Remote Weapon Station Muzzle Velocity Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote weapon station systems require manual adjustments for subsequent volleys after the first shot, leading to reduced precision due to variations in ammunition lot-to-lot muzzle velocity, and existing projectile programming technologies are cumbersome and power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that measures the muzzle velocity of the first volley and automatically adjusts the elevation for subsequent volleys using a fire control unit, coupled with programmable ammunition that receives programming signals via optical, RF, or magnetic means, allowing for precise aim and terminal effect improvement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment is used for subsequent volleys, then the system complexity is reduced, but the precision and accuracy of fire is deteriorated due to ammunition lot-to-lot muzzle velocity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the actual muzzle velocity of fired projectiles and uses this feedback to automatically adjust elevation and air-burst timing for subsequent volleys. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for lot-to-lot ammunition variations, improving precision without requiring complex manual intervention procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The weapon station automatically performs elevation adjustment and firing parameter optimization without requiring manual operator intervention for each volley. The system serves itself by autonomously measuring muzzle velocity, calculating corrections, and adjusting firing parameters, thereby improving precision while maintaining operational simplicity
2Measurement precision
If automated elevation adjustment based on muzzle velocity measurement is implemented, then the precision of subsequent volleys is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment procedures with automated electronic control. A muzzle velocity measurement device and fire control computer automatically calculate and apply elevation corrections, substituting complex manual mechanical operations with streamlined electronic computation and actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The fire control system performs multiple functions including muzzle velocity measurement, ballistic computation, elevation adjustment, and air-burst timing optimization. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system, the patent improves elevation accuracy while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems
3Reliability
If conventional programming methods are used for air-burst ammunition, then the terminal effect is achieved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical or mechanical programming systems with optical programming using laser beams. The laser optically programs the air-burst timing directly onto the projectile during flight, achieving reliable terminal effects while dramatically reducing system complexity and power consumption compared to conventional electrical programming methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (laser beam) to transfer programming information to the projectile. This optical mediator enables precise air-burst timing control without requiring direct electrical or mechanical contact between the weapon station and projectile, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining terminal effect reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the precision and accuracy of subsequent volleys by continuously adjusting the barrel elevation based on measured muzzle velocity, improving the aiming fidelity and burst accuracy of programmable air-burst ammunition.
Implementation Method 1
a muzzle velocity measurement device for measuring a velocity of the projectile as the projectile exits the barrel
Implementation Method 2
a fire control unit, coupled to the muzzle velocity measurement device and to the mechanical support, for adjusting a setting for the barrel elevation
Implementation Method 3
When the projectile is a programmable air-burst projectile, the fire control unit is further for adjusting a calculated time for the air-burst of the programmable air-burst projectile
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.