Abstract:
An electronic light source system is employed to create a flame-less tracer for a munitions projectile. The electronic light source system may be positioned in various locations and combinations of locations on a projectile (e.g., front, back, side, etc.) to enhance visibility of the projectile during flight. The electronic light source system provides a light source on the projectile that is visible to an observer at various viewing angles throughout the projectile flight without the environmental or safety issues presented by tracers using pyrotechnic materials. After assembly, the present system is encapsulated in glass or clear plastic to G-harden the present system, enabling the present system to sustain the large loads and stresses induced by gun launch. The present system may comprise a variety of light sources such as, for example, lasers, high output light-emitting diodes (LEDs), strobe lights, etc. The present system is capable of flashing the light sources at a variety of frequencies (e.g., 5 Hz, 20 Hz, etc.) to further attract the human eye. In addition, the present system presents the substantial benefit of being able to project light at various wavelengths outside the visible spectrum.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of provisional application 60/320,042, filed Mar. 24, 2003, the entire file wrapper contents of which provisional application are herein incorporated by reference as though fully set forth at length. 
     
    
     FEDERAL RESEARCH STATEMENT  
       [[0002]]     The inventions described herein may be manufactured, used, and licensed by, or for the U.S. Government for U.S. Government purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0003]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0004]     This invention relates to munitions employed for training and tactical purposes. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tracer for small, medium and large caliber ammunition, mortar and canon caliber ammunition employing an electronic light source capable of providing flight path trace and site identification.  
         [0005]     2. Background of the Invention  
         [0006]     In both military and non-military organizations, training and tactical exercises commonly employ materials capable of providing a visible trace of a projectile&#39;s trajectory after firing from a weapon. This visible trace, or tracer, assures that the projectile has been delivered to its desired target site and that its flight path has been traced from gun tube to target.  
         [0007]     One requirement for the tracer is that an observer should be able to see the tracer either during daylight or nighttime. Current tracer technology employs pyrotechnic compositions comprised of pyrotechnic materials that burn and create light. These pyrotechnic compositions are typically loaded into the back end of the projectile, or round. After the projectile is fired from the weapon, the tracer ignites and burns creating a visible light that can be seen as the projectile travels to its target. The observer and/or gunner can consequently see the trace of the projectile flight. If necessary, the observer can then adjust the weapon so that the next round fired can impact the desired target location. Exemplary pyrotechnic compositions suitable for such purpose are strontium nitrate, magnesium powder, potassium nitrate, barium nitrate, and the like.  
         [0008]     Although such conventional methods have met with some degree of success, workers in the art have encountered certain difficulties. For example, tracer ammunition has frequently resulted in fires on training ranges that have been attributed to energetic material tracers contacting and burning surrounding brush and other ground material. These fires incur additional costs in extinguishing the fires and also interrupt training exercise. Consequently, training exercises may be extended to replace time lost, thereby incurring additional expense. Furthermore, materials used in pyrotechnic tracers are environmentally unfriendly. These materials often pose environmental hazards to training areas as a result of toxic emissions into the atmosphere and such materials leaching into ground water. Still further, tracer materials commonly in use are impact and pressure sensitive. Since projectiles housing the pyrotechnic materials may be transported, the nature and explosive properties of these pyrotechnic materials add significant costs and danger to personnel.  
         [0009]     Tracers have also utilized chemiluminescent materials. The chemiluminescent materials are similar to conventional chemiluminescents, however, certain ingredients and manufacturing techniques were developed to obtain the capability of long duration (up to several hours for marker application) and high light intensity tracing and marking capability. The oxalate component employed is in a liquid (contained in glass vials) and in a powdered form; when mixed with a liquid peroxide, a non-toxic slurry is formed that is non-flammable and biodegradable. In addition, the chemiluminescent can provide a visible or IR light source. The IR light source provides a stealth capability such that only soldiers with IR vision equipment can see the trace or mark.  
         [0010]     Although this technology has proven to be useful, it would be desirable to present additional improvements. A tracer and marker design that does not involve a flaming tracer, an environmentally damaging chemical, the loading of chemicals into a projectile, or the transporting and handling of projectiles housing chemicals, pyrotechnics, or energetic materials would be desirable. Furthermore, a light source that can be adjusted to last for several seconds up to several months would be desirable. The need for such a system has heretofore remained unsatisfied.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0011]     The present invention satisfies this need, and presents a system and an associated method (collectively referred to herein as “the system” or “the present system”) for utilizing an electronic light source in a flameless tracer and/or marker for use in small, medium and large caliber ammunition. The present system may be positioned in various locations and combinations of locations on a projectile (e.g., front, back, side, etc.) and inside a translucent or transparent projectile to enhance visibility of the projectile during flight and/or deliver a mark on a target. The goal of the present system is to provide a light source on or inside the projectile that is visible to an observer at various viewing angles throughout the projectile flight without the environmental or safety issues presented by conventional tracers. Depending on the need, the light source of the present system could mark a target with trace of flight, mark a target without trace of flight, or provide trace without mark. These options are controlled by the projectile design.  
         [0012]     The present system is environmentally friendly and involves no chemical mixtures. The present system is not flammable or explosive, instead relying on a light that is powered by electricity. The present system comprises a light source, an optional driver circuit, and a power supply. These components are equivalent in price to the pyrotechnic materials used in present flame tracers. The present system is easily configurable to fit a variety of both tactical and training rounds. After assembly, the present system is encapsulated in glass or clear plastic or epoxy if needed to G-harden the present system, enabling the present system to sustain the large loads and stresses induced by gun launch. All components used in the present system are available in electronic stores except for microminiaturized or MEMs components that are currently being developed for the U.S. Government.  
         [0013]     The present system may comprise a variety of light sources such as, for example, lasers, high output light-emitting diodes (LEDs), strobe lights, laser diodes, photo diodes, etc. The present system is capable of flashing the light sources at a variety of frequencies (e.g., 5 Hz, 20 Hz, etc.) to further attract the human eye. The light sources may be purchased at electronic stores at designated frequency, intensity, and wavelengths. Furthermore, the present system presents the substantial benefit of being able to project light at various wavelengths outside the visible spectrum. Some light sources that may be used by the present system are available, for example, in infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), and visible wavelengths and at various frequencies. Consequently, the present system comprising light sources such as IR or UV could be used in tactical situations such that the tracer and/or marker is visible only to personnel using IR night vision, UV detectors, etc. Furthermore, the present system can provide a light source in the visible wavelengths, allowing troops to see colors that have specific tactical meaning. In addition, the present system can be configured to provide a tracer with no mark, a trace with mark, or no trace but a mark on a target. The configuration is determined by the need of the soldier using the item.  
         [0014]     The light created by the light source may be focused or directed in a manner to enhance its visibility to the observer. For example, a plastic or composite reflective cap, mirror(s), or reflector(s) in the path of a light beam may intermittently cast a bright beam to wider angles. Furthermore, the light source may be placed in different locations on the projectile to enhance visibility. These and other methods of enhancing the visibility of the light generated by the present system may be used singly or in combination in the present system.  
         [0015]     The present system comprises a power source used to provide power for the tracer or marker light. This power source may comprise, for example, capacitors, batteries, mechanical generators, electric gel, or fuel cells. Exemplary mechanical generators suitable for use in the present system comprise vibrating impellors, stator impellors, or flywheels. These and other power sources may be used singly or in combination in the present system.  
         [0016]     In an alternative embodiment, components of the present system available in industry may be miniaturized, microminiaturized, or made into a MEMs to form a miniature or MEMs flashing light or non-flashing light. These miniature, microminiaturized, or MEMs lights may be delivered by a projectile to mark targets, personnel, or areas. Exemplary delivery projectiles comprise small, medium or large caliber projectiles, i.e., 60, 81 or 120 mm mortars, 20, 40, 90 mm grenades, 105 or 120 mm tank or 105 to 155 mm artillery ammunition. In addition, if the projectile is made of a transparent or translucent material these lights would provide a trace of the flight path of the projectile. The projectile may carry and deliver to a target dozens, hundreds, or thousands of miniature flashing lights in a sticky gelatin-like substance. Upon impact, the sticky gelatin substance would splatter on the target and disperse the miniature, microminiaturized, or MEMs flashing light around the target area. The size of the payload and amount of dispersion may be controlled depending on the application. These miniature or MEMS lights may cast visible light, infrared light, UV, or combinations of spectrums to suit the application.  
         [0017]     The miniature, microminiaturized, or MEMS lights in a gelatin-like substance may be used, for example, to permit identification of impact areas. In addition, missiles and smart munitions that contain infrared or UV seeking sensors can home in on a target marked by miniature or MEMS lights and thereby guide a munition to its target. Furthermore, miniature light sources emitting either visible, infrared, UV light, or a combination of these spectrums may be delivered by projectiles to illuminate, for example, caves, equipment, booby traps, enemy vehicles, projectile impact areas, personnel, etc. In addition, infrared or UV light sources provided by the miniature or MEMS lights would allow personnel to look into a cave with infrared or UV (night vision) detection devices to a much greater depth than previously possible. Current night detection devices are only capable of detecting temperature differences. Booby traps that are deeply embedded in a cave and at the same temperature as the cave would not be detected by night vision devices unless marked, for example, with a miniaturized flashing light. Further, flashing miniature or MEMS lights may be used to direct a unit in battle to concentrate their projectiles into a marked area. This area would be marked by visible and/or UV, and/or infrared miniature, microminiaturized, or MEMS light when dispersed from a projectile. This visual signal is an effective method to get the attention of soldiers during battle because battle noise interferes with communication. In this manner, the fighting unit is more efficient in defeating an enemy.  
         [0018]     As mentioned, a variety of electronic light sources may be used in the present system to provide a trace to target of the projectile flight and/or a mark of the target. Exemplary light sources comprise lasers, high output light-emitting diodes (LEDs), strobe lights, etc.  
         [0019]     For trace-only applications of the present system, a device to produce light is constructed of laser diodes, LEDs, strobes, etc. and fit into the rear or side of the projectile. The device may be attached to a setback, setforward, or spin activated battery that activates only when these forces are achieved. Setback is the force exerted on a projectile as the projectile begins to move when being fired from a gun. Setback forces are typically extremely high and have values from 10 to 70,000 G&#39;s. Setforward forces are usually 1-20% of setback. Spin typically exceeds 60 revolutions/minute depending on the ammunition; therefore spin can typically be initiated only when fired. An alternate embodiment would use a small battery in a sleeve as a power source and activation switch. The battery slides in place when setback forces occur and switches on the light device. The device provides high intensity light while the projectile travels downrange to provide a trace to target.  
         [0020]     In addition, the battery may contain the chemicals that provide electric power in separate compartments separated by a membrane. When the projectile is fired the membrane breaks and the projectile spin mixes the chemicals causing the power to be available to the light source.  
         [0021]     Present systems that provide trace and mark may utilize a setback battery or battery in a sleeve combined with the light-emitting source (i.e. LED, miniaturized LED, or MEMS device with LED) and combined with an optional flashing unit. These devices are placed inside a transparent or translucent projectile. Only the part of the projectile that contains the devices needs to be transparent or translucent. A sticky substance (i.e. silicon gel) in a container such as glass, plastic vials, plastic bags, etc. are contained in the projectile to help the devices stick to and mark a target. The light-emitting devices are also enclosed in the container. The glass vials may be held apart by a spider to keep the glass vials from hitting each other and breaking. The spider is secured to the projectile so that the vials do not break. If the devices are placed in a plastic bag and the sticky substance is placed in a plastic bag then the bags are designed to be extremely tough and will only break when encountering the setback, setforward, or spin force. These bags are added directly to the projectile until the projectile is full.  
         [0022]     Upon setback, the setback battery activates and powers the high intensity light-emitting devices. If a battery in a sleeve is utilized, the battery slides into position after setback and powers the light-emitting devices. The vials or bags shatter and the light-emitting devices mix with the sticky materials. The light-emitting devices continue to emit a high intensity light during the projectile flight and provide a trace to target. Upon projectile impact with the target the plastic projectile breaks and scatters the sticky light-emitting devices on the target, marking the target. The sticky material cushions and protects the light-emitting devices as they scatter on the target and helps them to adhere to the target. The miniaturized or MEMs LEDs, strobes, laser diodes, etc. are manufactured to be rugged and to survive the impact at target. The high intensity devices can provide a visible, IR, and/or UV high intensity light mark on target. Depending on the battery, the light can be set to last for a few seconds or up to a month. The battery does not have to be part of the marking device when using photo diodes since an energy source such as a laser directed at the photo diodes from a distance will light up the photo diodes.  
         [0023]     To provide a mark only, the plastic projectile may be made of an opaque substance that does not allow the light to pass. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0024]     The various features of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will be described in greater detail with reference to the following description, claims, and drawings, wherein reference numerals are reused, where appropriate, to indicate a correspondence between the referenced items, and wherein:  
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is comprised of  FIGS. 1A, 1B ,  1 C, and  1 D and represents a cutaway view of a large caliber tank projectile showing various locations of electronic tracers in an electronic light source system assembly and an optional transparent or translucent plastic or composite cap that protects the electronic tracer and helps scatter the light;  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is comprised of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  and represents a cutaway view of a small, medium, and large caliber Kinetic Energy (KE) projectile showing optional locations for the electronic tracer, the location of an optional transparent or translucent plastic or composite cap, and the electronic tracer assembly attached to the side and rear of the projectile with the protective cap attached;  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is comprised of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  and represents a cutaway view of a mortar projectile showing optional locations for the electronic tracer, the location of an optional transparent or translucent plastic or composite cap, and the electronic tracer assembly attached to the side and rear of the projectile with the optional protective cap attached;  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is comprised of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  and represents a cutaway view of a 40 mm projectile  400  showing the location for the electronic tracer, the location of an optional transparent or translucent plastic or composite cap, and the electronic tracer assembly attached to the rear of the 40 mm projectile with the optional protective cap attached;  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is comprised of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  and represents a cutaway view of an artillery projectile  500  showing optional locations for the electronic tracer and the location of an optional transparent or translucent plastic or composite cap, and the electronic tracer assembly attached to the side and rear of the projectile with the optional protective cap attached;  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  is a cutaway view of a setback battery or battery in a sleeve design that may be used as part of the electronic tracer assembly of  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 7  is a process flow chart illustrating a method of operation of a setback-activated battery of  FIG. 6  for the electronic tracer of  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 8  is a cutaway view of the electronic tracer attached to the rear of the projectile representative of the electronic tracers of  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 9  is a cutaway view of an electronic tracer attached to the side of the projectile representative of the electronic tracers of  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  3 , and  5 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 10  is a cutaway view of the optional transparent or translucent plastic or composite cap;  
         [0035]      FIG. 11  is comprised of  FIGS. 11A, 11B , and  11 C and represents a cutaway view of a marker light source device, light source devices suspended in a sticky medium in a bag, and light source devices suspended in a sticky medium in glass vials;  
         [0036]      FIG. 12  is comprised of  FIGS. 12A, 12B , and  12 C and represents a cutaway view of a mortar projectile that contains the miniature, microminiaturized, or MEMS electronic light source markers in a sticky medium;  
         [0037]      FIG. 13  is comprised of  FIGS. 13A, 13B , and  13 C and represents a cutaway view of a 40 mm projectile, which contains the miniature, microminiaturized, or MEMS electronic light source markers in a sticky medium; and  
         [0038]      FIG. 14  is comprised of  FIGS. 14A, 14B , and  14 C and represents a cutaway view of a tank or artillery projectile, which contains the miniature, microminiaturized, or MEMS electronic light source markers in a sticky medium.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0039]      FIG. 1  ( FIGS. 1A, 1B ,  1 C,  1 C) is a cutaway view of a large caliber tank projectile  100  showing various locations for an electronic tracer assembly. The electronic tracer assembly that attaches to the side of the projectile is an electronic tracer  110 A. The electronic tracer assembly that attaches to the rear of the projectile is an electronic tracer  120 A.  
         [0040]     A plastic or composite protective cap  130 A attaches to the rear of the projectile. Protective cap  130 A scatters the light from the electronic tracer  120 A, enhancing observation of the projectile in flight. Protective cap  130 A may also contain miniature reflectors or mirrors (not shown) to help scatter the light emitted by the electronic tracer  120 A.  
         [0041]      FIG. 1A  is an exploded view of the projectile  100  showing where the electronic tracers  110 A,  120 A would be attached. Either electronic tracer  120 A or electronic tracer  110 A may be attached to projectile  100 . Alternatively, both electronic tracer  120 A and electronic tracer  110 A may be attached to projectile  100  for optimal visibility by an observer of the in-flight projectile  100 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 1B  shows the electronic tracer  120 A and protective cap  130 A attached to the rear of the projectile  100 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 1C  shows the electronic tracer  110 A attached to the side of the projectile  100 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 1D  shows the electronic tracer  120 A and protective cap  130 A attached to the rear of projectile  100  and electronic tracer  110 A attached to the side of the projectile  100 . Electronic tracer  120 A and protective cap  130 A may be attached to projectile  100  using either epoxy or a threaded connection (not shown). Electronic tracer  110 A may be attached to projectile  100  using epoxy (not shown).  
         [0045]      FIG. 2  ( FIGS. 2A, 2B ) is a cut-away view of a small, medium, and large caliber in-flight KE projectile  200  (projectile  200 ).  FIG. 2A  is a cut-away exploded view of projectile  200 . An electronic tracer  120 B may be attached on the rear of projectile  200 . An electronic tracer  110 B may be attached to the side of projectile  200 .  
         [0046]     An optional protective cap  130 B made of transparent or translucent plastic or composite material may be attached to the electronic tracer  120 B. The protective cap  130 B keeps gun gases and contaminates away from the electronic tracer  120 B. The protective cap  130 B helps to reflect the light in many directions, making it easier for an observer to see the projectile  200  in flight. The protective cap  130 B may also comprise small mirrors or reflectors (not shown) to help reflect the light.  
         [0047]      FIG. 2B  is a cutaway view showing the electronic tracer  120 B attached to the rear of projectile  200  and the electronic tracer  110 B attached to the side of projectile  200 . Either electronic tracer  120 B or electronic tracer  110 B may be attached to projectile  200 . Alternatively, both electronic tracer  120 B and electronic tracer  110 B may be attached to projectile  200  for optimal visibility of the in-flight projectile  200  by an observer. Electronic tracer  120 B and protective cap  130 B may be attached to projectile  200  using either epoxy or a threaded connection (not shown). Electronic tracer  110 B may be attached to projectile  200  using epoxy (not shown).  
         [0048]      FIG. 3  ( FIGS. 3A, 3B ) is a cut-away view of a mortar projectile  300  (projectile  300 ) utilizing electronic tracer  120 C and electronic tracer  110 C.  FIG. 3A  is a cut-away exploded view of a mortar projectile  300  (projectile  300 ). Electronic tracer  120 C may be attached on the rear of projectile  300 . Electronic tracer  110 C may be attached to the side of projectile  300 . An optional protective cap  130 C made of transparent or translucent plastic or composite material may be attached to the electronic tracer  120 C.  
         [0049]     The protective cap  130 C keeps gun gases and contaminates away from the electronic tracer  120 C. The protective cap  130 C helps to reflect the light in many directions, making it easier for an observer to see the projectile  300  in flight. The protective cap  130 C may also contain small mirrors or reflectors (not shown) to help reflect the light.  FIG. 3B  is a cutaway view showing the electronic tracer  120 C attached to the rear of projectile  300  and electronic tracer  110 C attached to the side of projectile  300 .  
         [0050]     Either electronic tracer  120 C or electronic tracer  110 C may be attached to projectile  300 . Alternatively, both electronic tracer  120 C and electronic tracer  110 C may be attached to projectile  300  for optimal visibility of the in-flight projectile  300  by an observer. Electronic tracer  120 C and protective cap  130 C may be attached to projectile  300  using either epoxy or threaded connection (not shown). Electronic tracer  110 C may be attached to projectile  300  using epoxy (not shown).  
         [0051]      FIG. 4  ( FIGS. 4A, 4B ) is a diagram of a 40 mm projectile  400  (projectile  400 ) utilizing electronic tracer  120 D.  4 A is a cut-away exploded view of projectile  400 . Electronic tracer  120 D may be attached on the rear of projectile  400 . An optional protective cap  130 D made of transparent or translucent plastic or composite material may be attached to the electronic tracer  120 D.  
         [0052]     The protective cap  130 D keeps gun gases and contaminates away from the electronic tracer  120 D. The protective cap  130 D helps to reflect the light in many directions, making it easier for an observer to see the projectile  400  in flight. The protective cap  130 D may also contain small mirrors or reflectors (not shown) to help reflect the light.  FIG. 4B  is a cutaway view showing the electronic tracer  120 D attached to the rear of projectile  400  and optional protective cap  130 D attached to electronic tracer  120 D. The electronic tracer  120 D and protective cap  130 D may be attached to projectile  400  using either epoxy or threaded connection (not shown).  
         [0053]      FIG. 5A  ( FIGS. 5A, 5B ) is a cut-away view an artillery projectile  500  (projectile  500 ) utilizing electronic tracer  120 E and electronic tracer  110 E.  FIG. 5A  is a cut-away exploded view of projectile  500 . Electronic tracer  120 E may be attached on the rear of projectile  500 . Electronic tracer  110 E may be attached to the side of projectile  500 .  
         [0054]     An optional protective cap  130 E made of transparent or translucent plastic or composite material may be attached to the electronic tracer  120 E. The protective cap  130 E keeps gun gases and contaminates away from the electronic tracer  120 E. The protective cap  130 E helps to reflect the light in many directions, making it easier for an observer to see the projectile  500  in flight.  
         [0055]     The protective cap  130 E may also contain small mirrors or reflectors (not shown) to help reflect the light.  FIG. 5B  is a cutaway view showing the electronic tracer  120 E attached to the rear of projectile  500  and electronic tracer  110 E attached to the side of projectile  500 . Either the electronic tracer  120 E or the electronic tracer  110 E may be attached to projectile  500 . Alternately, both the electronic tracer  120 E and the electronic tracer  110 E may be attached to projectile  500  for optimal visibility of the in-flight projectile  500  by an observer. Electronic tracer  120 E and protective cap  130 E may be attached using either epoxy or threaded connection (not shown). Electronic tracer  110 E may be attached to projectile  500  using epoxy (not shown).  
         [0056]      FIG. 6  is a cutaway view of a setback-activated battery  600  (also known as battery in a sleeve  600 ). The setback-activated battery  600  is readily available on the commercial market. Battery  610  is held in a sleeve  605 . Upon setback, set-forward, or spin, the battery  610  moves until slots  615 ,  620  engage tabs  645 ,  650  and lock the battery  610  in place.  
         [0057]     The terminals  625 ,  630  contact the terminals  635 ,  640  providing power to terminals  635 ,  640 . The electronic tracers  120 A,  120 B,  120 C,  120 D,  120 E and electronic tracers  110 A,  110 B,  110 C,  110 E of  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5  ( FIGS. 1 through 5 ) that are connected to setback-activated battery  600  are now activated and produce the light needed. Setback force is the force applied to the projectile upon shot start. Set-forward force is the force that is exerted on the projectile after it leaves the gun.  
         [0058]     Spin is imparted to the projectile either by rifling in the gun tube or by the cant angle on the fins of the projectile. The setback and set-forward forces and spin imparted to projectiles  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  of  FIGS. 1 through 5  are substantial; consequently, battery  610  will not lock into place and provide power to terminals  635 ,  640  under normal or rough handling of the projectiles of  FIGS. 1 through 5 . Setback-activated battery  600  will only activate when the projectile is fired from the gun.  
         [0059]     Battery  610  may also comprise chemicals common in industry that are separated by a membrane (not shown). Upon gun launch, the membrane ruptures and the chemicals mix providing electric power as needed.  
         [0060]      FIG. 7  illustrates a method  700  of operation of the electronic tracers  120 A,  120 B,  120 C,  120 D,  120 E and electronic tracers  110 A,  110 B,  110 C,  110 E of  FIGS. 1 through 5  utilizing a setback-activated battery  600  as an exemplary power source. Gun launch occurs at block  701 . During high G forces in the acceleration (setback), slight deceleration (set-forward), or spin, the chemicals mix in the battery  610  providing electrical power. In block  702 , the battery slides over tabs  645 ,  650 .  
         [0061]     When the tabs  645 ,  650  line up with the recesses  615 ,  620  of chemical battery  610 , the battery  610  locks into position as shown in block  703 . The battery terminals  625 ,  630  of battery  610  contact the terminals  635 ,  640  of the sleeve  605  (block  704 ). In block  705 , power is now supplied to the light producing source such as LEDs, strobes, laser diodes, etc. or an optional driver circuit. The light source of the electronic tracers  120 A,  120 B,  120 C,  120 D,  120 E or electronic tracers  110 A,  100 B,  110 C,  110 E now emit light and the flight of the projectile can be seen.  
         [0062]     An optional driver circuit is commonly available. The optional driver circuit is only needed if adjustability of the intensity and flashing frequency of the electronic tracers  120 A,  120 B,  120 C,  120 D,  120 E or electronic tracers  110 A,  100 B,  110 C,  110 E is desired. Off the shelf commercial light producing LEDs, strobes, laser diodes, etc. have flashers and intensity controlling devices already built into their miniaturized products that produce UV, visible, and IR light at any wavelength needed.  
         [0063]     These light producing items are readily added to the electronic tracers  120 A,  120 B,  120 C,  120 D,  120 E and electronic tracers  110 A,  100 B,  110 C,  110 E at extremely low cost. Building or adding the driver circuit is optional since it adds to the cost of the electronic tracer.  
         [0064]      FIG. 8  is a cutaway view of an electronic tracer  120  representative of the electronic tracers  120 A,  120 B,  120 C,  120 D,  120 E attached to the rear of projectiles  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  of  FIGS. 1 through 5 . The electronic tracer  120  comprises light-emitting sources  122  such as LEDs, strobes, laser diodes, etc. that are attached to housing  121 A. Electronic tracer  120  comprises a setback-activated battery  600 A similar to setback-activated battery  600  sized to fit this application.  
         [0065]     The optional driver circuit may be placed inside of housing  121 A. The light-emitting source  122  may be attached to the housing  121 A with epoxy. The leads (not shown) in the back of light-emitting source  122  contact the terminals  635 ,  640  of setback-activated battery  600 . After gun launch, power flows from the terminals  635 ,  640  to the light-emitting source  122 . The light-emitting source  122  begins operation and emits light, providing a trace to target from the rear of the projectiles  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  of  FIGS. 1 through 5 .  
         [0066]      FIG. 9  is a cutaway view of the electronic tracer  110  representative of electronic tracers  110 A,  110 B,  110 C,  110 E that is attached to the side of the projectiles  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  500  of  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  3 , and  5 . The electronic tracer  110  comprises light-emitting sources  122  such as LEDs, strobes, laser diodes, etc. that are attached to housing  121 B. Electronic tracer  110  comprises a setback-activated battery  600 B similar to setback-activated battery  600  sized to fit this application.  
         [0067]     The optional driver circuit may be placed inside of housing  121 B if needed. The light-emitting source  110  may be attached to the housing  121 B with epoxy. The leads (not shown) in the back of light-emitting source contact the terminals  635 ,  640  of setback-activated battery  600 . After gun launch, power flows from terminals  635 ,  640  to the light-emitting source  110 . The light-emitting source  122  begins operation and emits light, providing a trace to target from the side of the projectiles  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  500  of  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  3 , and  5 .  
         [0068]      FIG. 10  is a cutaway view of the protective cap  130 , representative of protective caps  130 A,  130 B,  130 C,  130 D,  130 E. This optional protective cap  130  may be made of transparent or translucent plastic or composite. The protective cap  130  is attached to the electronic tracer  120  with epoxy or a threaded connection (not shown). Miniaturized mirrors or reflectors (not shown) may be attached to or be part of the protective cap  130  to help reflect or disperse the light in many directions to help an observer see the projectile  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  in flight. The protective cap  130  helps to protect the electronic tracers  120  from propellant gases and contaminates.  
         [0069]     Another embodiment of a light-emitting source marks targets by giving off UV, visible, and/or IR light.  FIG. 11  ( FIGS. 11A, 11B ,  11 C) is a diagram illustrating the use of a light-emitting source  122  in a target marking application.  FIG. 11A  is a cutaway view of a light-emitting source  122  such as an LED, strobe, laser diodes, etc. that may be used to mark a target. Light-emitting source  122  comprises a light-emitting device  123  and setback-activated battery  600 C sized to fit the application.  
         [0070]     Both light-emitting device  123  and setback-activated battery  600 C are commonly available in electronic stores and in industry in miniaturized versions. The U.S. government is currently investing in microminiaturization of these devices.  FIG. 11B  is a cutaway view of package  1210  comprising the light-emitting sources  122  surrounded by a sticky substance  1212  such as silicone liquid or gel (commonly available in industry).  
         [0071]     Package  1210  is made of a plastic or composite bag  1211  that holds the light-emitting sources  122  and sticky liquid or gel  1212 . The package  1210  may be placed into projectiles  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  and delivered to the intended target that will be marked. If the projectile  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  is made of transparent or translucent material, the light-emitting sources  122  will also provide a trace to target.  
         [0072]      FIG. 11C  is a cutaway view of an alternate containment system for the light-emitting source  122 , package  1220 . The light-emitting source  122  is placed in sealed glass vials  1222  (glass vials are commonly manufactured in industry by melting the ends of glass tubes) and surrounded by sticky liquid or gel  1212 . The vials are held apart by a plastic or composite spider  1221 .  
         [0073]     The amount of light-emitting sources  122  that can be placed in package  1210  or package  1220  will depend on size of the projectile and therefore the size of the package  1210  or package  1220 . In addition, the size of light-emitting source  122  will determine how many light-emitting sources  122  can be placed in the package. Industry manufactured off-the-shelf light-emitting devices are currently approximately {fraction (1/8)} to ½ inch in length.  
         [0074]     Microminiaturized and MEMS light-emitting sources  122  are currently being researched and developed for the U.S. government and will be several orders of magnitude smaller. Eventually the microminiaturized MEMS sources  122  will be smaller than the eye can see. Therefore dozens, hundreds and even thousands of the light-emitting sources  122  will be able to be contained in package  1210  or package  1220 .  
         [0075]      FIG. 12  ( FIGS. 12A, 12B ,  12 C) is a cutaway view of a mortar projectile (mortar  1300 ).  FIG. 12A  is a cutaway view of mortar  1300  containing packages  1210  which is surrounded by sticky material  1212 .  FIG. 12B  is a cutaway view of a mortar  1300  containing package  1220  that is surrounded by sticky material  1212 . A side view of the plastic or composite spider  1221  is shown. The glass vials  1222  side into and are held apart by holes in the spider.  
         [0076]      FIG. 12C  is an exploded cutaway view before assembly of a mortar  1300  that can carry packages  1210  or package  1220  to the target to be marked. The mortar  1300  comprised a steel or aluminum or plastic or composite back end  1315 , a transparent or translucent plastic or composite body  1310 , and a plastic or composite nose  1305 . Packages  1210  or package  1220  can be placed into the body  1310  and then epoxied or threaded (not shown) to the back end  1315 .  
         [0077]     The sticky material  1212  can then be added to the projectile at the open end on the top of body  1310 . The cap  1305  is then epoxied or threaded (not shown) to the body  1310  to complete the assembly of mortar  1300 . If the user of the mortar  1300  wants a mark and trace capability then body  1310  and nose  1305  should be transparent or translucent. A transparent or translucent back end  1315  is optional and would enhance the observation of the tracer. If the user wants marking with no trace then the back end  1315 , body  1310 , and nose  1305  should be made of opaque material or painted so that light does not come through the projectile during flight.  
         [0078]     Upon gun launch, the packages  1210  or package  1220  rupture or shatter allowing the contents comprising the light-emitting sources  122  and sticky material  1212  to mix. The light-emitting sources  122  are provided power by setback-activated battery  600 C and begin operation, emitting light. If the projectile is transparent or translucent, a trace of the flight is seen by an observer due to the high intensity light from the light-emitting sources  122 . If the project is opaque, there is no trace.  
         [0079]     Upon impact of mortar  1300  with the target, the plastic or composite of the mortar  1300  shatters and deposits the light-emitting sources  122  covered with the sticky material  1212  onto the target. The high intensity light from the light-emitting sources  122  now marks the target in UV and/or visible, and/or IR light. Soldiers with night vision devices can now see the UV and IR light. Missiles and smart projectiles equipped with sensors and seekers set to detect the wavelengths of the light-emitting sources  122  can now see the marked target and travel to it.  
         [0080]      FIG. 13  ( FIGS. 13A, 13B ,  13 C) is a cutaway view of a 40 mm projectile  1400  (projectile  1400 ).  FIG. 13A  is a cutaway view of projectile  1400  containing package  1210  that is surrounded by sticky material  1212 .  FIG. 13B  is a cutaway view of projectile  1400  containing package  1220  that is surrounded by sticky material  1212 .  
         [0081]      FIG. 13C  is an exploded cutaway view before assembly of projectile  1400  that can carry the packages  1210  or package  1220  to the target to be marked. The projectile  1400  comprises a steel, aluminum, plastic, or composite back end  1420  and a transparent or translucent plastic or composite windshield  1410 .  
         [0082]     The packages  1210  or package  1220  and sticky material  1212  may be placed into the windshield  1410  and then epoxied or threaded (not shown) to the back end  1420 . If the user of the projectile  1400  wants a mark and trace capability then windshield  1410  may to be transparent or translucent. If the user wants marking with no trace then the windshield  1410  should be made of opaque material or painted so that light does not come through the projectile during flight.  
         [0083]     Upon gun launch, the containers  1210  or  1220  rupture or shatter allowing the contents  122  and  1212  to mix. The light-emitting sources are provided power by setback-activated battery  600 C and begin operation, emitting light. If the projectile is transparent or translucent, a trace of the flight is seen by an observer due to the high intensity light from the light-emitting sources  122 .  
         [0084]     If the project is opaque there is no trace. Upon impact of projectile  1400  with the target, the plastic or composite of the projectile  1400  shatters and deposits the light-emitting sources  122  covered with the sticky material  1212  onto the target. The high intensity light from the light-emitting sources  122  now marks the target in UV, visible, and/or IR light. Soldiers with night vision devices can now see the UV and IR light. Missiles and smart projectiles equipped with sensors and seekers set to detect the wavelengths of the light-emitting sources  122  can now see the marked target and travel to it.  
         [0085]      FIG. 14  ( FIGS. 14A, 14B ,  14 C) is a cutaway view of a tank or artillery projectile  1500  (projectile  1500 ).  FIG. 14A  is a cutaway view of projectile  1500  containing package  1210  that is surrounded by sticky material  1212 .  FIG. 14B  is a cutaway view of projectile  1500  containing package  1220  that is surrounded by sticky material  1212 .  
         [0086]      FIG. 14C  is an exploded cutaway view before assembly of projectile  1500  that can carry the packages  1210  and package  1220  to the target to be marked. The projectile  1500  comprises a steel, aluminum, plastic, or composite back end  1530 , a transparent or translucent plastic or composite body  1520  and a plastic or composite nose  1510  (nose  1510 ). The package  1210  or package  1220  may be placed into the body  1520  and then epoxied or threaded (not shown) to the back end  1530 .  
         [0087]     The sticky material  1212  can then be added to the projectile at the open end on the top of body  1520 . The nose  1510  is then epoxied or threaded (not shown) to the body  1520  to complete the assembly of projectile  1500 . If the user of the projectile  1500  wants a mark and trace capability then back end  1530  and body  1520  should be transparent or translucent. If the user wants marking with no trace then the back end  1530 , body  1520  and nose  1510  should be made of opaque material or painted so that light does not come through the projectile during flight.  
         [0088]     Upon gun launch, the packages  1210  or package  1220  rupture or shatter allowing the light-emitting source  122  and sticky material  1212  to mix. The light-emitting sources  122  are provided power by setback-activated battery  600 C and being operation, emitting light. If the projectile  1500  is transparent or translucent, a trace of the flight is seen by an observer due to the high intensity light from the light-emitting sources  122 .  
         [0089]     If the projectile  1500  is opaque, there is no trace. Upon impact of projectile  1500  with the target, the plastic or composite of the projectile  1500  shatters and deposits the light-emitting sources  122  covered with the sticky material  1212  onto the target. The high intensity light from the light-emitting sources  122  now marks the target in UV, and/or visible, and/or IR light. Soldiers with night vision devices can now see the UV and/or IR light. Missiles and smart projectiles equipped with sensors and seekers set to detect the wavelengths of the light-emitting sources  122  can now see the marked target and travel to it.  
         [0090]     All drawings are illustrative in nature and do not depict the actual size or scale of the objects shown. It is to be understood that the specific embodiments of the invention that have been described are merely illustrative of certain applications of the principle of the present invention. Numerous modifications may be made to system and method for a flameless tracer utilizing electronic light source invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.