STEALTH VEHICLE WITH INTEGRATED FAST DEPLOYMENT WEAPON SYSTEM

Abstract

An armored land vehicle includes: a roof delimited by an opening containing a recess; a retractable weapon system to be deployed automatically between a first retracted position located inside the vehicle in the recess of the roof and a second deployed and operational position located outside the vehicle; an automatic mechanism to ensure, during use, a movement of the weapon system between the first and second positions; and an armored cap secured to the weapon system to cover the recess by forming a junction between an outer contour of the cap and a periphery of the opening of the roof with a perfect fit and in an extension of the roof surface, when the weapon system is in the first position. The weapon system includes at least one weapon with a caliber of up to 40 mm. The opening containing the recess is fitted or related to weapon system dimensions.

Claims

1. An armored land vehicle, comprising: a roof delimited by an opening containing a recess; a retractable weapon system configured to be deployed automatically between a first retracted position located inside the vehicle in the recess of the roof and a second deployed and operational position located outside the vehicle; an automatic mechanism configured to ensure, during use, a movement of the weapon system between the first and second positions; and an armored cap secured to the weapon system configured to cover the recess by forming a junction between an outer contour of the cap and a periphery of the opening of the roof with a perfect fit and in an extension of the roof surface, when the weapon system is in the first position, wherein the weapon system comprises at least one weapon with a caliber of up to 40 mm, and wherein the opening containing the recess is fitted or related to dimensions of the weapon system with the cap, the cap being adjusted to the dimensions of the weapon so as to have a smallest possible surface area.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the armored cap completely covers the recess in an upper part of a shell of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein a closing of the recess by the cap creates a tight space containing the weapon system, a tightness thereof being ensured at the tight space by at least one seal.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the cap covers only an upper part of the weapon system or comprises a protective shell completely surrounding at least a part of the weapon system.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the automatic mechanism comprises at least one jack.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising: an ammunition supply rail located below the recess of the roof so as to supply the weapon system from inside the vehicle.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the weapon system is installed on a weapon support, the weapon support being mounted pivotably with the weapon system by a rolling bearing.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the weapon support is mounted so as to be pivotable 360° about a vertical axis.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising: an inner hatch below the recess of the roof, so as to allow access to the weapon system from the inside the vehicle.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises an armored vehicle with an armored cap.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the armored vehicle comprises a stealth, tactical, light military vehicle, having an outer appearance of a 4×4, SUV, or buggy.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Other features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate the following:

[0016] FIG. 1 schematically shows a profile view of the vehicle with the weapon system in the retracted position.

[0017] FIG. 2 schematically shows a top view of the vehicle with the weapon system in the retracted position.

[0018] FIG. 3 schematically shows a profile view of the vehicle with the weapon system in the operational deployed position.

[0019] FIG. 4 schematically shows a top view of the vehicle with the weapon system in the operational deployed position.

[0020] FIG. 5 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the roof of the vehicle with the weapon system in the retracted position.

[0021] FIG. 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the roof of the vehicle with the weapon system in the deployed position.

[0022] FIGS. 7 and 8 schematically show three-dimensional views of the roof of the vehicle with the weapon system in the retracted position.

[0023] FIGS. 9 and 10 schematically show three-dimensional views of the roof of the vehicle with the weapon system in the operational deployed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In an embodiment, the present invention addresses the drawbacks of the state of the art.

[0025] In an embodiment the present invention provides a vehicle with a retractable weapon system, the weapon system being completely hidden in the upper part of the shell of the vehicle when it is in the retracted position so that the weaponry is not visible for a person located outside the vehicle. The goal is for the vehicle then to be able to be confused with a standard vehicle optionally of the civilian type, and to retain optimal aerodynamics allowing it to have normal, or even high movement speeds.

[0026] Furthermore, in an embodiment the present invention produces a compact retractable weapon system, which can be reloaded through the inside of the vehicle such that no operation requires the crew to leave the vehicle.

[0027] In an embodiment the present invention allows quick and easy placement of the weapon system from the storage or resting position to the operational deployed position. The automated mechanism used must make it possible to be operational quickly, typically in less than 5 seconds.

[0028] In an embodiment the present invention produces a vehicle whose roof is tight with respect to the outside environment when the weapon system is folded in the passenger compartment.

[0029] In an embodiment the present invention avoids arranging a door, such as a roof hatch, in the roof of the vehicle for the deployment of a weapon, and therefore to preserve the integrity of the protection provided by the vehicle.

[0030] The present invention relates to an armored land vehicle comprising:

[0031] a roof delimited by an opening containing a recess;

[0032] a retractable weapon system able to be deployed automatically between a first retracted position located inside the vehicle in the recess of the roof and a second deployed and operational position located outside the vehicle;

[0033] an automatic mechanism able to ensure, during use, the movement of the weapon system between the two aforementioned positions;

[0034] an armored cap secured to the weapon system making it possible to cover the recess by forming a junction between an outer contour of said cap and the periphery of the opening of the roof with a perfect fit and in the extension of the roof surface (2), when the weapon system is in the first retracted position, characterized in that the weapon system (4) comprises at least one weapon with a caliber of up to 40 mm and in that the opening containing the recess (3) is fitted or related to the dimensions of the weapon system (4) with its cap (5), said cap (5) being adjusted to the dimensions of the weapon so as to have the smallest possible surface area.

[0035] According to specific embodiments of the invention, the vehicle further includes at least one of the following features, or any suitable combination thereof: the armored cap completely covers the recess in the upper part of the shell of the vehicle;

[0036] the closing of the recess by the cap creates a tight space containing the weapon system, the tightness is ensured at the tight space by at least one seal;

[0037] the cap covers only the upper part of the weapon system or constitutes a protective shell completely surrounding at least part of the weapon system;

[0038] the automatic mechanism ensuring the movement of the weapon system during use comprises at least one jack;

[0039] the vehicle also comprises an ammunition supply rail located below the recess of the roof of the vehicle so as to be able to supply the weapon system from inside the vehicle;

[0040] the weapon system is installed on a weapon support, said weapon support being mounted pivotably with the weapon system by means of a rolling bearing;

[0041] the weapon support is mounted pivoting by 360° about a vertical axis;

[0042] the vehicle also comprises an inner hatch made below the recess of the roof of the vehicle, so as to allow access to the weapon system from the inside of the vehicle;

[0043] the vehicle is an armored vehicle with an armored cap;

[0044] the armored vehicle is a stealth, tactical, light military vehicle, having an outer appearance of the 4×4, SUV or buggy type.

[0045] The present invention relates to a generally armored vehicle with a retractable weapon system, the vehicle being designed so that the weapon system is completely hidden in the upper part of the shell of the vehicle when it is in the retracted position so that the weaponry is not visible for a person located outside the vehicle. In particular, the weapon system 4 comprises at least one weapon with an ammunition caliber of up to 25-30 mm or a grenade launcher (40 mm caliber).

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle 1 with the weapon system 4 in the retracted position is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8. Furthermore, the vehicle with the weapon system 4 in the deployed position is shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 9 and 10.

[0047] The vehicle 1 according to the invention comprises a roof 2 and has a recess 3 in line with the roof 2 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. This recess 3 advantageously comprises a platform or a pedestal making it possible to accommodate the weapon system 4. An automated mechanism 8, for example a jack, ensures the movement of the weapon system 4 between two positions. The first position corresponds to that where the weapon system 4 is retracted and folded in the recess 3 of the roof. The second position corresponds to that where the weapon system 4 is deployed outside the recess 3 of the roof 2 and is ready to shoot. The automated mechanism 8 allows quick and easy placement of the weapon system 4 in the deployed position so as to be operational typically in less than 5 seconds.

[0048] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a potentially armored protective cap 5 covers the recess 3 when the weapon system 4 is in the first position, namely the retracted position. In this way, the roof 2 is completely closed on the recess 3 comprising the weapon and is therefore no longer visible. In order to optimize the system and so that it is as discreet as possible, the recess 3 is fitted or related exactly to the dimensions of the weapon 4, as illustrated by FIGS. 8 to 10. The surface of the cap 5 is therefore substantially identical to the surface of the recess in the roof 2, said surface of the recess being considered at the outer level and in the extension of the roof. The weapon system 4 therefore fits perfectly in the recess 3 of the roof, and the cap 5 is fitted as well as possible to the dimensions of the weapon so as to have the attached surfaces smallest possible. The cap 5 and the recess 3 therefore have optimized dimensions and geometries, as a function of the dimensions of the weapon. The armoring of the recess 3 is advantageously limited to the survival cell of the crew and/or the recharging zone of the weapon.

[0049] The cap 5 is secured to the weapon system 4, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, such that it moves with the weapon system when it goes from one position to the other. The generally armored cap 5 perfectly covers the recess 3 when the weapon system 4 is in the first retracted position, ensuring the continuity of the surface of the roof 2, and is raised with the weapon system 4 when the latter is in the second deployed position, ensuring protection with respect to projectiles that may optionally come from above. According to one embodiment, this armored cap 5 can optionally assume the form of a shell completely surrounding the weapon, as also illustrated by FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0050] According to one specific embodiment, the weapon system 4 can be hinged using hinged arms or a pantograph. In this way, when it is deployed, it can be off-centered relative to the recess 3 provided in the roof, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0051] Advantageously, the weapon system 4 comprises an integrated optic 11, for example positioned laterally relative to the weapon.

[0052] When the cap 5 covers the recess 3 while the weapon system is in the first position, a tight space 6 is advantageously created between the recess of the roof and the armored cap, in order to close the roof on the weapon system 4. Still advantageously, sealing gaskets provide the tightness of the tight space 6 when the weapon system (4) is in the first position.

[0053] Advantageously, the vehicle 1 can also comprise one or two ammunition supply rails (“feeders”) located below the recess 3 of the vehicle in order to be able to supply the weapon system from inside the vehicle 1. The weapon system is installed on a weapon support 9, the weapon system 4 being connected via said weapon support 9 to a shaft or rolling bearing 10. The weapon support 9 can therefore pivot by 360° about a vertical axis.

[0054] The vehicle further advantageously comprises an inner hatch 7 made below the roof 2 of the vehicle, level with the recess 3 so as to have access to the weapon system from inside the vehicle 1.

[0055] Lastly, the entire mechanism itself can be integrated into a rotary basket comprising the weapon and its mounting, which are retractable, the embedded electronics, and the feeders.

[0056] The weapon system is completely concealed in the recess of the roof when it is in the retracted position, so that such a system is unsuspected by a person located outside the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle looks like a standard vehicle, ideally of the civilian type, such as a buggy, a 4×4, an SUV, etc., without weaponry. Furthermore, the weapon is protected by the armored cap when it is retracted in the recess of the roof.

[0057] The operating time is greatly reduced, in the order of several seconds, and preferably, the weapon system is operational in less than 5 seconds. In addition to being fast, the automatic setup is secure and easy, and only requires one person.

[0058] The retractable weapon system of the vehicle according to the invention is advantageously compact and can be reloaded from the inside of the vehicle. Furthermore, the weapon is accessible from the inside of the vehicle owing to the inner hatch.

[0059] Additionally, the present invention aims to produce a vehicle whose roof is tight with respect to the outside environment when the weapon system is folded in the passenger compartment. Furthermore, the vehicle retains its aerodynamics and the weapon system is not bothersome when it is not deployed, which makes it possible to travel at normal to high speeds when the weapon is folded in the passenger compartment.

[0060] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below. Additionally, statements made herein characterizing the invention refer to an embodiment of the invention and not necessarily all embodiments.

[0061] The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “A and B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “at least one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and/or C” or “at least one of A, B or C” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0062] (1) Vehicle [0063] (2) roof of the vehicle [0064] (3) recess in the roof of the vehicle [0065] (4) weapon system [0066] (5) armored cap [0067] (6) tight area containing the weapon system [0068] (7) inner access hatch to the weapon system [0069] (8) retractable mechanism for moving the weapon system [0070] (9) weapon support [0071] (10) shaft of the weapon support [0072] (11) integrated optic