U.S. patent application number 13/698266 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-15 for weapon system methods for firing and detecting ammunition bodies.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alexander Simon. Invention is credited to Alexander Simon.
Application Number | 20130205980 13/698266 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44859507 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130205980 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Simon; Alexander |
August 15, 2013 |
Weapon System Methods for Firing and Detecting Ammunition
Bodies
Abstract
A weapon system comprising a weapon for firing ammunition
bodies, and at least one scanner for examining the structure of one
of the ammunition bodies. A method for firing ammunition bodies by
means of a weapon includes the step of scanning one of the
ammunition bodies prior to firing thereof. A method of detecting
ammunition bodies includes the step of scanning the structure of
one of the ammunition bodies.
Inventors: |
Simon; Alexander; (Munchen,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Simon; Alexander |
Munchen |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
44859507 |
Appl. No.: |
13/698266 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
May 16, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE2011/075112 |
371 Date: |
February 27, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/27.12 ; 206/3;
89/1.11; 89/33.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 9/37 20130101; F41A
17/00 20130101; F42B 39/26 20130101; F41A 9/00 20130101; F41A 99/00
20130101; F41A 17/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/27.12 ;
89/1.11; 89/33.01; 206/3 |
International
Class: |
F41A 99/00 20060101
F41A099/00; F41A 17/00 20060101 F41A017/00; F42B 39/26 20060101
F42B039/26; F41A 9/00 20060101 F41A009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 17, 2010 |
DE |
102010016963.3 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A weapon system, comprising: a weapon for firing ammunition
bodies, and at least one scanner for examining the structure of one
of the ammunition bodies.
17. A weapon system according to claim 16, wherein said at least
one scanner is integrated into said weapon in such a way that it is
configured to examine the structure of the ammunition body in its
firing position.
18. A weapon system according to claim 16, which further includes
an ammunition supply mechanism for said weapon, wherein said at
least one scanner is disposed in the region of said ammunition
supply mechanism.
19. A weapon system according to claim 16, which further includes a
handling mechanism for loading of said weapon, wherein said at
least one scanner is disposed on said handling mechanism.
20. A weapon system according to claim 16, which further includes a
type-identifying device that is configured to determine the type of
a given ammunition body, wherein said at least one scanner is
coupled with said type-identifying device.
21. A weapon system according to claim 20, which further includes a
reference data bank, wherein said type-identifying device is
configured to compare examination results of said at least one
scanner with said data bank.
22. A weapon system according to claim 20, which further includes a
round-blocking device that is configured to prevent firing of an
ammunition body, wherein said type-identifying device is coupled
with said round-blocking device.
23. A weapon system according to claim 16, which further includes
an ammunition depot that is configured to be loaded with a
plurality of ammunition bodies and from which the ammunition bodies
can be removed and supplied to said weapon, wherein said at least
one scanner is disposed on a loading side of said ammunition
depot.
24. A weapon system according to claim 16, wherein said at least
one scanner is an acoustic resonance tester.
25. A method for firing ammunition bodies by means of a weapon,
including the step of: scanning the structure of one of the
ammunition bodies prior to firing thereof.
26. A method according to claim 25, wherein said scanning step
comprises examining the structure of the ammunition body in a
firing position thereof within the weapon.
27. A method according to claim 25, which includes the step, on the
basis of a structure examination by means of at least one scanner,
of determining the type of ammunition body using a type-identifying
device.
28. A method according to claim 27, which includes the step of
blocking the weapon as a function of a recognized type of
ammunition body.
29. A method according to claim 27, which includes the step of
transmitting information pertaining to the type of ammunition body
to a weapon controller.
30. A method of detecting ammunition bodies, including the step of:
scanning the structure of one of the ammunition bodies.
31. A method according to claim 30, wherein said scanning step
comprises examining the structure of the ammunition body on a
loading side of an ammunition depot that is configured to be filled
with a plurality of ammunition bodies.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a weapon system having a
weapon for firing ammunition bodies. A method for firing ammunition
bodies with a weapon, as well as a method of detecting ammunition
bodies, are also subject matters of the invention.
[0002] Many different types of weapon systems having a weapon for
firing ammunition bodies are known, for example as mobile weapon
systems, such as chain-driven tanks, tank howitzers, combat
helicopters, ships and the like. Furthermore, immobile weapon
systems are known that are stationarily provided, for example for
protecting bunkers and the like.
[0003] The weapons of such weapon systems make it possible to fire
different types of ammunition bodies depending upon the given
situation.
[0004] Due to international agreements, in the past many countries
have obligated themselves, for humanitarian reasons, to dispense
with certain types of ammunition bodies such as cluster or scatter
munitions. However, the ammunition bodies proscribed by these
agreements can be fired by nearly every type of known weapon
system, for example in the form of aircraft bombs, artillery
projectiles, as war heads on cruise missiles, etc.
[0005] Thus, with many weapon systems the danger exists due to the
system itself that in armed conflict situations, even those types
of ammunition proscribed by international agreements are fired.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a weapon
system, a method for firing ammunition bodies, and a method of
detecting ammunition bodies by means of which firing of proscribed
ammunition bodies can be prevented.
[0007] This object is realized with a weapon system of the
aforementioned general type in that it has a scanner for examining
the structure of an ammunition body.
[0008] By means of the scanner of the weapon system, the structure
of the ammunition body can be examined prior to firing. With the
aid of this examination of the structure, conclusions can then be
drawn concerning the type of ammunition body examined, whereupon in
the case of proscribed ammunition bodies, appropriate measures can
be introduced for preventing firing of the proscribed ammunition
body. For example, the interior of the ammunition body of scatter
munition bodies have a plurality of smaller ammunition bodies,
so-called clusters or bomblets, or sub-munition bodies, that are
recognized by means of the scanner, so that the appropriate
conclusions can be drawn regarding the type of ammunition.
[0009] It is proposed pursuant to one embodiment of the invention
that the scanner be integrated into the weapon in such a way that
the structure of the ammunition body can be examined in its firing
position. By examining the ammunition body in its firing position,
for example in the weapon tube of an artillery howitzer, it is
ensured that the examined and the fired ammunition bodies always
coincide with one another.
[0010] Pursuant to a structurally advantageous embodiment, it is
proposed that the scanner be disposed in the region of a breech
plate of a weapon tube of the weapon.
[0011] Pursuant to a further exemplary embodiment, the scanner is
integrated into a firing container of the weapon that accommodates
a plurality of ammunition bodies. Such firing containers are
primarily used with multi-rocket launchers. The firing containers
are loaded with a plurality of rockets, which are then successively
fired in short time intervals. By arranging the scanner in the
firing container, it is possible to prevent firing of proscribed
ammunition bodies. The ammunition bodies can be accommodated in a
magazine that can be inserted into the firing container. The
scanners can be integrated into the firing container in such a way
that when the magazine is introduced into the firing container, the
ammunition bodies are examined. If one or more proscribed
ammunition bodies are detected, further insertion of the magazine
can be prevented by means of a mechanical blocking, so that the
magazine, and along therewith the ammunition bodies, remain in a
position within a firing container from which the ammunition bodies
cannot be fired.
[0012] In this connection, it is advantageous if a separate scanner
is associated with each ammunition body. Prior to firing, the
scanners can separately examine each of the ammunition bodies. If a
proscribed ammunition body is detected, suitable measures could be
undertaken that prevent a firing of this ammunition body, for
example by means of a disconnection or interruption of the
electrical contacts.
[0013] It would also be conceivable, upon detection of a proscribed
ammunition body, to automatically cancel the software, or parts of
the software, of the weapon system. The weapon system would have to
be restarted by an appropriate authorized person in a temporarily
functionally disabled manner up to the cancelled software.
[0014] Pursuant to a further embodiment, the scanner can be
disposed in the region of an ammunition supply mechanism of the
weapon, as a result of which the firing of proscribed ammunition
bodies can again be prevented. The arrangement of the scanner in
the ammunition supply mechanism can in particular be such that the
examined ammunition body, and the ammunition body that is the next
one to be fired, always coincide with one another.
[0015] Pursuant to a further embodiment, the scanner can be
disposed in such a way that the structure of the ammunition body
can be examined during supply or feeding of the ammunition.
[0016] For weapon systems where a handling mechanism is provided
for loading the weapon, it is proposed that the scanner be disposed
on the handling mechanism. During the handling process, the scanner
can undertake examination of the ammunition body.
[0017] To prevent an already examined and released ammunition body
from being exchanged for a proscribed ammunition body, it is
proposed pursuant to a further embodiment that means be provided to
detect an ammunition body that is disposed in the handling
mechanism. In the event that the examined ammunition body is
removed, this would be recognized by the detection means, for which
reason it would not be possible to exchange an already examined
ammunition body for a proscribed ammunition body.
[0018] Of advantage is an embodiment pursuant to which the scanner
is coupled with a type-identifying device that determines the type
of the ammunition body. The examination result of the scanner can
be transmitted to the type-identifying device, which on the basis
of the obtained data then determines the type of projectile. If a
proscribed ammunition body is involved, measures could be
introduced to prevent firing of the ammunition body.
[0019] In this connection, it is further proposed that the
type-identifying device compare the examination results of the
scanner with a reference data bank. Characteristic data of all
ammunition bodies released for the weapon system, for example the
ordnance or the launcher, can be stored in the reference data bank;
the data can then be compared with the scanner data, and in this
manner the corresponding type of ammunition can be determined.
[0020] To prevent the danger of manipulations, it is further
proposed that the scanner and/or the type-identifying device be
coupled with an emergency power source. Even if all of the
electronics of the weapon system are turned off, and the weapon is
manually loaded, the scanner and the type-identifying device remain
active in this manner, as a result of which even if the weapon is
manually loaded, firing of proscribed ammunition can be prevented.
The type-identifying device is advantageously coupled with a
round-blocking device that prevents firing of the ammunition body.
If a proscribed ammunition body is identified by the scanner, the
weapon can be shut down by means of the round-blocking device. When
the round-blocking device is activated, it is not possible to fire
an ammunition body. An ammunition body that is already disposed in
the firing position must in this case be removed from the weapon
before the round-blocking device again releases the weapon.
[0021] The type-identifying device is advantageously coupled with a
weapon control mechanism. In this manner, the data of the
recognized type of ammunition can be taken into account in a firing
control solution.
[0022] The round-blocking device can advantageously be activated as
a function of the determined type of ammunition body.
[0023] It is further proposed that the round-blocking device be
embodied such that in the event of manipulations at the scanner
and/or the type-identifying device, in particular upon deactivation
of one of the two systems, it transitions into an active state. In
the active state of the round-blocking device, the weapon is shut
down, so that no ammunition bodies can be fired.
[0024] In this connection, it is further proposed that the
round-blocking device be embodied such that an ammunition body
disposed in the firing position must be removed from the weapon in
order to deactivate the round-blocking device.
[0025] With a weapon system having an ammunition depot that can be
loaded with a plurality of ammunition bodies, and from which the
ammunition bodies can be removed and can be fed to the weapon, it
is further proposed that the scanner be disposed on the loading
side of the ammunition depot. In this way, the type of projectile
can already be detected during the loading of the ammunition
depot.
[0026] In this connection, it is advantageous if the scanner is
coupled with the weapon control mechanism, in particular via a
type-identifying device. In this way, the weapon control mechanism
can obtain precise information about which ammunition body is
stored in which position in the ammunition depot.
[0027] It is furthermore proposed that an input device for the
manual input of a prescribed type of ammunition be provided. During
loading of the ammunition depot, the prescribed type of ammunition
can be manually input by the operator on the basis of an
identification of the ammunition body. In this case, the scanner
forms a redundant system, with the aid of which the inputs of the
operator can be checked. The input of a prescribed type of
ammunition can be manually effected, for example by means of an
input field or array, on the basis of an identification of the
ammunition body.
[0028] Of advantage in this connection is an embodiment pursuant to
which a comparison unit is provided that compares the type of
ammunition determined by the type-identifying device with the
prescribed type of ammunition. By comparing the detected type of
ammunition with the prescribed type of ammunition, manipulations,
and hence a firing of prohibited ammunition bodies, can be
prevented. For example, it is not possible to alter the outer
projectile casing, or the identification applied thereto, in order
in this manner to create the impression of a permissible ammunition
body. By means of the data determined by the type-identifying
device, the structure of the ammunition body, and hence the
pertaining type of ammunition body, can be determined with greater
certainty. In addition, operator errors during the manual input are
recognized.
[0029] It is furthermore proposed that the comparison unit be
coupled with the weapon controller. By means of the comparison
unit, information about the type of ammunition can be transmitted
to the weapon controller, and this information can then be taken
into account during calculation of a firing control solution.
[0030] Of advantage is an embodiment according to which the sensor
is an acoustic resonance tester. The acoustic resonance testing
method offers the advantage that it is possible to also determine
the inner structure of an ammunition body. It is based upon the
physical effect that after appropriate excitation, a body
oscillates in specific characteristic shapes and frequencies. These
oscillations form "fingerprints" that are specific to ammunition
bodies, and can provide appropriate information about the type of
ammunition body being examined. Alternatively, to examine the inner
structure of the ammunition body, scanners that function in a
different manner, for example x-ray scanners, can also be
utilized.
[0031] Furthermore, to realize the aforementioned object with a
method for firing ammunition bodies with a weapon, it is proposed
that the structure of the ammunition body be examined by means of a
scanner prior to the firing.
[0032] On the basis of this examination result, it can be decided
whether or not the ammunition body should be fired. In the case of
a proscribed ammunition body, the weapon can be shut down by
suitable measures, and a firing of the ammunition body can be
prevented.
[0033] In this connection, it is further proposed that the
structure of the ammunition body be examined in a firing position
within the weapon. By examining the ammunition body in its firing
position, manipulations are prevented. The ammunition body that is
disposed in the firing position is examined shortly prior to
firing. It is not possible to fire a different ammunition body than
that which was examined.
[0034] It is further proposed that the structure of the ammunition
body be examined in the supply region of the weapon. By means of
suitable safety measures, it is also possible in this manner to
prevent a different ammunition body than that which was examined
from being fired.
[0035] It is similarly possible to examine the structure of the
ammunition body during supply thereof into the weapon. Also in this
manner it is possible to achieve that only examined ammunition
bodies can be fired.
[0036] It is furthermore proposed, on the basis of the structure
examination of the scanner, to determine the type of ammunition by
means of a type-identifying device.
[0037] In this connection, it is furthermore proposed to compare
the examination results with reference data stored in a data bank.
The reference data can be data that is specific to certain
ammunition bodies, which permits an identification of the type of
ammunition body in the manner of a "fingerprint".
[0038] Finally, it is proposed that the weapon be blocked as a
function of the recognized type of ammunition, and/or that the
information pertaining to the type of ammunition be transmitted to
a weapon controller.
[0039] With regard to a method for detecting ammunition bodies, it
is proposed for realizing the aforementioned object that the
structure of the ammunition body be examined by means of a
scanner.
[0040] By examining the structure of the ammunition body,
conclusions can be drawn about the type of ammunition body.
Manipulations, for example exchanging identifications applied to
the casing of the ammunition body, are prevented by means of the
structure examination.
[0041] It is furthermore proposed that the structure of the
ammunition body be examined on the loading side of an ammunition
depot that can be filled with a plurality of ammunition bodies. By
arranging the scanner that examines the structure of the ammunition
body on the loading side, all ammunition bodies stored in the
ammunition depot are examined.
[0042] It is further proposed that the type of ammunition be
determined by means of a type-identifying device on the basis of
the structure examination of the scanner.
[0043] It is furthermore proposed that the examination results be
compared with reference data stored in a data bank.
[0044] Pursuant to one embodiment of the invention, it is further
proposed that a type of ammunition determined by means of the
type-identifying device be compared with a type of ammunition input
via an input device.
[0045] It is furthermore proposed that deviations between the
determined and the input type of projectile be indicated via a
display. The operator thus obtains information that the input
undertaken by him or her was not correct.
[0046] Finally, it is proposed that the type of ammunition be
transmitted to the weapon controller, so that this can be taken
into consideration during the calculation of a firing control
solution.
[0047] Further details and advantages will be explained
subsequently with the aid of the accompanying drawings of exemplary
embodiments. In the drawings:
[0048] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a weapon system,
[0049] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of an alternative embodiment of
a weapon system,
[0050] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a further alternative
embodiment of the weapon system,
[0051] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a further alternative
embodiment of the weapon system, and
[0052] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the breech plate of the
weapon of a tank howitzer to represent one possible arrangement of
the scanner that examines the structure of the ammunition body.
[0053] The circuit diagram of FIG. 1 shows a weapon system 1 which
can, for example, be a tank howitzer, a naval gun, or a similar
weapon system.
[0054] Stored in an ammunition depot 5 of the weapon system 1 are a
plurality of different types of ammunition bodies 3, such as
ballistic projectiles, grenades, etc.
[0055] The ammunition bodies 3 are loaded from outside of the
weapon system 1 into the ammunition depot 5, and are removed from
the ammunition depot 5 by means of a handling mechanism 4, as is
represented by the solid arrows that depict the flow of ammunition.
The ammunition bodies 3 that are removed from the ammunition depot
5 by the handling mechanism 4 are conveyed to the weapon 2, which
can, for example, be a piece of artillery, whereupon they are
located in a firing or discharge position within the weapon 2, from
which the ammunition bodies 3 can be fired.
[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a scanner 6 is
provided in the feed or supply region of the weapon 2. The scanner
6 is configured such that it examines the inner structure of the
ammunition body 3, so that manipulations on characteristics or
identifications of the ammunition body 3 visible from the outside
have no influence upon the examination result.
[0057] The sensors 6 schematically illustrated in the figures are
acoustic-resonance-testers that permit conclusions about the inner
structure of the ammunition bodies. This type of sensors 6 is based
upon the physical effect that, after appropriate excitation, the
ammunition bodies 3 oscillate in specific characteristic shapes and
frequencies. These oscillations form "fingerprints" that are
specific to a particular ammunition body, and can provide
appropriate information about the type of examined ammunition body
3.
[0058] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the scanner 6
examines the inner structure of the ammunition body 3 while it is
being supplied to the weapon 2. The examination result is
transmitted to a type-identifying device 7, within which the
examination results are compared with a data bank 7.1 by evaluation
electronics 7.2. Found in the data banks 7.1 are reference data for
many different types of ammunition bodies 3, such as resonance
spectra that are respectively associated with a specific type of
ammunition body. By comparing the examination results with these
data, the evaluation electronics 7.2 can determine which type of
ammunition body 3 is involved.
[0059] If the ammunition body 3 is a proscribed ammunition body 3,
the type-identifying device 7 sends an appropriate signal
transmission to the round-blocking device 9, which shuts down the
weapon 2. If a permissible ammunition body 3 is involved, the data
pertaining to the type of ammunition body 3 is transmitted from the
type-identifying device 7 to the weapon controller 10, is taken
into account in the firing control solution, and then the
appropriate firing command is transmitted to the weapon 2.
[0060] The round-blocking device 9 of the weapon 2 can be
implemented in many different ways. The important thing, however,
is that the round-blocking device 9 be configured such that only
those ammunition bodies 3 that have been examined can be fired. An
ammunition body 3 that has once been examined must not be capable
of being exchanged for an ammunition body 3 that has not been
examined without having the round-blocking device 9 be
activated.
[0061] The activation of the system electronics, and a manual
loading of the weapon 2, must also not lead to the firing of
ammunition bodies 3 that have not been examined. For this reason,
the scanner 6, as well as the type-identifying device 7, are
equipped with an emergency power source 7.3. Even if the entire
electrical supply of the weapon system 1 is shut down, the scanner
6 and the type-identifying device 7 will continue to be supplied
with power from the emergency power source 7.3, so that even
manually loaded ammunition bodies 3 are examined. If the scanner 6
or the type-identifying device 7 is separated from the weapon 2,
for example due to interruption of the corresponding cable
connection, it is ensured that the round-blocking device 9 is
transitioned into the active state, and operation of the weapon 2
is not possible.
[0062] As can be seen from the illustration of FIG. 1, a second
scanner 6 is provided in the loading region of the ammunition depot
5.
[0063] This scanner, already during loading of the ammunition depot
5, examines the structure of the ammunition body 3 introduced into
the weapon system 1, and by means of a type-identifying device 7
determines the corresponding type of projectile or ammunition. The
type of ammunition determined in this manner on the basis of the
internal structure of the ammunition body 2 is compared in a
comparison unit 12 with a type of ammunition input via an input
device 11 with the aid of a prescribed ammunition code or
identification. If the two types of ammunition coincide with one
another, an appropriate information is conveyed to the weapon
controller 10, and is made available for calculating the firing
control solution. If the type of ammunition determined, and the
type of ammunition body input via the input device 11, are not the
same, this is communicated to the operator in a display device of
the input device 11.
[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates a weapon system 1 that differs from the
weapon system illustrated in FIG. 1 in that the one scanner 6 is
not disposed in the supply region of the weapon 2, but directly in
the weapon 2, for example in or on the firing tube. With such an
arrangement of the scanner 6, it is possible to examine the
ammunition body 3 directly in its firing position, thereby
preventing the danger of manipulations.
[0065] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which a scanner 6 is
integrated into the handling mechanism 4. The ammunition body 3 is
examined during the handling, i.e. during the removal process from
the ammunition depot 5, and the subsequent introduction into the
firing position within the weapon 2. In this connection, care is
taken that the ammunition body 3 cannot be removed from the
handling mechanism 4, for example a projectile transfer arm or
projectile rammer or loader, without this leading to activation of
the round-blocking device 9. For this purpose, appropriate means
are provided on the handling mechanism 4 that recognize the
presence of an examined ammunition body 3, and that upon removal of
this ammunition body 3 activate the round-blocking device 9.
[0066] FIG. 4 illustrates a weapon system 1 where the weapon 2 is
loaded with a plurality of ammunition bodies 3. Involved here, for
example, is a multi-rocket launcher, in the firing container of
which a plurality of ammunition bodies 3 embodied as rockets are
disposed. The scanner 6 that examines the structure of the
ammunition bodies 3 is disposed within the firing container or
within the weapon 2.
[0067] The ammunition bodies 3 can be accommodated in a magazine,
often also designated as "pot", and can together with the magazine
be inserted into the firing container, often also designated as
"cage". The examination of the ammunition bodies 3 can be effected
before the magazine is introduced into the firing container. If a
proscribed ammunition body 3 is recognized, a mechanical blocking
can be effected that blocks further insertion of the magazine into
the firing container in order in this manner to prevent firing. It
would also be possible upon recognition of a proscribed ammunition
body 3 to cancel or disable software components of the weapon
controller 10, thereby achieving an additional assurance against
firing of proscribed ammunition bodies 3.
[0068] With the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the number of
scanners 6 corresponds to the number of ammunition bodies 3
accommodated in the weapon 2, whereby a scanner is associated with
each ammunition body 3, so that each of the ammunition bodies 3 can
be scanned in its firing position.
[0069] Finally, FIG. 5 shows details of a structural embodiment of,
for example, the weapon system 1 that is illustrated in block
diagram form in FIG. 1.
[0070] The weapon system 1 involves an artillery piece, the weapon
2 of which is illustrated on the loading side in the region of a
breech plate 20. Provided in the region of the breech plate 20 is a
sliding wedge-type breech lock 21, by means of which the weapon
tube can be closed after introduction of the ammunition body 3. The
scanner 6 that examines the structure of the ammunition body 3 is
disposed in the supply region of the weapon 2. The scanner 6 is
secured to the breech plate 20. Upon insertion or loading of an
ammunition body 3 into the tube of the weapon 2, the structure of
the ammunition body 3 is examined by means of the scanner 6, and
the appropriate type of ammunition is determined in the previously
described manner.
[0071] If a proscribed type of ammunition body is involved, such as
a bomblet or cluster munition projectile, the round-blocking device
9 would prevent the sliding wedge-type breech lock 21 from closing
the weapon, so that firing of the ammunition body would not be
possible. In this case, the ammunition body 3 would first have to
be pressed rearwardly out of the tube of the weapon 2 before a
different ammunition body 3 could be introduced into the firing
position within the weapon 2.
[0072] In this connection, the round-blocking device 9 is embodied
in such a way that manipulations at the scanner 6 would also lead
to blocking of the weapon 2, for example, by means of a mechanical
blocking or obstruction of the sliding wedge-type breech lock 21,
which could not be released or disengaged from the outside.
[0073] With the aid of the weapon systems and pertaining process
described above, proscribed ammunition bodies 3 within the weapon
system 1 can be recognized, and the weapon 2 can be deactivated.
With such a weapon system, even with manipulations by the operating
personnel it is not possible to fire prohibited ammunition bodies
3, such as bomblet projectiles.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0074] 1 Weapon System [0075] 2 Weapon [0076] 3 Ammunition Body
[0077] 4 Handling Mechanism [0078] 5 Ammunition Depot [0079] 6
Scanner [0080] 7 Type-identifying Device [0081] 7.1 Data Bank
[0082] 7.2 Evaluation Electronics [0083] 7.3 Emergency Power Source
[0084] 9 Round-blocking Device [0085] 10 Weapon Controller [0086]
11 Input Device [0087] 12 Comparison Unit [0088] 20 Breech Plate
[0089] 21 Sliding Wedge-type Breechlock
* * * * *