Remote controlled weapons station with identical weapons configured for simultaneous firing

Abstract

A remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS) includes a platform extending along an axis; two identical machine guns mounted coaxially on top of the platform; wherein a main machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and an auxiliary machine gun is mounted off center along the axis. The machine guns are configured to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together. A method of operating the RCWS includes orienting the machine guns to aim at a target; and firing the machine guns simultaneously at the target. The method may further include, during the firing step, generating a cloud of bullets aimed at the target.

Description

[0001] REMOTE CONTROLLED WEAPONS STATION WITH IDENTICAL WEAPONS CONFIGURED FOR SIMULTANEOUS FIRING

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of remote-controlled weapons stations, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a remote-controlled weapons station with identical substantially coaxial weapons configured to attack aerial and land, static and moving targets.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A Remote-Controlled Weapons Station (RCWS) is an arrangement of light and medium caliber weapons which can be installed on a vehicle or other platforms (land and sea-based). Such equipment is used on modern military vehicles, as it allows a gunner to remain in the relative protection of the vehicle.

[0006] A typical RCWS enables a variety of devices to be operated automatically or by remote control, including 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, and 12.7 mm machine guns, as well as a 40-mm automatic grenade launcher, anti-tank missiles and even observation pods. Such an RCWS is designed, for example, to be mounted on light-armored, high-mobility military vehicles and to be operated by a gunner or vehicle commander operating under- the-deck.

[0007] Some remote-controlled weapons stations feature one main weapon which is configured at the center of the vehicle, and a coaxial secondary weapon, which is smaller than the main weapon, and which is configured off-center. For example, the main weapon may be a 7.62 mm machine gun, a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft gun, or a 40 mm grenade launcher, while the auxiliary weapon may be a 7.62 mm machine gun. Such a RCWS is called a “Dual RCWS”. In such RCWS, the auxiliary weapon is controlled independently of the main weapon and is used to target secondary targets.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Certain targets, particularly moving targets such as unmanned aerial vehicles, are not easy to hit with a single machine gun. The target is usually relatively small and may move during the attack, often in an unpredictable manner. To counteract such evasive measures, it is advantageous to attack the target with a cloud of bullets of a greater diameter, than a set of bullets shot in a single direction along a single firing axis.

[0010] The “Remote Controlled Weapons Station (RCWS) of the invention is a weapon system configured and operable to maximize fire power directed against moving aerial or ground targets, in a way which fans out or spatially distributes bullets fired from the system, with a target diameter that is broader than that of the moving target. The RCWS achieves this unique function by including two identical weapons positioned on a shared platform, for example on a T-shaped platform or a raised base, provided on a moving or a stationary weapon station. The first weapon is provided at a centerline of the platform immediately above a base or a pedestal of the platform and is thus substantially structurally restricted in movement. The second identical weapon is positioned off center, at one arm end of the platform, e.g., T-shaped, platform along a same axis (coaxial) to the first weapon. Both weapons are mounted such that their respective barrels are substantially parallel or are aligned such that firing of both weapons at the same time generates two trains (or lines) of bullets with a convergent point that is selected (e.g., preselected) to optimize neutralization of the moving target at a predetermined distance from the weapons barrels or at a predetermined distance from the system. Simultaneous firing of both weapons at the same time, when the barrels of the two weapons are slightly inwardly oriented, effects a more spread-out cloud pattern that more effectively encounters the target at distances that are far enough with a greater probability of target neutralization, as opposed to being shot in two parallel or independent lines.

[0011] To permit unrestricted targeting and firing, the two machine guns, e.g., two MAGs (a type of a general purpose machine guns known in the art), are mounted such that they move together, targeting any moving object with a barrel angle (measured relative to the system installation) extending between -20° (where the object is a ground object below or at a level of the RCWS) to nearly +60° (where the object is an aerial object being above the RCWS).

[0012] The RCWS may be installed on a vehicle or other platforms (land and sea-based) and may be used for targeting static and moving targets.

[0013] The two weapons may be selected amongst any of the machine guns known in the field, including, for example, 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, and 12.7 mm machine guns. In some configurations, the RCWS is provided with two 7.62 mm machine guns. In some configurations, the RCWS is provided with two MAG machine guns. In an RCWS of the invention, the two identical machine guns may be operated automatically, e.g., upon identification of a target, or fully or partially operated by a human, by remote control. To enable full or partial autonomous capabilities, the RCWS may include various optical, electronic, and / or opto-electronic sensors and detectors for detecting, tracking and targeting moving targets. These may include thermo- sensors, movement sensors, radar trackers, opto-electronic sensors, as well as other sensors or detection units, as known in the art.

[0014] The target may be any moving aerial or ground target, including unmanned aerial vehicles, e.g., drones, multi-rotor drones, fixed-wing drones, single -rotor helicopter drones, fixed-wing hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones, attack drones, explosive-carrying drones, surveillance drones, attack kites, explosive kites, etc; ground vehicles, e.g., unmanned ground vehicles, armored vehicles, armored combat support vehicles, light armored vehicles, etc.

[0015] The invention thus provides a remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS) comprising a platform, such as but not limited to a T-shaped platform, extending along an axis; two identical machine guns mounted (coaxially) on top of the platform; wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted off center along the axis; wherein the machine guns are configured to be moved exclusively together (at all possible directions as disclosed herein) and to be fired exclusively together.

[0016] In some embodiments, barrels of the weapons are substantially parallel, namely are slightly inwardly oriented, as further discussed herein. In some embodiments, a barrel of the first machine gun and / or a barrel of the second machine gun are inwardly oriented (along the same plane) such that the bullet trains or bullet lines fired from each of the weapons at the same time have a (predetermined or desired) convergent point preselected to optimize neutralization of a moving target at a predetermined distance from the barrels or at a predetermined distance from the system.

[0017] In some configurations, the RCWS includes magazines for the machine guns arranged along an axis peripheral to the system or to the second machine gun.

[0018] In some configurations, the RCWS comprises one or more opto-electronic sensors positioned on the platform on an opposite side of the axis relative to the second machine gun. In some embodiments, the opto-electronic sensors may be positioned off-platform or in a vicinity of the system. In some configurations, the RCWS includes a plurality of radar units.

[0019] In some configurations, the platform, e.g., T-shaped platform, is mounted on a base, and wherein the base is mounted on a fixed firing station or on a movable track or a vehicle and is rotatable with respect to same, i.e., firing station, track or vehicle.

[0020] In some configurations, at least one additional (third, fourth, etc) machine gun may be mounted on the platform or off the platform and is configured to be rotated together and fired together with the first and second machine guns. In some configurations, the at least one additional machine gun need not be identical to the first and second machine guns.

[0021] Further provided is a remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS) comprising a platform extending along an axis; two identical machine guns mounted on top of the platform along the axis, wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted at one end of the axis; at least one optoelectronic, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit is optionally provided on a second end of the axis, opposite said second machine gun; and wherein said first and second machine guns are configured to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together.

[0022] The invention additionally provides a remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS) comprising two identical machine guns mounted on top of a platform extending along an axis, wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted at one end of the axis, a barrel of the first machine gun and / or a barrel of the second machine gun are inwardly oriented (i.e., in a direction of the other barrel, along the same plane) with a convergent point preselected to optimize neutralization of a moving target at a predetermined distance from the barrels or at a predetermined distance from the system; wherein said first and second machine guns are configured to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together.

[0023] Further provided is a remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS) comprising two identical machine guns mounted on top of a platform extending along an axis, wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted at one end of the axis; wherein said first and second machine guns are configured to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together; wherein one or a plurality of magazines for independently loading each of the first and second machine guns is arranged along the axis peripheral to the second machine gun; and wherein at least one opto-electronic, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit is provided on a second end of the axis, opposite said second machine gun.

[0024] In some embodiments of any of the systems of RCWS of the invention, the first and second weapons, e.g., machine guns, are mounted such that they move together in a direction of the ground or the sky, above and below an imaginary horizontal (defining as zero degrees a barrel position that is parallel to the ground), targeting any moving object with a barrel angle between -20° and +60° (as depicted in Fig. 2).

[0025] In some embodiments of any of the RCWS of the invention, the barrels of the two machine guns are substantially parallel. In other words, either or both the first and second weapons, e.g., machine guns, are mounted such that their respective barrels are nearly parallel or are aligned such that firing of both weapons at the same time generates two trains or lines of bullets with a convergent point that is selected to optimize neutralization of the moving target at a predetermined distance. The convergence point, namely the point at which the two lines of bullets converge may be selected to increase, improve, optimize or ensure neutralization of the target. The convergence point, being dependent on the degree of alignment of the two barrels, may be preset.

[0026] In some embodiments, the two barrels are parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the two barrels are not fully parallel to each other, rather are substantially parallel. The term ‘substantially parallel’ being interchangeable with ‘nearly parallel’ encompasses a configuration wherein the barrel of either or both weapons is / are slightly inwardly oriented, as depicted in Fig. 3, namely oriented towards each other along the same plane of the RCWS, with an angle that is inwardly skewed by several mils, e.g., between 0 and 20 mils, or between 1 and 20 mils, or 5 and 17 mils (wherein each mil is equivalent to 0.05625°). In some embodiments, one or the weapons, e.g., the weapon positioned at the center of the platform, is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the platform, while the other, e.g., the weapon positioned off center, is provided at an angle to a plane of the platform, slightly pointing in a direction of the other weapon, e.g., with an angle being smaller than or equal to about 1°.

[0027] The invention further provides a method of operating a remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS). The RCWS comprises a platform, e.g., a T-shaped platform, extending along an axis; two identical machine guns mounted coaxially on top of the platform; wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted off center along the axis; a barrel of the first machine gun and / or a barrel of the second machine gun being inwardly oriented with a convergent point preselected to optimize neutralization of a moving target at a predetermined distance from the barrels or at a predetermined distance from the system; and wherein the first and second machine guns are configured to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together. The method includes orienting the machine guns to aim at the target; and firing the machine guns simultaneously at the target.

[0028] In some implementations, the method further includes, during the firing step, generating a cloud of bullets aimed at the target.

[0029] In some implementations, the remotely controlled weapons station further comprises a plurality of radar sensors configured to sense a location of an aerial target, and the aiming step comprises positioning the machine guns based on data received from the plurality of radar sensors.

[0030] In some implementations, the remotely controlled weapons station further comprises one or more sensors, as disclosed herein, positioned on the platform on an opposite side of the axis as the second machine gun, and the aiming step comprises positioning the machine guns so as to track the target on a basis of images received from the one or more sensors.

[0031] The invention further provides a method for detecting, tracking, and / or neutralizing a moving aerial or ground target, the method comprising:

[0032] -in response to identifying by at least one electro-optical, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit said moving target (e.g., wherein the unit may or may not be the RCWS of the invention or may be provided on the RCWS or at a ground or distant location), aiming at said moving target two identical machine guns mounted on top of a platform of said RCWS, wherein the platform extending along an axis, wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted at one end of the axis; wherein the first and second machine guns are mounted such that their respective barrels are nearly (or are substantially) parallel or are aligned such that firing of both weapons at the same time generates two trains or lines of bullets with a convergent point that is selected to optimize neutralization of a moving target at a predetermined distance; wherein said first and second machine guns are configured to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together; and

[0033] -firing both machine guns at the same time in a direction of the moving target, to thereby generate a cloud of bullets and neutralize the moving target.

[0034] In some embodiments, the identification is by the RCWS.

[0035] In some embodiments, the angle between the two barrels is preset. In some embodiments, the angle between the two barrels may be set immediately prior to firing or when setting the system to encounter a known target.

[0036] The invention further provides a method for detecting, tracking, and / or neutralizing a moving aerial or ground target, the method comprising:

[0037] -identifying by at least one electro-optical, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit of a remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS) said moving target (e.g., wherein the unit may be provided on the RCWS or at a ground or distant location);

[0038] -aiming at said moving target two identical machine guns mounted on top of a platform of said RCWS, wherein the platform extending along an axis, wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted at one end of the axis; wherein the first and second machine guns are mounted such that their respective barrels are nearly parallel or are aligned such that firing of both weapons at the same time generates two trains or lines of bullets with a convergent point that is selected to optimize neutralization of a moving target at a predetermined distance; wherein said first and second machine guns are configured to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together; and

[0039] -firing both machine guns at the same time in a direction of the moving target, to thereby generate a cloud of bullets and neutralize the moving target.

[0040] In some implementations, one or a plurality of magazines are arranged along the axis peripheral to the second machine gun and are configured for independently loading each of the first and second machine guns.

[0041] In some implementations, the at least one opto-electronic, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit is mounted on the platform.

[0042] In some implementations, the sensors are selected amongst opto-electronic, electronic or optical sensors. In some configurations, the at least one opto-electronic, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit is provided on a second end of the axis, opposite said second machine gun.

[0043] The invention further provides a method for detecting, tracking, and / or neutralizing a moving aerial or ground target, the method comprising:

[0044] -identifying by at least one electro-optical, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit mounted on a remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS) said moving target;

[0045] -aiming at said moving target two identical machine guns mounted on top of a platform of said RCMS, wherein the platform extending along an axis, wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted at one end of the axis, wherein said first and second machine guns are configured to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together; and

[0046] -firing both machine guns at the same time at a direction of the moving target, to thereby generate a cloud of bullets and neutralize the moving target; wherein one or a plurality of magazines are arranged along the axis peripheral to the second machine gun and are configured for independently loading each of the first and second machine guns; and wherein the at least one electro-optical, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit is provided on a second end of the axis, opposite said second machine gun.

[0047] In some embodiments, a barrel of the first machine gun and / or a barrel of the second machine gun being inwardly oriented with a convergent point preselected to optimize neutralization of a moving target at a predetermined distance from the barrels or at a predetermined distance from the system.

[0048] The invention further provides:

[0049] A remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS) comprising a platform extending along an axis; two identical machine guns mounted on top of the platform; wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted off center along the axis; wherein the machine guns are configured and operable to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together.

[0050] In some configurations of an RCWS, barrel of the first machine gun and / or barrel of the second machine gun is / are substantially parallel. In some configurations of an RCWS, a barrel of the first machine gun and / or a barrel of the second machine gun are inwardly oriented such that bullet trains or bullet lines fired from each of the two machine guns at the same time have a convergent point preselected to optimize neutralization of a moving target at a predetermined distance from the barrels or at a predetermined distance from the system.

[0051] In some configurations of an RCWS, the barrel of the first machine gun and / or barrel of the second machine gun is / are inwardly skewed by between 1 and 20 mils, or between 1 and 17 mils, or 5 and 17 mils.

[0052] In some configurations of an RCWS, one or more magazines for the first and second machine guns, the one or more magazines being arranged along the axis peripheral to the second machine gun.

[0053] In some configurations of an RCWS, the system comprising one or more optoelectronic, electronic or optical sensors positioned on the platform on an opposite side of the axis relative to the second machine gun.

[0054] In some configurations of an RCWS, the system comprising one or a plurality of radar units.

[0055] In some configurations of an RCWS, the platform is a T-shaped platform.

[0056] In some configurations of an RCWS, the platform is mounted on a base, and wherein the base is mounted on a fixed firing station or on a movable track or a vehicle and is rotatable with respect to same.

[0057] In some configurations of an RCWS, the system is installed on a vehicle or a land and sea-based platform.

[0058] In some configurations of an RCWS, the first and the second machine guns are each a 5.56 mm, a 7.62 mm, or a 12.7 mm machine gun.

[0059] In some configurations of an RCWS, the first and the second machine guns are each a 7.62 mm machine gun.

[0060] In some configurations of an RCWS, the first and the second machine guns are MAG machine guns.

[0061] In some configurations of an RCWS, the first and the second machine guns are MAG machine guns.

[0062] In some configurations of an RCWS, the system comprising a platform extending along an axis; two identical machine guns mounted on top of the platform along the axis, wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted at one end of the axis; at least one opto -electronic, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit is provided on a second end of the axis, opposite said second machine gun; and wherein said first and second machine guns are configured to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together.

[0063] In some configurations of an RCWS, the system comprising two identical machine guns mounted on top of a platform extending along an axis, wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted at one end of the axis, wherein the first and second machine guns are mounted such that their respective barrels are nearly parallel or are aligned such that firing of both weapons at the same time generates two trains or lines of bullets with a convergent point that is selected to optimize neutralization of a moving target at a predetermined distance; and wherein

[0064] -one or a plurality of magazines for independently loading each of the first and second machine guns is arranged along the axis peripheral to the second machine gun; and wherein

[0065] -at least one opto-electronic, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit is provided on a second end of the axis, opposite said second machine gun.

[0066] A method of operating a remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS), the RCWS comprises a platform extending along an axis; two identical machine guns mounted on top of the platform; wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted off center along the axis; wherein the first and second machine guns are mounted such that their respective barrels are nearly parallel or are aligned such that firing of both weapons at the same time generates two trains or lines of bullets with a convergent point that is selected to optimize neutralization of a moving target at a predetermined distance; and wherein the first and second machine guns are configured to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together; the method comprising orienting the machine guns to aim at a target; and firing the machine guns simultaneously at the target.

[0067] In some configurations of a method, the RCWS comprises a plurality of radar sensors configured to sense a location of the target, and the aiming step comprises positioning the machine guns based on data received from the plurality of radar sensors.

[0068] In some configurations of a method, the RCWS comprises one or more sensors positioned on the platform on an opposite side of the axis as the second machine gun, and the aiming step comprises positioning the machine guns so as to track the target on a basis of images received from the one or more sensors.

[0069] A method for detecting, tracking, and / or neutralizing a moving aerial or ground target, the method comprising:

[0070] -having identified by at least one electro-optical, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit said moving target, aiming at said moving target two identical machine guns mounted on top of a platform of a remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS), wherein the platform extending along an axis, wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted at one end of the axis, wherein the first and second machine guns are mounted such that their respective barrels are nearly parallel or are aligned such that firing of both weapons at the same time generates two trains or lines of bullets with a convergent point that is selected to optimize neutralization of a moving target at a predetermined distance; wherein said first and second machine guns are configured to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together; and

[0071] -firing both machine guns at the same time in a direction of the moving target, to thereby generate a cloud of bullets and neutralize the moving target.

[0072] In some configurations of a method, said identification is by the RCWS.

[0073] In some configurations of a method, one or a plurality of magazines are arranged along the axis peripheral to the second machine gun and are configured for independently loading each of the first and second machine guns.

[0074] In some configurations of a method, the at least one opto-electronic, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit is mounted on the platform.

[0075] In some configurations of a method, the target is a moving aerial or ground target.

[0076] In some configurations of a method, the target is an unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0077] In some configurations of a method, the first and the second machine gun is a MAG machine gun.

[0078] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0079] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of components of the RCWS mounted on a vehicle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0080] FIG. 2 illustrates movement range of the two weapons in a RCWS system of the invention; FIG. 3 illustrates alignment of the two weapons in a RCWS system of the invention;

[0081] FIG. 4 is perspective front view of a RCWS, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0082] FIG. 5 illustrates a RCWS mounted on a vehicle and firing a cloud of bullets at a target, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0083] FIG. 6 illustrates steps in a method of targeting and firing a dual RCWS, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0084] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0085] The present disclosure relates to the field of remote-controlled weapons stations, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a remote-controlled weapons station with identical weapons configured to generate a cloud of bullets to attack a moving target.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic illustration is provided which depicts an RCWS according to some embodiments of the invention. The system 10 is mounted on a vehicle 100. One or more radar units 42 are installed on the roof of the vehicle 100. The radar units 42 are used as part of the automatic target recognition system, as will be described further herein. A base 40 is configured at the center of the roof of the vehicle 100. The base 40 supports a platform 44 which may be approximately the same dimensions as the roof of the vehicle. The relative dimensions of the base 40 and platform 44 need not be as depicted.

[0087] The base 40 and platform 44 have one or more apertures therein, to enable electrical connections between the interior of the vehicle 100 and the RCWS 10, so that the RCWS 10 may be operated from the interior of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 may have installed therein various electrical controlled or hardware 50, such as switches, a view screen, and a steering wheel or yoke, for purposes of enabling the user controls.

[0088] Alternatively, the RCWS may be mounted on a static platform and operated from a distant location. The vehicle 100 may be a static position, not a moving vehicle, and the base 40 may be mounted on a static unit such that the pedestal 44 is of any length.

[0089] The base 40 and the platform 44 constitute together a T-shaped platform as depicted. Alternative platform structures are also possible, depending, inter alia, on the vehicle or position on which the RCWS is to be mounted. The base 40 may be rotatable relative to its mounting position, for example position on the roof of a vehicle, to enable aiming of the machine guns in a direction different than an orientation of the front of the vehicle 100. The rotation may be implemented through any mechanism known to those of skill in the art. In particular, the rotation of the base 40 may be implemented through active control by an operator of the RCWS on a motor (not shown). The platform may optionally include an electrical main unit (EMU) 36.

[0090] The RCWS 10 includes a first machine gun 12 and a second machine gun 18. The first machine gun 12 and second machine gun 18 are identical. Both machine guns may be 7.62 mm caliber, MAG weapons, although other calibers, such as 12.7 mm, are also possible. The type of a machine gun used is not limited.

[0091] The cradles of the two machine guns relative to horizontal may be tilted upwards or downwards to position the two weapons at an angle between -20 and +60° relative to the horizontal (defined at 0°), as shown in FIG. 2. Control of the orientation of the base, platform, and weapons cradles may also proceed automatically in response to detection of a target.

[0092] In a RCWS 10, the two weapons are oriented such that their respective barrels are slightly inwardly oriented, as depicted in Fig. 3. The degree of deviation from an imaginary vertical axis I may be such that the two trains or lines of bullets fired from the two weapons at the same time have a convergent point that is selected to optimize neutralization of the moving target at a predetermined distance. The convergent point may be preselected by setting the angles XI and X2 from the imaginary vertical axis to be several mills, for example between 1 and 20 mils, or about 1 deg. Smaller or greater angles may also be used. In some configurations, the weapon 12 positioned at the center of the RCWS 10 may be aligned vertical to the plane of the RCWS 10, such that angle XI is substantially 0° while the weapon 18 positioned off-center on the RCWS 10 may be slightly oriented inwards in a direction of weapon 12, with an angle X2 being between 1 and 20 mils, thereby achieving the purpose and same result.

[0093] Referring now to FIGS. 4-5 which depict RCWS systems according to additional embodiments of the invention.

[0094] In FIG. 4, an RCWS 10 is shown which includes a first machine gun 12 and a second machine gun 18. The first machine gun 12 and second machine gun 18 are identical. In exemplary embodiments, both machine guns are 7.62 mm caliber, MAG weapons, although other calibers, such as 12.7 mm, are also possible.

[0095] RCWS 10 is mounted on a platform 40, which extends along axis “X.” The first machine gun 12 is positioned at the center of axis “X,” at the point marked “M.” The second machine gun 18 is positioned off-center on axis “X,” at the point marked “A.” In the illustrated embodiment, the second machine gun 18 is positioned to the left of the first gun 12 (right side from the perspective of the viewer). This orientation is merely exemplary, and the RCWS would achieve the functions described herein if the second gun 18 were positioned on the other side.

[0096] The first gun 12 and second gun 18 are positioned on weapon cradles 24, 26, respectively. The weapon cradles 24, 26 are situated on a common axis, and are rotatable, for example through operation of a motor 28. The cradles are rotatable to a vertical angle of between -20 and +60° relative to the horizontal. Alternative types of weapons mounts, optionally including gimbals or gyroscopes for stabilizing the weapons, may also be used. The barrels of the two machine guns 12 and 18 are substantially parallel and, through movement of the cradles and motor, are configured to move together to all directions while keeping their orientation relative to each other.

[0097] One or more magazines are situated on the same side of the axis X as the second gun 18, peripheral to the second gun 18. In some embodiments, the magazines for both weapons are positioned above one another. Ammunition belt 14 provides bullets to the first gun 12, and ammunition belt 20 provides bullets the second gun 18.

[0098] The RCWS 10 further includes an optical pod 30 located on an opposite side of the axis relative to second gun 18. Optical pod 30 includes one or more opto-electronic, electronic or optical sensors 32, which may be or may include thermal camera, a day camera, and other optical units complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors, charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices and others. The sensors 32 in pod 30 are part of an automatic target recognition system which includes radar devices, as will be described further herein.

[0099] In some configurations, the optical pod 30 may not be positioned on an opposite side of the second gun 18, but may be positioned off-platform or next to the platform and independently thereof.

[0100] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of RCWS 10 mounted on a vehicle 100. Four radar units 42 (only two are shown) are dispersed on four corners of the roof of the vehicle, to enable detecting and measuring the rate of approach of a target from all directions. Due to the orientation of the two weapons as depicted in Fig. 3, firing of two weapons generates a cloud of bullets 52 at or around the incoming target 110 that maximizes neutralization of the target 110.

[0101] FIG. 6 illustrates steps in a method 200 of detecting and firing at a target using the RCWS 10, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. At step 201, a target is detected with one or more of the radar units 42. Alternatively, detection may be achieved by a unit positioned elsewhere, whereby alert signal may be generated and directed to the RCWS 10, which identifies the object. At step 202, the RCWS 10 is positioned so that it is aimed at the target. This positioning may proceed automatically or with user input. At step 203, once the RCWS 10 is oriented facing the target, the electro- optical sensors are used to track fine movements of the target. The RCWS 10 automatically changes its orientation to track the target in response to such movements of the target. Finally, at step 204, the machine guns are fired simultaneously, to generate a cloud of bullets at the target or at a vicinity of the target. Throughout performance of all of these steps, the machine guns 12, 18 move exclusively together and are fired exclusively together.

[0102] Various modifications may be made to the RCWS described herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, there are exactly two machine guns. In alternative embodiments, there may be three or more machine guns. The effect of generating a cloud of bullets remains present so long as the machine guns are not centered relative to axis X and one or both weapons are oriented as described in Fig. 3. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the RCWS is controlled from within the vehicle on which it is mounted or from a remote location. In alternative embodiments, the RCWS may be mounted on a fixed platform and may be remotely controlled, through a wired or wireless connection.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS) comprising a platform extending along an axis; two identical machine guns mounted on top of the platform; wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted off center along the axis; wherein the machine guns are configured and operable to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together.

2. The RCWS according to claim 1, wherein barrel of the first machine gun and / or barrel of the second machine gun is / are substantially parallel.

3. The RCWS according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a barrel of the first machine gun and / or a barrel of the second machine gun are inwardly oriented such that bullet trains or bullet lines fired from each of the two machine guns at the same time have a convergent point preselected to optimize neutralization of a moving target at a predetermined distance from the barrels or at a predetermined distance from the system.

4. The RCWS according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the barrel of the first machine gun and / or barrel of the second machine gun is / are inwardly skewed by between 1 and 20 mils, or between 1 and 17 mils, or 5 and 17 mils.

5. The RCWS according to claim 1, comprising one or more magazines for the first and second machine guns, the one or more magazines being arranged along the axis peripheral to the second machine gun.

6. The RCWS according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more opto-electronic, electronic or optical sensors positioned on the platform on an opposite side of the axis relative to the second machine gun.

7. The RCWS according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or a plurality of radar units.

8. The RCWS according to claim 1, wherein the platform is a T-shaped platform.

9. The RCWS according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the platform is mounted on a base, and wherein the base is mounted on a fixed firing station or on a movable track or a vehicle and is rotatable with respect to same.

10. The RCWS according to claim 9, installed on a vehicle or a land and sea-based platform.

11. The RCWS according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first and the second machine guns are each a 5.56 mm, a 7.62 mm, or a 12.7 mm machine gun.

12. The RCWS according to claim 11, wherein the first and the second machine guns are each a 7.62 mm machine gun.

13. The RCWS according to claim 12, wherein the first and the second machine guns are MAG machine guns.

14. The RCWS according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second machine guns are MAG machine guns.

15. The RCWS according to claim 1, comprising a platform extending along an axis; two identical machine guns mounted on top of the platform along the axis, wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted at one end of the axis; at least one opto-electronic, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit is provided on a second end of the axis, opposite said second machine gun; and wherein said first and second machine guns are configured to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together.

16. The RCWS according to claim 1, comprising two identical machine guns mounted on top of a platform extending along an axis, wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted at one end of the axis, wherein the first and second machine guns are mounted such that their respective barrels are nearly parallel or are aligned such that firing of both weapons at the same time generates two trains or lines of bullets with a convergent point that is selected to optimize neutralization of a moving target at a predetermined distance; and wherein-one or a plurality of magazines for independently loading each of the first and second machine guns is arranged along the axis peripheral to the second machine gun; and wherein-at least one opto-electronic, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit is provided on a second end of the axis, opposite said second machine gun.

17. A method of operating a remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS), the RCWS comprises a platform extending along an axis; two identical machine guns mounted on top of the platform; wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted off center along the axis; wherein the first and second machine guns are mounted such that their respective barrels are nearly parallel or are aligned such that firing of both weapons at the same time generates two trains or lines of bullets with a convergent point that is selected to optimize neutralization of a moving target at a predetermined distance; and wherein the first and second machine guns areconfigured to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together; the method comprising orienting the machine guns to aim at a target; and firing the machine guns simultaneously at the target.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the RCWS comprises a plurality of radar sensors configured to sense a location of the target, and the aiming step comprises positioning the machine guns based on data received from the plurality of radar sensors.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the RCWS comprises one or more sensors positioned on the platform on an opposite side of the axis as the second machine gun, and the aiming step comprises positioning the machine guns so as to track the target on a basis of images received from the one or more sensors.

20. A method for detecting, tracking, and / or neutralizing a moving aerial or ground target, the method comprising:-having identified by at least one electro-optical, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit said moving target, aiming at said moving target two identical machine guns mounted on top of a platform of a remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS), wherein the platform extending along an axis, wherein a first machine gun is mounted at a center point of the axis, and a second machine gun is mounted at one end of the axis, wherein the first and second machine guns are mounted such that their respective barrels are nearly parallel or are aligned such that firing of both weapons at the same time generates two trains or lines of bullets with a convergent point that is selected to optimize neutralization of a moving target at a predetermined distance; wherein said first and second machine guns are configured to be moved exclusively together and to be fired exclusively together; and-firing both machine guns at the same time in a direction of the moving target, to thereby generate a cloud of bullets and neutralize the moving target.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein said identification is by the RCWS.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein one or a plurality of magazines are arranged along the axis peripheral to the second machine gun and are configured for independently loading each of the first and second machine guns.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the at least one opto -electronic, electronic or optical tracking and / or targeting unit is mounted on the platform.

24. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the target is a moving aerial or ground target.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the target is an unmanned aerial vehicle.

26. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the first and the second machine gun is a MAG machine gun.

Images