SE2000075A1 - Modular launch device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular launching device (1) for launching projectiles (100) with a propellant charge (10) where the projectile (100) is arranged by arranging a spark plug (20) to a projectile body (50) in the launching device (1) and is applied together with at least one propellant charge (10) in the launch device (1). Furthermore, the invention consists of a method for assembling projectiles through modules in a launching device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a modular launching device for launching projectiles with a propellant charge. Furthermore, the invention consists of a method for assembling projectiles in a launching device by means of modules.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION, PROBLEM AREA AND PRIOR ART The main principles used in weapon systems regarding projectile and propellant handling include ammunition in cartridges, when projectile and propellant are jointly arranged in a sleeve, alternatively system when projectile and propellant are arranged jointly. Usually utility systems with sleeve when the caliber of the projectile is less than about 100 mm and for projectiles with a diameter exceeding 100 mm, separate projectile and propellant are often used.

Exceptionally, ammunition in the sleeve has also been used in systems up to 155 mm.

Patent document US 2011/0083548 A1 describes a sleeveless weapon system. With a projectile chamber and a propellant chamber which are movable arranged relative to the barrel.

The patent document does not show that the projectile is made in parts / modules.

Patent document US 8,546,736 B2 describes a modularly projectile. The modules consist of a load, a control module and a rear module, for example comprising a rocket engine. The load module may further comprise a spark plug. Projects are assembled in storage or at the manufacturer and arranged in the launching device in one unit. The patent document does not show that the projectile is arranged by parts / modules in the launching device.

Solution to the above problems and further problems with solution are described below.

Obtained from the Swedish Patent and Registration Office An object of the present invention is to solve the problems identified above.

Other problems solved by the present invention are that problems related to IM (Insensitive Ammunition) in that spark plugs and projectile bodies can be kept separate at the front in connection with, or just before, deployment. Furthermore, problems related to increased flexibility are solved when a larger number of configuration possibilities exist if subsystems are coordinated in connection with, or just before, employment. Furthermore, problem-related to speed is solved, relatively conventional artillery where spark plugs are manually arranged to the projectile / projectile body, by the spark plug automatically being arranged to the projectile body in connection with, or just before, deployment.

A further object of the present invention is a modular launching device for launching projectiles with a propellant charge where the projectile is arranged by arranging a spark plug to a projectile body in the launching device and employing at least one propellant charge in the launching device.

According to further aspects of a modular launch device according to the invention apply; that spark plugs are arranged in at least one spark magazine arranged on the launching device and that projectile bodies are arranged in at least one projectile body magazine arranged on the launching device and that spark plugs are arranged automatically on projectile body in the launching device. a propellant charge is arranged in at least one propellant magazine arranged to the launching device. a spark plug comprises an initiating unit, a safety unit and an explosive unit therein either; initiating unit is arranged to a composite safety unit and explosive unit, - explosive unit is arranged to a composite initiating unit and safety unit, - initiating unit is arranged simultaneously to a safety unit and to an explosive unit. that initiating unit is arranged in at least one initiating magazine magazine arranged launching device, and / or that safety unit is arranged in at least one safety unit magazine arranged to launching device, and / or explosive substance unit is arranged in at least one explosive device device supply magazine. a projectile body comprises an enclosing unit and a loading unit where the loading unit is arranged in at least one load unit magazine arranged for launching device, and there load unit is arranged for enclosing unit, where enclosing unit is arranged in at least one enclosing unit magazine arranged for launching device. The enclosing unit may consist of shells made of plastic, composite, metal and / or combinations thereof. a load unit consists of one or fl era of an explosive charge, a smoke set, a listening set and / or an action part.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, there has been provided an improved method for assembling projectiles through modules in a launch device where the following method steps are included; spark plugs are arranged to a projectile body automatically in the launching device, - spark plugs arranged with projectiles are arranged in the launching device, - propellant charge is arranged in the launching device.

According to further aspects of a method for assembling projectiles through modules in a launching device according to the invention applies; a t t spark plug includes a selection of; an initiating unit arranged in an initiating magazine, a safety unit arranged in a safety magazine, - an explosive unit arranged in an explosive magazine, where the initiating unit, safety unit and explosive unit are automatically assembled in launching device, and projecting device; an enclosing unit arranged in an enclosing unit magazine, - a loading unit arranged in a loading unit magazine, where the enclosing unit and the loading unit are automatically assembled in the launching device.

LIST OF FIGURES The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the debugged figures therein: Fig. 1 shows a spark plug in a side view according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a spark plug divided into sub-components in a side view according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a projectile body in a side view according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a projectile body divided into sub-components in a side view according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 shows a composite projectile in a side view according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a projectile divided into sub-components in a side view according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT The present invention shows a launching device.

A launching device, also called a cannon, howitzer, or piece, such as artillery piece, is intended to fire a projectile by means of a propellant. Preferably, a propellant, such as gunpowder, is initiated in a part of the cannon, often a chamber specially adapted for this. Initiation takes place by igniting the fuel, for example with an ignition cartridge or a lighter in an ammunition unit, which is initiated by stops. Other methods of igniting the propellant may be by laser or electrical energy igniting the propellant. The fuel burns at high speed and large gas evolution, which creates a gas pressure in the chamber that drives the projectile out of the barrel on the launch device.

The propellant is adapted to generate, as far as possible, a constant pressure on the projectile during the entire course of the barrel, as the projectile moves in the barrel, which creates a high speed of the projectile when the projectile leaves the barrel murmur.

Projectiles, such as various types of grenades, in most cases include some form of felling part and some form of spark plug that initiates the action part. Spark plugs can be different types where stops are common for projectiles that intend to burst wide contact with an object, time tubes when the projectile intends to burst at a certain predetermined temporal zone tube when the projectile intends to burst when an object comes within a certain distance from the projectile. Zone tubes are preferably used in the fight against g yachts, while time tubes and stops can be used in the fight against a large number of different objects. It is advantageous to combine different types of spark plug function in the same spark plug, so that if a spark plug with zonal tube function does not detect an object, the projectile bursts after a certain time, etc. Combining all spark plug functions in the same spark plug can mean increased cost / complexity. combating a target object.

The action part preferably comprises some form of explosive substance and some form of splintered casing which encloses the explosive substance. Furthermore, various forms of control means, such as fins, can be arranged either in the spark plug or in a separate component.

Projectiles intended for artillery usually include an active part, a grenade, and a spark plug which is arranged on the grenade before the projectile is arranged, employed, in the artillery cannon. The spark plug is in most cases arranged with threads and screwed to the grenade. The spark plug can also be programmed, for example by mechanically modifying the spark plug, for example by turning a part of the spark plug to a certain desired position, alternatively the spark plug can be programmed electrically, for example by contacting the spark plug or with inductive / capacitive programming.

An ammunition unit usually comprises a propellant, often in the form of gunpowder, an actuating part comprising an explosive and a spark plug comprising a primary explosive for initiating the explosive. The ammunition unit is arranged for long-term storage and is designed to withstand great mechanical stress during transport and more. In the event that a component, such as a battery, needs to be replaced in the ammunition unit, extensive measures are required to disassemble the ammunition unit and replace the battery. In the same way, the destruction of an ammunition unit involves relatively extensive work of dismantling the various components of the ammunition unit.

For example, a common manufacturing method is that the explosive is cast in the action part, which means that removal of the explosive is relatively complex.

For spark plugs, which often include electronics, there is a continuous development of technology. Increased functionality is continuously developed and new technology regarding, for example, GNC systems, new sensor systems and new algorithms, such as applying artificial intelligence, can be continuously implemented in spark plugs.

Advantages of arranging the projectiles, of sub-components, in the launching device include: - Possibility to vary the design of the projectile by combining different components before employment, - Improved logistics - by transporting sensitive parts separately and less sensitive parts separately can risks with side damage / accidents are reduced, - Improved ability to replace components that have been aged or upgraded in various ways without having to replace an entire ammunition unit / projectile unit.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION A modular launch device 1 is provided for firing, firing, projectiles 100 with a propellant charge 10. The propellant charge 10, which may be gunpowder for example, burns after initiation and generates a high pressure which propels projectile 100 out of a barrel. The projectile is arranged in by a method called hiring, it is common for a belt enclosing around the projectile to be deformed in relation to the fire tube arranged in a direction which retains the projectile in the fire tube. The propellant charge 10 is arranged in what is often called a chamber in which the propellant charge is combusted during the production of gases, gunpowder gases, which cause the projectile to move in the barrel.

Preferably, a continuous / constant pressure is created in the chamber which also fills the boiler behind the projectile as it moves towards the muzzle orifice. By arranging spark plugs 20 to a projectile body 50, for the creation of a projectile 100, inside and in close connection with the application, a number of technical problems can be solved. With advantage, the spark plug 20 to the projectile body 50 is arranged close to approach from the outside, both close in time and close in distance before application.

The projectile bodies can be arranged in a projectile body magazine 60, but projectile bodies or parts of projectile bodies can also be arranged in their magazines which are jointly combined into a projectile body in the launching device. Furthermore, spark plugs can be arranged in a spark plug magazine 30, but spark plugs or parts of spark plugs can also be arranged in their magazines which are jointly combined into a spark plug in the launching device.

Furthermore, the spark plug can be programmed before attaching to the projectile. » The propellant charge 10 can be arranged in a propellant charge magazine 12 and can for instance consist of modular charges, Uni fl ex, or other uniform propellant charge configuration. Furthermore, the chamber can be arranged to be adapted to the currently used propellant charge configuration, for example if a minority amount / units propellant charge is used, the chamber volume is reduced and in case a larger quantity / units propellant charge is used, the chamber volume is increased. Increasing and decreasing the chamber volume can take place by physically changing the volume but also by a certain number of propellant units always being charged in the chamber and depending on the firing distance the propellant units consist of some units including energetically material as well as some units which only form a distance, for example a metal unit. of a projectile.

The steps included for assembling projectiles through modules in a single launcher may include that; - spark plugs are arranged to a projectile body automatically in the launching device, - spark plugs arranged with projectile are arranged in the launching device, - propellant charge is arranged in the launching device, after which the propellant charge is initiated and drives the projectile out of the firing tube on the launching device.

Spark plugs may include a selection of; an initiating unit arranged in an initiating magazine, a safety unit arranged in a safety magazine, - an explosive unit arranged in an explosive magazine, where the initiating unit, safety unit and explosive unit are automatically assembled into launchers, and the projectile can be assembled; an enclosing unit arranged in an enclosing unit magazine, - a loading unit arranged in a loading unit magazine, where the enclosing unit and the loading unit are automatically assembled in the launching device.

Fig. 1 shows a spark plug 20 comprising an initiating unit 22, a safety unit 24 and an explosive unit 26, also called primary explosive. Furthermore, the spark plug in the embodiment shown is provided with a threaded connection 25 for device to a projectile body. A threaded connection 25 is commonly used for heavy caliber cannons, for example for artillery, for example for projectiles with a diameter exceeding 100 mm. Other embodiments for arranging spark plugs for projectile bodies can also be used, such as pressing, gluing, soldering, welding, bayonet mounting or various forms of locks, including variants of click locks.

The initiation unit 22 comprises suitable sensors and / or calculation unit for initiating a burst from outside, for example; - impact, i.e. when the projectile hits the target, - delayed impact so initiation takes place a certain time after impact, - after a certain time, also called time tube, - proximity from the target, also called zone tube, - height, initiation at a certain height, - other initiation methods.

Safety unit 24, also referred to as SAT device, includes device for ensuring that the explosive unit 26 is initiated safely. For example, a SAT ballast can include a fuse for transport, a fuse during a barrel passage and a fuse in the path so that the explosive substance unit is not initiated at the wrong time. The safety device can be fully mechanical, electromechanical or electronic or a combination thereof. The example visor safety unit includes latches that require some rotation or acceleration before the explosive unit can be initialized.

The explosive unit 26 is a part of the spark plug 20 and comprises an energetic material, or explosive, for initiating the action part / projectile body which is arranged to the spark plug 20. The explosive unit 26 is part of the so-called ignition chain which is initiated in the spark plug. Spark plugs 20 comprise an initiating unit 22, a single safety unit 24 and an explosive unit 26 which are arranged to each other, for example by; - initiation unit 22 is arranged to a composite safety unit 24 and explosive unit 26, - explosive substance unit 24 is arranged to a composite initiation unit 22 and safety unit 24, - initiation unit 22 is arranged simultaneously to a safety unit 24 and an explosive substance unit 26. Respective unit 26, initial unit 22, initiation unit 26 , can be arranged separately to be jointly arranged in the launching device 1. Initiation unit 22 can then be arranged in at least one initiating unit magazine 23 arranged to launching device 1, and the safety unit 24 can be arranged in at least one safety unit magazine 25 arranged in the launching device 26. at least one explosive unit magazine 27 arranged for launching device 1. By separating the different components in different magazines, spark plugs with different performance and configuration can be jointly arranged in the launching device in connection with a projectile to be fired. The explosive unit 26 may be important to separate from other components as it may be sensitive to external influences. Furthermore, other spark plug components will be safe to handle if the explosive unit 26 can be separated from the initiation unit 22 and the safety unit 24. Since the initiation unit 22 often contains electronics, where rapid technological development takes place, it is relevant that the initial initiation unit 22 keeps pace with technology. In the event that the initiation unit is integrated with the spark plug or with the entire projectile / ammunition unit, a complete rebuild of the spark plug / ammunition unit is required, which is both complex, time-consuming and costly. If the Initiation Unit 22 is a separate unit that is arranged on the firing tube / projectile in the launch unit in connection with the projectile being fired, it will be much easier to replace the Initiation Unit 22 and to decommission / scrap, or otherwise recycle, the Initiation Unit 22 that is replaced.

Fig. 2 shows a spark plug 20 divided into the independent components, an initiating unit 22, a safety unit 24 and an explosive unit 26. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the explosive unit 26 is arranged in the safety unit 24. The initiation unit 22 is arranged to the safety unit 24 by, for example, a snap lock threaded coupling, not shown in the figure.

Fig. 3 shows a projectile body 50. A spark plug 20 can be arranged to the projectile body 50 in the nose 51 on the projectile body. Preferably, the nose 51 is arranged so that the spark plug 20 can initiate an action part, pyrotechnic kit, light or a smoke device, or other load arranged in the projectile body 50.

I fi g. 4 shows a projectile body 50 which consists of an enclosure unit 52 and a single load unit 54 where the load unit 54 may consist of, for example, one or more of an explosive charge, a smoke set, a light set and / or an action part. The enclosure unit 52 may consist of a shell or enclosure made in plastic, composite, metal and or combinations thereof. In the case that the composite projectile refers to a projectile with a splitter effect, the shell is arranged with a suitable splitter, for example hard metal balls embedded in a shell of metal.

Load units 54 can be arranged in at least one load unit magazine 55 where the load unit magazine 55 is arranged to ejection device 1 so that loading units 54 to the ejection device are arranged so that load units 54 can be arranged enclosing units 52 in the ejection device 1. Enclosure units 52 are also arranged in enclosing units to launching device 1.

Fig. 5 shows a projectile 100 where a spark plug 20 is arranged to a projectile body 50. The projectile 100 is prepared to be fired from the launching device 1.

Fig. 6 shows a projectile 100 divided into components according to an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment shown comprises initiating unit 22, single safety unit 24, an explosive unit 26, an enclosing unit 52 and a loading unit 54. In different embodiments, all / parts of the specified components can be used. Other components, not shown or described in the invention, can be used as modules for control etc. with fins / canard fins arranged at both the spark plug and at the projectile body.

EMBODIMENT EXAMPLES An example of a modular launch system includes projectiles in caliber 40 - 155 mm, including a variety of spark plugs arranged for impact, time or zone tube function and projectile body arranged for splitting or blasting action.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS The invention is not limited to the specifically shown embodiments but can be varied in various ways within the scope of the claims.

It will be appreciated, for example, that the number, size, material and shape of the elements and details included in the modular launch system are adapted to the projectile (s) and projectile assemblies and other design features currently available.

Projectiles can, for example, be arranged for explosive action, shattering action, fire action, ternobaric action, fire fighting, training projectiles, lighting kits, smoke kits, electromagnetic action, electromagnetic disturbance or other loads and functions.

Claims (10)

1. Modular launching device (1) for launching projectiles (100) with a propellant charge (10) characterized in that the projectile (100) is arranged by arranging a fuze (20) to a projectile body (50) in the launching device (1) and is employed, i.e. the projectile (100) is arranged into a fire tube, together with at least one propellant charge (10) in the ejection device (1). 2. Modular launch device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that fuzes (20) are arranged in at least one fuze magazine (30), the launch device (1) is arranged, and that projectile bodies (50) are arranged in at least one project ectile body magazine (60) arranged for the ejection device (1) and that the fuze (20) is automatically arranged for the projectile body (50) in the ejection device (1). 3. Modular launch device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that propellant charges (10) are arranged in at least one propellant charge magazine (12) arranged for the launch device (1). 4. Modular launching device (1) according to one of the above requirements, characterized in that the fuze (20) comprises an initiation unit (22), a safety unit (24) and an explosive substance unit (26) where either; - initiation unit (22) is arranged to a composite safety unit (24) and explosive substance unit (26), - the explosive substance unit (26) is arranged to a composite initiation unit (22) and safety unit (24), - initiation unit (22) is arranged simultaneously to a safety unit (24) and to an explosive device (26). 5. Modular ejection device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the initiation unit (22) is arranged in at least one initiation unit magazine (23) arranged for the ejection device (1), and/or that the safety unit (24) is arranged in at least one safety unit magazine (25) arranged for launching device (1), and/or that explosive substance unit (26) are arranged in at least one explosive substance unit magazine (27) arranged for launching device (1). 6. Modular launch device (1) according to one of the above requirements, characterized in that the projectile body (50) comprises an enclosure unit (52) and a load unit (54) where the load unit (54) is arranged in at least one load unit magazine (55) arranged for launch device (l), and where load unit (54) is arranged to enclosure unit (52), where enclosure unit (52) is arranged in at least one enclosure unit magazine (53) arranged to extend device (l). 7. Modular ejection device (l) according to claim 6, characterized in that the enclosure unit (52) can consist of a shell made of plastic, composite, metal and or combinations thereof. 8. Modular launch device (l) according to claim 6, characterized in that the load unit (54) consists of one or more of an explosive charge, a smoke kit, a lighting kit and/or an action part. 9. Method for assembling projectiles in a launch device through modules characterized by the fact that the following method steps are included; - fuze is arranged to a projectile body automatically in the launch device, - fuze, arranged with projectile body, is placed in the launch device, - propellant charge is arranged in the launch device. 10. l0. Method for assembling projectiles by means of modules in a launching device according to claim 9, characterized by fuzes comprising a selection of; - an initiation unit arranged in an initiation unit magazine, - a safety unit arranged in a safety unit magazine, - an explosive substance unit arranged in an explosive substance unit magazine, where the initiation unit, safety unit and explosive substance unit are automatically assembled in a launch device, and that the projectile body may include; - a wrap unit arranged in a wrap unit magazine, - a load unit arranged in a load unit magazine, where wrap unit and load unit are automatically assembled in the ejection device.