Fire Control Muzzle Velocity Sensor for Air-Burst Projectile Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing military fire control systems struggle to accurately adjust the elevation and traverse of gun barrels for precise delivery of conventional and programmable munition projectiles, particularly due to variations in muzzle velocity and the need for manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The system measures the muzzle velocity of the first volley and automatically adjusts the elevation for subsequent volleys using a programming technology that couples with the fire control computer to calculate precise aiming solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of elevation and traverse is used for each volley, then the system can adapt to muzzle velocity variations, but the operation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fire control computer automatically measures the actual impact location of each volley and uses this feedback to compute and apply elevation adjustments for subsequent volleys. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates manual measurement and adjustment time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs its own aiming adjustments automatically without requiring manual intervention. The fire control computer self-corrects elevation based on observed impact locations, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the time loss associated with manual operator adjustments.
2Productivity
If standard ballistic computation with fixed muzzle velocity is used, then the firing process is simple and fast, but the precision deteriorates due to muzzle velocity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically updates the muzzle velocity parameter used in ballistic computations based on actual measurements from previous volleys. Instead of using a fixed standard velocity, the system adapts the velocity parameter in real-time, maintaining both firing speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire control computer changes the muzzle velocity parameter in the ballistic computation algorithm based on observed actual impact locations. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain high firing speed while compensating for manufacturing variations in projectile velocity.
3Measurement precision
If automated elevation adjustment based on measured muzzle velocity is implemented, then the precision of munition delivery improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fire control computer performs multiple functions: it computes initial aiming solutions, measures actual impact locations, calculates muzzle velocity variations, and adjusts elevation for subsequent volleys. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional device, the system achieves high precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with automated computational processes. The fire control computer uses electronic calculations and automated control signals to adjust elevation, substituting complex mechanical adjustment systems with simpler electronic control while achieving superior precision.
4Reliability
If multiple volleys are fired with manual adjustments between them, then the terminal effect can be optimized, but the quantity of ammunition consumed increases due to trial-and-error adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The fire control computer performs preliminary calculations to determine the optimal elevation adjustment before each subsequent volley is fired. By pre-computing the correct adjustment based on observed impact locations, the system minimizes the number of volleys needed to achieve the desired terminal effect, reducing ammunition consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
The method and apparatus for a remote weapon station or incorporated into manually-aimed weapons. The methodology requires use of a muzzle velocity sensor that refines the aiming of the second and subsequent fires or volleys fired from weapon systems. When firing the first volley a weapon uses an estimated velocity and, at firing, the muzzle velocity of a projectile is measured. When firing the second volley a weapon's fire control calculates an aiming point using the measured velocity of the first volley.