil 15 are connected to an evaluation or programming circuit via the cable feed 25.

[0039] A damping or sealing element 27 is arranged between the collar 8 and the outer end region 26 of the extension part 17. The extension part 17 further encompasses the coil protection ring 16 in the radial direction with this outer end region 26, wherein the coil protection ring 16 is indirectly supported on an end surface 29 of the extension part 17 via a further damping or sealing element 28. With a step 30, the extension part 17 rests against the outer circumference of the inner sleeve 11 and against the end face of the inner sleeve 11. A step 31 is also formed on the free end of the measuring and programming device 1, wherein a further damping and sealing element 32 is arranged on the end surface of the step 31. The damping and sealing element 32 is supported on an inner collar 33 of a hood 34. The hood 34 encompasses the extension part 17 and is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the collar 8.This ensures a stable arrangement of the measuring and programming device 1 on the muzzle brake 2. The damping and sealing elements 26, 27, and 32 reduce the risk of damage to the measuring coils 14 and the programming coil 15.

[0040] The disadvantages mentioned at the beginning are therefore avoided and corresponding advantages are achieved.

[0041] List of reference symbols

[0042] 1 measuring and programming device

[0043] 2 muzzle brake

[0044] 3 Impact surface

[0045] 4 Impact surface

[0046] 5 Gas outlet opening

[0047] 6 Gas outlet opening

[0048] 7 Gun barrel mount

[0049] 8 collars

[0050] 9th step (radially inward)

[0051] 10 steps (radially outward)

[0052] 11 Inner sleeve

[0053] 12 interior wall area

[0054] 13 Retaining ring

[0055] 14 measuring coil

[0056] 15 programming coil

[0057] 16 Coil protection ring

[0058] 17 Extension part

[0059] 18 Floor passage opening

[0060] 19 Inner wall surface of the extension part

[0061] 20 Wrapping the trajectory of a projectile without a sabot

[0062] 21 Wrapping the trajectory of a projectile with a sabot

[0063] 22 stepped inner wall surface (not according to the invention)

[0064] 23 Step of the stepped wall surface (not according to the invention)

[0065] 24 Constriction

[0066] 25 Cable feed

[0067] 26 outer frontal area

[0068] 27 Damping / sealing element

[0069] 28 Damping / sealing element

[0070] 29 front area of ​​the extension part

[0071] 30 level

[0072] 31 level

[0073] 32 Damping / sealing element

[0074] 33 inner collar

[0075] 34 hood

[0076] M central axis

Claims

Patent claims 1. Measuring and / or programming device (1) for a barrel weapon, with at least one coil, in particular a measuring coil (14) and / or a programming coil (15), wherein the measuring and / or programming device (1) has a projectile passage opening (18) and the projectile passage opening (18) is delimited by an inner wall surface (19), wherein the inner wall surface (19) has an inner cross-section that widens in the firing direction, characterized in that the measuring and / or programming device (1) has an extension part (17), wherein the extension part (17) forms at least part of the inner wall surface (19), wherein the length of the extension part (17) is greater than the smallest opening radius of the extension part (17).

2. Measuring and / or programming device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner wall surface (19) is inclined relative to a central axis (M) by an angle of 10° + / - 5°.

3. Measuring and / or programming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extension part (17) is made of a temperature-resistant high-performance polymer, preferably a polyimide.

4. Measuring and / or programming device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the smallest diameter of the bullet passage opening (18) is greater than 30 mm.

5. Arrangement with a muzzle brake (2), characterized in that the arrangement comprises a measuring and / or programming device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring and / or programming device (1) is arranged behind the muzzle brake (2) as seen in the firing direction.

6. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring coil (14) is arranged, viewed in the axial direction, between the muzzle brake (2), in particular a collar (8) of the muzzle brake (2), and the extension part (17).

7. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one damping or sealing element (27, 28) is arranged between the extension part (17) and the muzzle brake (2).

8. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring coil (15) and the sealing element (28) as well as a coil protection ring (16) are arranged between the extension part (17) and the muzzle brake (2).

9. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the programming coil (15) is arranged on an outer circumference of the extension part (17), in particular in the region of a constriction (24) of the extension part (17).

10. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement has a hood (34), wherein the hood (34) encompasses the extension part (17) and at least part of the muzzle brake (2), in particular a collar (8) on the outer circumference. 1 1. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the hood (34) has an inner collar (33) extending radially inwards, wherein a further sealing and damping element (32) is arranged between the inner collar (33) and the extension part (17).

12. Method for firing a projectile with the steps a) igniting an ammunition comprising a programmable or non-programmable projectile, b) accelerating the projectile in a weapon barrel by gas at a gas pressure, characterized by flying through an arrangement with a muzzle brake (2) and a measuring and programming device (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 11, whereby the muzzle brake (2) reduces the gas pressure to a lower level by means of the muzzle brake (2) before the measuring and programming device (1) is passed through by the projectile.

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