A ball turret

Abstract

The invention relates to designs and optimizations for reducing radar visibility of ball turrets used in military and civilian platforms. In particular, the invention focuses on innovative geometric designs and radar stealth technologies for reducing a radar cross section (RCS) based on the azimuth angles. The present invention aims to control the reflection of electromagnetic waves from target surfaces, so that the probability of radar detection in threat sectors is decreased.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] A BALL TURRET

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The invention relates to designs and optimizations for reducing radar visibility of ball turrets used in military and civilian platforms. In particular, the invention focuses on innovative geometric designs and radar stealth technologies for reducing a radar cross section (RCS) based on the azimuth angles. The present invention aims to control the reflection of electromagnetic waves from target surfaces, so that the probability of radar detection in threat sectors is decreased.

[0005] Background of the Invention

[0006] Ball turrets are weapon systems used for defensive and offensive purposes on military and civilian platforms. The detection of such turrets by radar systems may have a negative effect on the operational stealth and effectiveness of the platforms. Therefore, reducing the radar cross section (RCS) has become a critical requirement in turret designs.

[0007] In traditional turret designs, high RCS values are observed at certain azimuth angles due to flat and reflective surfaces. These surfaces produce a mirror-like effect, efficiently reflecting radar signals back, particularly at angles of 80°, 120°, and 180°. Therefore, the turret can be easily detected by radar systems.

[0008] Various methods have been developed in the literature and current applications to reduce RCS:

[0009] Geometric Shaping: The turret surfaces are designed as inclined or curved surfaces, such that radar signals are scattered in different directions, reducing back reflection. This method offers an effective solution especially in the design phase.

[0010] Radar Absorbing Materials (RAM): Radar absorbing materials are applied to turret surfaces in order to absorb radar signals and reduce back reflection. This approach is used to improve existing designs.Active and Passive Cancellation Techniques: Radar signals are either actively canceled or passively attenuated in an effort to reduce RCS. However, these techniques have limited utility due to their high costs and practical application challenges.

[0011] According to prior art, ball turrets with flat and wide surfaces cause strong back reflection of radar signals. However, in our current design, the overall spherical form is retained, wherein small and angled panels are utilized. This invention not only scatters radar signals in various directions but also enables the creation of a more compact and lightweight structure.

[0012] Below are some patents related to similar subjects:

[0013] RU2502643C2: This patent comprises design features for reducing the radar visibility of a multi-functional aircraft. It specifically focuses on lowering RCS by angling the aircraft’s surfaces and incorporating radar-absorbing materials.

[0014] US2599944A: Developed by W.W. Salisbury, this patent centers on a structure designed to absorb electromagnetic waves. By absorbing radar signals, this structure reduces back reflection and decreases the likelihood of radar detection.

[0015] Both patents emphasize geometric shaping and the use of radar-absorbing materials to reduce the radar detectability of platforms. However, both approaches have their own limitations.

[0016] In the prior art, various methods have been developed to reduce the radar visibility of turrets. However, these methods do not always achieve the desired level of effectiveness, and high RCS values may still occur at certain angles. Therefore, there is a need for more effective and comprehensive solutions.

[0017] Object of the Invention

[0018] The primary object of the invention is to reduce the radar cross-section (RCS) of ball turrets, thereby lowering radar visibility and enhancing the operational stealth of military and civilian platforms.Another object of the invention is to minimize the mirror effect caused by flat and reflective surfaces, thereby preventing high radar signal reflections at specific azimuth angles.

[0019] A further object of the invention is to optimize RCS values by using curved and inclined surfaces in the turret geometry to redirect electromagnetic waves in different directions.

[0020] Still another object of the invention is to provide a design that enhances the effectiveness of radar-absorbing material (RAM) coatings, thereby reducing radar visibility.

[0021] Yet another object of the invention is to develop an innovative turret design that significantly reduces radar visibility in threat sectors, thereby improving operational safety.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to control the reflection directions of radar signals and optimize the radar cross-section by using small panels placed at varying angles in the geometric structure of ball turrets.

[0023] Still a further object of the invention is to allow the ball turrets to be lighter, more compact, and operationally portable.

[0024] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] The drawings of the ball turret in line with the objects of the invention are provided as follows:

[0026] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the ball turret.

[0027] Figure 2 is a front view of the ball turret.

[0028] Figure 3 is a side view of the ball turret.

[0029] Figure 4 is a rear view of the ball turret.

[0030] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the ball turret.

[0031] Figure 6 is a top view of the ball turret.

[0032] All the parts illustrated in figures are assigned a reference numeral as follows, and these numerals will be used throughout the remainder of the description:1. Shield

[0033] 2. Gun Housing

[0034] 3. Gun Housing Recess

[0035] 4. Side Cover

[0036] 4.1. Side Surface of the Side Cover

[0037] The radar cross-section (RCS) is a measure of an object’s ability to reflect electromagnetic waves. In radar stealth applications, the goal is to minimize RCS values as much as possible to make the detection and tracking of ball turrets by radar systems more difficult. For this purpose, geometric modifications to reduce RCS and / or radar-absorbing material (RAM) coating processes are implemented.

[0038] RCS analysis is based on the Ray-Tracing Method (RTM). In RTM, planar waves incident on the object are represented by independent ray tubes. Each ray is tracked on a model with surface triangulation using a Geometric Optics (GO) approach.

[0039] An outer shield (1) of the turret according to the invention consists of panels placed at various angles to maintain the overall spherical form thereof. These panels are designed using a plurality of small planes instead of large planes. Each half of the shield (1) contains thirteen panels, with each panel having at least three edges joined with the edges of other panels. The panels are joined at angles rather than being co-planar. Thus, the spherical form of the shield is preserved. During RCS analysis of the gun turret shield (1), a front surface of the shield (1) is arranged to face the +x axis. While the radar antenna faces the front surface of the target in the x direction, the azimuth angle is 0°, and the elevation angle is 90°. This elevation corresponds to a 0° elevation angle. Analyses were conducted at a frequency of 9 GHz, within an azimuth range of 0°-180°, with 0.5° step intervals, at 0° altitude (90° elevation), and in both D-D and Y-Y polarizations. The ball turret (1) according to the invention is designed symmetrically along an axis that bisects the gun housing (2). Therefore, RCS analyses for azimuth angles of 0°-180° overlap with those for azimuth angles of 180°-360°.

[0040] When electromagnetic waves strike a flat surface at a small angle of incidence, the reflection from that surface is high. This causes an increase in RCS values.In order to optimize RCS values, outer surface of the turret has a polygonal structure composed of multiple planes. Panels arranged at varying angles reduce radar signal back reflection rates, lowering RCS values to (-) dB levels. The mirror effect, particularly at critical angles such as 80°, 120°, and 180°, is minimized. One side cover (4) is located on one half of the turret, with a symmetrical counterpart on the other half. Each half of the shield (1) contains thirteen panels, with each panel having at least three edges joined with the edges of other panels. The panels are joined at angles rather than being co-planar. Thus, spherical form of the shield is preserved. At an azimuth angle of 80°, reflections occur from the side cover (4).

[0041] The side covers (4) are designed with a tilt to reduce the RCS when the azimuth angle is 80°. This tilt is achieved by designing the angle between the surface of the side cover (4) and the ground (tilt angle) to be less than 90°. By designing the surface of the side cover (4) to be tilted downward, some electromagnetic waves are reflected downward, reducing the monostatic RCS value. This RCS reduction is observed not only at an azimuth angle of 80° but also across the range of 70° to 90°.

[0042] However, when the azimuth angle ranges between 105° and 115°, the tilted side covers (4) causes the side surfaces of the side covers (4.1) to expand, wherein the expanded surfaces create scattering centers, increasing reflections and RCS values. To mitigate the elevated RCS values, the side cover surfaces (4.1) are designed with their longer edges parallel to each other, limiting the increase in surface area.

[0043] The gun housing recesses (3) located at a front part of the turret (1) are designed with a curved structure. The curved design in these areas reduces dihedral effects and significantly decreases RCS levels, particularly at azimuth angles up to 40°.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A ball turret, characterized in thatthe ball turret comprises at least one side cover (4) with a surface tilt angle of less than 90° on an outer surface of a shield (1) thereof, thereby directing electromagnetic waves downward and reducing a monostatic radar cross section (RCS) value,side cover surfaces (4.1) of the side cover (4) have longer edges parallel to each other such that the increase in surface area is limited and scattering centers are decreased;gun housing recesses (3) are curved, which minimizes dihedral effects and optimizes the radar cross section (RCS) value at azimuth angles up to 40°.

2. A ball turret according to claim 1, characterized in that the gun turret consists of panels arranged at small and different angles to maintain the overall spherical form of the shield (1), thereby comprising at least one polygonal structure that allows radar signals to be dispersed in different directions to reduce the radar cross section (RCS) value.

3. A ball turret according to claim 1, characterized in that each half of the shield (1) comprises at least thirteen panels joined to each other at angles to preserve the spherical form of the shield, with each panel having at least three edges joined with the edges of other panels.

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