Device for simulating a mortar

Abstract

The invention relates to a mortar (1) comprising a stand (2) disposed on a mortar barrel (3), and a base plate (4) for setting up the mortar (1), characterized in that a device (10) for simulating the function of the mortar (1) is provided, wherein in a neutral position said device (10) is arranged almost completely inside the mortar barrel (3) and in an operating position from the mortar barrel (3) said device is arranged such that it protrudes from the mortar barrel (3) relative to the neutral position.

Claims

1. A device for simulating a mortar, comprising: a trigger box, a control unit, at least one antenna and an operating unit; a stand, which is arranged on a mortar barrel, and a base plate for setting up the mortar, the device being arranged almost completely in the mortar barrel in a neutral position and protruding from the mortar barrel in an operational position out of the mortar barrel in comparison with the neutral position.

2. The mortar as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises a carrier and a further carrier that is pivotable in relation thereto, the longitudinal axis of the carrier being arranged in the longitudinal axis of the mortar barrel both in the neutral position and in the operating position of the device.

3. The mortar as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the carrier is provided with a guiding linkage that is movable in the longitudinal direction.

4. The mortar as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the trigger box is arranged at the end of the carrier that is remote from the further carrier.

5. The mortar as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the control unit is arranged on the carrier.

6. The mortar as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the at least one antenna is arranged in the end region of the further carrier.

7. The mortar as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that two antennas are arranged respectively in an end region of the further carrier.

8. The mortar as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that at least one linkage is provided on the further carrier, movably in relation thereto, the one end of the linkage being mounted on the carrier and the antenna being arranged at the other end of the linkage.

9. The mortar as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the operating unit is arranged at one end of the further carrier, and closes the open end of the mortar barrel in the neutral position of the device.

Description

(1) An exemplary embodiment of the invention is represented in FIGS. 1 to 4 and is explained in more detail below.

(2) In the figures:

(3) FIG. 1 shows a device for simulating the function of a mortar (without representation of the mortar),

(4) FIG. 2 shows a mortar with its elements that are known per se, including the device according to the invention for simulating its function,

(5) FIG. 3 shows the simulation device according to the invention in the state it is in when it has been pushed into the mortar,

(6) FIG. 4 shows the simulation device according to the invention in its operationally ready position.

(7) As specifically represented, the exemplary embodiment of a device 10 for simulating the function of a mortar exhibits a carrier 11. Looking at FIG. 2, this carrier 11 is accommodated in a mortar 1. The mortar 1 of FIG. 2 comprises in a way known per se a stand 2, a mortar barrel 3 and also a base plate 4. With the movable, possibly multi-part stand 2 and the base plate 4, a mortar 1 that is functional in a way known per se is set up at its intended location and can fire at a steep angle in order to be able to engage targets behind cover. For this purpose, actually live ammunition is used. In order however to avoid the use of live ammunition, but nevertheless be able to simulate the function of the mortar 1, the device 10, represented in detail in FIG. 1, is inserted into the mortar barrel 3.

(8) While in FIG. 2 the mortar 1 is represented with the device 10 in the operationally ready position (operating position), in FIG. 1 this device 10 is represented without the mortar 1 to illustrate the individual elements.

(9) While the carrier 11 is arranged in the mortar barrel 3 and can be moved axially in this mortar barrel 3, according to the exemplary embodiment that is shown in FIG. 1 a guiding linkage 12 is arranged at the end of the carrier 11. The guiding linkage 12 may be arranged fixedly or relatively movably in relation to the carrier 1. Arranged at the end of the guiding linkage 12 that is remote from the carrier 11 is a trigger box 13. In the operating position of the device 10, the trigger box 13 must be located in the region in which the actual trigger of the mortar 1 (not represented here) is located. While the device 10 is being brought from the neutral position into the operating position, or vice versa, the trigger box 13 may remain in the region of the trigger of the mortar 1 or be moved away from it or moved toward it.

(10) Also provided is a control unit 14, this control unit 14 being arranged on the carrier 11. At this stage it should be pointed out that generally the carrier 11 may be of a one-part form. It is also conceivable that the carrier 11 is of a multi-part form, as represented in the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1. Whether the carrier 11 is of a one-part or multi-part form depends not only on the type of construction of the device 10 but also on the space available inside the mortar barrel 3 of the mortar 1. In the case of short mortar barrels 3, it is appropriate to design the carrier 11 in a one-part form. If the mortar barrel 3 exceeds a certain length, it may be appropriate to design the carrier 11 in a multi-part form. This allows a kind of modular system to be realized. Instead of the simply designed guiding linkage 12, it is similarly conceivable to make the one-part or multi-part carrier 11 axially so long that the trigger box can be arranged in its end region.

(11) Arranged at the end of the carrier 11 protruding from the mortar barrel in the operating position of the device 10 is a further carrier 15. This carrier 15 is arranged fixedly with the carrier 11, but movably in relation thereto. As a result, a compact type of construction is achieved and the carrier 15 can be pushed together with the carrier 11 into the mortar barrel 3 or pushed out of it when the two carriers 11, 15 are arranged in line with one another. In this case, either only the carrier 11 or only the carrier 15 or both carriers 11, 15 together form(s) such an outer geometry that makes it possible to push the two together into the mortar barrel 3. In particular, this geometry is designed for the purpose of realizing a guide during the movement from the neutral position into the operating position, or vice versa.

(12) Arranged at the end of the carrier 15 is at least one antenna 16. In the case of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, two antennas 16 are present. These are kept at the greatest possible distance by the carrier 15. Furthermore, the geometry of the at least one antenna 16, possibly of the carrier 11, is chosen such that in the neutral position the at least one antenna 16 can be accommodated by the carrier 11 and at the same time can also be retracted into the mortar barrel 3. If two antennas 16 are present, this of course also applies to both antenna 16.

(13) An operating unit 17 is also provided. The operating unit 17 is advantageously provided on the carrier 15. It is ensured by this arrangement that the operating unit 17 can also be retracted into the mortar barrel 3 when the two carriers 11, 15 are aligned in line with one another. Particularly advantageously, the end of the mortar barrel 3 is closed by the operating unit 17.

(14) As stated above, the carrier 11 or the carrier 15 or both carriers 11, 15 together form(s) the geometry which makes it possible that the device 10 is mounted or guided for the purpose of axial movement in the mortar barrel 3. As an alternative or in addition to this, it is possible to attach a linear guide 18 as an additional element to one of the two carriers 11, 15 or else to both carriers 11, 15. The additional element of the linear guide 18 has the advantage that standard geometries can be used for the carrier 11 and/or the carrier 15 and with the element of the linear guide 18 can be adapted to different geometries of the mortar barrel, in particular to different inside diameters. For this purpose, the linear guide 18 is simply exchanged for another. The flexibility of the use of the device 10 for simulating the function of the mortar 1 advantageously increases as a result.

(15) Likewise as explained above, the carrier 15 is arranged movably and captively on the carrier 11. This takes place in particular by the carrier 15 being arranged about a pivoting point 19 on the carrier 11. As an alternative to means for allowing the carrier 15 to be pivoted about the pivoting point 19 on the carrier 11, other alternatives for the captive fastening, but also simultaneous movement of the carrier 15 in relation to the carrier 11 may also be provided. Here it may be considered to arrange the carrier 15 on the carrier 11 by way of a screwing connection, a clamping connection, a latching connection or the like. However, the proposed solution of the captive pivoting of the carrier 15 on the carrier 11 is of particular advantage, since handling is particularly easy as a result, and the carrier 15 can be brought easily and quickly both into its neutral position (in line with the carrier 11) and into its operating position (angled-away position in relation to the longitudinal axis of the carrier 11).

(16) In FIGS. 3 and 4, the device 10 actually arranged partially in the mortar barrel 3 is represented once again in its neutral position (FIG. 3) and in its operating position (FIG. 4).

(17) The device 10 according to FIG. 3 has been pushed completely into the mortar barrel 3 in the neutral position. Only the upper end region of the operating unit 17 protrudes from the end of the mortar barrel 3 or finishes flush with it. In this state, the two antennas 16, if present, assume a distance D1.

(18) In the operating position of the device 10 according to FIG. 4, it has been moved out of the mortar barrel 3 to such an extent that not only has the operating unit 17 with the antenna 16 alongside it been moved out of the mortar barrel 3, but also the second antenna 16, at a distance therefrom, has become accessible. This means generally that the carrier 11 of the device 10 must be moved out from the mortar barrel 3 to the extent that it is made possible to bring at least the carrier 15 with its at least one antenna out of the position in line with the carrier 11 into a position moved out from it. This takes place in the exemplary embodiment by the carrier 15 being brought into its operationally ready position according to FIG. 4 about the pivoting point 19 in relation to the carrier 11. If only one antenna 16 is present, it is sufficient to move the carrier 11 out from the mortar barrel 3 to the extent that it is made possible as a result to bring the carrier 15 out of the previously in-line position in relation to the carrier 11 from this in-line position, in particular to pivot it about the pivoting point 19.

(19) If, however, an antenna 16 is respectively present in the end region of the carrier 15, that is to say therefore two antennas 16 at the distance D1, the carrier 11 must be moved out from the mortar barrel 3 to such an extent that it is possible as a result to bring the two antennas 16 arranged in the end region of the carrier 15 into their operating position.

(20) It is conceivable that the at least one antenna 16 is arranged at the end of the carrier 15. If two antennas 16 are arranged, they are arranged at the respective end of the carrier 15. This means that the distance D1 between the two antennas 16 also corresponds approximately to the length of the carrier 15. It is particularly advantageous to provide the pivoting point 19 at exactly half the distance D1, in order in this way to achieve a symmetry. This is not necessarily required, and so the pivoting point 19 may also be provided outside the midpoint of the distance D1.

(21) If the two antennas 16 are arranged directly at the end of the carrier 15, the distance D1 in the neutral position is equal to the distance D2 in the operating position of the device 10.

(22) It may however be required to increase the distance D1 between the two antenna 16 in the neutral position of the device 10. According to FIG. 4, a linkage 20 is present for this purpose. With this linkage 20 it is possible to increase the distance between the two antennas 16 with respect to the end region of the carrier (or else only one antenna 16). Particularly advantageously, the linkage 20 is axially displaceable in relation to the carrier 15. It may be secured for example by a screw 21 both in the retracted state and in the extended state. In this case, the at least one antenna 16 is located in the end region of the carrier 15 in such a way that the antenna 16 lies directly against the end of the carrier 15 in the neutral position of the device 10 and, by extending the linkage 20, moves away from this end of the carrier 15 in the operating position.

(23) In FIG. 4, a corresponding symmetrical structure is shown, that is to say that two linkages 20 are provided on the carrier 15, secured by way of screws 21 both in the extended position and in the retracted position of the linkage 20. The two antennas 16 are arranged in the end region of the linkage 20. This symmetrical structure is of particular advantage because identical parts can be used, in particular for the linkage 20. However, it is also possible to depart from this symmetrical type of construction. The linkage 20 makes it possible to increase, for example double, the distance D1 of the two antennas 16 from one another in the neutral position of the device 10 to a distance D2 in the operating position of the device 10. Should even greater distances be required, it may be considered to design the linkage 20 as a telescopic linkage to achieve the desired extension with at the same time a compact type of construction.

(24) Finally, a cover 23 of the operating unit 17 is also shown in FIG. 4. The cover 23 may be a separate component. Particularly advantageously, however, it may also be captively present on the operating unit 17, for example in such a way that it can be pivoted or can be screwed. With the cover 13, the end of the mortar barrel 3 is closed, in particular in the neutral position of the device 10, that is to say when it is fully retracted in the mortar barrel 3. As a result, the operating and/or indicating elements of the operating unit 17 are then also covered in a protected manner. The operating unit 17 may possibly also be covered with the cover 23 during the operating position of the device 10. If the cover 23 is an independent element, it may for example be fitted flush in the mortar barrel 3 or extending over it, be screwed or the like.

(25) The invention is described once again and to a further extent below:

(26) Mortars are barrel weapons that fire at a steep angle and can engage targets behind cover. The target is aimed at indirectly, with the aid of reference points defined by surveying techniques. The weapon system is aligned manually. For the simulation of a mortar for training and/or practice purposes, communication between the mortar and the target by means of a laser (known as Laser Pairing) is not possible because of the indirect aiming. Instead, a system known as Geo Pairing has to be used. With Geo Pairing, the location at which the shell makes impact is determined on the basis of the position of the firer and the target, the point in time at which the shell is fired, the orientation vector of the weapon and the characteristics of the weapon and the ammunition. With the mortar, Geo Pairing with the aid of magnetic sensors is inaccurate because of the great steel mass and the usually multi-personnel operating team and the resultant magnetic disturbances. A better option is the use of a GNSS-aided Geo Pairing system. GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System and is a generic term for existing and future satellite systems, such as for example the US-American GPS. In order to achieve good measuring accuracy with such a system, a sufficiently great distance between two separate GNSS antennas is necessary. The necessary distance between the GNSS antennas creates problems for the mounting of the simulation device on the weapon system.

(27) It is known to attach one GNSS antenna to the outside of the mortar, while the second GNSS antenna is set up at a great distance (10 to 20 meters) from the mortar. This embodiment however requires a number of individual components, extra logistical effort in transporting the weapon (additional boxes and devices) and simulation-necessitated structures that deviate considerably from the real weapon.

(28) For the simulation of a mortar, the invention provides a compact, GNSS-aided device that can be accommodated inside the mortar barrel, remains in it during the practice exercise and can be used without external components.

(29) All of the components of the device are initially arranged inside the mortar barrel and are only extended out of the mortar barrel when the mortar is set up in the firing position. There is consequently no risk of the device being damaged during transport of the mortar, since no parts are arranged on the outside of the mortar. Also, with the device according to the invention, no additional transporting containers are necessary; the device does not require any further components (sensors, cables, etc.). The original weapon does not have to be modified and can be used without any conversion or enhancement.

(30) The device according to the invention is pushed into the mortar barrel and has in the region of the muzzle a clamping device with which it is fixed in a friction-locking manner with respect to the mortar (FIG. 2).

(31) This clamping device is connected by way of a guiding linkage to an element for picking up the trigger, i.e. for detecting the firing of a shot (FIG. 1, trigger box). This element is referred to hereinafter as the trigger box. The guiding linkage at the same time forms a safeguard against twisting of the device about the axis of the barrel bore. In the region of the trigger pickup there are further functional elements, which bring about a radial clamping inside the mortar barrel. After a one-off setting-up operation, the device is mounted captively, in particular securely in terms of twisting, and remains connected to the mortar barrel during the entire practice exercise.

(32) The trigger box is exchangeable as a functional element. For this, corresponding interfaces for the mechanical fastening (threads, attachment areas or the like) and the electrical connection (connectors or the like) of the trigger box are provided on the device according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, not a mechanically functioning trigger box but a trigger box that is triggered by means of electrical voltage is used.

(33) A movable part of the device is linearly displaceable inside the barrel in the direction of the axis of the barrel bore on a guiding linkage. Mounted inter alia on this movable component are the functional elements of the device, such as for example the GNSS antennas, the control unit and also the operating and indicating elements (switches, rotary knobs, etc.). If the mortar is brought into the firing position, this part is extended out from the barrel and the functional elements protrude at least partially out of the mortar barrel. Once the functional elements have been extended out of the barrel, the frame on which the functional elements are attached can be pivoted about at least one axis (FIG. 3, FIG. 4). The pivoting angle or angles can be limited by the operator and can be fixed in a desired position. Moreover, the frame can be adjusted in length outside the mortar barrel, that is to say telescoped. This has the effect of increasing the distance between the GNSS antennas attached to the respective ends of the frame. The length adjustment can likewise be limited by the operator and can be fixed in a desired position. In addition, the GNSS antennas are also pivotable about at least one axis and can be fixed in a preferred position.

(34) There is no change from the way in which the original weapon is operated for firing a shot. The firing of a shot is detected at the firing pin of the mortar; the way in which it is operated does not differ from the firing of a real shot.

(35) The device according to the invention can compensate for the production-related tolerances of the original weapon. Furthermore, the device can be changed in length, and so can be adapted to different makes of mortar.

(36) In a preferred embodiment, the device is intended for a minimum diameter of the mortar barrel and can be adapted by means of additional elements, such as adapters or actuating elements, to other, larger barrel diameters or weapon calibers.

(37) The device can be easily disassembled and dismantled into segments and consequently can be logistically handled well.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

(38) 1. Mortar 2. Stand 3. Mortar barrel 4. Base plate 10. Simulation device 11. Carrier 12. Guiding linkage 13. Trigger box 14. Control unit 15. Carrier 16. Antenna 17. Operating unit 18. Linear guide 19. Pivoting point 20. Linkage 21. Screw 22. Guiding element 23. Cover