GUN MOUNT

Abstract

The present invention relates to a removable weapon system, specifically to a weapons system that is magnetically engaged to a platform. There is provided a removable weapon system for a platform comprising a weapon system with a first mount, said platform comprising a second mount, said first and second mount comprising a reversible engagement device, wherein the reversible engagement device is a magnet

Claims

1. A removable weapon system for a platform, the system comprising: a weapon system with a first mount; said platform comprising a second mount; said first and second mount comprising a reversible engagement device, wherein the reversible engagement device is a magnet.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the magnet is a switchable magnet capable in use of being switched from an energised state to an un-energised state, to allow reversible engagement.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the switchable magnet is an electromagnet, a magnetic chuck, a switchable permanent magnet, part of a magnet array, or a superconducting magnet.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first mount comprises the reversible engagement device.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein there is a safety interlock to prevent disengagement of the reversible engagement device of the first mount from the second mount, whilst the weapon system is operational.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the safety interlock prevents disengagement of the first mount from the second mount when there is ammunition or payload present in the weapon system.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the weapon system is a medium calibre gun, a small calibre gun, a remote weapon system (RWS), a torpedo launcher, a countermeasure launcher, or a life-raft launcher.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second mounts comprises at least one cooperatively locating lug and void.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second mount is a ferrous material on said platform.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein electrical power and/or data is transferred between the platform and the weapon system via the first and second mounts.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the platform is a vehicle vessel or craft.

12. A weapon mounting system, comprising: a first mount configured for coupling to, or part of, a weapon system; a second mount configured for coupling to, or part of, a platform; one or more magnets in one of the first or second mounts; and a switch in the other of the first and second mounts; wherein the switch is controllable to switch the one or more magnets from an energised state to an un-energised state, to allow reversible engagement of the first and second mounts.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the switch and the one or more magnets collectively provide an electromagnet, a magnetic chuck, a switchable permanent magnet, a switchable magnet array, or a superconducting magnet.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the first mount includes the switch, and the second mount includes the one or more magnets.

15. The system according to claim 12, comprising a safety interlock configured to prevent disengagement of the first mount from the second mount, responsive to the weapon system being operational.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the safety interlock prevents disengagement of the first mount from the second mount, responsive to the weapon system being loaded with ammunition or payload.

17. The system according to claim 12, comprising the weapon system, wherein the weapon system is a medium calibre gun, a small calibre gun, a remote weapon system (RWS), a torpedo launcher, a countermeasure launcher, or a life-raft launcher.

18. The system according to claim 12, wherein the first and second mounts comprises at least one cooperatively locating lug and void.

19. A weapon mounting system, comprising: a first mount configured for coupling to, or part of, a weapon system; a second mount configured for coupling to, or part of, a platform; one or more switchable magnets in one of the first or second mounts; and wherein the one or more switchable magnets are switchable from an energised state to an un-energised state, to allow reversible engagement of the first and second mounts; and wherein electrical power and/or data is transferrable between the platform and the weapon system via the first and second mounts.

20. The system according to claim 19, comprising a safety interlock configured to prevent disengagement of the first mount from the second mount, responsive to the weapon system being operational or loaded.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the figures, in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a gun on a switchable magnetic mount . . . ;

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a gun on a switchable magnetic mount attached to a deck of a boat; and

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a gun on a switchable magnetic mount attached to a road vehicle.

[0029] Turning to FIG. 1, there is a weapons system 1, comprising a medium calibre gun 2, located on a first mount 3. The first mount 3 operably linked to the second mount 6, by a switchable magnet located in the second region 5 of the first mount. The first region 4 of the first mount 3 has the gun 2 directly connected on an upper surface, and further comprises the switch to activate and deactivate the magnet field. Activation of the magnetic field allows first mount 3 to remain in union with the second mount 6.

[0030] Turning to FIG. 2 shows the deck portion of a ship 20, with a deck surface 21 which is made from a ferrous metal which thereby forms the second mount 25. A weapons system 22, in the form of a medium calibre gun is secured to the first region 24 of the first mount 23. The first region 24 is operably linked to the combat system 29, which provides power, data, aiming, fire control instructions for the gun 22. The CMS 29 may also provide electrical power to activate the switch located in the first region which controls the switchable magnets (not shown) located in the second region 25.

[0031] The second region 25 is integrally linked with the first region 24, The second region comprises the magnets, and abuts and forms a mating union by magnetic force with the deck 21.

[0032] In one sequence of operation, it may require: [0033] Identify a vessel that requires up-gunning for the next mission. [0034] Remove the gun and first mount from an iso container and position it on a flat surface on the vessel e.g. helicopter decks or walkways. [0035] Switch on the switchable magnets to affix the gun and first mount in place. [0036] Connect the first mount to the ship's CMS and power source. [0037] Operation of the gun could be via: [0038] Via a local gun control cabinet separate from the gun mount to keep the operator safe from blast and enemy fire. [0039] Manually on the mount [0040] Upon completion of the mission the gun could simply be unplugged and the magnets could be turned off to remove the gun.

[0041] Turning to FIG. 3 there is provided a weapon system 30, in the form of a large caliber gun, for attachment to a platform 31 in the form of a 88 vehicle. The gun 32 is attached by a first mount 33 comprising the switchable magnet (not shown), to the flat body of the vehicle 31

[0042] As an example a circular base with a radius of 1.2 m would allow a retention force of up to 130 tonnes. This is 10 the maximum expected recoil load of a 40 mm cannon, therefore allowing the connection and safe operation of many common existing cannons as weapon systems that can be used with a switchable magnet in the first mount.