U.S. patent application number 11/984397 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-26 for compact, fully stablised, four axes, remote weapon station with independent line of sight.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAAB AB. Invention is credited to Martin Stalfors, Robert Svensson.
Application Number | 20080148931 11/984397 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37897300 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080148931 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Svensson; Robert ; et
al. |
June 26, 2008 |
Compact, fully stablised, four axes, remote weapon station with
independent line of sight
Abstract
A remote weapon station including a weapon support adapted for
rotatable motion about a first transverse axis. The weapon support
supports a weapon attachment device being rotatable about a second
elevation axis. A sight unit is rotatable about a third transverse
axis and about, perpendicular to the third transverse axis, a
fourth elevation axis, independently of the position or rotation of
the weapon support about the first transverse axis and the second
elevation axis. The sight unit is mounted between the weapon
support and the weapon attachment device.
Inventors: |
Svensson; Robert; (Jarfalla,
SE) ; Stalfors; Martin; (Vallingby, SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VENABLE LLP
P.O. BOX 34385
WASHINGTON
DC
20043-9998
US
|
Assignee: |
SAAB AB
Linkoping
SE
|
Family ID: |
37897300 |
Appl. No.: |
11/984397 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/41.05 ;
89/41.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 3/165 20130101;
F41G 5/14 20130101; F41G 3/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/41.05 ;
89/41.02 |
International
Class: |
F41G 5/06 20060101
F41G005/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 16, 2006 |
EP |
06124200.4 |
Claims
1. A remote weapon station, comprising: a weapon support adapted
for rotatable motion about a first transverse axis, a weapon
attachment device supported by the weapon support, the weapon
attachment device being rotatable about a second elevation axis, a
sight unit rotatable about a third transverse axis and about,
perpendicular to the third transverse axis, a fourth elevation
axis, independently of the position or rotation of the weapon
support about the first transverse axis and the second elevation
axis, wherein the sight unit is mounted between the weapon support
and the weapon attachment device.
2. The remote weapon station according to claim 1, wherein the
weapon support is rotatable about the first transverse axis
independently of the rotatable motion of the sight unit about the
third transverse axis such that the weapon can be directed in
essentially another direction relatively the line of sight of the
sight unit.
3. The remote weapon station according to claim 1, wherein the
weapon support also is arranged to be controlled to rotate about
the first transverse axis dependent upon the rotatable motion of
the sight unit about the third transverse axis.
4. The remote weapon station according to claim 1, wherein the
first axis coincides with the third axis.
5. The remote weapon station according to claim 1, wherein the
sight unit comprises a first essentially spherical, hollow body
which interacts with a second essentially rotationally symmetrical
body, both bodies being rotatable in relation to one another
relative to the third transverse axis, the spherical body
accommodating at least one electro-optical sensor, the sensor is
rotatable about the fourth elevation axis.
6. The remote weapon station according to claim 5, wherein the
weapon support comprises a tiltable leg arrangement supporting the
weapon attachment device, the leg arrangement being tiltable over
the first essentially spherical, hollow body.
7. The remote weapon station according to claim 1, wherein the
sight unit comprises a first essentially cylindrical, hollow body
accommodating at least one electro-optical sensor.
8. The remote weapon station according to claim 1, wherein an
essentially transparent hollow body encloses all interior movable
parts of the sight unit for protecting and hiding said parts.
9. The remote weapon station according to claim 1, wherein the
weapon support is comprised in a gun control system.
10. The remote weapon station according to claim 1, wherein the
sight unit is adapted for controlling/guiding at least one weapon
disposed at a distance from the remote weapon station.
11. The remote weapon station according to claim 8, wherein the
essentially transparent hollow body encloses electro-optical
sensors of the sight unit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to European patent
application 06124200.4 filed 16 Nov. 2006.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a remote weapon station.
The present invention relates, but not limited, to industries
making remotely controlled weapon stations, machine-guns, automatic
grenade launchers, missile firing equipment etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Remote weapon stations of the type indicated in the
introduction are available on the market today. A three axes remote
weapon station comprises a gun being turnable about a first
transverse axis and a second elevation axis and a sight unit
rotatable about a third elevation axis, wherein the third axis is
primary used when firing grenade launcher type weapons. The four
axes weapon stations is provided for that the line of sight can be
controlled independently of the bore axis of the weapon, wherein
the bore axis weapon is stabilised in two axes. However, in such a
station according to prior art the freedom of movement of the sight
unit is limited, since the sight unit must be moved together with
the gun, limiting the usage of the sight and weapon station when
the relative speed between the target and the weapon station is
high since a high relative speed requires large offset angles
between the line of sight and the bore axis of the gun in order to
hit the target. Also the use of such prior art systems is limited
when the platform on which the weapon station is mounted is
performing a roll motion relative to the bore axis of the gun when
the gun is directed to hit the target. Furthermore prior art weapon
stations with three or four axes all make a change of silhouette
when the sight unit and thus the weapon support rotates.
[0004] Known systems having four axes stabilizing arrangements are
bulky in width or height. This since the sight unit is placed above
or attached onto the side of the weapon support. Prior art systems
with the sight unit attached onto the side of the weapon, wherein
the concentration of masses asymmetrically will cause the station
to be unbalanced, are also difficult to stabilise without the use
of undesired counter weights or larger and thus heavier drives.
Also prior art systems being three axes stabilizing arrangements,
wherein the bore axis of the weapon is stabilised in two axes and
the line of sight line of the sight unit is stabilised in one axis,
suffer from the disadvantages that an image generating sensor (such
as TV, IR etc.) field of vision must be adapted for holding the
target within said field of vision, which is extremely difficult
when a vehicle comprising the station is moving since the system
must be directed towards the target for facilitating the
determination of the distance to the target, requiring a long
time.
[0005] Prior art systems having four axes arrangement wherein
solely the weapon's bore axis is two axes stabilized, involve that
the field of vision must be selected such that the target remain
within the field of vision when the vehicle is moving
(roll/pitch/heading). Also this means that it is difficult to
measure the distance to the target when the vehicle moves,
especially when angles for super elevation and lead angles are
added to compensate for relative motion between the target and the
weapon station. Furthermore, prior art systems wherein solely the
sight unit's line of sight is two axes stabilized involve that it
is difficult to hit the target with fired ammunition.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,236 discloses an apparatus provided for
designating a plurality of objects within a field of view and
thereafter simultaneously tracking each of the objects. A further
document, U.S. Pat. No. 4,576,346, describes a seeker head for a
target seeking missile, which comprises a seeker adapted to be
directed to a target.
[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome the
drawbacks of known techniques.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In such a way a not bulky remote weapon station is achieved
at the same time as the operator of the remote weapon station is
able to perform targeting and surveillance without changing the
remote weapon station's silhouette and thus reducing the risk of
being detected by visual means. The concentration of masses will
also be symmetrically arranged which will make the remote weapon
station possible to stabilise without adding extra weight in the
form of undesired counter weights or larger drives. Thereby
increase the usage of the weapon station when the platform on which
the weapon station is mounted is moving. Thereby is also achieved a
possibility to utilise the sensor without pointing a gun directly
at the object of interest. Also there is a possibility to start
searching for a new target while firing the gun at the first
acquired target. A positive effect is that a weapon station can be
provided with a high precision stabilised system having a sighting
function with an unitary installation of a sight unit matching the
performance of the weapon and at the same time providing a
sufficient performance for e.g. missile guidance. Thereby is also
achieved that the sight unit in an effective manner can follow a
target by controlling the weapon via a control unit for aiming-off,
at the same time as compensation means provides for compensation of
eventual uneven motion of the remote weapon station, for example
being mounted at a gun boat. This is achieved by that the control
unit can control the sight unit independently of the gun aiming by
means of the arrangement of the remote weapon station according to
the present invention. A compact remote weapon station is thus
achieved having a sight unit with a totally independent line of
sight relatively the pointing of the gun having the sight unit
correctly balanced relatively the weapon and providing an exact
line of sight. Thus is also achieved a remote weapon station having
a sight unit, which weapon station can be used utilizing the sight
unit without the need of other kinds of compensation for lead
angles and/or super elevation.
[0009] Thus, the objects of the invention is to provide a compact
remote weapon station, wherein the assembly permits that the angle
between the bore axis of the weapon and the line of sight of the
sight in a controllable manner can be made independently of each
other. The weapon's bore axis being stabilized in two axes and the
sight unit's line of sight being stabilized in two axes.
[0010] The effects being provided by such an arrangement is for
example that the target can be placed in the centre of a image
generating display and the distance to the target continuously can
be measured by a laser range finder etc, wherein the weapon's bore
axis can be directed in such a way that the fired ammunition hits
the target with precision. Also is achieved that the bore axis of
the weapon and the line of sight of the sight unit can be oriented
relative each other in such a way that the sight unit can be used
without the need of directing the weapon towards the target.
[0011] Also is achieved the advantage that the sight unit's line of
sight can be stabilized and directed with a higher accuracy than
being provided by systems only stabilising the weapon's bore
axis.
[0012] Preferably, the weapon support is rotatable about the first
transverse axis independently of the rotatable motion of the sight
unit about the third transverse axis such that the weapon can be
directed essentially in another direction relatively the search
direction of the sight unit.
[0013] In such a way is achieved that the weapon can be rotated to
the opposite direction relatively to the sight unit's target
tracking (or search) direction. This is also a beneficial feature
for shortening the time when for example a supporting leg of the
weapon carriage covers the line of sight, by controlling the weapon
support's and sight unit's relative rotation.
[0014] Suitably, the weapon support also is arranged to be
controlled to rotate about the first transverse axis dependent upon
the rotatable motion of the sight unit about the third transverse
axis.
[0015] Thereby is provided an alternative mode for controlling the
weapon support to follow the sight unit's rotational movement, at
the same time as the weapon support can be disconnected from
following the target.
[0016] Suitably, the first axis coincides with the third axis.
[0017] Thereby is provided a remote weapon station being capable to
utilize a compact motor driving system using the same axis for the
transverse rotations.
[0018] Preferably, the sight unit comprises a first essentially
spherical, hollow body which interacts with a second essentially
rotationally symmetrical body, both bodies being rotatable in
relation to one another about the transverse axis, the spherical
body accommodating at least one electro-optical sensor, being
rotatable about the fourth elevation axis.
[0019] Thus is also achieved that the sight unit can be
independently stabilised, thereby making the remote weapon station
optimized for high precision sensor systems, e.g. laser
illumination at long ranges. The use of a sensor sight system with
a spherical form arranged in the remote weapon station provides
independent 360.degree. traverse operation with an optimal
configuration of the remote weapon station with regard to overall
volume, interior sensor volume utilisation, ballistic protection,
signature management, and weapon dumping/elevation angles.
[0020] Alternatively, the weapon support comprises a tiltable leg
arrangement supporting the weapon attachment device, the leg
arrangement being tiltable over the first essentially spherical,
hollow body.
[0021] In such a way the remote weapon station can be made lower
for transportation purposes by tilting the weapon attachment device
over the sight unit. The tilting action performing an imaginary
circular arc essentially with the same radius as the radius of the
first essentially spherical, hollow body.
[0022] Preferably, the sight unit comprises a first essentially
cylindrical, hollow body accommodating at least one electro-optical
sensor.
[0023] Thereby is achieved a large volume for sight equipment even
still performing an optimal signature management, that is having
essentially the same silhouette independently the sensor transverse
motion about the third axis.
[0024] Alternatively, the hollow body encloses all interior movable
parts, such as electro-optical sensors, of the sight unit for
hiding said parts. The body is preferably armour cased and
transparent and/or partly transparent.
[0025] In such a way, on one hand the interior equipment is
protected from splinters, small arms fire or ricochets etc., and on
the other hand hidden from being detected by the object/target.
[0026] Alternatively, the weapon support being comprised in a
motorized gun control system.
[0027] Thereby is achieved that the remote weapon station is
applicable to an available platform, such as a truck, an armoured
car, gun boat, tank, helicopter etc.
[0028] Suitably, the sight unit is arranged for controlling at
least one weapon disposed at a distance from the remote weapon
station.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The present invention will now be described by way of
example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of
which:
[0030] FIG. 1a schematically illustrates a remote weapon station in
a front view,
[0031] FIG. 1b schematically illustrates the station in FIG. 1a in
a side view,
[0032] FIG. 1c schematically illustrates the station in FIG. 1a in
a plane view,
[0033] FIGS. 2a-2c schematically illustrate the station in FIG. 1c
in motion,
[0034] FIGS. 3a-3c schematically illustrate a remote weapon station
according to a second embodiment,
[0035] FIGS. 3d-3f schematically illustrate a remote weapon station
according to a further embodiment,
[0036] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates parts of a sight unit shown
in FIGS. 1a-2c,
[0037] FIGS. 5a-5b schematically illustrate a leg arrangement of a
remote weapon station,
[0038] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a motor driving system of
the remote weapon station in FIG. 4, and
[0039] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the aiming of the remote
weapon station at a moving target.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings
related to the embodiments, wherein for the sake of clarity and
understanding of the invention some details of no importance are
deleted from the drawings.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, a remote weapon station 1 is
schematically illustrated. The remote weapon station 1 is mountable
onto a gun boat (not shown) or the like. The remote weapon station
1 comprises a weapon support 3 adapted for rotatable motion about a
first transverse axis X1.
[0042] The weapon support 3 supports a weapon attachment device 5
being rotatable about a second elevation axis X2. The second
elevation axis X2 comprises an U-shaped part 7 for accommodation of
a gun 9. The gun 9 is mounted onto the weapon attachment device 5,
such as a bayonet fitting (not shown) connected to the second
elevation axis X2, wherein the gun 9 easily can be disconnected
from the weapon attachment device 5.
[0043] The weapon support 3 supports two legs 11 extending from a
platform 13 of the weapon support 3, which platform 13 being
rotatable about the axis X1. Between the legs 11 and at their upper
ends 15 is the U-shaped part 7 mounted. One of the legs 11
accommodates an ammunition belt guide (not shown).
[0044] The remote weapon station 1 comprises a sight unit 17 for
observation of the surroundings and for measuring in a detected
target, tracking, classifying the type of target, identifying the
target etc. The sight unit 17 is rotatable about a third transverse
axis X3 and about a fourth elevation axis X4. The sight unit 17 has
at least one electro-optical sensor 19 with associated apertures 21
arranged in the sight unit's 17 spherical hollow body 23. The sight
unit 17 is mounted between the weapon support 3 (platform or
fundament) and the weapon (gun) attachment device 5, whereby is
achieved a compact remote weapon station 1 having a sight unit 17
with a totally independent line of sight relatively the bore axis
of the gun 9. It also means that the sight unit 17 can be correctly
stabilized/directed relatively the gun 9 and providing an exact
line of sight. Since the gun 9 is dispensed in a vertical plane
comprising the first transverse axis X1 and essentially the third
transverse axis X3, an optimal aiming can be achieved. A control
unit 25 is arranged remote from the weapon station 1 and is adapted
to control a weapon driving means 27 for rotating the gun 9 about
the first transverse axis X1 and the second elevation axis X2 and
also to control a sight unit driving means 29 for rotation about
the third transverse axis X3 and the fourth elevation axis X4. By
arranging the sight unit 17 between the weapon support 3 (fundament
or platform) and the weapon (gun 9) cables and wires can be hidden
and protected and easy to mount during the manufactory of the
station.
[0045] In FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c are shown in a plane view the remote
weapon station 1 performing a sight unit rotation towards a
target/object 31 while pointing the gun 9 in a somewhat opposite
direction. In FIG. 2a both the gun 9 and the sight unit 17 are
directed in the same direction. In FIG. 2b the sight unit 17 has
started it's rotation r for localising the target 31 without
pointing the gun 9 at the target 31. In some cases this performance
can be beneficial since pointing a gun at an object may result in a
non-desirable reaction.
[0046] Meanwhile the sight unit 17 rotates, the sight unit's 17
sensors 19 perform a scanning of the surroundings. In FIG. 2b is
shown how the sight line L will be covered by one of the legs 11 of
the weapon support 3. This problem is partly solved by using e.g.
two sensors or two in pair arranged sensors 19, such as one TV- and
one IR-sensor or two in pair arranged TV- and IR-sensors. Meanwhile
the first sensor or pair of sensors observes the surroundings, the
second sensor or pair of sensors instantaneously will lose contact
with the target 31 since the sight line L is covered by the leg 11.
When the first sensor or pair of sensors has lost contact with the
target 31, the second sensor or pair of sensors pick up the line of
sight to the target L. For even more shortening the time, when the
leg 11 covers the sensors 19, the control unit 25 (see FIG. 1a)
controls the weapon support 3 to rotate in an opposite direction
marked with arrow r2, see FIG. 2c (an overlapping function). For
even better visibility of the sensors 19, the legs 11 can be
arranged as a system of framework. For protection of the sensors
the apertures and sensors can be parked occasionally behind one of
the legs 11.
[0047] The sight unit 17 is rotatable about the third transverse
axis X3 and about, perpendicular to the third axis X3, the fourth
elevation axis X4, independently of the position or rotation of the
weapon support 3 about the first transverse axis X1 and the second
elevation axis X2. By using a spherical hollow body 23 embodying
the sight sensors 19, an independent 360.degree. traverse operation
of the sight unit 17 is possible without moving the gun 9, wherein
the silhouette of the remote weapon station 1 not being changed,
thus minimizing the risk of being detected by the object/target 31
by visual means.
[0048] Whereas the FIGS. 1 and 2 show a sight unit 17 comprising an
spherical hollow body 23 embodying the sensors 19, as an
alternative the sight unit 17 may comprise a first essentially
cylindrical or cubical, hollow body 23 accommodating at least one
electro-optical sensor 19. Such an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 3a,
3b, 3c. Thereby is achieved a large volume for sight equipment even
still performing an optimal signature management, that is having
essentially the same silhouette independently of the sensor
transverse motion about the third axis X3. The FIG. 3c shows the
sight unit 17 directed to the opposite direction relatively the gun
9 in a horizontal action.
[0049] The embodiment of FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c is arranged such that the
first transverse axis X1 coincides with the third transverse axis
X3 of the sight unit 17, whereby is provided a remote weapon
station 1 being capable to utilize a compact motor driving system
using the same axis for the transverse rotations as being described
below with reference to FIG. 6.
[0050] A cylindrical hollow body 33 encloses all interior movable
parts, such as electro-optical sensors, of the sight unit for
protecting said parts. The body is transparent and armour cased. In
such a way, on one hand the interior equipment is protected from
splinters, small arms fire or ricochets etc., and on the other hand
hidden from being detected by the object/target.
[0051] In FIG. 4 is shown the sight unit 17 in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c
more in detail. The sight unit 17 comprises an essentially
spherical body 23 adjacent to one end of a rotationally symmetrical
body 35, preferably of circular cylindrical shape. The spherical
body 23 comprises a circular central section 37 surrounded by two
peripheral half sections 39 on each side (only one section 39 is
illustrated with broken line). Each peripheral half section is
provided with two apertures 21. Of course can according to other
embodiments the sections each only have one aperture.
[0052] The spherical hollow body 23 is rotatable in relation to the
rotationally symmetrical body 35 about the third transverse axis
X3. By the rotation about the third transverse axis X3 it is
possible to bring about 360.degree. rotation. The two peripheral
half sections 39 are rigidly mechanically interconnected and
arranged rotatable so as to be capable of being rotated about the
fourth elevation axis A4. The elevation can be limited to a range
wherein the apertures 21 are in one end position oriented at an
angle downwards relative to the horizontal plane and, in the other
end position, oriented at an angle upwards relative to the
horizontal plane.
[0053] The electro-optical sensors 19 can be selected from a
variety of sensors, e.g. TV, IRV, laser rangefinder and laser
illuminator.
[0054] The use of the sight unit 17 with a spherical form arranged
in the remote weapon station 1 provides independent 360.degree.
traverse operation with an optimal configuration of the remote
weapon station 1 with regard to overall volume, interior sensor
volume utilisation, ballistic protection, signature management, and
weapon dumping/elevation angles.
[0055] In FIGS. 5a and 5b are shown an embodiment of the remote
weapon station 1, wherein the weapon support 3 comprises a tiltable
leg arrangement 41 supporting the weapon attachment device 5. The
leg arrangement 41 comprises two legs 11 being tiltable about a
tilting point p over the essentially spherical, hollow body 23
being also shown in FIG. 4. In such a way the remote weapon station
1 can be made lower for transportation purposes by tilting the
weapon attachment device 5 over the sight unit 17. The tilting
action of the weapon attachment device 5 over the sight unit 17
performs an imaginary circular arc c essentially with the same
radius as the radius of the circumference of the essentially
spherical, hollow body 23. Thereby is achieved that the remote
weapon station 1 can be made lower in a transportation mode without
the need of making the volume of the sight equipment smaller.
[0056] In FIG. 6 is schematically illustrated a compact motor
driving system 43 using the same axis X1, X3 for the transverse
rotations of both the sensor unit 17 and the weapon support 3. The
first axis X1 coincides with the third axis X3. A first rotor 45 is
arranged rotatable about the common transverse axis X1 and X3 and
is connected to the legs 11 of the weapon support 3 and via a first
bearing 47 connected to the weapon carrier 49, such as a gun
boat.
[0057] A first stator 51 actuates the first rotor 45 for transverse
rotation of the gun 9. A further second bearing 53 is arranged
between the first rotor 45 and a second rotor 55 carrying the
circular central section 37, within which the electro-optical
sensors 19 are rotatable arranged for elevation rotation about the
fourth elevation axis X4. A second stator 57 actuates the second
rotor 55 for the transverse rotation of the circular central
section 37 and the peripheral sections (not shown) of the sight
unit 17.
[0058] In FIG. 7 is shown schematically the aiming of the remote
weapon station 1 at a moving target 31. The gun's 9 pointing
direction and the sight line L of the sight unit 17 is broken for
sake of clarity and the target 31 is drawn smaller than the remote
weapon station 1 for the sake of illustration. An aiming-off angle
.alpha. is required as the target 31 is moving. The compact remote
weapon station's 1 sight unit 17 detecting the target 31 is rotated
independently of the gun's 9 motion. By means of the control unit
25 is estimated the required aiming-off angle .alpha., dependent
upon the velocity of the target 31 and eventually the velocity of
the carrier carrying the remote weapon station 1. Also parameters
as wind direction and speed etc. are considered. An uniaxial rate
gyro is stabilizing the gun 9 via an elevation drive unit 27 and a
transverse drive unit arranged at the second elevation axis X2 and
the transverse axis, and the electro-optical sensors 19 are
stabilized via a sensor unit elevation drive system (not shown) of
an elevation drive system and transverse drive system arranged
within the circular central section 37 of the sight unit 17.
[0059] The remote weapon station 1 is according to one embodiment
of the invention provided with a weapon support 3 being comprised
in a motorized gun control system. Thereby is achieved that the
remote weapon station 1 is applicable to an available carrier, such
as a truck, car, gun boat, tank, helicopter etc.
[0060] The sight unit 17 of the remote weapon station 1 can control
at least one separate weapon 60 placed at a distance from the
remote weapon station 1. Control is achieved by means of being
directly connected to the weapon, illuminating the target for the
weapon or providing in-the-air guidance to the weapon or a
combination of any of these means.
[0061] The invention is not limited to a specific embodiment
herein, but may also consist of several combinations of the
presented embodiments. For example, only one peripheral half
section can provide an aperture and none in the other section.
Alternatively, the elevation drive system and transverse drive
system may be arranged in one of the supports of the sight unit.
For example, the sight unit's hollow body can have a central
section being rotatable and two outer section acting as supports
(fork-shaped assembly) or the section being supported by only one
peripheral support. Of course, the sight unit may be placed between
the weapon support and the weapon attachment device by mounting the
sight unit "hanging" under the weapon attachment device or adjacent
the same.
* * * * *