DE102016005911A1 - Measuring projectile and method for measuring a condition of a gun by means of a measuring projectile - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring projectile (1, 2) having at least one sensor (4), a memory (5), a transmitting antenna (14) and a method for measuring a condition of a gun (21) by means of the measuring projectile (1, 2 ), wherein the measuring projectile (1, 2) is fired by means of the gun (21), wherein by means of at least one sensor (14) of the measuring projectile (1, 2) sensor data during charging and / or firing of the measuring projectile (1, 2) are detected, wherein the measured sensor data by means of a transmitting antenna (14) of the measuring projectile (1, 2) are sent to a receiving antenna (25). The measuring projectile (1, 2) and the method can also be used during a skirmish in that the sensor data are transmitted outside the gun barrel during the flight of the measuring projectile (1, 2) and received by at least one receiving antenna (25) arranged outside the gun barrel become. A transmission start takes place in dependence on the measured sensor data.

Description

The invention relates to a measuring projectile with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for measuring a state of a gun by means of a measuring projectile, with the features of the preamble of claim 8.

By means of the measuring projectile and the method, all important physical and / or chemical parameters can be detected, which act on the projectile, in particular, from the loading process until it leaves the gun barrel. The proposed method, namely the corresponding measurement method, can not only be used in the development of ammunition, but can also provide information about the currently present state of the gun during an ongoing battle.

For the development of new types of ammunition, it is important to know as precisely as possible the impact that the gun has on the ammunition. Especially with complex types of ammunition, which contain not only an explosive charge and a simple impact fuse, but are equipped for example with a comprehensive electronics and / or sensors or a special power supply device, it is important to know the load on the ammunition precisely, building on the following specify the physical and / or chemical loads on the ammunition. Only then will an ammunition developer be able to cope with the high loads that will be placed on the ammunition in the gun during loading and firing. The ammunition can then be designed to withstand these loads safely.

The relevant quantities for ammunition development, d. H. the relevant sensor data, such as mechanical, thermodynamic, electromagnetic and internal ballistic measures, can not be easily measured during charging and firing. These measurements act on the ammunition within the gun, d. H. on the projectiles. It is not readily possible in the operation of the gun to incorporate a variety of the corresponding sensors, for example, pressure sensors, temperature sensors or acceleration sensors in the gun, as these sensors could strongly adversely affect the integrity and mechanical structure of the gun. Various methods and devices are known from the state of the art, which are intended to measure the abovementioned measured variables under as pure as possible and operating conditions.

From the US 7,581,497 B2 is a measuring projectile known, can be recorded with the sensor data during charging and while remaining in the chamber. The projectile is not fired. Thus, no sensor data are measured after the ignition of a propellant charge. This measurement projectile and method are unable to measure sensor data after firing. The measuring projectile must be removed manually from the gun after the measurement. The removal of a non-fired measurement projectile can be complex depending on the gun design. Furthermore, this measurement projectile can not be used during a battle. The measuring projectile has a memory and several sensors.

From the US 8,738,330 B1 is a measuring projectile in the form of an inert projectile with a power supply and with multiple sensors known. This measuring projectile can be loaded and transported together with usual other projectiles. The aim is to capture measurements that affect the projectile while the projectile is being transported and stored or located inside the weapon. A data recorder within the measurement projectile can be manually started remotely or automatically. The data recording ends when the data recorder is actuated or when a corresponding end criterion is recorded.

From US H 2265 H a measuring projectile with an accelerometer and a data recorder device is known, wherein the data recorder device and the accelerometer are designed so robust, so that the delay in the impact of the measurement projectile can be registered and recorded in a test target.

From the US 7,600,421 B1 is a measuring projectile with multiple sensors and a transmitting antenna, namely a transmitter known. In the area of the gun barrel mouth, a receiving device with a receiving antenna of a radio receiver is arranged.

From the generic US 8,910,515 B1 For example, a measurement projectile with at least one magnetic sensor, for example a Hall sensor, is known. This magnetic sensor works with rotatably arranged within the projectile magnet together with the aim to measure the projectile rotation during the inner ballistics. Via a telemetry arrangement within the measuring projectile, relevant data is transmitted to a receiving device in the area of the gun muzzle. At ground stations, the collected data is merged. The telemetry system is in a nasal area of the Measuring projectile arranged behind a plastic front disc.

These measurement projectiles and methods known in the prior art are laborious and essentially practicable only for development or test operation. It is not possible to determine or transmit information about the state of the gun in the current battle, since the guns used in combat usually have no additional receiving unit in the gun barrel mouth. The known methods assume that a corresponding receiving unit is mounted in the region of the mouth of the gun barrel.

In another measuring method, an attempt is made to brake the measuring projectile as gently as possible. This can be done, for example, by firing with the gun in snow. The measurement projectile is then retrieved and the data is read out of the measurement projectile. This method has the disadvantage that on the one hand the gentle braking is not always possible because, for example, the snow cover is too thin and the Messprojektil optionally hits rock and on the other hand, a salvage is very labor intensive. In addition, it is not certain that the measurement projectile can still be found.

It is known that measuring projectiles have been connected to a wire in order to transmit data to a measuring point. The wire breaks when the measuring projectile has left the gun barrel and a certain distance has been covered. Again, a serial fire operation is not possible. In addition, this measurement method is susceptible to interference, since the wire is also accelerated and exposed to the harsh conditions in the pipe.

The invention is based on the object of designing and further developing the measurement projectile mentioned at the outset and the method mentioned at the outset, so that the measurement projectile and the method can also be used during a skirmish.

This object of the invention is now achieved by a method and a Meßprojektil with the features of the independent claims 1 and 8.

After firing, during the flight of the measuring projectile outside the gun barrel, the sensor data can be sent to at least one receiving antenna. This has the advantage that the transmission of the data takes place, for example, only when the measuring projectile has left the gun barrel. As a result, it is not necessary to mount a corresponding receiver unit in the area of the gun barrel mouth. The measurement projectile sends back the recorded data to an evaluation unit, in particular in the form of a ground station. The projectile is shot down under real conditions. It is not necessary to use a special gun, but the measuring projectile can be used just like other projectiles without sensors. Ie. The measuring projectile and the method are suitable for determining the condition of essentially any guns with the caliber suitable for the measuring projectile.

In order to ensure that the measuring projectile has left the gun barrel during transmission and that no unnecessary energy is wasted in a premature transmission, the transmission of the recorded sensor data is commenced in dependence on the sensor data determined.

The achievement of the maximum speed can be evaluated as a criterion for the start of transmission by means of a corresponding control of the measurement projectile. Based on the sensor data, the time is determined when the speed is above a minimum speed and the acceleration undergoes a zero crossing. Thereafter, sending the sensor data with the associated time values begins when the sensor data has been detected.

Alternatively, the twist can be measured and evaluated to determine the start of transmission. If the spin has exceeded a swirl threshold, the sensor data will begin to transmit.

With the measuring projectile and the method, d. H. The measurement method determines all important physical or chemical parameters that affect the projectile from charging to leaving the gun barrel. The measuring method comprises the actual measurement of the sensor data of interest, the storage of the sensor data and the transmission of the sensor data to a receiving antenna, with the aim of bringing the measured parameters for the user into a usable form.

The measuring projectile is shot down under real conditions. This can be done in single shot mode or in serial fire mode. It is not necessary to retrieve the shot projectile in order to retrieve the stored sensor data later. It can be assumed that the measurement projectile can no longer be found and was destroyed after hitting an obstacle. If the measurement method is used in combat, it may not be possible to ensure the measurement projectile because the measurement projectile has landed in the hostile area. The proposed measuring method is not only during the development of ammunition but can provide information about the artillery state during the battle. Thus, the gun crew has the ability to early detect anomalies that indicate an early defect of the gun, and to respond promptly.

The measurement projectile preferably has the same ballistic properties as the other non-sensory projectiles normally fired with the gun. Ballistic properties are understood here in particular to be the size, the shape and the weight. Furthermore, the measuring projectile preferably has the same moment of inertia and / or an equal mass distribution as projectiles without sensors. The other projectiles to be fired do not all have precisely the same ballistic properties, but the enumerated ballistic properties are subject to a production-tolerance-related scattering. The requirement that the measurement projectile have the same ballistic properties is therefore to be understood to mean that the ballistic properties are within this scattering and preferably deviate less than three sigma, in particular less than two sigma, preferably less than one sigma from the corresponding mean value of the distribution ,

During the flight, the measurement projectile transmits the measured physical / chemical quantities to at least one ground station, each with one receiving antenna which receives the signal. The measuring projectile has an antenna arrangement for transmission, which is preferably designed to be as simple to manufacture and cost-effective. The antenna arrangement preferably uses a conductive shell of the measurement projectile as the transmitting antenna. The envelope of the measuring projectile is preferably used as a dipole antenna. The dipole antenna consists of a front dipole half and a rear dipole half, which are spaced from a feed gap. The front and rear dipole halves are in particular formed by a front shell part and by a rear shell part.

Alternatively, it is conceivable that the measuring projectile has at least one opening in the envelope. The conductive shell is used as a slot antenna. The opening may in particular have the shape of a slot with a length L and a width B, wherein the length L is greater than the width B. Alternative embodiments may be in the form of a circle, a square or the like. Making a slot by sawing or milling is easy and inexpensive. Preferably, there are a plurality of slots, in particular circumferentially spaced slots, which preferably extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the measuring projectile.

The measurement projectile has its own energy supply, which can provide enough energy for the operation of the measurement projectile. The power supply can be designed as a battery. The power supply is activated at the beginning of the process.

If now the measurement projectile is to be used, the energy supply of each measurement projectile is activated first. The measurement projectile begins to work and the first measurements of the sensors are stored in a memory. After that or before, the gun is loaded with the salvo, the salvo containing the measurement projectile or several measurement projectiles. In a combat situation, the gun is charged first and then the power supply is activated. The power supply is activated only when the gun begins to fire. There is the triggering of the salvo. The sensors measure the desired physical / chemical sensor data in a time grid, which is provided by a clock within the measurement projectile, and pass this on to a memory for storage. The memory stores on the one hand the measured physical / chemical sensor data and on the other hand the associated times. During this time, the measurement projectile passes through the ammunition feeder and is fired.

The twist can be measured and evaluated to determine the start of transmission. At the end of the gun barrel, the measuring projectile experiences a twist, which lies in a predefined swirl area and is predetermined by the type of ammunition and the type of gun barrel. This predefined swirl area is stored as a threshold area in control electronics of the measurement projectile. The control electronics measures the current twist. If the measured spin is within or above the threshold range, the memory is blocked for further measurements. If the current swirl is below the swirl range, the measuring process will not be stopped. If the specified swirl range is undershot, this means that no signal is sent in the following steps.

Through the verification by means of a second or third shot, each with a measuring projectile can be determined whether the first measuring projectile was defective. If all measuring projectiles do not emit signals, it must be assumed that the gun barrel is shot out and must be replaced immediately.

After the blocking of the memory by the control electronics, the entire contents of the memory is fed to a channel coder. The content is channel coded and compressed.

Now, the coded and compressed data are fed to a modulator and modulated therein according to a modulation scheme. Digital modulation types are very well suited for this. Alternatively, analog modulation types can be used.

In a front end, the modulated data is mixed into a transmission band, amplified and fed to a transmitting antenna. The data is now sent periodically to the receiving antenna of the ground station and received there. During the flight time of the measurement projectile, the data is sent repetitively until the measurement projectile encounters an obstacle and there is no energy available to continue operation.

In order to know the condition of the protected objects, projectiles are shot down at regular intervals. In this case, the gun state according to the proposed method in the form of selected physical / chemical sensor data, which are measured by the Messprojektil inside the gun, the receiving antennas transmitted. The sensor data received in this way are evaluated and show the condition of the gun.

The sensors can in particular measure accelerations. When the cannon barrel is shot out, the acceleration of the measuring projectile shows different values than when a new cannon barrel is used. The advantage of this method is that during the battle and during the operation of the state of the gun can be determined easily. The method can also be used in serial fire mode.

If a plurality of ground stations are used and if the respective receiving antennas are designed as DF antennas, further advantages compared to using a single receiving antenna can be mentioned. Transmission errors during data transmission can be reduced because several receiving stations receive the same sensor data. The probability that all receiving stations receive the same transmission error is very low. By comparing the sensor data of the different ground stations transmission errors can be detected and corrected. This happens at more than two stations by a majority vote.

The projectile may also be targeted during data transmission from each ground station. If the bearings of each ground station are brought together, the projectile can be located and its flight tracked. Thus, a measurement of the trajectory is possible in addition to data transmission. This allows the fire control, in addition to gaining knowledge about the artillery state, to direct the fire into the target.

The aforementioned disadvantages are therefore avoided and corresponding advantages are achieved.

There are now a large number of possibilities for designing and further developing the measurement projectile according to the invention and the method according to the invention. For this purpose, reference may firstly be made to the claims subordinate to the independent patent claims. In the following, two preferred embodiments of the measuring projectile and the method will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing and the associated description. In the drawing shows:

1 in a schematic representation of a measurement projectile, wherein an envelope of the measurement projectile is designed as a dipole antenna.

2 in a schematic, perspective representation of the measurement projectile 1 .,

3 in a schematic, perspective view of another measurement projectile, wherein the envelope of the measurement projectile has a plurality of slot antennas.

4 shows in a schematic representation of a gun, a ground station and a measuring projectile at three different times.

1 to 3 show two measuring projectiles 1 . 2 , The internal structure of the measurement projectile 2 This essentially corresponds to the structure of the measurement projectile 1 , which is described below on the basis of 1 may be described in more detail.

The measuring projectiles 1 . 2 have a power supply 3 on. The energy supply 3 can be designed in particular as a battery.

Furthermore, the measuring projectiles 1 . 2 in each case a plurality of sensors, for example in the form of measuring devices, which measure the physical and / or chemical sensor data of interest. To the sensors 4 preferably includes an acceleration sensor and / or a swirl sensor. Other sensors may be, for example, chemical sensors. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor is provided.

The measuring projectiles 1 . 2 also have a memory 5 on. The recorded sensor data is stored in the memory 5 stored. The measuring projectiles 1 . 2 also each have a clock 6 on the one hand, the chronological storage of the measured physical quantities allowed and On the other hand, the entire electronics supplied with a clock signal. The times at which measurements are taken are also saved to the position of the measuring projectile 1 . 2 to be able to assign the sensor data inside or outside the gun.

The measuring projectiles 1 . 2 also have an electronic control system 7 on, by means of which the measurement and the transmission is controlled. Furthermore, the measuring projectiles 1 . 2 counterweights 8th on, which have the goal that the Messprojektil 1 . 2 has the same ballistic properties as a projectile without sensors.

The measuring projectiles 1 . 2 further comprise a channel encoder 9 which, on the one hand, encodes and compresses the data consisting of the measured physical and chemical quantities with the associated time values and, on the other hand, processes the processed data for transmission. The data is from the channel coder 9 a modulator 10 which modulates the channel coded and compressed data. As modulation types, digital modulation types are preferred. Alternatively, however, analog modulation types can also be used.

Furthermore, the measurement projectile has a front-end 11 on, being the front end 11 the output signal of the modulator 10 mixed into a transfer belt and forwarded to a transmitting antenna and sent out. The sending is here by the arrows 12 . 13 indicated.

The measuring projectile 1 . 2 has a transmitting antenna 14 on. As a transmitting antenna 14 is preferably a shell 15 of the measuring projectile 1 . 2 , In the in 1 and 2 illustrated embodiment, the directional characteristic is rotationally symmetrical with respect to a Meßprojektilachse 16 , Because the measuring projectile 1 . 2 preferably receives a spin during firing, the transmission conditions change with respect to the rotation of the measuring projectile 1 . 2 Not. The directional characteristic of the transmitting antenna 14 has a large opening angle in the direction of a receiving antenna 25 the ground station (cf. 4 ). The opening angle is in particular to the rear, ie directed against the direction of flight or in the direction projectile base. Thus, the receiving antenna experiences during the flight time of the measuring projectile 1 . 2 about the same reception conditions. The directional characteristic 26 can with the help of the shell geometry and the material, as well as with detail elements on the shell 15 how to fit the leader band (unspecified).

In 1 and 2 it can be seen that the measurement projectile 1 a transmitting antenna 14 in the form of a dipole antenna. The case 15 here has a front shell part 17 and a rear shell part 18 on that over a feed gap 19 are connected together in the form of an annular gap. The food gap 19 is in particular filled with a dielectric. The dipole antenna is placed over the feed gap 19 stimulated to transmit the transmission signal.

In the in 3 illustrated embodiment, the shell 15 of the measuring projectile several slot antennas 20 on. The slot antennas 20 can be both in the longitudinal direction of the measuring projectile 1 . 2 as well as alternatively or additionally extend in the transverse direction.

Based on 4 now the procedure may be explained in more detail. In 4 is a gun 21 shown schematically and the measurement projectile 1 . 2 at three different times T1 22 , T2 23 , T3 24 ,

By means of the procedure is the condition of the gun 21 by means of the measuring projectile 1 . 2 measurable. The energy supply 3 is activated and the gun 21 becomes with the measurement projectile 1 . 2 loaded. The measuring projectile 1 . 2 gets through the ammunition feed inside the gun 21 emotional. Then the measurement projectile becomes 1 . 2 from the gun 21 fired, using the sensors 4 Sensor data during loading and / or firing of the measurement projectile 1 . 2 be recorded.

The measurement can be stopped depending on the measured sensor data. The measurement can be stopped depending on the measured velocity, acceleration and / or measured twist. It is alternatively possible that the measurement is not stopped, but is also continued during the flight.

The sensor data become during the flight time of the measurement projectile 1 . 2 at the times T1, T2 and T3 to at least one receiving antenna 25 Posted.

The disadvantages mentioned above are now avoided in that the sensor data outside the gun barrel during the flight of the measuring projectile 1 . 2 be sent and at least one arranged outside the gun barrel receiving antenna 25 be received. During the flight time of the measurement projectile 1 . 2 the data is sent periodically until the measurement projectile 1 . 2 encounters an unillustrated obstacle or runs out of energy to sustain operation. Because of the measuring projectile 1 . 2 sends during the flight, the receiving antenna 25 not in the gun 21 be integrated. This allows the measurement projectile 1 . 2 without special work on the gun 21 to shoot. The receiving antenna 25 can be spaced to the gun 21 be arranged.

The directional characteristics 26 the transmitting antennas 14 the measuring projectile 1 . 2 are shown schematically. It can be clearly seen that the unspecified main lobes of the directional characteristic 26 each directed to the rear, against the direction of flight. The receiving antenna 25 has a directional characteristic 27 on the forward, ie in the direction of the trajectory of the measurement projectile 1 . 2 is directed.

In a preferred embodiment, several receiving antennas 25 arranged at different positions to reduce transmission errors in the data transmission and / or to a bearing by means of the receiving antennas 25 to enable. This is a measurement of the trajectory of the measurement projectile 1 . 2 possible. This allows a fire control to perform a more accurate target combat in addition to measuring the gun characteristics.

The transmission start takes place in dependence of the measured sensor data. As a starting criterion of the start of transmission, in particular the sensor data relating to the spin and / or with respect to the acceleration can be used. When the measurement projectile 21 has left the gun barrel, so it has reached the maximum speed shortly thereafter. Achieving the maximum speed can be evaluated as a criterion. As a criterion, it can be evaluated that the speed is above a minimum speed and the acceleration undergoes a zero crossing.

Alternatively, exceeding a certain spin value can start the transmission.

The aforementioned disadvantages are avoided, corresponding advantages are achieved.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

measuring projectile

2

measuring projectile

3

power supply

4

sensor

5

Storage

6

clock

7

control electronics

8th

counterweight

9

channel encoder

10

modulator

11

Front End

12

Transmission of the signal

13

Transmission of the signal

14

transmitting antenna

15

shell

16

Measuring projectile axis

17

front shell part

18

rear shell part

19

food gap

20

slot antenna

21

gun

22

Time T1

23

Time T2

24

Time T3

25

receiving antenna

26

directivity

27

directivity

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 7581497 B2 [0005]
• US 8738330 B1 [0006]
• US 7600421 B1 [0008]
• US 8910515 B1 [0009]

Claims (12)

Measuring projectile ( 1 . 2 ) with at least one sensor ( 4 ), with a memory ( 5 ), with a transmitting antenna ( 14 ), characterized in that after firing, during the flight of the measuring projectile ( 1 . 2 ) outside the gun tube sensor data to a receiving antenna ( 25 ) are sendable. Measuring projectile according to claim 1, characterized in that a transmission start takes place in dependence on the measured sensor data. Measuring projectile according to claim 2, characterized in that the achievement of the maximum speed can be evaluated as a criterion for the transmission start, wherein by means of the sensor data, the time can be determined when the speed is above a minimum speed and the acceleration undergoes a zero crossing. Measuring projectile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the directional characteristic ( 26 ) of the transmitting antenna ( 14 ) is directed to the rear, against the direction of flight. Measuring projectile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmitting antenna ( 14 ) is designed as a dipole antenna, wherein a front shell part ( 17 ) and a rear shell part ( 18 ) a shell ( 15 ) of the measurement projectile ( 1 . 2 ) from a supply gap ( 19 ) are spaced. Measuring projectile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmitting antenna ( 14 ) by at least one slot antenna ( 20 ) in the shell ( 15 ) is formed. Measuring projectile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring projectile ( 1 . 2 ) has the same ballistic properties as other projectiles without sensors. Method for measuring a condition of a gun ( 21 ) by means of a measuring projectile ( 1 . 2 ), whereby the measuring projectile ( 1 . 2 ) by means of the gun ( 21 ) is fired, wherein by means of at least one sensor ( 14 ) of the measurement projectile ( 1 . 2 ) Sensor data during loading and / or firing of the measurement projectile ( 1 . 2 ), the measured sensor data being transmitted by means of a transmitting antenna ( 14 ) of the measurement projectile ( 1 . 2 ) to a receiving antenna ( 25 ), characterized in that the sensor data outside the gun barrel during the flight of the measuring projectile ( 1 . 2 ) and at least one arranged outside of the gun barrel receiving antenna ( 25 ) are received. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring projectile ( 1 . 2 ) is designed according to one of the preceding claims. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of receiving antennas ( 25 ) are present at different positions. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that by means of the plurality of receiving antennas ( 25 ) the trajectory of the measurement projectile ( 1 . 2 ) is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor data are transmitted by means of a channel coder ( 9 ) are channel coded before transmission.

Images