GB2638489A

GB2638489A - Missile for a beyond line of sight (BLOS) tar

Info

Publication number: GB2638489A
Application number: GB2403443.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Suzuta Takashi
Original assignee: MBDA UK Ltd
Current assignee: MBDA UK Ltd
Priority date: 2024-02-23
Filing date: 2024-02-23
Publication date: 2025-08-27
Also published as: GB2638489A8; WO2025176970A1

Abstract

A gun-launched missile 1 is for use against a beyond line of sight (BLOS) target. The missile 1 comprises a warhead 15, a soft-launch assembly 19 configured to soft-launch the missile from a gun barrel, and a rocket motor 17 configured to propel the missile 1, after soft-launch from the gun barrel, such as the barrel of a tank gun. The missile 1 also comprises a seeker unit 7 configured to autonomously seek a BLOS target and guide the missile 1 to the target after launch.

Description

MISSILE FOR A BEYOND LINE OF SIGHT (BLOS) TARGET

FIELD

The present invention relates to munitions. More specifically, the invention relates to a missile for a beyond line of sight (BLOS) target, and to methods of using a missile.

BACKGROUND

Military combat vehicles, such as tanks, tend to be designed primarily for engaging line of sight (LOS) targets. Munitions designed to destroy combat vehicles, such as tanks, are increasingly able to be launched from relatively far away and may not be in range as a line of sight (LOS) target for the vehicle. As such, these combat vehicles have become potentially vulnerable. Alternatively or additionally, munitions designed to destroy combat vehicles (whether fired from LOS or BLOS) have become more potent. As such, even the most heavily armoured vehicles have now become vulnerable In response, combat vehicles are tending to be differently positioned on the battlefield. Aspects of the present invention have arisen through a recognition that those vehicles are less able to engage in line of sight warfare in the manner previously envisaged. Aspects of the present invention seek to provide a solution to that newly-identified problem.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a missile for use against a beyond line of sight (BLOS) target. The missile comprises: a warhead comprising a chemical energy penetrator; a soft-launch assembly configured to soft-launch the missile from a gun barrel; a rocket motor configured to propel the missile, after soft-launch from the gun barrel; and a seeker unit configured to autonomously seek a target and guide the missile to the target after launch.

Aspects of the present invention recognise that, due to a change in the nature of warfare, such an arrangement is especially desirable and beneficial. In -2 -particular, it is desirable to have a barrel-launched missile that also provides a self-propelled, fire-and-forget, BLOS functionality.

The known munitions below do not have this full functionality and do not, therefore, solve the newly-identified problem: The LAHAT missile developed by Israel Aerospace industries can be barrel-launched. The LAHAT missile has a semi-active laser guidance system that enables it to be guided towards a pre-designated target. However, when using the LAHAT, the launch vehicle tends to need to maintain LOS with the target (for example to maintain a laser beam on the target). Another example of a sophisticated barrel-launched munition is the Polynege munition developed by GIAT in France. Polynege is able to strike BLOS targets by third party laser designation or by navigating to a pre-determined location (as opposed to a target per se). This predetermined location may be some distance away and can, for example be beyond line of sight (BLOS). Other examples of barrel-launched munitions that can operate against BLOS targets include the MRM-KE munition by Alliant Techsystems, and the MRM-CE munition by Raytheon. The MRM-KE munition is a kinetic energy penetrator that is fired directly from a gun barrel. The firing of the MRM-KE imparts the velocity to carry the munition to its target, and the MRM-KE comprises a rocket motor for only the final stage of flight in order to increase the kinetic energy at impact. The MRM-CE on the other hand comprises a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead. The MRM-CE munition is a type of guided shell that comprises a seeker unit to enable it to seek and engage BLOS targets.

According to embodiments of the invention, the warhead comprises a chemical energy penetrator. The chemical energy penetrator may be a shaped-25 charge penetrator (also referred to as a High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) penetrator).

The soft-launch assembly is configured to soft-launch the missile from the gun barrel. Soft-launch may also be referred to as 'cold launch' and will be understood to mean the stage of launch that ejects the missile from the barrel.

The skilled person will appreciate that a soft launch is different from a hard launch (also known as 'hot launch') where, in contrast to soft launch, the rocket motor is immediately ignited and launch is accompanied by the associated efflux. The soft-launch assembly may take a number of forms. For example, the soft-launch assembly may comprise a propellant unit for propelling the missile from the barrel. -3 -

In other embodiments, the soft-launch assembly may achieve soft-launch in another manner, such as via ejection of compressed gas.

The missile is preferably unsuitable for firing from the gun barrel. It will be understood that firing involves a single explosion of concentrated propellant for imparting the motive force to a munition such that it can reach the target. This is different to the sustained propulsion provided by a rocket motor. For example, the missile preferably does not comprise a cartridge for firing the missile from the barrel. The soft-launch unit is preferably non-explosive. The soft-launch is unsuitable for propelling the missile to the target.

The missile is configured such that after the missile has been ejected from the barrel (in the soft launch), sustained propulsion is then immediately provided. The propulsion may be initiated by engaging the rocket motor. The rocket motor is configured to propel the missile, after soft-launch from the gun barrel. The rocket motor is preferably configured to propel, for example continuously propel, the missile from its position after soft launch (for example in proximity to the launch vehicle) all the way to the target. It will be understood that the missile is therefore self-propelled.

The seeker unit is configured to autonomously seek the target and guide the missile to the target after launch. The seeker unit may comprise a detector, a target-identifying module configured to identify a target based on an output from the detector. The seeker unit may comprise a guidance module configured to guide the missile to the target. The detector unit is optionally an Infra-red (IR) detector unit.

The missile preferably comprises a main body that is generally circular cylindrical in shape. The main body is preferably configured to be received in a close-fit in the gun barrel. The circular cylinder may have a diameter of 130mm or less. Such an arrangement may allow the missile to be used on a range of vehicles, including many types of vehicles equipped with mortar systems, battleships and tanks. Optionally, the circular cylinder has a diameter of 127mm or less, optionally the circular cylinder has a diameter of 120mm or less, and most preferably the circular cylinder has a diameter of substantially 120mm.

An arrangement in which the diameter of the main body is 120mm has been found to be especially beneficial because a significant number of tank -4 -designs all contain a similar design of gun barrel, derived from the Rheinmetall Rh120, and which receive 120mm munitions. Embodiments having a 120mm diameter are therefore able to have barrel-launch capability with this relatively common design of barrel found on combat vehicles.

The missile may comprise an ammunition datalink (ADL) unit. The ADL unit may be located and configured such, when the missile is loaded prior to soft-launch, it interfaces with a data connection in the gun, and more preferably in the gun breech of the gun. The ADL unit may be configured to receive, via the data connection, targeting data. The ADL unit is preferably configured to provide the targeting data to the seeker unit. The missile is preferably configured such that the targeting data is sufficient to allow the missile to seek and engage the target without the need to receive further targeting data. Such an arrangement may allow the missile to be a so-called 'fire and forget' munition. For example, the ADL may be configured to only receive data when the missile is located in the barrel, and preferably only when located at the gun breech, prior to soft launch.

The missile may not require, and preferably does not comprise, a receiver for receiving targeting data from the launch vehicle after launch. The missile may not require, and preferably does not comprise, a transmitter for transmitting targeting data to the launch vehicle after launch.

According to second aspect of the invention, there is provided a military vehicle comprising a gun with a barrel, and the missile according to any preceding claim, for firing from the barrel. The vehicle may be a vehicle equipped with a mortar. The vehicle may be a battleship. More preferably the vehicle is a tank. The missile of the first aspect of the invention has been found to be especially beneficial when used by a tank because tanks have been found to have become especially vulnerable, and therefore increasingly needing to engage BLOS targets.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a 120mm diameter barrel launch missile for launching from a gun barrel on a tank, the missile comprising: a shaped charge warhead penetrator; an ammunition datalink (ADL) unit configured to interface with a data connection in the gun breech of the gun; a soft-launch assembly configured to eject the missile from the barrel; a rocket motor configured to propel the missile after the soft-launch; and an Infra- -5 -red (IR) seeker unit configured to autonomously seek a target and guide the missile to the target after launch.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of launching a missile, the method comprising the steps of: soft launching the missile from a gun barrel, the missile being configured to engage a rocket motor immediately after soft launch to transport the missile towards a BLOS target, and the missile being configured to autonomously seek, and engage, the target using a seeker unit on-board the missile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a missile according to a first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows schematic view of a main battle tank (MBT) for launching the missile of the first embodiment; and Figure 3 shows a flow chart of the steps of launching the missile of the first embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a missile according to a first embodiment of the invention. The missile 1 comprises a main body 3 that is circular cylindrical and has an outer diameter of 120mm. A folding or extending fin assembly 5 is deployable from the rear of the main body following soft-launch (discussed in more detail below).

The front of the missile comprises a seeker unit 7. The seeker unit comprises an IR detector 9, a target identifying module 11 configured to identify a target based on an output from the IR detector 9, and a guidance module 13 configured to guide the missile to the target. The seeker unit 7 therefore allows the missile 1 to autonomously identify and engage a target, without further input or control from the launcher. This functionality is often referred to as 'fire-andforget' functionality. The seeker unit 7 is powered by a thermal battery 14 located elsewhere in the missile. -6 -

Immediately behind the seeker unit 7 is an anti-armour fuse 8 configured to detonate the adjacent HEAT warhead 15. The HEAT warhead 15 comprises a shaped charge penetrator (not shown). This HEAT warhead is thus a type of chemical energy penetrator, configured to penetrate armour of military vehicles.

The rear portion of the main body 3 is primarily occupied by a rocket motor 17. The rocket motor 17 comprises solid-fuel and oxidiser, along with the necessary igniter. The rocket motor 17 is configured to propel the missile 1, immediately after soft launch, all the way to a target. Adjustment of the flight path of the missile is made via the guidance module 13 instructing the necessary adjustment of the fin assembly 5.

The rear face of the missile comprises a soft launch propellant cap 19. This cap 19 is arranged to eject propellant in a short burst, thereby ejecting the missile from a gun-barrel.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the cap 19 surrounds an Ammunition data link (ADL) unit 21. The ADL unit is located and configured such that, when the missile is loaded prior to soft-launch, it interfaces with a data connection in the gun barrel. This arrangement will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

Figure 2 is a schematic image of a Main Battle Tank (MBT) 23. The gun 20 barrel 25 of the MBT is a standard 120mm calibre barrel and is therefore suitable to receive the missile 1 of Figure 1. The MBT 23 comprises a Fire Control Computer (FCC) 26 and a Battlefield Management System (BMS) 27.

When the missile 1 is loaded in the gun barrel 25 of the MBT, the ADL unit 21 is configured to receive targeting data, via a data connection 29 in the breech block of the gun barrel. In the missile 1, the ADL unit 21 is communicatively linked to the seeker unit 7 such that the targeting data can be sent to the seeker unit 7. The targeting data is itself generated by the FCC 26 and BMS 27 and contains the necessary targeting information (for example, data on the approximate expected location of the target, and the expected IR signature of the target). This targeting data is then sufficient for the target to be autonomously engaged by the missile 1 without further input from the MBT 23 after launch.

With reference to Figure 3, to launch the missile 1 of the first embodiment, the following steps are conducted. Firstly, the missile 1 is loaded into the gun -7 -barrel of the MBT (step 1). Targeting data is then transferred to the seeker unit 7, via the ADL unit 21 interfacing with the data connection in the breech block of the gun (step 2). When the MBT wishes to fire the missile, a launch instruction is sent to the missile (via the ADL) and the soft-launch propellant cap 19 is activated (step 3). The propellant ejects the missile clear from the end of the gun barrel, thereby effecting the soft-launch. This is immediately folloWing by the rocket motor being activated (step 4), to propel the missile towards the target. Seeker unit 7 seeks out the target, tracks said target, and guides the missile all the way into the target (step 5). On impact, the HEAT warhead is activated, thereby destroying the target (step 6).

The missile 1 of the first embodiment, and the above-mentioned aspects of barrel-launching the missile 1, provide several advantages in the modern battlefield. More specifically, the missile provides the new and advantageous combination of fire-and-forget functionality (enabled by the seeker unit) against enemy armoured vehicles (enabled by the HEAT warhead), in combination with being barrel-launched (enabled by the soft-launch unit). This arrangement solves the newly-identified problem, arising from combat vehicles needing to more frequently operate away from LOS targets. -8 -

Claims

CLAIMS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.A missile for use against a beyond line of sight (BLOS) target, the missile comprising: a warhead comprising a chemical energy penetrator; a soft-launch assembly configured to soft-launch the missile from a gun barrel; a rocket motor configured to propel the missile, after soft-launch from the gun barrel; and a seeker unit configured to autonomously seek a target and guide the missile to the target after launch.
The missile according to claim 1, wherein the missile comprises a main body that is generally circular cylindrical in shape, the circular cylinder having a diameter of 130mm or less.
The missile according to claim 2, where the circular cylinder has a diameter of 120mm or less.
A missile according to any preceding claim, wherein the missile further comprises an ammunition datalink (ADL) unit, the ADL unit being located and configured such that, when the missile is loaded prior to soft-launch, it interfaces with a data connection in the gun breech.
A missile according to claim 4, wherein the ADL unit is configured to receive, via the data connection, targeting data, and wherein the ADL unit is configured to provide the targeting data to the seeker unit.
The missile according to any preceding claim, wherein the seeker unit is an Infra-red (IR) seeker unit comprising: an IR detector, a target identifying module configured to identify a target based on an output from the IR detector, and a guidance module configured to guide the missile to the target. -9 -
7. A 120mm diameter barrel launch missile for launching from a gun barrel on a tank, the missile comprising: a shaped charge warhead penetrator; an ammunition datalink (ADL) unit configured to interface with a data connection in the gun breech of the gun; a soft-launch assembly configured to eject the missile from the barrel; a rocket motor configured to propel the missile after the soft-launch; and an Infra-red (IR) seeker unit configured to autonomously seek a target and guide the missile to the target after launch.
8. A military vehicle comprising a gun with a gun barrel, and the missile according to any preceding claim for firing from the gun barrel.
9. A military vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle is a tank.
10. A method of launching a missile, the method comprising the steps of: initially soft launching the missile from a gun barrel, the missile being configured to: engage a rocket motor immediately after soft launch to transport the missile towards a BLOS target, and autonomously seek, and engage, the target using a seeker unit on-board the missile.