A container for a weapon system

Abstract

A container for a weapons system comprising a container body which is configurable between a ready configuration in which a platform for a turret of the weapon system is atop of the container body, and a stowed configuration in which the platform is fully enclosed by the container body.

Description

A CONTAINER FOR A WEAPON SYSTEMPRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024901574 titled “A CONTAINER FOR A WEAPON SYSTEM” and filed on 27 May 2024, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The following publications are referred to in the present application and their contents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety:Australian Patent Application No. 2020204100 titled “VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM” in the name of The Dynamic Engineering Solution Pty Ltd.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a container for a weapon system.BACKGROUND

[0004] A 'weapons system' is commonly understood to be a combination of one or more weapons with all related equipment, services, and means of delivery and deployment (if applicable) required for self- sufficiency. Examples of a weapon system might include one or a combination of a radar, rocket, missile, laser, drone or gun system, but need not be so limited. Such weapon systems can be highly sophisticated, incorporating a turret, and one or more complex sensors, actuators, and control systems.

[0005] For a host of logistical and strategic reasons a weapon system of the above-described type must be portable. What is more, weapon systems must be deployable expeditiously, often to remote and inhospitable environments, and often over rough terrains.

[0006] Deployment of a weapons system under such conditions increases a risk of damage to the weapon system which might render the system unserviceable on arrival. The implications of this are potentially life threatening in a theatre of war.

[0007] It is against this background that the present disclosure was developed.SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a container for a weapons system comprising a container body which is configurable between a ready configuration in which at least a turret of the weapon system is atop of the container body, and a stowed configuration in which the weapon system is fully enclosed by the container body.

[0009] According to a further aspect, there is provided a container for a weapons system comprising a container body which is configurable between a ready configuration in which a platform for a turret of the weapon system is atop of the container body, and a stowed configuration in which the platform is fully enclosed by the container body.

[0010] The turret being atop, or on top of the container body in the ready configuration means that movement and operation of the turret are unimpeded by the container body. The turret being enclosed by the container body in the stowed configuration protects the turret from damage during transportation and storage.

[0011] In one form, the container body comprises a base, a pair of sides, a pair of ends, and at least one top panel moveable between a closed position, and an open position in which an uppermost opening for the container body is created, the container body further comprising a platform which is movable between an elevated position on top of the container body in place of the at least one top panel when the at least one top panel is in its open position, and a retracted position within the container body and beneath the at least one top panel when the at least one top panel is in its closed position.

[0012] In one form, when the container is in the ready configuration the at least one top panel is in its open position and the platform is in its elevated position on top of the container body in place of the at least one top panel.

[0013] In one form, when the container is in the stowed configuration the platform is in its retracted position and the at least one top panel is in its closed position.

[0014] In one form, the platform comprises a pair of top panels.

[0015] In one form, the pair of top panels is configured to co-operatively provide a top for the container when each is in its closed position.

[0016] In one form, each of the top panels is positioned adjacent to an end of the container body when in the open position.

[0017] In one form, each of the top panels is positioned inside of an end of the container body when in the open position. In this open position the top panels are within the container body footprint and protected from damage.

[0018] In one form, in an alternative, each of the top panels is positioned outside of an end of the container body when in the open position.

[0019] In one form, the container comprises a top panel actuation mechanism for each top panel.

[0020] In one form, each top panel actuation mechanism moves its respective top panel with a combined tilt and translation motion.

[0021] In one form, the container comprises a jacking mechanism for raising and lowering the platform.

[0022] In one form, the jacking mechanism is configured to act as an active suspension system for the platform.

[0023] In one form, the container body is configured for use as an intermodal container when in its stowed configuration.

[0024] In one form, the container body is configured to appear like a standard intermodal container when in its stowed configuration.

[0025] An intermodal container, often called a shipping container, is a large, standardized container designed and built for intermodal freight transport. The ISO standards for containers allow for more consistent loading, transporting, and unloading of these containers. This container then is configured for transport and handling by any means employable with a conventional intermodal container.

[0026] In one form, the container comprises ancillary equipment that supports its operation, including its reconfiguration.

[0027] In one form, at least some of this ancillary equipment is stowed in the container body and beneath the platform.

[0028] In a further aspect, there is provided a container comprising a container body, the container body comprising a base, a pair of sides, a pair of ends, and at least one top panel moveable between a closed position, and an open position in which an uppermost opening for the container body is created, the container body further comprising a platform which is movable between an elevated position on top of the container body in place of the at least one top panel when the at least one top panel is in its openposition, and a retracted position within the container body and beneath the at least one top panel when the at least one top panel is in its closed position.

[0029] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method for changing the configuration of the container from the stowed configuration to the ready configuration, the method including the steps of moving the at least one top panel to its open position and the platform to its elevated position on top of the container body in place of the at least one top panel.

[0030] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method for changing the configuration of the container from the ready configuration to the stowed configuration, the method including the steps of moving the platform to its retracted position and the at least one top panel to its closed position.

[0031] According to a further aspect, there is provided a containerised weapon system comprising the above-described container and a weapon system.

[0032] In one form, the weapon system comprises a turret which is supported on the platform.

[0033] In one form, the weapon system comprises ancillary equipment that supports operation of the turret.

[0034] In one form, at least some of the ancillary equipment is stowed in the container body and beneath the platform.

[0035] In one form, all ancillary equipment is stowed in the container body and beneath the platform.

[0036] For ease of description, a container embodying the present features is described below in its usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc., may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the container may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown here.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0038] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a container for a weapons system configured in the stowed configuration;

[0039] Figures 2 through 6 schematically illustrate successive stages of the container changing from the stowed configuration to a ready configuration; and

[0040] Figures 7 through 10 schematically illustrate the container in the ready configuration.

[0041] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Referring now to Figure 1 , where there is illustrated a container 1 for a weapons system, the container 1 comprising a container body 2 which is configurable between a ready configuration, as illustrated in Figure 1, and a stowed configuration, as illustrated in Figures 5 through 7. When in its stowed configuration, the container 1 is configured for use as an intermodal container and possesses the appearance of a conventional intermodal container.

[0043] The container body 2 comprises a base 4, a pair of sides 6, and a pair of ends 8. The container body 2 further comprises a pair of top panels 10, each of which are moveable between a closed position and an open position. When each of the pair of top panels 10 is in its closed position they co-operatively provide a top for the container 1, as illustrated in Figure 1. When each of the pair of top panels 10 is in its open position an uppermost opening for the container body 2 is created.

[0044] For each of the top panels 10 there is provided a top panel actuation mechanism at a respective end of the container body 2.

[0045] Each top panel actuation mechanism is configured to move its respective top panel 10 between the closed position, in which the top panel 10 is horizontal, as shown in Figure 1, through the partially open positions shown in Figures 2 and 3, to the open position shown in Figure 4, in which the top panel 10 is vertical, adjacent to, and inside of its respective end 8 of the container body 2. In this position the top panels do not increase the footprint of the container 1 and are protected from damage by the container body.

[0046] To achieve this, each top panel actuation mechanism is configured to provide a pivot point at or near to each side edge thereof, where these pivot points are able to translate vertically so that the panel 10 can reach the above-described open position. This vertical translation might be facilitated by a pair of vertical guide tracks, so that there is a guide track for each pivot point.

[0047] To effect the movement, each top panel actuation mechanism will comprise at least one actuator, and most likely a linear actuator configured to drive its respective top panel 10 through its full range of movement. Ancillary equipment, such as a power source and a control system can also be provided so that operation of the container 1 can be automated, or at least partially controlled from a control panel or a remotely operable pendent.

[0048] While in the embodiment shown, pivot points for the two top panels 10 are adjacent to respective ends 8 of the container body, with each top panel 10 being half of the length of the container 1, it will be appreciated that in an alternate embodiment the pivot points may instead be provided adjacent to respective sides 6 of the container body, with each top panel 10 being half of the width of the container 1.

[0049] In yet a further embodiment, the container 1 may instead comprise a single top panel being the entire width and length of the container 1 and having a pivot point adjacent to a side of the container 1.

[0050] The container body 2 further comprises a platform 20 which is movable between an elevated position on top of the container body 2 and in place of the pair of open top panels 10, as illustrated in Figures 7 to 10, and a retracted position within the container body 2 and beneath the top panels 10 when these are in their closed position, as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0051] To effect this movement of the platform 20, a jacking mechanism is provided beneath the platform 20. In one form, this jacking mechanism is also configured to act as an active suspension for the platform 20. An active suspension can provide an improved ride for the platform 20 and any equipment carried thereon, reducing the likelihood of the equipment being damaged during transportation.

[0052] The jacking system might be as described in Australian Patent Application No. 2020204100, and comprise a hydropneumatic strut at or near to an underside of each corner of the platform 20, and a hydraulic system comprising a hydraulic pressure source in the form of a pump assembly and a hydraulic accumulator. The pump assembly would comprise a hydraulic pump, and a pressure relief valve connecting the hydraulic pump to a reservoir or tank. The pump assembly would feature a high-pressure outlet for supplying high pressure fluid to the remainder of the system, and a low-pressure inlet for receiving low pressure fluid returned to the pump assembly by the system. The pump assembly also features a check valve, preventing fluid from returning to the pump from the high-pressure outlet.

[0053] Both the hydraulic accumulator and pump assembly are in fluid communication with a manifold assembly via a manifold inlet, where pressure at this point in the system is monitored by an inlet pressure sensor. In fluid communication with the inlet of the pump assembly is the manifold outlet, which outlets to the various actuators.

[0054] Bump and rebound resistance is performed via bump and rebound check valves and proportional damping valves and configured such that when the piston assembly of a hydropneumatics strut is moving in bump, the piston causes fluid to pass through the bump damping valve and check valve and when the piston assembly is moving in rebound, the piston causes fluid to pass through the rebound damping valve and check valve.

[0055] Where a hydraulic system is provided for the jacking mechanism it makes sense that the actuators for the top panels 10 are also hydraulic, so that the same hydraulic pump can be utilised.

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated, the weapon system comprises a turret 50 mounted on a turntable 60 which is in turn supported on the platform 20.

[0057] In use, a method for changing the configuration of the container 1 from the stowed configuration to the ready configuration can be effected by a control system and includes the steps of moving the top panels 10 to their open position and the platform 20 to its elevated position on top of the container body 2 in place of the top panels 10.

[0058] While in the embodiment shown, it can be seen that the top panels 10 are fully moved to their open position before the platform is elevated, it will be appreciated that sequencing of the opening of the panels and the elevation of the platform can be adjusted so as to improve deployment speed. For example, once the panels are moved to a vertical position (as shown in Figure 3) the platform may then commence elevation.

[0059] In this ready configuration the turret 50 can rotate through 360 degrees and pivot vertically through 180 degrees whilst substantially unconstrained by the sides 6 or ends 8 of the container body 2. Moreover, if operation of the weapon system involves any backblast or exhaust, this too is largely unconstrained by the container body 2.

[0060] In use, a method for changing the configuration of the container 1 from the ready configuration to the stowed configuration can be effected by a control system, and includes the steps of moving the platform 20 to its retracted position and the top panels 10 to their closed position.

[0061] It will also be appreciated that the sequencing of the retraction of the platform 20 and closing of the top panels 10 can be adjusted so as to improve stowage speed.

[0062] In the stowed configuration, the container body 2 fully encloses the weapon system and protects it from external knocks that might occur during transportation or storage.

[0063] Advantageously, the present disclosure provides a container for a weapon system which is capable of protecting the weapon system during transportation and storage, which is disguised as a standard intermodal container when the weapon system is not in use, and has the utility of an intermodal container, which is quickly reconfigurable to an in-use configuration, and which imposes minimal constraints on the operation of the weapon system.

[0064] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0065] It will be understood that the terms “comprise” and “include” and any of their derivatives (e.g. comprises, comprising, includes, including) as used in this specification, and the claims that follow, is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which the term refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0066] In some cases, a single embodiment may, for succinctness and / or to assist in understanding the scope of the disclosure, combine multiple features. It is to be understood that in such a case, these multiple features may be provided separately (in separate embodiments), or in any other suitable combination. Alternatively, where separate features are described in separate embodiments, these separate features may be combined into a single embodiment unless otherwise stated or implied. This also applies to the claims which can be recombined in any combination. That is a claim may be amended to include a feature defined in any other claim. Further a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c.

[0067] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not restricted in its use to the particular application or applications described. Neither is the present disclosure restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and / or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container for a weapons system comprising a container body which is configurable between a ready configuration in which a platform for a turret of the weapon system is atop of the container body, and a stowed configuration in which the platform is fully enclosed by the container body.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the container body comprises a base, a pair of sides, a pair of ends, and at least one top panel moveable between a closed position and an open position in which an uppermost opening for the container body is created, the container further comprising a platform which is movable between an elevated position on top of the container body in place of the at least one top panel when the at least one top panel is in its open position, and a retracted position within the container body and beneath the at least one top panel when the at least one top panel is in its closed position.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein when the container is in the ready configuration the at least one top panel is in its open position and the platform is in its elevated position on top of the container body in place of the at least one top panel.

4. The container of claim 2, wherein when the container is in the stowed configuration the platform is in its retracted position and the at least one top panel is in its closed position.

5. The container as in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the platform comprises a pair of top panels.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the pair of top panels is configured to co-operatively provide a top for the container when each is in its closed position.

7. The container as in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein each of the top panels is positioned adjacent to an end of the container body when in the open position.

8. The container as in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein each of the top panels is positioned inside of an end of the container body when in the open position.

9. The container as in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the container comprises a top panel actuation mechanism for each top panel.

10. The container as in any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the container comprises a jacking mechanism for raising and lowering the platform.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the jacking mechanism is configured to act as an active suspension system for the platform.

12. The container as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container body is configured for use as an intermodal container when in its stowed configuration.

13. The container as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container body is configured to appear like a standard intermodal container when in its stowed configuration.

14. A container for a weapons system comprising a container body, the container body comprising a base, a pair of sides, a pair of ends, and at least one top panel moveable between a closed position and an open position in which an uppermost opening for the container body is created, the container further comprising a platform which is movable between an elevated position on top of the container body in place of the at least one top panel when the at least one top panel is in its open position, and a retracted position within the container body and beneath the at least one top panel when the at least one top panel is in its closed position.

15. A method for changing the configuration of the container according to any one of claims 2 to 14 from the stowed configuration to the ready configuration, the method including the steps of moving the at least one top panel to its open position and the platform to its elevated position on top of the container body in place of the at least one top panel.

16. A method for changing the configuration of the container according to any one of claims 2 to 14 from the ready configuration to the stowed configuration, the method including the steps of moving the platform to its retracted position and the at least one top panel to its closed position.

17. A containerised weapon system comprising the container of any one of claims 2 through 14, and a weapon system.

18. The containerised weapon system of claim 17, wherein the weapon system comprises a turret which is supported on the platform.

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