Weapon System Combating Launching Position of Attack Munition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for combating airborne assault ammunition launching devices are inefficient in quickly engaging and neutralizing the enemy launcher over a wide range of distances, as they often require time-consuming trajectory determination and may not effectively cover all possible ranges.

Innovation Solution

A weapon system comprising a main artillery piece and a secondary mortar launcher, where the trajectory of the assault ammunition is determined using locating devices and ballistic coefficients, and defensive ammunition is selectively fired from either system based on range and terrain considerations, ensuring comprehensive coverage from close to long ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single weapon system is used to combat enemy launchers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the effective engagement range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement rangeVSAvoidweapon system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The weapon system is segmented into two independent but coordinated weapon systems (first and second weapon systems), each capable of engaging targets at different ranges. This allows the system to cover a broader engagement range while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design and independent operation of each subsystem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fire control system is designed with multi-functionality to manage both weapon systems through a unified control architecture. The system can selectively activate either weapon system based on target range and engagement requirements, providing universal combat capability across different operational scenarios without requiring separate control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If trajectory determination and back calculation are performed, then the firing point can be accurately determined, but the response time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiring point determination accuracyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Ballistic coefficients for both weapon systems are determined and stored in advance through preliminary testing and calibration. When an enemy launcher is detected, the system retrieves pre-calculated ballistic data and performs rapid fire control solution calculation, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time trajectory analysis while maintaining high precision in firing point determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Length of stationary object

If only long-range weapons are used, then the maximum engagement distance is increased, but the minimum engagement range is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum engagement distanceVSAvoidminimum engagement range suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects which weapon system to activate based on the real-time engagement distance to the enemy launcher. The fire control system automatically determines the appropriate weapon based on whether the target falls within the optimal range for the first or second weapon system, ensuring each weapon operates within its most effective engagement envelope.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If only short-range weapons are used, then the minimum engagement range is reduced, but the maximum engagement distance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveminimum engagement range capabilityVSAvoidmaximum engagement distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The combat system is segmented into two specialized weapon systems: one optimized for short-range engagement and another for long-range engagement. This segmentation allows each weapon system to be optimized for its specific range bracket, with the fire control system managing the transition between them to provide continuous coverage from minimum to maximum engagement distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables rapid and effective engagement of enemy launchers across a broad distance range, ensuring protection by combining the long-range capabilities of artillery with the short-range effectiveness of mortars, thus providing reliable defense against airborne assault munitions.

Implementation Method 1

the ballistic coefficient c of the assault ammunition is determined, which in turn can be determined, for example, by determining the air resistance of the assault ammunition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBallistic coefficient determination: Drag

Implementation Method 2

the trajectory of the attack ammunition previously located by means of at least one locating device must first be known by means of a computer unit, so that the firing point can then be determined by back calculation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTrajectory back-calculation:

Implementation Method 3

a propellant charge (4'') for the defensive ammunition body (3')

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 4

a drive (13) for the movement in elevation of the secondary weapon (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical actuation:

Data Source

PatentEP1983294B1Method and device for combating a launching position of an attack munition
Publication Date: 2013.02.13 KRAUSS MAFFEI WEGMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1983294B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1983294B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1983294B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The method involves locating a flying offensive ammunition body (4) using navigation equipments (5, 12), and determining the flight path of ammunition body. Firing place of the ammunition body is also determined. A selection processing unit (6) selects whether a defensive ammunition body (3) is fired from a main weapon (2) e.g. artillery gun, or an auxiliary weapon (7) e.g. mortar firing device, that is arranged at the main weapon. The defensive ammunition body is automatically fired according to the selection done by the unit (6). An independent claim is also included for a device for executing a method for combat of a firing device that is shooting a flying offensive ammunition body.