Modular armoured turret system

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular armoured turret system which has been developed for a new-generation manned or unmanned lightweight armoured turret system and which can be integrated into tanks or armoured vehicles by virtue of its structure providing ballistic protection against specific anti-tank threats.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] MODULAR ARMOURED TURRET SYSTEM

[0003] Technical field of the invention:

[0004] The invention relates to a modular armoured turret system which has been developed for a new-generation manned or unmanned lightweight armoured turret system and which can be integrated into tanks or armoured vehicles by virtue of its structure providing ballistic protection against specific anti-tank threats.

[0005] State of the art:

[0006] Armoured turret systems are among the most important elements of modern defence technology, having been designed to provide high levels of protection and operational capability in military and security applications. These systems are generally developed as part of structures that are mounted on armoured vehicles or fixed platforms, provide protection against various threats, and are capable of performing multi-role missions. Armoured turret systems are primarily used in both defensive and offensive missions by combining ballistic protection, weapon integration, surveillance, and target detection systems. The materials and technologies used in the design of these systems are continuously being developed in order to provide high protection while optimising the weight and cost of the system.

[0007] Armouring technology is one of the most critical elements of armoured turret systems. The materials used in these systems include composite armours, steel alloys, and ceramic coatings. While providing effective protection against different threat levels, these materials also increase mobility by keeping the overall system weight low. In particular, modular armour design enables turret systems to adapt to future threats. By means of modular structures, the armour level can be upgraded or updated with innovative materials. In addition, the design of turret systems is optimised to provide protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, together with ballistic protection.Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) (5.1) constitute another important component that enhances the modern operational capabilities of armoured turrets. These systems allow the operator to remotely control the weapons on the turret while remaining in a secure position inside the vehicle. Turrets that can be equipped with weapons such as machine guns of various calibres, automatic cannons, anti-tank missiles, and rocket systems provide versatile fire support and demonstrate superior performance in both defensive and offensive missions. In addition, these systems are generally positioned on stabilised platforms, thereby enabling engagement of targets with high accuracy even while on the move or under challenging terrain conditions. Thermal imagers, night vision systems, laser rangefinders, and advanced target tracking technologies used in remote weapon systems (5.1) ensure effective operation during both day and night missions.

[0008] Armoured turret systems are also supported by advanced electronic and software solutions. These systems are equipped with technologies such as artificial intelligence-supported sensing systems that optimise target detection and tracking functions, ballistic computation software, and network-enabled combat management systems. These features enable armoured turrets to make faster and more accurate decisions on the battlefield. Furthermore, technologies such as Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems are generally integrated into these systems in order to minimise operational risks.

[0009] Modem armoured turrets have a customisable structure suitable for different mission profiles. While high-resolution electro-optical cameras and long-range radars may be added for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, more powerful weapon systems and increased ammunition carrying capacities may be incorporated for attack-oriented missions. Some turret systems operate in an integrated manner with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other autonomous platforms in order to enhance situational awareness. In addition, these turrets are generally designed to be usable in either manned or unmanned configurations. Unmanned armoured turrets provide operational flexibility while ensuring operator safety, particularly in high-risk areas.

[0010] Armoured turret systems play a strategic role on battlefields in both defensive and offensive missions. In civilian applications as well, particularly in duties such as the protection of critical infrastructure and border security, the need for the use of these systems is increasing. At present, research and development activities relating toarmoured turret systems are focused on the production of lighter, more powerful, and smarter systems. These systems have become a fundamental component of modern defence strategies against evolving threats.

[0011] Although various proposals and implementations have been developed for armoured turret systems in the state of the art, these developments are not sufficient. For this purpose, some applications relating to inventions developed are given below.

[0012] The patent document numbered “WO2013127654A1” in the state of the art has been examined. The invention which is the subject of the application relates to a turret for an armoured vehicle, characterised by comprising an invariable, rigid metal structural unit located at the centre of the turret, referred to as a standard shell assembly, and equipped with an interface means. Said turret further comprises interchangeable and removable modules, wherein the standard shell assembly is mounted to each interchangeable and removable module by means of a fixing means, and wherein the interface means is designed such that different modules of the same functional type can be mounted to the standard shell assembly.

[0013] The patent document numbered “CA1229252A” in the state of the art has been examined. In the invention which is the subject of the application, a lightweight military vehicle is equipped with an unmanned turret in order to alternately support large weapon stations. Elastomer-filled supports connected to the turret platform serve to isolate weapon reaction forces from the vehicle chassis. The driver, commander, and gunner seats are located outside the turret and are equipped with side doors to provide rapid exit. Both powered and manual backup drives are located outside the rotating turret disc and are accessible from the gunner’s seat. The elevation drive uses a ball-and-socket joint that connects an upper yoke mounted on the weapon to a fixed lower portion that controls the vertical movement of the yoke and thus the elevation of the weapon.

[0014] The patent document numbered “CA2181630A1” in the state of the art has been examined. In the invention which is the subject of the application, a turret for an armoured wheeled or tracked vehicle is equipped with a weapon and a magazine capable of feeding the weapon with belt-form ammunition. The magazine is positioned laterally next to the weapon in the turret and is aligned with the turret. Ammunition is received into the magazine in a substantially vertical orientation and is aligned with theweapon when fed thereto. In order to feed ammunition to the weapon in a simple and reliable manner, the belt-form ammunition is wound in a spiral within the magazine. The ammunition belt freely extends from the magazine to the weapon without any guiding means and is bent or twisted. Preferably, a corresponding magazine is provided on each side of the weapon, inclined downwardly in the ammunition belt exit direction.

[0015] Armoured turret systems are present in the state of the art. However, the armoured turret systems in the state of the art are inadequate in terms of enabling configurations such as achieving a low vehicle silhouette, performing multi-role missions (tank, armoured combat vehicle, howitzer, etc.), integrating main guns (5) of different calibres, system periscopes, situational awareness systems, armour level, weapon calibre, turret configurations with or without a loader, and manned or unmanned turret configurations.

[0016] As a result, due to the disadvantages described above and the inadequacy of existing solutions with respect to the subject matter, it has become necessary to carry out an improvement in the relevant technical field.

[0017] The Aim of the invention:

[0018] The most important aim of the invention is to provide a modular armoured turret system having modular armour, capable of being integrated into all platforms such as main battle tanks, tracked vehicles, and wheeled vehicles, and having a structure that provides ballistic protection against specific anti-tank threats.

[0019] Another aim of the invention is to reduce vulnerability to enemy fire by providing a low-profile feature to the turret system into which it is integrated and by reducing the volume on the system.

[0020] Another aim of the invention is to increase the mobility and operational capabilities of the tank or platform to which it is connected by virtue of the weight reduction and low volume ratio it provides.

[0021] Another aim of the invention is to enable personnel to focus on operations at the maximum level by virtue of the personnel compartment being configured for two persons and having a simplified structure.Another aim of the invention is to provide the user with usage options and different turret configurations by virtue of its modular structure allowing use with an Automatic Loader System or use with a loader.

[0022] The structural and characteristic features of the invention and all advantages thereof will be more clearly understood by means of the drawings given below and the detailed description written with reference to these drawings. For this reason, the evaluation should also be carried out by taking these drawings and the detailed description into consideration.

[0023] Description of the drawings:

[0024] FIGURE-1; is a drawing illustrating the general view of the Modular Armoured Turret System (MAT) which is the subject of the invention.

[0025] FIGURE-2; is a drawing illustrating the top view of the Modular Armoured Turret System (MAT) which is the subject of the invention.

[0026] FIGURE-3; is a drawing illustrating the side view of the Modular Armoured Turret System (MAT) which is the subject of the invention.

[0027] Reference numbers:

[0028] 1. Ballistic-welded turret structure

[0029] 2. Automatic loader system

[0030] 3. Low-recoil weapon system

[0031] 4. Turret armour system

[0032] 5. Main gun

[0033] 5.1 Remote Weapon System

[0034] 6. Auxiliary weapon system

[0035] 7. Smoke screening system

[0036] 8. Life support system9. Tank laser warning system

[0037] 10. Close-range vision system

[0038] 11. Commander’s periscope

[0039] 12. Gunner’s periscope

[0040] 13. Turret cage armour

[0041] 14. Turret crew basket

[0042] 15. Commander’s hatch

[0043] 16. Gunner’s hatch

[0044] 17. Meteorological antenna

[0045] 18. Radio antenna

[0046] 19. External turret equipment box

[0047] 20. Situational awareness system

[0048] 21. Surveillance robot

[0049] 22. Combat identification system

[0050] Description of the invention:

[0051] The invention relates to a modular armoured turret system which has been developed for a new-generation manned or unmanned lightweight armoured turret system and which can be integrated into tanks or armoured vehicles by virtue of its structure providing ballistic protection against specific anti-tank threats.

[0052] The Modular Armoured Turret (MAT) system is defined as a new-generation lightweight turret system. The MAT System is also a modem turret system. The MAT system consists of more than 30 critical strategic sub-systems. However, the MAT system is defined as a platform -based system. It has three main strategic sub-systems. These systems are a ballistic-welded turret structure (1 ), an Automatic Loader System (2), and a low-recoil weapon system (3).The MAT system can be integrated into all carrier hull platforms used in land warfare platforms (such as tanks, 8x8 wheeled vehicles, etc.) as well as naval platforms. This feature is defined as modularity. The modularity capability is among the most important technical features of the MAT system. Mechanical fastening elements are used in integration. These include bolts, washers, and spacers. These elements are commonly used in the defence industry and are readily accessible. Integration of the MAT system into platforms is carried out at the hull-turret interface via the turret ring gear interface. In addition, by virtue of its modular structure, the system provides baseline protection capability at high weights, enhanced kinetic energy threat protection capability, and ballistic protection capability against anti-tank missiles. Baseline protection, enhanced kinetic energy threat protection, and anti-tank protection constitute different protection levels, with the protection level increasing sequentially. By adding components to the baseline turret structure, different protection scenarios can be achieved in accordance with user requirements.

[0053] The armour system of the MAT system provides protection against modem threats and threats defined within the scope of asymmetric warfare scenarios. The MAT system has effective roof protection against top-attack munitions and drone threats. The MAT system has an Active Protection System. By means of its integrated protection system, the MAT system provides maximum protection for turret personnel. With the MAT system, the lowest vehicle silhouette is achieved in its class when integrated with the vehicle. By virtue of its modular structure, the MAT system can be optimised by the user and configured with desired sub-systems. These include configurations such as system periscopes, situational awareness systems (20), armour level, weapon calibre, turret configurations with or without a loader, and manned or unmanned turret configurations. In addition, by virtue of its modular structure, different weapon systems can be adapted to the MAT system. Tank gun main weapons (5) having calibres of 30, 35, 40, 76, 90, 100, 105, 120, and 130 mm can be integrated into the main gun (5) and cradle system. Furthermore, the MAT system has a multi-role capability. The MAT system can be integrated into a tank hull to provide tank firing capabilities, or can be integrated into the hull of a wheeled vehicle to operate as an armoured combat vehicle. At the same time, the MAT system is capable of firing in a manner similar to a howitzer. The MAT System is designed to successfully perform the operational concepts defined below. These include:• Rapid advance or offensive operational concept

[0054] • Support to infantry operational concept

[0055] • Direct firing and suppression operational concept

[0056] • Indirect firing and suppression operational concept

[0057] • Neutralisation of targets using auxiliary weapons

[0058] • Defence and fighting position operational concept

[0059] o Dominant hill defence and fighting position operational concept

[0060] o Defilade defence and fighting position operational concept

[0061] • Layered defence operational concept

[0062] • Clearing area / buildings operational concept

[0063] • Psychological operations operational concept

[0064] • Operational concept under nuclear, biological, and chemical attacks.

[0065] The armour system is the most important sub-component of the MAT system. Together with the modular armours mounted on the exterior of the turret, the ballistic-welded turret structure (1) is considered as an integrated structure. The ballistic-welded turret structure (1) is a ballistic-welded turret system (1) having the highest level of ballistic protection and the lowest weight compared to its counterparts. The turret armour system (4) comprises the ballistic-welded turret structure (1), the main armour, the turret modular armour system, passive armour, and the rear turret cage armour components. The geometry of the ballistic-welded turret structure (1) has been optimised and developed in terms of mass and volume in order to maximise ballistic protection. The ballistic-welded turret structure (1) is a turret sub-system formed by assembling and welding armour plates of different thicknesses. It is the structure that carries the entire MAT system. By integrating the turret ring gear into the structure of the ballistic-welded turret structure (1), the system can be connected to all platforms. The main configuration of the MAT system is a turret system equipped with an Automatic Loader System (ALS) (2). The MAT system personnel consist of two crew members, namely a commander and a gunner. The loader personnel have been removed from the turret configuration and replaced by the Automatic Loader System (2). By using the ALS (2), a reduced silhouette resulting from volume reduction, weight reduction due to downsizing of the structure, and prevention of personnel displacement during firing on difficult terrain are achieved. The ALS (2) is one of the most criticalsub-systems of the MAT system. The ALS (2) can operate simultaneously with many critical sub-systems. In addition, the ALS (2) is an advanced technology product having an electronic and mechanical infrastructure, capable of carrying different types of ammunition, carrying ammunition selected by the user, and feeding the selected ammunition to the main gun (5). The reliability of the ALS (2) is of vital importance for the user. All ammunition in the ALS (2) is ready-to-fire ammunition. One example of the modularity feature of the MAT system is that it has a removable ALS (2). This enables the quantity and type of ammunition to be changed modularly in accordance with customer requirements. Desired configurations can be created by means of mechanical connection interfaces together with modular structures and sub-systems. The MAT system offers the user a very wide operational concept together with the turret system into which it is integrated. The MAT system can be used as a light tank or as a fire support vehicle together with the platform into which it is integrated.

[0066] The MAT system is preferred by countries experiencing urban and rural warfare as well as domestic security problems. On the other hand, the MAT system concept is also capable of addressing tank modernisation projects with large-calibre weapon systems. The MAT system generally gives rise to a light tank / medium -class tank configuration when integrated into armoured tracked vehicles. The MAT system comprises a low-recoil weapon system (3). The low-recoil weapon system (3) is integrated into the main gun (5). It aims to reduce the recoil force generated by the main gun (5).

[0067] In the MAT system, the main gun (5) connected to the cradle system is capable of achieving the maximum elevation and depression angles required in urban environments. The MAT system is capable of performing direct fire or indirect fire with the weapon it comprises.

[0068] The MAT system operates as an integrated whole with artificial intelligence. The MAT system operates with artificial intelligence in order to neutralise enemy elements or elements in the fastest and most effective manner within the scope of a high first-round hit probability. During combat, the commander interacts with the artificial intelligence. The MAT system is capable of responding to multiple targets by means of the main gun (5) in particular, as well as other auxiliary weapon systems (6).By means of the commander’s periscope (11) and the gunner’s periscope (12) on the MAT system, enemy elements are detected, identified, and recognised from very long distances. Depending on the characteristics of the enemy element, the MAT system is capable of deploying smart loitering ammunition, a flying robot (drone), or an anti-tank missile comprised in the auxiliary weapon system (6) in order to neutralise the enemy in the most effective manner.

[0069] The MAT system has an ergonomic structure. The personnel seats, the commander’s hatch (15), the gunner’s hatch (16), and impact cushions comply with NATO ergonomic standards. In the manned configuration of the MAT system, the commander is positioned on the left and the gunner on the right within the turret crew basket (14). However, by virtue of its modular structure, the user is able to define the desired seat as the commander’s or the gunner’s seat.

[0070] The MAT system comprises a modern fire control system and situational awareness systems (20). While it is capable of performing observation in real time via the 360-degree panoramic commander’s periscope (11), it also comprises a 360-degree situational awareness system (20), a tank laser warning system (9), and a surveillance robot (21). On the other hand, the MAT system comprises an advanced combat identification system (22). By virtue of this feature, analyses are carried out using satellite images of the battlefield, images received from UAVs, and information received from the command and control centre, and are presented to the user. By means of these analyses and artificial intelligence, the MAT system selects and neutralises its target.

[0071] The MAT system has the capability to perform indirect fire. The MAT system can also be used in a manner similar to a howitzer. By means of its main gun (5) capable of achieving 40° elevation, it is capable of neutralising many threats within the firing area by means of precision fire.

[0072] The MAT system is the turret system having the lowest weight yet the highest ballistic protection capability compared to its counterparts. Ballistic technology expertise is utilised in the MAT system. The crew living space has been optimised geometrically and volumetrically. In the geometrically shaped ballistic MAT system, armour steel, reactive armour, hybrid armour, composite armour, and ceramic armour structures are also used. The MAT system comprises an Active Protection System.The smoke screening system (7) of the MAT system enables the tank / vehicle to move away from the threat area by reducing its visibility to the enemy by means of a smoke layer generated using smoke launchers comprised in its sub-components. The smoke screening system is also considered as a secondary-level protection product. In the MAT system, a total of eight 76 mm smoke launcher assemblies are provided, with four located on the right rear side and four on the left rear side of the turret.

[0073] The life support system (8) comprised in the MAT system is a sub-system having climate control capability, arranged in order to heat and cool the internal crew living space of the turret and to meet the clean air requirement. The filters comprised in the internal structure of the Life Support System have the capability to filter chemical, biological, radiological (gamma and neutron), nuclear fallout, and industrial leaks. The MAT system comprises a tank laser warning system (9) and a close-range vision system (10), which are positioned around the turret in a total number of four. The tank laser warning system (9) is a threat warning system having the capability to detect, identify, and classify laser-guided weapons / threats directed at the tank. By detecting the laser source directed at tanks / wheeled vehicles, it transmits warning and countermeasure methods to the commander and the gunner. The close-range vision system (10) is a system that displays the surroundings of the tank / wheeled armoured vehicle by means of cameras in 360 degrees, day and night, under all weather and combat conditions, and transmits the image to the commander / gunner control and display unit, thereby maintaining the situational awareness of the in-vehicle crew at the highest level. The sensors are positioned so as to provide a 360-degree maximum field of view around the turret system.

[0074] In addition, the MAT system comprises a cage armour system (13) developed to provide protection against RPG and similar threats, a meteorological antenna (17) which is a sensing unit that transmits instantaneous weather information including air temperature, wind speed, and wind direction to the fire control computer, a radio antenna (18) capable of performing uninterrupted encrypted voice and data communication, two external turret equipment boxes (19) in which equipment required by turret personnel for maintenance, repair, and operational use is provided, and a surveillance robot (21), the purpose of which is to increase the battlefield awareness of the tank crew by means of a drone to be added to the MAT system.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular armoured turret system, comprising:- at least one ballistic-welded turret structure (1), which is a strategic subsystem, carries all elements of the modular armoured turret system, is formed by assembling and welding armour plates of different thicknesses, and provides ballistic protection by virtue of its geometry,- at least one automatic loader system (2), which is a strategic sub-system, is added to the modular armoured turret system by removing loader personnel, comprises two crew members, namely a commander and a gunner, is capable of carrying multiple types of ammunition, carries ammunition selected by the user and feeds the ammunition to the main gun (5), has an electronic and mechanical infrastructure, carries all ammunition in a ready- to-fire state, and has a modular structure enabling it to be mounted to and removed from the ballistic-welded turret structure (1) such that the quantity and type of ammunition can be changed modularly in accordance with user requirements,- at least one low-recoil weapon system (3), which is a strategic sub-system, - at least one turret armour system (4) positioned within the turret armour system (4) and comprising the ballistic-welded turret structure (1), main armour, turret modular armour system, passive armour, and rear turret cage armour components,- at least one main gun (5), into which tank gun weapons having calibres of 30, 35, 40, 76, 90, 100, 105, 120, and 130 mm are integrated, and which is capable of changing elevation and depression angles,- at least one remote weapon system (5.1), which enables operation during both day and night missions by means of thermal imagers, night vision systems, laser rangefinders, and advanced target tracking technologies used therein, and which allows the operator to remotely control the weapons on the turret,- at least one auxiliary weapon system (6) comprising smart loitering ammunition, a flying robot, and an anti-tank missile,- a smoke screening system (7), which enables the tank / vehicle to move away from the threat area by reducing its visibility to the enemy by means of a smoke layer generated using smoke launchers,- a life support system (8) having climate control capability, arranged to heat and cool the internal crew living space of the turret and to meet the clean air requirement,- a tank laser warning system (9), which is a threat warning system having the capability to detect, identify, and classify laser-guided weapons / threats directed at the tank,- a close-range vision system (10), which displays the surroundings of the tank and wheeled armoured vehicles in 360 degrees, day and night, by means of cameras and transmits the image to the commander or gunner control and display unit,- at least one commander’s periscope (11) and gunner’s periscope (12), which perform detection, identification, and recognition of enemy elements instantaneously in a 360-degree panoramic manner,- a cage armour system (13) developed to provide protection against RPG and similar threats,- at least one turret crew basket (14), in which, in a manned configuration, the commander is positioned on the left and the gunner on the right, and which, by virtue of its modular structure, allows the user to define any desired seat as the commander’s or gunner’s seat,- a meteorological antenna (17), which is a sensing unit that transmits instantaneous weather information including air temperature, wind speed, and wind direction to the fire control computer,- a radio antenna (18) capable of performing uninterrupted encrypted voice and data communication,- an external turret equipment box (19) in which equipment used by turret personnel for maintenance, repair, and operational purposes is provided, - at least one situational awareness system (20) having a 360-degree observation capability,- a surveillance robot (21) which provides battlefield awareness to the tank crew by means of a drone, and- at least one combat identification system (22), which analyses satellite images of the battlefield, images received from UAVs, and information received from the command and control centre, presents the analyses to the user, and selects the target by means of these analyses.

2. The modular armoured turret system according to claim 1, comprising a ballistic- welded turret structure (1 ), an automatic loader system (2), and a low-recoil weapon system (3), integrated into carrier hulls from the hull-turret interface via the turret ring gear interface by means of mechanical fastening elements comprising bolts, washers, and spacers.

3. The modular armoured turret system according to claim 1 , comprising a main gun (5) capable of achieving 40° elevation.

Images