Patent ID: 7455007
Filing Date: 2008-11-25
Classification: F41A,F41G

Abstract:
1. A method of preventing weapon fire during operation of a gimbaled weapon system (GWS) in a predetermined no fire zone comprising the following steps, in combination: a) providing a self-contained GWS having a sighting system, a weapon cradle and a weapon having an aim point, where the weapon cradle is elevated using a first elevation drive; b) moving the sighting system in elevation using a second elevation drive and in azimuth using an azimuth drive to acquire a visual image of a no fire zone having a starting point and an end point; c) determining the azimuth coordinates for the starting and end points of the no fire zone; d) storing the azimuth coordinates in a control unit; e) preventing weapon fire as the weapon cradle and the aim point of the weapon are moved into the no fire zone; and f) allowing weapon fire as the weapon cradle and the aim point are moved out of the no fire zone.