EP4320400B1 - Weapon system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a weapon system with a weapon according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of patent claim 13.

Numerous weapon systems are known from the military sector, such as artillery systems or battle tanks, which have a weapon, in particular a large-caliber gun, to attack the respective target. Such weapon systems usually have a weapon aiming device for aiming the weapon, via which the weapon can be aimed both around a vertical azimuth axis and around a horizontal elevation axis in a weapon holder on the weapon system, often also referred to as a weapon cradle. For aiming in elevation, shield trunnion bearings are generally used, in which the weapon barrel is mounted in an directional manner around a shield trunnion extending along the elevation axis. In such shield trunnion bearings, the weapon barrel essentially extends in the firing direction in front of the shield trunnion in the direction of the barrel muzzle. In the firing direction behind the shield trunnion, various other weapon components are arranged in such weapon systems, depending on the equipment, such as the breech end for feeding the ammunition, a barrel braking and recoil system.

The elevation aiming range of the weapon in such weapon systems usually extends over a positive aiming range that is higher than the horizontal in order to be able to attack targets with direct or indirect fire. Furthermore, the elevation aiming range can also extend over a negative aiming range that is inclined downwards compared to the horizontal, sometimes also referred to as weapon depression, for example in order to be able to attack targets that are lower or close to the weapon from an elevated position on sloping terrain, etc.

In this context, it has proven disadvantageous that such weapon systems require a large amount of space, even below the elevation axis, when the weapon is aimed in elevation, due to the weapon components extending over a certain length behind the shield pivot and the barrel recoil that occurs when the shot is fired, i.e. a movement of the weapon barrel in the opposite direction to the firing direction. This space requirement also increases with the size of the positive aiming range. In practice, this means that in the case of battle tank turrets, for example, the shield pivot must be arranged relatively high above the turret floor in the vertical direction in order to create sufficient space for the weapon components arranged behind the shield pivot and the barrel recoil even when the weapon barrel is pointed as far upwards as possible. The raised arrangement of the shield trunnion is also disadvantageous in the initial position for aiming such a weapon in the negative aiming range, since in this case there is an additional increased space requirement behind the shield trunnion for the weapon components that are pivoted upwards when aiming in the negative elevation aiming range. This can result in relatively space-consuming turret designs, particularly when taking its rotation contour into account, and thus lower power densities of the weapon system.

In addition to these classic shield pin bearings, which have been widely used for several decades, there are also some alternative aiming devices for barrel weapons, which allow the weapons to be aimed around more than one elevation axis. For example, in the AT 15 795 U1 a weapon system with a barrel weapon is described, which can be aimed about two elevation axes arranged at a distance from each other via an articulated linkage. It has proven to be disadvantageous in these weapon systems that the aiming movements of the weapon connected to the articulated linkage are kinematically complex and require complex control.

From the WO 2018/073461 A1 A mortar supported on the ground with a weapon barrel that can be directed in elevation is known, which is mounted via a pivot bearing and a loose bearing.

Against this background, the present invention sets itself the task of specifying a weapon system and a method for aiming a weapon in elevation, which are characterized by a high power density and at the same time simple control.

This object is achieved in a weapon system of the type mentioned at the outset by the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent subclaims.

The aiming device has a joint bearing assigned to one elevation axis and a loose bearing assigned to the other elevation axis for supporting a weapon holder that holds the weapon. Such an arrangement with a joint and a loose bearing allows the weapon to be aimed in elevation in a way that is simple and trouble-free in terms of control technology. The loose bearing assigned to one elevation axis can enable a relative movement of the weapon with respect to the associated elevation axis in the firing direction and in particular also a corresponding relative movement of the joint bearing with respect to the loose bearing. Furthermore, such an arrangement enables several suitable starting positions for aiming the weapon in both the positive and negative elevation angle range, which differ in the vertical direction due to the different positions of the joint bearing and/or the loose bearing. This makes it possible to reduce the installation space of the weapon system required for the aiming movements and the system-related barrel recoil, which means that an increased power density can be achieved.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that the floating bearing is arranged in front of the pivot bearing in the firing direction of the weapon. Such an arrangement allows advantageous aiming of the weapon in elevation. In an alternative arrangement, however, the floating bearing can also be arranged behind the pivot bearing in the firing direction of the weapon, provided that this should prove advantageous for the operation of the aiming device of the weapon system.

In this context, it is further proposed that the floating bearing be located in the firing direction of the weapon in a front area of the weapon mount and/or that the articulated bearing is arranged in a rear area of the weapon mount in the direction of fire of the weapon. Such an arrangement enables a defined bearing of the weapon mount that is advantageous from a mechanical point of view with a reliable transmission of force via the articulated bearing, whereby the alignment in elevation can be carried out precisely and with repeatable accuracy. In this context, however, the articulated bearing can also be arranged in a front area of the weapon mount in the direction of fire of the weapon and/or the floating bearing in a rear area of the weapon mount in the direction of fire of the weapon, should this prove advantageous for the respective application.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it is further proposed that the pivot bearing is arranged in the area of one of the rear weapon components of the weapon, in particular in the area of a rear end of the barrel braking and recoil system in the firing direction of the weapon. Such an arrangement of the pivot bearing allows the weapon to be easily aimed in elevation. The pivot bearing also allows reliable absorption of the firing reaction forces occurring in the area of the barrel braking and recoil system. Alternatively, in this context it is also conceivable to arrange the pivot bearing in the area of the weapon barrel, provided this should prove advantageous.

It is intended that the pivot bearing and the floating bearing are arranged so that they can rotate along an orbit around the associated elevation axis. Such an arrangement enables simple and control-technically reliable elevation of the weapon in a small space. In particular, the rotatable arrangement of the pivot bearing and the floating bearing along an orbit around the associated elevation axis allows for both flexible and precise elevation alignment. Furthermore, such an arrangement can cover an advantageously large alignment range that can be adjusted using the alignment device.

In this context, it has proven to be advantageous if the radius of the orbit of the spherical bearing around one elevation axis is essentially equal to the radius of the orbit of the floating bearing around the other elevation axis. Such an arrangement has also proven to be advantageous with regard to a robust and user-friendly adjustment of the alignment angle in elevation. Furthermore, such an arrangement of the orbits allows a particularly space-saving design of the alignment device, since the same amount of space is required for both alignment devices, in particular in the vertical direction. However, to adapt the alignment range, it can also be advantageous if the radius of the orbit of the spherical bearing around one elevation axis is not equal to the radius of the orbit of the floating bearing around the other elevation axis.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that the articulated bearing and/or the floating bearing are arranged to be rotatable about the associated elevation axes over an angular range that is less than 360°. The limitation of the respective angular range simplifies the control of the straightening device. In this context, it may be particularly preferred that the angular range in which the articulated bearing and/or the floating bearing are arranged to be rotatable about the associated elevation axes is less than 180°, preferably less than 90°. By limiting the angular range in this way, a compact design can also be achieved while at the same time allowing the straightening device to be controlled easily.

In this context, it is also proposed that the elevation axes for aiming the weapon can be controlled independently of one another. Such independent control of the elevation axes increases the flexibility of the aiming device, since either both elevation axes can be controlled together or individually. In conjunction with the floating bearing, such an arrangement also allows the weapon to be aimed even if the control of one of the elevation axes has failed. This certain redundancy can further increase the performance of the weapon system.

From a design perspective, it is preferred if the articulated bearing has at least two articulated bearing points between which the weapon holder is mounted and/or that the floating bearing has at least two floating bearing points between which the weapon holder is mounted. Such mounting of the weapon holder between two bearing points has proven to be advantageous with regard to a robust, low-fault mounting of the weapon holder. Firing reaction forces can be diverted via the two bearing points and diverted symmetrically across both sides of the weapon.

A preferred embodiment provides that the aiming device has at least one pivoting element for aiming the weapon, which can be pivoted via at least one aiming drive. Such an arrangement enables the weapon to be quickly aimed in elevation. In particular, the at least one pivoting element, which can be pivoted via the aiming drive, can be pivoted in such a way that the articulated bearing and/or the floating bearing are rotated along the orbit around the respective associated elevation axis. Such an aiming drive can be designed in the manner of a crank, piston or eccentric drive.

From a design point of view, it has proven to be advantageous in this context if the aiming device has at least two pivoting elements for aiming the weapon, each of which can be pivoted via at least one aiming drive, each of which is assigned an elevation axis. Such an arrangement enables the Swivel elements using the aiming drives enable particularly user-friendly, fast and repeatable aiming of the weapon over a large aiming range.

In this context, it is further proposed that one of the pivoting elements extends between one elevation alignment axis and the articulated bearing and/or that another pivoting element extends between the other elevation alignment axis and the floating bearing. Such an arrangement makes it possible for the articulated bearing to be rotatable by pivoting one pivoting element about one elevation alignment axis and for the floating bearing to be rotatable by pivoting the other pivoting element about the other elevation alignment axis. By pivoting the pivoting elements, the articulated bearing and/or the floating bearing can be rotated about the orbits around the elevation alignment axes. This results in advantageously user-friendly, easily controllable elevation alignment. The radial length of the pivoting elements can be the same. This makes it easy to create orbits of the same radius for the two bearing points.

With a view to a low-wear design of the aiming device, it is proposed that the swivel elements can be decoupled from the aiming drive. Such a design can ensure that the firing reaction forces acting on the swivel elements via the weapon are not transferred to the aiming drive. This can increase the service life of the aiming drive. In this context, it is further proposed that the swivel elements can be fixed in the swivel position set via the aiming drive in such a way that the firing reaction forces are not diverted via the drive. In this case, the swivel elements are in the force flow and the aiming drives are outside the force flow.

From a design perspective, it has been found to be preferable if the swivel element is a swivel rod or a swivel disc. Such a design of the swivel element as a swivel rod or swivel disc has proven to be advantageous with regard to a low-interference, easily controllable rotation of the floating bearing and/or the spherical bearing about the elevation axes.

It is also of structural advantage if a swivel element designed as a swivel disk is at least partially circular, in particular circular sector-shaped, with a radius. In this context, it is proposed that the swivel element has a circular sector-shaped shape, with the circular sector extending in the circumferential direction in particular over less than 180°, preferably less than 90°. This allows the aiming movements to be accelerated with the same aiming drives, which also allows the power density of the weapon system to be further increased.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that the articulated bearing and/or the floating bearing are arranged on the outer circumference of the respective pivoting elements designed as a swivel disk. Such an arrangement allows a rotation of the articulated bearing and/or the floating bearing about the respectively assigned elevation alignment axis along the orbits by pivoting the respective pivoting elements designed as swivel disks in a particularly simple and robust manner. Furthermore, such an arrangement enables a maximization of the alignment range that can be set via the alignment device.

In a structurally advantageous development of the invention, it is further proposed that the elevation axes are arranged at a predetermined distance from the tower floor, wherein the distance from the tower floor corresponds to the length of the pivoting element designed as a pivoting rod and/or corresponds to the radius of the swivel element designed as a swivel disc. Such an arrangement enables the adjustable elevation angle to be maximized while taking into account the available free space of the tower.

Furthermore, to solve the above-mentioned problem, a method for elevating a weapon of a weapon system according to patent claim 13 is proposed. Such a method for elevating the weapon enables the construction of weapon systems with a high power density while at the same time providing simple, error-free control of the aiming movements. Furthermore, the method for elevating a weapon via the rotation of the articulated bearing and the floating bearing on an orbit around the respective elevation aiming axis has proven to be particularly fast.

In connection with the method for elevating a weapon of a weapon system, it is further proposed that the weapon system be designed according to one or more of the features described above. This results in the advantages described in connection with the weapon system.

Fig. 1

eine schematische, ausschnittsweise Seitenansicht eines Waffensystems gemäß eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Richtvorrichtung des Waffensystems gemäß der Darstellung in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3, 4

zwei weitere schematische, ausschnittsweise Seitenansichten des Waffensystems gemäß der Darstellung in Fig. 1 in unterschiedlichen Elevationsrichtstellungen;

Fig. 5a-e

noch stärker schematisierte Ansichten eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines Waffensystems mit einer Waffe in verschiedenen Elevationsrichtstellungen, und

Fig. 6a-b

Prinzipansichten zweier Elevationsrichtachsen.

Further details and advantages of the invention are explained below with the aid of the attached drawings of two embodiments. In the drawings:

Fig. 1

a schematic, partial side view of a weapon system according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2

a schematic plan view of the aiming device of the weapon system as shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3, 4

two further schematic, partial side views of the weapon system as shown in Fig. 1 in different elevation directions;

Fig. 5a-e

even more schematic views of another embodiment of a weapon system with a weapon in different elevation directions, and

Fig. 6a-b

Principle views of two elevation axes.

The depictions in the Fig. 1 to 6b show a weapon system in various, partly detailed and partly highly schematic representations.

The weapon system 1 is a self-propelled weapon system 1 in the manner of a battle tank. However, the weapon system 1 can also be another military weapon system 1, such as an infantry fighting vehicle, an artillery system, an air defense system or the like.

The weapon system 1 has a weapon 2, which in the present embodiment is designed as a tube weapon and is arranged on a turret 50 of the weapon system 1 designed as a battle tank.

The weapon 2 is arranged on the weapon turret 50 on the weapon system 1 so that it can be directed in azimuth and elevation. In order to direct the weapon 2 in azimuth, the turret 50 is mounted so that it can rotate about the azimuth direction axis 8 running in the vertical direction via a turret pivot bearing 51, see. Fig. 1 . To set the Weapon 2 in elevation, ie for setting an elevation angle α extending between the firing direction S of the weapon 2 and the horizontal, the weapon system 1 has an aiming device 3 which has two elevation aiming axes 4, 5 arranged at a horizontal distance X from one another, cf. Fig. 3 .

The weapon system 1 is characterized by a high power density, ie it has a high weapon performance in a comparatively small installation space and the associated comparatively low system weight. Furthermore, the weapon system 1 is characterized by a simple, robust control of the aiming device 3 for aiming the weapon 2 in elevation. This is explained below using the illustration in Fig. 1 explained in more detail.

The representation in Fig. 1 shows the aiming device 3 for aiming the weapon 2 in elevation using an exemplary elevation angle α, which according to the illustration in Fig. 1 in the upper, higher than the horizontal, positive aiming range of the weapon 2. The aiming device 3 has the two elevation aiming axes 4, 5 which are arranged at a distance from one another on the same horizontal plane and extend essentially horizontally and parallel to the turret floor 52. According to the illustration, one of the elevation aiming axes 4 is arranged in a rear area of the turret 50 in the azimuth direction and the other elevation aiming axis 5 is arranged in a front area of the turret 50 in the azimuth direction. However, other arrangements of the elevation aiming axes 4, 5 relative to the turret 50 are also conceivable, for example the elevation aiming axes 4, 5 can also extend on different horizontal planes if this should prove advantageous due to the other structural conditions of the weapon system 1.

Before the structure and function of the straightening device 3 for straightening in elevation is explained in detail, the illustrations in Fig. 1 and 2 the storage of the weapon 2 on the aiming device 3 is explained. The weapon 2 is accommodated in a weapon holder 9. The weapon holder 9 is designed in the manner of a weapon cradle that at least partially encloses the weapon 2 around its circumference. The weapon holder 9 can have a substantially U- or C-shaped cross-section, in the opening of which the weapon 2 is accommodated. Alternatively, the weapon holder 9 can also have a closed, for example square or rectangular cross-section, in the opening of which the weapon 2 is accommodated, for reasons of rigidity. As can be seen from the schematic representations in Fig. 1 and 2 As can be seen, the weapon 2 is not completely received along its length in the weapon mount 9, but an area of the weapon barrel 2.1 oriented in the direction of the weapon muzzle is located outside the weapon mount 9. In the opposite direction, the weapon mount 9 is adapted to the length of the barrel recoil 2.2 of the weapon 2. Alternatively, however, the weapon mount 9 can also be shorter and the weapon recoil 2.2 can extend beyond the end of the weapon mount 9. In this case, care must be taken to ensure that even when the weapon barrel 2.1 is raised to its maximum, there is sufficient space behind the weapon mount 9 so that the weapon barrel 2.1 can move back unhindered when the shot is fired.

The weapon holder 9, which holds the weapon 2, is mounted on the aiming device 3 so that it can be elevated via two elevation axes 4, 5. For this purpose, the aiming device 3 has a pivot bearing 6 assigned to one elevation axis 4 and a loose bearing 7 assigned to the other elevation axis 5, cf. Fig. 1 The articulated bearing 6 allows rotational movements of the weapon mount 9 in the manner of a joint, while the floating bearing 7 allows translational movements of the weapon mount 9 in or against the firing direction S.

According to the top view in Fig. 2 the joint bearing 6 associated with one elevation axis 4 has two joint bearing points 6.1, 6.2 spaced apart from one another in the horizontal direction and the loose bearing 7 associated with the other elevation axis 5 has two loose bearing points 7.1, 7.2 spaced apart in the horizontal direction, between which the cradle-like weapon holder 9 is mounted. According to the illustration in Fig. 2 the weapon 2 also has a weapon support system 12, which may comprise a barrel braking system, a barrel recoil system or similar components, which extends essentially parallel to the weapon barrel 2.1 on both sides thereof and is also received in the weapon holder 9. As can be seen from the illustration in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the weapon 2 also has a barrel recoil 2.2, shown in hatched lines, extending in the axial direction behind the weapon barrel 2.1 in the firing direction S. The barrel recoil 2.2 is a free space behind the weapon barrel 2.1 into which the weapon barrel 2.1 moves as a result of the firing reaction forces resulting from the firing. Depending on the design of the weapon 2, further weapon components can be arranged in whole or in part to the side of the barrel recoil 2.2.

As can be seen from the illustration in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the pivot bearing 6 is arranged in the area of the barrel recoil 2.2 on the weapon mount 9, in particular in the area of the rear end of the weapon mount 9. This arrangement allows a particularly reliable absorption of the firing reaction forces introduced into the weapon mount 9 via the weapon 2 via the pivot bearing 6. Furthermore, the weapon 2 is guided particularly well during elevation due to this arrangement of the pivot bearing 6. The loose bearing 7 is arranged in the firing direction S of the weapon 2 in front of the pivot bearing 6, in a front area of the weapon mount 9.

In the following, based on the illustration in Fig. 3 explains how the weapon 2, which is mounted on the aiming device 3 via the weapon holder 9, can be aimed in elevation by means of the aiming device 3. For this purpose, the articulated bearing 6 supporting the weapon holder 9 and the floating bearing 7 are each arranged to rotate along a circular orbit U ₆ , U ₇ around the respective elevation aiming axis 4, 5, see also Fig. 1 . When aiming the weapon 2, the two bearings are therefore moved along the orbits U ₆ , U ₇ . The respective orbital position of the pivot bearing 6 about the elevation axis 4 and of the floating bearing 7 about the elevation axis 5 (each described by the angle of rotation ϕ ₄ or ϕ ₅ with respect to the vertical, cf. Fig. 6a and b ), the elevation angle α of the weapon 2 is adjustable and the weapon 2 can thus be directed in elevation. In the rotation position according to Fig. 3 the pivot bearing 6 arranged in a rear area of the weapon mount 9 is arranged on the orbit U ₆ around the elevation axis 4 below the elevation axis 4, close to the turret base 52. At the same time, the floating bearing 7 is arranged above the associated elevation axis 5 in an area of the orbit U ₇ around the elevation axis 5 that is remote from the turret base 52. The result is a positive elevation angle α of the weapon 2.

In order to move the articulated bearing 6 and the floating bearing 7 about the respectively associated elevation alignment axis 4, 5, the alignment device 3 has a pivoting element 10, 11 extending between the respective elevation alignment axis 4, 5 and the articulated bearing 6 or the floating bearing 7, cf. Fig. 1 The two swivel elements 10, 11 are according to Fig. 1 designed in the manner of circular sector-shaped swivel disks with the radius R. The radius R ₆ or R ₇ of the swivel elements 10, 11 corresponds to the radius of the orbit U ₆ , U ₇ of the joint bearing 6 or the floating bearing 7 around the respective elevation axis 4, 5, cf. Fig. 3 The swivel element 10 assigned to the joint bearing 6 extends over an angle of approximately 90° and thus forms approximately a quarter-circle sector. The The associated swivel element 11 extends over an angle of approximately 120° and thus forms approximately a third of a circle sector. Alternatively, the swivel elements 10, 11 can also extend over other circular angles, for example over semicircular sectors or full circles. The joint bearing 6 and the floating bearing 7 are arranged on the outer circumference of the respective swivel elements 10, 11, cf. Fig. 3 . When the swivel elements 10, 11 are swiveled about the respective associated elevation axis 4, 5, the spherical bearing 6 and the floating bearing 7 thus perform a rotary movement at a distance R from the elevation axis 4, 5. In other words, the swiveling of the circular sector-shaped swivel elements 10, 11 by the angle of rotation ϕ ₄ , ϕ ₅ causes a rotary movement of the spherical bearings 6 or floating bearings 7 arranged on their outer circumference on the respective orbit U ₆ , U ₇ by the same angle of rotation ϕ ₄ , ϕ ₅ , see also Fig. 6a-b .

As can be seen, for example, from the illustrations in Fig. 3 or 4 As can be seen, the swivel elements 10, 11 designed as circular sector-shaped swivel disks have the same radius R ₆ , R ₇ . This results in the same orbits U ₆ , U ₇ for the articulated bearing 6 and the floating bearing 7 around the respectively assigned elevation alignment axis 4, 5. Such an arrangement is advantageous with regard to simple control of the alignment device 3. Alternatively, the swivel elements 10, 11 can also have different radii R, which can, for example, increase the alignment range.

To drive the swivel elements 10, 11, at least one directional drive M ₄ , M ₅ designed as a motor is provided, cf. Fig. 1 . The respective swivel element 10, 11 can be swivelled quickly and with repeatable accuracy by the respective angle of rotation ϕ ₄ , ϕ ₅ around the respective elevation axis 4, 5 via the straightening drives M ₄ , M _5. The straightening drives M ₄ , M ₅ can be controlled independently of one another, which increases the flexibility the straightening device 3 is increased because the pivoting elements 10, 11 can be pivoted independently about the respective elevation axis 4, 5.

When comparing the representations in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 It can be seen that the floating bearing 7 arranged on the outer circumference of the swivel element 11 is positioned in both figures at the same angle of rotation ϕ ₅ relative to the elevation axis 5. The joint bearing 6 is as shown in Fig. 4 compared to Fig. 3 on the other hand, rotates by a certain angle of rotation ϕ anti-clockwise about the elevation axis 4. Different angles ϕ ₄ result. The floating bearing 7 allows the resulting translational displacement of the weapon barrel 2.1. The result is a slightly smaller elevation angle α. In order to relieve the aiming drives M ₄ , M ₅ of the firing reaction forces, they can be decoupled from the pivot elements 10, 11 in such a way that the forces are not transmitted via the aiming drives M ₄ , M _5. For this purpose, a fixing device (not shown in the figures) is provided, which fixes the pivot elements 10, 11 in the respective pivot position set via the aiming drives M ₄ , M ₅ and de-energizes the aiming drives M ₄ , M ₅ .

As can be seen from the illustrations in Fig. 3 and 4 As can be explained, the directional movements of the articulated bearing 6 and the floating bearing 7 around the two elevation directional axes 4, 5 can be traced back to a directional movement of the weapon mount 9 mounted via the articulated bearing 6 and the floating bearing 7 around a single, virtual elevation pole E. This virtual elevation pole E can be moved and adjusted in space by the interacting rotational movements of the articulated bearing 6 and the floating bearing 7 around the two elevation directional axes 4, 5. By elevating the weapon 2 around the virtual elevation pole E, a large positive and negative directional range can be achieved. The directional device 3 is built considerably lower, especially in the vertical direction, than is the case when directionalizing around a single, real elevation directional axis with the same large directional range. Due to the smaller size of the aiming device 3, the turret 50 can also be smaller and thus lighter, which increases the power density of the weapon system 1 and thus also its technical-tactical performance.

Based on the representations in the Fig. 6a , which schematically shows a section of the straightening device 3 limited to the elevation straightening axis 5, and 6b, which schematically shows a section of the straightening device 3 limited to the elevation straightening axis 4, it can be explained in detail how straightening in elevation is carried out via the rotary movements of the spherical bearing 6 or the loose bearing 7 about the respective elevation straightening axis 4, 5. As already explained above, the rotary position of the spherical bearing 6 or the loose bearing 7 is changed by pivoting the pivot elements 10, 11 by the angle of rotation ϕ ₄ , ϕ ₅ about the respective elevation straightening axis 4, 5, whereby they execute a rotary movement on the orbit U ₆ , U ₇ determined by the radius R ₆ , R ₇ of the respective pivot element 10, 11. In an alternative approach, the vertical distances A ₁ , B ₁ and the horizontal distances A ₂ , B ₂ of the elevation axes ₄ , ₅ to the joint bearing 6 and the loose bearing 7 are changed by the rotation of the joint bearing 6 and the loose bearing 7 by the angle of rotation ϕ 4 , ϕ 5 , cf. Fig. 6a and b. A directional position can thus be described both via the angles of rotation ϕ ₄ , ϕ ₅ and via the distances A ₁ , B ₁ , A ₂ , B ₂ .

The depictions in the Fig. 5a to e illustrate by way of example a possible range of alignment positions of the weapon 2 with the aiming device 3 described above, whereby the weapon holder 9 is not shown for the sake of simplicity. In the schematic representations of the embodiment according to Fig. 5a to e In a highly simplified manner, the weapon 2 with the weapon barrel 2.1 as well as the pivot bearing 6 and the floating bearing 7 of the aiming device 3 are shown, via which the weapon 2 (via the weapon mount 9, not shown) is mounted so that it can be raised. The pivot bearing 6 is arranged in the firing direction S in the rear area of the weapon 2 on the outer circumference of a pivot disk 10 which can be pivoted about the elevation axis 4 and is designed as a full circular disk for illustration purposes. The loose bearing 7 is arranged in the firing direction S in front of the pivot bearing 6 on the outer circumference of a pivot disk 11 which can be pivoted about the elevation axis 5 and is also designed as a full circular disk for illustration purposes.

In the representation according to Fig. 5a a transport position of the weapon 2 is shown. For this purpose, the weapon 2 is brought into a lower position near the turret base via the aiming system 3. In this position, the weapon 2 extends parallel to the turret base 52. The pivot bearing 6 and the floating bearing 7 are each rotated into a lower position, the angle of rotation ϕ ₄ , ϕ ₅ is 0° in each case. The transport position of the weapon 2 is characterized by a low overall height of the aiming device 3 and thus of the weapon system 1. This advantage is particularly evident in the case of pivot elements 10, 11 that are shaped like a sector of a circle or designed as pivot rods, cf. for example Fig. 3, 4 . Furthermore, the weapon 2 is located closer to the ground, which advantageously shifts the center of gravity of the weapon system 1 downwards.

According to the presentation in Fig. 5b the aiming device 3 is in a neutral position in which the weapon barrel 2.1 of the weapon 2 is aligned essentially parallel to the turret base 52. The elevation angle α is thus 0°. In the neutral position, which represents a starting position for the aiming movements, both the articulated bearing 6 and the floating bearing 7 each have the same angle of rotation ϕ ₄ , ϕ ₅ about the respective elevation alignment axis 4, 5 and are located approximately at the same vertical height as the elevation alignment axes 4, 5. The angle of rotation ϕ ₄ , ϕ ₅ is approximately 90° in each case.

By pivoting the pivoting elements 10, 11 out of the neutral position, the elevation angle α can be freely adjusted within an upper limit α _max and a lower limit α _min , cf. e.g. Fig. 5c . According to the presentation in Fig. 5c there is a positive elevation angle α, which was achieved by rotating the spherical bearing 6 and the floating bearing 7 by a certain angle of rotation ϕ in an anti-clockwise direction from the neutral position. The angles of rotation ϕ ₄ , ϕ ₅ have different values.

To set the maximum elevation angle α _max according to Fig. 5d the spherical bearing 6 is rotated into a lower rotation position and the floating bearing 7 into an upper rotation position. The maximum elevation angle α _max can be influenced by the dimensioning of the swivel elements 10, 11 and the arrangement of the elevation axes 4, 5. Based on the illustration in Fig. 5d it can be understood that the maximum elevation angle α _max could be further increased if the distance X between the elevation axes 4, 5 were reduced. Alternatively, to enable larger maximum elevation angles α _max , for example, the radius R of the swivel element 10 or the swivel element 11 could also be increased, or similar.

According to the presentation in Fig. 5e Negative elevation angles α can also be set with the aiming device 3, for example in order to be able to engage targets that are lower down or very close to the weapon system 1. To set the minimum elevation angle α _min , the pivot bearing 6 is rotated to an upper position. Furthermore, the floating bearing 7 is rotated to a lower position. The minimum elevation angle α _min is influenced not only by the dimensioning of the swivel elements 10, 11 and the arrangement of the elevation axes 4, 5, but also in particular by the structural design of the hull 60 arranged below the turret 50, cf. Fig. 4 . The trough slope 62 of the trough roof 61 limits the minimum elevation angle α _min .

In the following, a method for elevating the weapon 2 is described based on the illustration in the Fig. 3 and 4 described: Based on the Fig. 4 The elevation angle α set in Fig. 3 The elevation angle α shown can be set via the straightening device 3. For this purpose, the joint bearing 6, which is arranged on the outer circumference of the circular sector-like swivel element 10, rotates about the elevation straightening axis 4. The rotation about the angle of rotation ϕ ₄ is carried out via a straightening drive M ₄ (cf. Fig. 1 ), by means of which the swivel element 10 is swiveled by precisely that angle of rotation ϕ _4. The loose bearing 6 associated with the other elevation axis 5 can also be rotated by swiveling the swivel element 11, but in the present example it remains in its rotational position according to Fig. 4 . Due to the rotation of the joint bearing 6, the weapon mount 9, which is connected to it in a rear area and holds the weapon 2, is moved in the horizontal and vertical direction in such a way that a smaller elevation angle α results.

The weapon system 1 described above and the method for elevating a weapon 2 of a weapon system 1 are characterized by a high power density and at the same time simple control of the aiming device 3.

Reference symbol:

1

weapon system

2

weapon

2.1

gun barrel

2.2

pipe return

3

straightening device

4

elevation axis

5

elevation axis

6

spherical bearings

6.1

joint bearing point

6.2

joint bearing point

7

floating bearing

7.1

loose bearing location

7.2

loose bearing location

8

azimuth axis

9

weapon recording

10

swivel element

11

swivel element

12

weapon support system

50

Tower

51

tower pivot bearing

52

tower floor

60

tub

61

tub roof

62

tub slope

A1

vertical distance

A2

horizontal distance

B1

vertical distance

B2

horizontal distance

E

elevation pole

M

straightening drive

M4

straightening drive

M5

straightening drive

R

radius

R6

radius

R7

radius

S

direction of fire

U

orbit

U6

orbit

U7

orbit

X

Distance

α

elevation angle

αmax

maximum elevation angle

αmin

minimum elevation angle

ϕ

angle of rotation

ϕ4

angle of rotation

ϕ5

angle of rotation

Claims (14)

1. Weapon system with a weapon (2), in particular a barrel weapon, and an aiming device (3) with two spaced-apart elevation axes (4, 5) for aiming the weapon (2) in elevation, the aiming device (3) has a trunnion bearing (6) associated with one elevation axis (4) and a loose bearing (7) associated with the other elevation axis (5) for mounting a weapon receptacle (9) receiving the weapon (2),
   characterized in that
   the trunnion bearing (6) and the loose bearing (7) are arranged rotatably along an orbit (U) about the associated elevation axis (4, 5).
2. Weapon system according to claim 1, characterized in that the loose bearing (7) is arranged in front of the trunnion bearing (6) in the firing direction (S) of the weapon (2).
3. Weapon system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the loose bearing (7) is arranged in the firing direction (S) of the weapon (2) in a front region of the weapon receptacle (9) and/or that the trunnion bearing (6) is arranged in the firing direction (S) of the weapon (2) in a rear region of the weapon receptacle (9).
4. Weapon system according to claim 1, characterized in that the radius (R₆) of the orbit (U₆) of the trunnion bearing (6) about the one elevation axis (4) is substantially equal to the radius (R₇) of the orbit (U₇) of the loose bearing (7) about the other elevation axis (5).
5. Weapon system according to one of claims 1 or 4, characterized in that the trunnion bearing (6) and/or the loose bearing (7) are arranged rotatably over an angular range about the associated elevation axes (4, 5), which is smaller than 360°.
6. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trunnion bearing (6) has at least two trunnion bearing points (6.1, 6.2), between which the weapon receptacle (9) is mounted and/or in that the loose bearing (7) has at least two loose bearing points (7.1, 7.2) between which the weapon receptacle (9) is mounted.
7. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aiming device (3) has at least one pivot element (10, 11), which can be pivoted via at least one aiming drive (M4, M5), for aiming the weapon (2).
8. Weapon system according to claim 7, characterized in that one of the pivot elements (10) extends between the one elevation axis (4) and the trunnion bearing (6) and/or in that another pivot element (11) extends between the other elevation axis (5) and the loose bearing (7).
9. Weapon system according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the pivot elements (10, 11) can be decoupled from the aiming drive (M4, M5).
10. Weapon system according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the pivot element (10, 11) is a pivot rod or a pivot disc.
11. Weapon system according to claim 10, characterized in that the trunnion bearing (6) and/or the loose bearing (7) are arranged on the outer circumference of the respective pivot elements (10, 11) designed as pivot discs.
12. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elevation axes (4, 5) are arranged at a predetermined distance from the turret base (52), the distance from the turret base (52) corresponding to the length of the pivot element (10, 11) designed as a pivot rod and/or the radius (R) of the pivot element (10, 11) designed as a pivot disc.
13. Method for elevating a weapon (2) of a weapon system (1), in particular a barrel weapon, with an aiming device (3) having two spaced-apart elevation axes (4, 5), wherein the aiming device (3) has a trunnion bearing (6) associated with one elevation axis (4) and a loose bearing (7) associated with the other elevation axis (5) for mounting a weapon receptacle (9) receiving the weapon (2),
    characterized in that
    the trunnion bearing (6) and the loose bearing (7) are rotated along an orbit (U) about the respective elevation axis (4, 5) in order to aim the weapon (2).
14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the weapon system (1) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

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