EP3660443A1 - Turret with raisable protective roof - Google Patents

Abstract

Turret (1) of an armored vehicle that can accommodate a crew including a shooter, comprising a fixed roof (2) with an opening (5) and a retractable protection system (3) in the form of a shielded hood or dome ( e), which can be pivotally displaced around a horizontal axis and / or in vertical translation, characterized in that:
- the hood or the shielded dome (e) can take at least four positions, a first position in which the retractable system (3) is retracted against the roof (2) and ensures the closing of the opening (5), a second partial open position in which the retractable system (3) is partially deployed in vertical translation upwards and makes it possible to protect a soldier in the observation position, a third partial open position in which the retractable system (3) is partially deployed in vertical translation upwards, but more than in the second position, and makes it possible to protect a soldier in the sniping position and a fourth fully open position in which the retractable system (3) is fully deployed by pivoting and / or vertical translation upwards by uncovering the opening (5) in order to allow an evacuation of the crew;
- The turret is provided with a mechanism ensuring, in use and as required, the movement of the retractable protection system (3) between the four aforementioned positions.

Description

Subject of the invention

The present invention emerges from the technological field of the integration of a protection system such as a sunroof with different functionalities or a hood or a retractable dome disposed on a rotating turret of any armored vehicle.

The present invention relates more particularly to a retractable protection system in the form of a dome, with a view to replacing a hatch or hatch which is a generally pivoting panel and intended to open and close an opening made in the roof of a turret.

Technological background and state of the art

At present, for example in a context of urban engagement, the shooting soldier, to position himself during a passive observation with binoculars (and not with the episcope) or a situation in enemy shooting, must be posted through the opening provided by the turret hatch. The shooter is then exposed to the enemy without protection. Admittedly, hatches usually have a vertical rim at least 40 cm high, but this is not enough to protect the shooter. They also offer some back protection to the shooter via the hatch door but no protection is provided for shots from the front, from the side and especially from above.

There are also light armored vehicles of the SUV or 4x4 type with a cupola on the roof, which sometimes consists of a simple hatch on the roof with two pivoting wings, in which an automatic weapon can be deployed and where the shooter can take place. In this case too, the shooter only has partial and very relative lateral protection (see for example US 3,800,659 ).

The principle of a hull that lifts when discovering a weapon system is very old. In eclipse turrets (for example the Galopin turret, 1889), a firing chamber with an armored protective dome is established on a column serving as a pivot. When firing, the firing chamber is raised above ground until it finds the mouth of two cannons. After firing, the firing chamber descends so that the lowered dome connects to the structures surrounding it. The pivot column is movable in the vertical direction, it is moved by the movement of a pendulum provided with a counterweight. It is also capable of performing a rotation to position the barrel according to the objective. However, this eclipse turret principle has never been applied to armored vehicles.

The document FR 2 936 305 B1 discloses a revolving cupola on a platform that can be a vehicle and intended to support a weapon system such as a grenade launcher. The cupola is retractably mounted and includes manual actuation means making it possible to deploy it above the platform and bring it into the firing position. The cupola is provided with a protective cover for the weapon system closing a box, the latter being located under the platform.

The document US 8,146,479 B2 , from the same applicant, discloses a retractable light cupola mounted on a platform, comprising ignition means that can be deployed through an opening, a protective cover ensuring the closing of the opening and sighting means in elevation and azimuth for the firing device, in which said protective cover has, on its external face, on the one hand means of close defense and at least one observation device coupled to a display device disposed inside the platform.

These systems are teleoperated and do not allow a soldier to stand in position for firing or observation.

The document WO 2014/127769 A1 discloses an armored vehicle with a vehicle cabin on which a roof cover is arranged, the roof cover being pivotally arranged and in translation relative to the vehicle cabin. The pivoting movement is made with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and the translational movement can be carried out along an external contour of the bodywork with for example a vertical guide making it possible to fold the roof hood downwards. along the vehicle cab, in a transport position.

The document EP 1,361,409 A2 discloses an armored vehicle comprising a hatch disposed at the top of the vehicle and articulated at its rear edge on the vehicle body so as to be able to pivot between a closed position (I) covering a manhole arranged in the vehicle body and a position open (II), in which the door allows passage into and out of the vehicle through the manhole, said hatch being provided with observation means allowing limited visibility outside the vehicle, when the hatch access is in the closed position (I) and comprising a windshield provided with a front window and side windows hinged on either side of the front window so as to be able to pivot relative to the front window, so that the windshield can be arranged in a storage position (A) or in an operational position (B), storage position (A) in which the side windows are turned on the front window while in the operational position (B), the front window and the side windows extend in the gap between the body and the access hatch in a partially open position (III), providing better visibility out of the vehicle than the limited visibility obtained by the aforementioned means of observation. The vehicle body is provided with a storage space for securing the windshield.

Aims of the invention

The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art.

In particular, the present invention aims to achieve an armored vehicle turret with a retractable protection system or retractable, to protect a soldier who is either in a sniper position partially outside the turret, or in a position of visual observation in the open air, but protected , unhindered, without the need for hatches or periscopes.

More specifically, the present invention aims to provide a retractable protection system which also serves as a hatch to open and close an opening provided in the roof of the turret making it possible to put the shooter in the fire position using a retractable ballistic system and possibly miniaturized, safe and instant.

The retractable system according to the present invention must therefore have an access function to the opening provided in the turret as well as a user protection function.

Brief description of the figures

• The figure 1 shows schematically a side view of a turret, according to the invention, with the retractable protection system in the closed position.
• The figure 2 shows schematically a side view of the turret with the retractable protection system in a first intermediate open position for the protection of a soldier in the observation position.
• The figure 3 shows schematically a side view of the turret with the retractable protection system in a second intermediate open position for the protection of a soldier in the sniper position with a light weapon.
• The figure 4 shows schematically a side view of the turret with the protection system fully open and / or in the evacuation position.
• The Figures 5 and 6 respectively represent a perspective view and a profile view of an embodiment of an embodiment of the turret according to the invention with a retractable protection system in the first intermediate open position, where the perforated protective sheets have been shown in detail.

Legend

1. (1) armored turret
2. (2) tank turret roof
3. (3) retractable protection system
4. (4) weapon protection support (microperforated strip)
5. (5) opening (passage)

Main characteristic features of the invention

• le capot ou la coupole blindé(e) escamotable peut prendre au moins quatre positions, une première position dans laquelle le système escamotable est rétracté contre le toit et assure la fermeture de l'ouverture, une deuxième position d'ouverture partielle dans laquelle le système escamotable est partiellement déployé en translation verticale vers le haut et permet de protéger un soldat en position d'observation, une troisième position d'ouverture partielle dans laquelle le système escamotable est partiellement déployé en translation verticale vers la haut, mais davantage que dans la deuxième position, et permet de protéger un soldat en position de tir embusqué et une quatrième position d'ouverture complète dans laquelle le système escamotable est entièrement déployé par pivotement et/ou translation verticale vers le haut en découvrant l'ouverture afin de permettre une évacuation de l'équipage ;
• ta tourelle est pourvue d'un mécanisme assurant, en utilisation et selon les besoins, le déplacement du système de protection escamotable entre les quatre positions précitées.

The present invention relates to an armored vehicle turret which can accommodate a crew including a shooter, comprising a fixed roof with an opening and a retractable protection system in the form of a shielded hood or dome, which can be moved pivotally around a horizontal axis and / or in vertical translation, characterized in that:

• the retractable hood or shielded dome can take at least four positions, a first position in which the retractable system is retracted against the roof and ensures the opening is closed, a second partial opening position in which the system retractable is partially deployed in vertical upward translation and protects a soldier in the observation position, a third partial opening position in which the retractable system is partially deployed in vertical upward translation, but more than in the second position, and makes it possible to protect a soldier in the sniper position and a fourth fully open position in which the retractable system is fully deployed by pivoting and / or vertical translation upwards by uncovering the opening in order to allow evacuation of the crew ;
• your turret is provided with a mechanism ensuring, in use and as required, the movement of the retractable protection system between the four aforementioned positions.

• dans la deuxième position, la coupole escamotable découvre un espace périphérique latéral obturé par des plaques de protection à meurtrières, permettant au soldat de prendre une position d'observation allant jusqu'à 360° ;
• dans la troisième position, la coupole escamotable découvre un espace périphérique latéral plus important que dans la deuxième position, laissant un espace libre sur une certaine hauteur au-dessus des plaques de protection à meurtrières, permettant au soldat de prendre une position de tir embusqué à l'arme légère ;
• les plaques de protection à meurtrières sont des plaques d'acier (micro)perforées assurant une protection contre des projectiles de différents calibres ;
• dans la deuxième et la troisième positions, les plaques de protection à meurtrières sont rétractables vers le bas dans la tourelle, par exemple au moyen de glissières ;
• le mécanisme de déplacement de la coupole de protection est un mécanisme de levée à vérins et/ou à charnières ou encore un pantographe actionnable par l'équipage ;
• le mécanisme de déplacement est adapté pour assurer un déplacement de la coupole de protection essentiellement parallèle à elle-même entre la première position, rétractée, et les deuxième et troisième positions, de déploiement partiel ;
• le mécanisme de déplacement est adapté pour assurer un déplacement de la coupole de protection pivotant de bas en haut et vers l'avant ou vers l'arrière de la tourelle, entre la troisième position, de déploiement partiel et la quatrième position, de déploiement complet, pour assurer une protection à l'avant ou à l'arrière de type bouclier pour l'équipage en évacuation de la tourelle par l'ouverture ;
• le mécanisme de déplacement de la coupole blindée escamotable est actionnable manuellement de manière mécanique, par exemple hydraulique et/ou téléopérée.

According to particular modes of the invention, the turret comprises at least one (or an appropriate combination of several) of the following characteristics:

• in the second position, the retractable dome uncovers a lateral peripheral space closed by protective plates with loopholes, allowing the soldier to take an observation position of up to 360 °;
• in the third position, the retractable dome uncovers a larger lateral peripheral space than in the second position, leaving a free space over a certain height above the protective plates with loopholes, allowing the soldier to take a position of sniping at the light weapon;
• the loophole protection plates are (micro) perforated steel plates providing protection against projectiles of different calibers;
• in the second and third positions, the loophole protection plates are retractable down into the turret, for example by means of slides;
• the movement mechanism of the protective dome is a lifting mechanism with jacks and / or hinges or a pantograph which can be actuated by the crew;
• the movement mechanism is adapted to ensure movement of the protective dome essentially parallel to itself between the first position, retracted, and the second and third positions, of partial deployment;
• the movement mechanism is adapted to ensure movement of the protective dome pivoting from bottom to top and towards the front or rear of the turret, between the third position, partial deployment and the fourth position, complete deployment , to provide protection at the front or rear of the shield type for the crew in evacuation of the turret through the opening;
• the mechanism for moving the retractable armored cupola can be actuated manually mechanically, for example hydraulically and / or remotely operated.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention relates to a tank turret comprising a retractable protection system in the form of an armored dome, integrated in said turret, having any dome shape, generally with a profile and a (semi-) circular or polygonal plane. An actuation system allows the dome to be raised to allow the shooter to get into position. In front of him deploys a support such as a micro-perforated strip which protects the area below the weapon. In the present invention, the protective dome has above all a shield function.

According to one embodiment of the invention, shown in the figures 1 to 4 , the turret 1 comprises a protection system in the form of a retractable roof 3 making it possible to conceal an opening 5, which must allow the passage of soldiers, to enter the turret or to evacuate it, and also allows a soldier put yourself in the sniper position with a light weapon or visual observation, with the naked eye or with glasses.

According to the invention, the retractable protection system 3 can be moved between four different positions, as shown in the figures 1 to 4 . For the sake of clarity, the means for lifting the dome are not shown.

In a first position, the system 3 completely closes the opening 5 so as to create a sealed closure of the turret, as shown in the figure 1 . The protective dome with its structure is in its retracted state, and is then partially hidden in the passenger compartment. The shooter and his weapon are locked inside the turret and are not visible from the outside.

In a second position, which is also a first intermediate opening position, the protection system 3 is slightly deployed and raised relative to the rest of the turret, which allows the user to stand put in observation or surveillance position, with the naked eye or with binoculars ( Figure 2 ). In this configuration, the soldier or the shooter is protected above him by the dome 3 which serves as a shield and is advantageously protected laterally at the level of the normally open part by the installation of protective plates allowing observation, as for example of sheets having loopholes 4, preferably (micro) perforated sheets providing protection against projectiles of different calibers.

In a third position, which is also a second intermediate opening position, the protection system 3 is further deployed, which makes it possible to provide a lateral opening above the protection plates 4 ( Figure 3 ). This position advantageously allows the sniper to operate with a light weapon, such as a pistol, rifle or submachine gun, in asymmetric engagement situations. The shooter can rotate on itself, 360 ° and remain protected from possible enemy fire. In a particular embodiment, and to give more comfort to the sniper, the loophole protection plates 4 can be lowered, for example by means of slides.

A particular embodiment of the perforated protective sheets 4 is shown in the Figures 5 and 6 . The manner of making the loopholes (perforations) is known per se to the skilled person.

In the fourth position, the protection system 3 is completely open, for example, but without this being limiting in the context of the present invention, by pivoting up and forward, allowing the user to keep standing in the turret and having the protection system as a shield as shown in the figure 3 . In this fourth position, the shooter and the other members of the crew can also evacuate the turret while being protected on one side by the dome 3 which is lifted to the maximum position.

The retractable system 3 according to the present invention therefore has a function of closing / opening the opening 5 provided in the turret, such as a hatch, as well as a function of protecting users. Besides the protection against enemy fire, the dome also provides environmental protection, for example by protecting people against extreme temperatures (for example in the desert) by cutting off incident radiation.

The retractable protection system 3 can also for example uncover the opening 5 by being pivoted either towards the front side or either towards the rear side of the turret, depending on the situation.

Advantages of the invention

The protection system according to the invention can be placed in four positions, allowing on the one hand the protection of the user when it is placed in a shooting or observation situation, and on the other hand to open and close access to the turret.

When the system is fully open as shown in the figure 4 , the turret can be evacuated while protecting the crew thanks to the dome functioning as a shield. On the other hand, this arrangement allows the crew to have easy access to the first floor of a building by exiting from the top of the turret, since the roof of the latter is generally situated at a certain height. Evacuation from above can indeed be an advantage in certain situations.

When the system is placed in the protective position as illustrated by the figures 2 or 3 , the user is protected from all projectiles coming from above. It is also posted for observation at a certain height, which allows better visibility, while being protected ("watchtower" effect).

Another advantage of the invention is to be able to use the armored vehicle in “peace keeping” mode (apparent crew), by maintaining the dome in fourth position (fully deployed) or even by removing the armored dome.

Claims (9)

Turret (1) of an armored vehicle that can accommodate a crew including a shooter, comprising a fixed roof (2) with an opening (5) and a retractable protection system (3) in the form of a shielded hood or dome ( e), which can be pivotally displaced around a horizontal axis and / or in vertical translation, characterized in that : - the retractable shielded hood or dome can take at least four positions, a first position in which the retractable system (3) is retracted against the roof (2) and ensures the opening of the opening (5), a second partial opening position in which the retractable system (3) is partially deployed in vertical translation upwards and makes it possible to protect a soldier in the observation position, a third partial opening position in which the retractable system (3) is partially deployed in vertical translation upwards, but more than in the second position, and makes it possible to protect a soldier in the sniping position and a fourth fully open position in which the retractable system (3) is fully deployed by pivoting and / or vertical translation upwards by uncovering the opening (5) in order to allow an evacuation of the crew; - The turret is provided with a mechanism ensuring, in use and as required, the movement of the retractable protection system (3) between the four aforementioned positions. Turret (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that , in the second position, the retractable dome (3) uncovers a lateral peripheral space closed by protective plates with loopholes (4), allowing the soldier to take a position d observation up to 360 °. Turret (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that , in the third position, the retractable dome (3) reveals a greater lateral peripheral space than in the second position, leaving a free space over a certain height above the loopholes (4), allowing the soldier to take up a sniper position with a light weapon. Turret (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the protective plates with loopholes (4) are perforated (micro) steel plates providing protection against projectiles of different calibers. Turret (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that , in the second and third positions, the protective plates with loopholes (4) are retractable down into the turret, for example by means of slides. Turret (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement mechanism of the protective dome (3) is a lifting mechanism with jacks and / or hinges or a pantograph actuated by the crew. Turret (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the displacement mechanism is adapted to ensure displacement of the protective dome (3) essentially parallel to itself between the first position, retracted, and the second and third positions , partial deployment. Turret (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the displacement mechanism is adapted to ensure movement of the protective dome (3) pivoting from bottom to top and towards the front or rear of the turret, between the third position, partial deployment and the fourth position, full deployment, to provide protection at the front or rear shield type for the crew in evacuation of the turret through the opening (5). Turret according to claim 6, characterized in that the mechanism for moving the retractable armored cupola (3) can be actuated manually, mechanically, for example hydraulically and / or teleoperated.

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