Automatic loading system

Abstract

The present invention relates to the automatic loading system (ALS), defined as a crucial subsystem in battle tanks, light turret systems, unmanned tanks, wheeled vehicles, and tracked vehicles that enables the automatic loading of turret system ammunition into the main weapon, allowing for weapon setup or readiness for firing without human intervention.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] AUTOMATIC LOADING SYSTEM

[0003] Technical Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to the automatic loading system (ALS), defined as a crucial subsystem in battle tanks, light turret systems, unmanned tanks, wheeled vehicles, and tracked vehicles that enables the automatic loading of turret system ammunition into the main weapon, allowing for weapon setup or readiness for firing without human intervention.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] Ammunition loading systems are mechanical or electronic devices that facilitate and optimize the process of loading ammunition into weapon systems. These systems are used to perform manual ammunition loading operations more quickly, safely, and efficiently. Ammunition loading systems are widely used in military platforms and weapon systems.

[0007] Ammunition loading systems are used in a variety of military platforms. They are used in tanks, artillery systems, naval platforms, aircraft, fixed defense systems, etc. Ammunition loading systems hold an important position in combat environments because they provide certain strategic advantages.

[0008] The development of ammunition loading systems from the past to the present is directly linked to advancements in war technology. Since their inception, these systems have continuously developed with the aim of speeding up manual processes and increasing automation.

[0009] Early tanks and artillery systems were slow and inefficient because ammunition was loaded manually. During this period, the crew operated the weapon systems by manually loading ammunition. Automatic ammunition loading systems began to be developed and implemented in the 1960s. Since the 1960s, significant technological advancements have been made in automatic filling systems, and these advancements continue.Although various proposals and applications have been developed for the ammunition loading systems in the known state of the art, these developments are not sufficient. Some applications for inventions developed for this purpose are given below.

[0010] In the patent document numbered “EP0217059A1”, which is in the state of the art, an autoloading method and apparatus is disclosed which is mounted on the turret of tanks, in which the turret is rotated horizontally and must be lowered to essentially a horizontal 0° position to load selected cartridges from a magazine conveyor, remove empty cartridge cases and misfired cartridges from the gun and turret, assist in loading cartridges into the magazine from outside the turret, and off-loading cartridges from the magazine.

[0011] The invention, which is the subject of application number “RU2204776C2” and exists in the prior art, relates to an automatic loading system used in tank turrets. It describes the adjustable structure of the automatic loading system, suitable for each type of ammunition. The ammunition for the tank's main gun varies in length and diameter. The mechanism of the magazines, which are adjusted according to the size of these ammunitions, is explained.

[0012] In the current state of the art, automatic ammunition loading systems exist. However, there is no available automatic loading system that is mounted behind the turret, can be quickly integrated with bearing interfaces, is positioned on the same axis as the turret, has a high level of ballistic protection, has low weight and volume, is compatible with all types of ammunition, has a chassis that is a ballistic protection product, and has a fire extinguishing and explosion suppression system.

[0013] As a result due to the abovementioned disadvantages and the insufficiency of the current solutions regarding the subject matter, a development is required to be made in the relevant technical field.

[0014] Object of the Invention:

[0015] The primary object of the present invention is to load tank gun ammunition into the main gun completely automatically, without any human intervention.Another object of the present invention is to create a high-tech product with electronic and mechanical infrastructure capable of carrying different types of ammunition, delivering the selected ammunition, and feeding the same to the main weapon.

[0016] Another advantage of the invention is its modular structure. This allows it to be installed and integrated into all military vehicles.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to offer the turret systems into which it is integrated a low silhouette feature compared to traditional main battle tank turrets. This reduces the system's footprint, thereby decreasing its vulnerability to enemy attacks.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to position it outside the crew living quarters. Therefore, ALS enhances the survivability of crew living quarters in the turret systems into which it is integrated.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide significant reductions / advantages in weight and volume ratios in turret systems. By reducing its weight, it increases the mobility and operational characteristics of the tank or platform to which it is attached.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to have an ALS fire extinguishing and explosion suppression system.

[0021] Description of Drawings:

[0022] FIGURE 1 ; a drawing showing the general view of the Automatic Loading System (ALS) that is the subject of the invention.

[0023] FIGURE 2; a drawing showing the rear detail isometric view of the Automatic Loading System (ALS) that is the subject of the invention.

[0024] FIGURE 3; a drawing showing the inner detail view of the Automatic Loading System (ALS) that is the subject of the invention.

[0025] FIGURE 4; a drawing showing the closed general view of the Automatic Loading System (ALS) that is the subject of the invention.FIGURE 5; a drawing showing the front view of the Automatic Loading System (ALS) that is the subject of the invention.

[0026] FIGURE 6; a drawing showing the closed A-A section view of the Automatic Loading System (ALS) that is the subject of the invention.

[0027] Reference numbers:

[0028] 100. ALS box

[0029] 101 Connection Interface

[0030] 102. Top Cover

[0031] 103. Explosion Suppression Cover

[0032] 104. Sealing Wall

[0033] 105. Top Cover Lifting Lugs

[0034] 106. ALS Lifting Lugs

[0035] 200. Mobile Ammunition Racks

[0036] 210. Power System

[0037] 211. Magazine Servo Motor

[0038] 212. Linear Slide and Chain Assembly

[0039] 213. Chain Assembly Servo Motor

[0040] 202. Sensor

[0041] 203. Regulator

[0042] 204. Handwheel

[0043] 300. Ready-to-use Ammunition Loading Cover400. ALS Rear Door

[0044] 401. Open / Closed sensor

[0045] 402. LCD Screen

[0046] 500. ALS Computer

[0047] 600. ALS Fire Extinguishing And Explosion Suppression System

[0048] 601. Thermal Sensor

[0049] 602. Fire Extinguisher

[0050] Description of the Invention

[0051] The present invention relates to the automatic loading system (ALS), defined as a crucial subsystem in battle tanks, light turret systems, unmanned tanks, wheeled vehicles, and tracked vehicles that enables the automatic loading of turret system ammunition into the main weapon, allowing for weapon setup or readiness for firing without human intervention.

[0052] Automatic Loading Systems (ALS) are advanced technological products with electronic and mechanical infrastructure that can carry different types of ammunition, load the selected ammunition into the main weapon, and enable the weapon to be cocked or prepared for firing. ALS is a strategic subsystem of modern turret systems used in manned or unmanned main battle tank turrets and wheeled vehicles, increasing the survivability level of the crew living quarters. ALS can be used in any vehicle with interface compatibility with its modular structure. It can be used in military land, sea, and air vehicles. With its structure compatible with different caliber ammunition, it adapts to evolving technology and has the infrastructure to serve in all naval and land vehicle turret families in the future. ALS has two main covers. One of the ALS's covers is located in the crew compartment and has no interaction with the outside of the vehicle. Ammunition is loaded into the main weapon through this cover. The other cover is the ready-to-use ammunition loading cover (300) where the ammunition loading operation is carried out outside the vehicle by ALS. Ammunitionloading is carried out through this cover. The ALS has a cover located in the crew compartment. This cover opens automatically upon the commander's "Load Ammunition into the Main Gun" command and remains open while the ammunition is being loaded into the main gun, then closes automatically after the ammunition loading process is complete. It has no interaction with the outside of the vehicle.

[0053] ALS consists of six subsystems. These are as follows following; ALS box (100), Mobile Ammunition Racks (zip chain) (200), Ready-to-use Ammunition Loading Cover (300), ALS Rear Door (400), ALS Computer (500), ALS Fire Extinguishing And Explosion Suppression System (600).

[0054] ALS Mobile Ammunition Racks (200) are a movable mechanism that is connected to each other with a conveyor logic and has the ability to rotate continuously in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This mechanism can be rotated at the desired speed and direction by means of a magazine servo motor (211). The processor inside the ALS computer compiles the position information received from the system, bringing the desired ammunition to the loading position, and the ammunition is loaded into the main weapon upon the commander's ammunition loading order. Position information is provided to the ALS computer both by the feedback feature of the servo motor (211) and by external sensors (202) placed on the magazine. The input signal received from the commander and finally the output signal, which is the position information received from the instantaneous magazine servo motor (211) encoder and calculated by the external position sensor (202), are reflected to the power system (210). The ammunition to be fired takes its loading position within the system.

[0055] The ALS computer (500) contains a microprocessor. A microprocessor has many input and output connections. The input and output connections of a microprocessor can be analog or digital signals. The position information collected by means of encoders that provide position control is compiled in the ALS computer (500) and the number of turns and direction information / signal is provided to the power system (210). It ensures that the system is presented to the user in the desired position.

[0056] ALS Box (100) has ballistic protection property. The mobile ammunition racks (200) are a rotating / moving subsystem that is positioned with continuous position control,driven by a power system (210) consisting of electromechanical motors that prepare the ammunition for main gun loading upon command from the commander, and containing multiple ammunition. The mobile ammunition racks (200) subsystem contains a linear slide and chain assembly (212) that pushes the ammunition to the main weapon. The ready-to-load ammunition cover (300) is a ballistic type cover that allows ammunition to exit the ODS upon the commander's order. The ALS computer (500) is the most critical subsystem, where the embedded software is used to evaluate the received feedback signals and give the motors the command to move. ALS can communicate directly with the vehicle control system of the platform on which it operates. On the other hand, it can communicate directly with the fire control and stabilization system (Electric Gun Turret Power System) and receive position and temperature information. The ALS fire suppression and explosion suppression system (600) transmits the ammunition temperatures directly to the fire control system in real time.

[0057] The microprocessor in the ALS computer (500) has many input and output connections. The input and output connections of a microprocessor can be analog or digital signals. The ALS fire suppression and explosion suppression system (600) has thermal sensors (601) that detect fire or flash. There is a continuous feedback from the thermal sensors (601) to the ALS computer (500). When the specified temperature limits are exceeded, fire extinguishers (602) explode and intervene in the fire. The system critical temperature is evaluated by the ALS Computer using the thermal sensors (601) on the system.

[0058] The ALS box (100) in the invention has the feature of a ballistic box and the ALS box (100) can be mounted on any vehicle with turret connection interfaces (101). The ALS Box (100) contains the following subsystems: mobile ammunition racks (200), ready-to-load ammunition cover (300), ALS rear door (400), ALS computer (500) and ALS fire suppression and explosion suppression system (600).

[0059] On the ALS box (100), there are the following; ALS connection interfaces (101) that enable the ALS to be mounted on the turret or place where it will be connected, the top cover (102) located on the top of the ALS box (100), the explosion suppression cover (103) which is located on the ALS box (100) and allows the pressure caused by the explosion of ammunition to be released, sealing wall (104) which closes theconnection gap after ALS turret integration and ensures the sealing of the turret crew compartment, top cover lifting lugs (105) that enable the top cover (102) to be lifted, ALS lifting lugs (106) which enable the ALS to be lifted from four points and are located at four points.

[0060] Mobile ammunition racks (200) are where ammunition is loaded into the ALS. It can load different types, quantities, and calibers of ammunition. Under the mobile ammunition racks (200), there are the servo motor (211) that carries and pushes the ammunition, the linear slide and chain assembly (212) and the chain assembly servo motor (213) power systems (210) and the electronic sub-components of the system, sensor, regulator etc. Mobile ammunition racks (200) are mounted inside ALS boxes (100) and are in a rotating conveyor structure. There are servo motors (211) and chain assembly servo motors (213) that rotate the conveyor mechanism. Sensors (202) on the mobile ammunition racks (200) that receive the open / closed (present / absent) information transmit the information that the system has reached the desired position to the ALS computer (500). For this reason, mobile ammunition racks (200) communicate with the ALS computer (500). Instantaneous temperature information is obtained because the mobile ammunition racks (200) carry ammunition. For this reason, it can communicate with the ALS computer (500) and the ALS fire suppression and explosion suppression system (FSESS). The thermal sensors (601) of the ALS fire suppression and explosion suppression system (FSESS) (600) read data from the ALS ammunition racks. Access to and transportation of the mobile ammunition racks (200) is via the ALS top cover.

[0061] When the ALS Mobile Ammunition Racks (200) are brought to the desired position by the user, the command "LOAD AMMUNITION TO THE MAIN WEAPON" can be given to the ALS. With this command, the linear slide and chain assembly (212) mechanism located inside the ALS pushes the ammunition positioned inside the ALS as a linearly extendable chain with the power of the chain assembly servo motor (213), thus sending / pushing the ammunition into the main weapon. This process involves loading the ammunition into the main weapon. The loading / transport of ammunition from the ALS to the main weapon is done via a linear slide and chain assembly (212).The ALS rear door (400) is mounted on the ammunition loading cover ALS box (100). The ALS rear door (400) opens and closes manually. The information about whether the door is closed or open is transmitted to the ALS computer (500) by the open / closed (present-absent) sensor (401) thereon. On the other hand, for the personnel loading the ammunition, there is an LCD screen (402) in the loading cover section of the ALS where they introduce the ammunition type and magazine number to the system. On the other hand, the ammunition is introduced into the system by both the operator and a barcode reader. The ALS rear door (400) technically interacts with other sub-components located under ALS. The ALS rear door (400) is located on the ALS box (100). The ALS ammunition loading cover has an open / closed sensor (401). With this sensor, the ALS computer (500) receives information about whether the ALS cover is open or closed. Access to and access to other subcomponents is provided via the ALS rear door (400). Ammunition is loaded into the ALS at ALS rear door (400).

[0062] ALS computer (500) is the controller of ALS computer (500). It is responsible for controlling the entire system. System control is performed via user instructions. The preparation of the system, the transmission of the position signals which are the necessary signal for the system to come to the loading position with sensor information and for loading ammunition into the system, is provided from the ALS computer (500). The ALS computer (500) is the most critical subsystem that provides communication with all systems, receives and sends signals. The ALS computer (500) is a system that calculates the instantaneous position, status, ammunition information and ammunition temperature and sends the same to the commander and gunner. The system software is located inside the ALS computer (500). The ALS computer (500) communicates in real-time with the fire control and vehicle control systems. It exchanges and receives information between systems. Inter-system communication is carried out via the ALS computer (500).

[0063] The ALS Fire Extinguishing and Explosion Suppression System automatically activates when it detects any flash fire or explosion within the ALS system. The system generally provides information to the Fire Control and Vehicle Control System via the ALS computer (500). Within the system, real-time temperature data is obtained both from the unit and from the magazines. ALS Fire ExtinguishingExplosion Suppression System detects flash and explosion formations with mechanical thermal sensors (601).

[0064] The ALS Top Cover also serves as a ballistic protection product. This cover can be heavy or light, depending on customer requirements. However, this cover cannot be lifted manually by staff for ergonomic reasons. ALS is not a product that can be lifted by human power alone. ALS cannot be lifted manually from an ergonomic point of view.

[0065] ALS is designed to accommodate ammunition ranging from 76 mm caliber to 130 mm and larger calibers that will be needed in the future. ALS is able to detach itself from the main structure in the event of any explosion. High stresses are generated on the connection interfaces during an explosion. The designed joint interfaces are prone to failure due to notch effects. Wit the help of this notch effect, the ALS can separate itself from the main structure in the event of an explosion.

[0066] The Automatic Loading System (ALS) has a modular structure. ALS can be integrated into the defined platform via its own connection interfaces (101). The ammunition loading magazine, which is the cylindrical structure forming the mobile ammunition racks (200) located within the ALS, must be on the same axis as the weapon's position at 0 degrees. ALS contains multiple different types and quantities of ammunition. Each of these ammunitions is placed inside and outside the ALS into mobile ammunition racks (magazines) (200) located within the ALS. The deployed ammunitions are monitored and approved by the commander in real time. The commander selects the required ammunition based on the identified enemy element. The ammunition selected by the commander is loaded into the main weapon via ALS, a fully automated system without any human intervention.

[0067] The invention incorporates system-level analysis, determining the optimum mass and volumetric values of the system, thereby reducing the tank's vulnerability and visibility. The invention provides the system with maximum survivability. It is a system that holds ready-to-fire ammunition with a conveyor mechanism, which is mounted behind the turret, can be quickly integrated with connection interfaces (101) and is positioned on the same axis as the turret and has a power system (210).The mobile ammunition racks included in the invention comprises magazine servo motor (211) which drives the magazine system, power system (210) consisting of linear slide and chain assembly (212) and chain assembly servo motor (213) driving the chain assembly (212), sensor (202) which has open and closed sensors located on the magazine and mobile ammunition racks and transmits position information to the ALS computer (500), regulator (203) which regulates the voltage level of the components, handwheel (204) which enables the transfer of ammunition racks to the ready ammunition loading cover (300) in case of interruption.

[0068] The process steps involved in loading ammunition into the ALS are as follows:

[0069] • Opening of the rear door (400) of the ammunition loading ALS with the permission of the commander,

[0070] • Placing different types of ammunition into the ALS from outside the ALS box (100),

[0071] • Submitting for the commander's approval,

[0072] • Obtaining the commander's approval,

[0073] • Closing the ammunition loading cover.

[0074] The process steps involved in bringing the ammunition to the loading position in the ALS are as follows:

[0075] • Selecting the appropriate ammunition to fire at the target defined by the commander,

[0076] • Retrieving the selected ammunition, located within the movable magazine racks, using the rack number or description corresponding to the selected ammunition defined in the system,

[0077] • Bringing the ammunition to the main weapon loading nozzle axis by the rotation of the movable mechanism / conveyor mechanism driven by servo motors.

[0078] The process steps involved in loading ammunition into the main weapon are as follows:

[0079] • The ALS ready ammunition loading cover (300) opens when the Commander gives the command to “Drive” the ammunition to the Main Gun,• propelling the ammunition in the ammunition loading position by the forward opening of the zip-chain containing the ammunition in its own magazine,

[0080] • Transferring the ammunition from its magazine onto a linear conveyor rail as it moves towards the main weapon loading port (this movement is facilitated by a zip chain).,

[0081] • Moving the linear slide and chain assembly (zip chain) (212) backward into the ALS box (100) after the ammunition is placed inside the main gun,

[0082] • Returning the linear slide and chain assembly (zip chain) (212) to its initial position (closed position,

[0083] • Closing the ready-to-use ammunition loading cover (300).

[0084] • All the motors used in the invention are servo motors. The motors that rotate the movable ammunition racks (200), push the zip chain forward and open the ready ammunition loading cover (300) are also servo motors (211).

[0085] The invention utilizes ballistic protection technology. This method provides ALS with a high level of ballistic protection but the lowest possible weight and volume.

[0086] The invention brings modularity to the turret systems into which it is integrated. ALS offers a low silhouette feature to the turret system it is integrated into, compared to traditional main battle tank turrets. This reduces the system's footprint, thereby decreasing its vulnerability to enemy attacks. ALS provides significant reductions / advantages in weight and volume ratios, especially in turret systems. By reducing its weight, it increases the mobility and operational characteristics of the tank or platform to which it is attached. The ALS is located outside the crew living quarters, unlike traditional main battle tank turrets. Therefore, ALS enhances the survivability of crew living quarters by 50% in the turret systems into which it is integrated. ALS maximizes personnel's focus on combat on the battlefield. With ALS, the turret crew is reduced from 3 to 2 people. ALS enables the transition to unmanned autonomous systems. In ALS-based filled tower systems, accidents caused by vehicle swerving occurring within the site are reduced to a minimum. ALS offers users various usage options with the help of its modular structure. These include use with ALS or use with fillers.

[0087] The invention is capable of operating simultaneously with many critical subsystems. Automatic loading system is a high-tech product with electronic and mechanicalinfrastructure capable of carrying different types of ammunition, delivering the selected ammunition, and feeding the same to the main weapon.

[0088] The invention has the capacity to carry 18 rounds of 105 mm NATO Standard ammunition. All ammunition in the ALS is ready to fire. ALS is a modular system, and its design approach allows it to be installed and integrated into all military vehicles.

[0089] The Automatic Loading System (ALS) can be used as one of the most critical subsystems in a modular armored turret (MAT) system in one application. The MAT System personnel consists of a crew of two: a commander and a gunner. The loader crew is being removed from the turret configuration and replaced with ALS. Using ALS with the MAT system offers several advantages. These are as follows:

[0090] • Low Silhouette: Silhouette situation due to volume decrease,

[0091] • Weight: The situation where the weight decreases as the structure gets smaller,

[0092] • Firing Capability in Difficult Terrain: This helps prevent staff displacement.

[0093] The invention significantly increases the survivability of the tanks in which it is used. The tank reduces its overall volume. This situation is described as a low silhouette. The tank's low silhouette makes it difficult to see. The side and front sections of the tank are reduced in cross-sectional area. The radar cross-section is decreasing. With its low silhouette, the system facilitates deliveries by air, sea, and road. In rail transport, the risk of interference is reduced by using appropriate gauges.

[0094] In tanks where this invention is used, the reduction in the size of the tank turret system reduces the tank's weight and increases its mobility. The weight of the turret system is decreasing. Turret movement performance is improved. Tank fuel consumption is decreasing. The tank's braking distance is decreasing. The tank's mobility is increasing. The tank's downward pressure is decreasing. The tank's power-to-weight ratio is increasing. The living space for the tank's crew is significantly increased.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Automatic loading system, comprising ALS box (100) containing mobile ammunition racks (200), ready-to-use ammunition loading cover (300), ALS rear door (400), ALS computer (500), ALS fire suppression and explosion suppression system (600)2. Automatic loading system according to claim 1 , on ALS box (100) comprising;- ALS connection interfaces (101) that enable the ALS to be mounted on the turret or place where it will be connected,- Top cover (102) located on the top of the ALS box (100),- Explosion suppression cover (103) which is located on the ALS box (100) and allows the pressure caused by the explosion of ammunition to be released,- Sealing wall (104) which closes the connection gap after ALS turret integration and ensures the sealing of the turret crew compartment, - Top cover lifting lugs (105) that enable the top cover (102) to be lifted, - ALS lifting lugs (106) which enable the ALS to be lifted from four points and are located at four points.

3. Automatic loading system according to claim 1, mobile ammunition racks (200) comprising;- magazine servo motor (211) which drives the magazine system, power system (210) consisting of linear slide and chain assembly (212) and chain assembly servo motor (213) driving the chain assembly (212),- sensor (202) which has open and closed sensors located on the magazine and mobile ammunition racks and transmits position information to the ALS computer (500),- regulator (203) that regulates the voltage level of the components,- handwheel (204) that enables the transfer of ammunition racks to the ready-to-use ammunition loading cover (300) in case of interruption.

4. Automatic loading system according to claim 1, ALS rear door (400) comprising;- open / closed sensor (401) located on the loading cover, which transmits the information about whether the ALS cover is open / closed to the ALS computer (500), and- LCD screen (402) in the loading cover section of the ALS where they introduce the ammunition type and magazine number to the system.

5. Automatic loading system according to claim 1, comprising ALS computer (500), which is a controller that receives the necessary signals from the sensors for the preparation of the automatic loading system, for it to reach the loading position and for ammunition to be loaded, provides communication within the automatic loading system, sends and receives signals, calculates the instantaneous position, status, ammunition information and ammunition temperature and sends the same to the commander and gunner.

6. Automatic loading system according to claim 1, ALS fire extinguishing and explosion suppression system (600) comprising;- thermal sensor (601) which detects flash and explosion formations and measures the ammunition temperature and transmits the same to the ALS computer (500),- fire extinguishers (602) that intervene in the fire by exploding when the temperature, flash and explosion information detected by thermal sensors (601) is above the determined limits.

Images