Configurable weapon station having under armor reload

A vehicle-mounted weapon station is configurable to adjust the height of a rotational elevation axis thereof. The weapon station is provided with at least one fixed hanging ammunition container that is reloadable under the armored protection of the vehicle and the weapon station shell. The weapon station may have both electrically-powered and manually-powered drive systems for rotating a pedestal about an azimuth axis relative to the vehicle, and for rotating weaponry and operational units about the elevation axis, wherein the electrical and manual drive systems transmit power through the same output gear.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of remote-controlled weapon stations or systems (RWSs) and manned weapon stations, and more particularly to vehicle-mounted weapon stations designed to mount over a hatch opening in a top deck of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle-mounted weapon stations are retrofittable to various types of military vehicles, including but not limited to armored combat vehicles (ACVs), mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles, armored multi-purpose vehicles (AMPVs), amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs), and light armored vehicles (LAVs). The weapon stations allows personnel to operate externally-mounted weapons from the within the armored protection of the vehicle.

A weapon station may be outfitted with selected weapons (e.g. guns and missile launchers), and non-lethal operating units (e.g. target sighting units, acoustic hailers, and illuminators), to provide desired performance capabilities. Missile launchers suitable for use in a weapon station include, without limitation, a Hellfire missile launcher, a Javelin missile launcher, and a TOW missile launcher. Automatic guns that process linked ammunition are favored in weapon station configurations. Some of the guns falling into this category are the MK44 chain gun, CTAT 30 mm and 40 mm canons, the M242 chain gun, the M230LF autocannon, the M2 machine gun, the M3 submachine gun, the MK19 automatic grenade launcher, the M240 machine gun, the M249 light machine gun, and the M134 machine gun. Of course, a weapon station may be outfitted with weapons and operating units other than those specifically mentioned above.

The linked ammunition typically comes in the form of a long ammunition belt held within an ammunition container. The belt extends out through an exit opening in the container to an ammunition feed mechanism at the gun. As an existing ammunition belt advances and is used up during firing, a leading link of a subsequent ammunition belt may be coupled to a trailing link of the existing belt to accomplish reloading. In some systems, the new belt is loaded into the existing container, while in other systems, the existing emptied container is removed and replaced with a new container holding the new belt.

One type of ammunition container designed to be reloaded when emptied is a hanging ammunition or suspended ammunition container. In this known arrangement, an ammunition belt is folded in serpentine fashion within the ammunition container, with upper links in the belt being supported by parallel rails at or near the top of the container so as to suspend or hang folded vertical segments of the belt in the container. This type of “hanging ammo” arrangement is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,573,774 (Sandberg); U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,609 (Darnall); and U.S. Pat. No. 8,763,511 (Schvartz et al.).

In designing a weapon station, it is desirable to provide personnel with the capability to reload the externally mounted automatic guns with linked ammunition while the personnel remain within the relatively safe confines of the armored vehicle. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0186423 (Chachamian et al.) describes a system for protected reloading of an RWS. The system comprises an extendable and retractable support bracket having a top plate attached to the RWS and a bottom plate for receiving and supporting an ammunition container. The bottom plate is connected to the top plate by four gas pistons enabling the bottom plate carrying the ammunition box to be raised up into the RWS turret for regular use and lowered down into the vehicle compartment for reloading. While the system enables reloading under armored protection, it requires a mechanically complicated bracket and uses space within the vehicle compartment to accommodate the lowered ammunition container during reloading. Given that the vehicle compartment is already very confined, this solution is not optimal.

Another system for under armor reloading of ammunition is described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 8,763,511 (Schvartz et al.). The ammunition containers disclosed by Schvartz et al. are open at the front end and the rear end such that multiple containers may be stowed end-to-end in the RWS with their belts linked for regular use. An elevator mechanism is provided to lift ammunition containers from the vehicle compartment through a hatch and into the RWS. When a rearmost container is emptied, it is removed manually or using the elevator to make room for another container. Here again, the system enables reloading under armored protection, but it requires an elevator mechanism and uses valuable space within the vehicle compartment. The system also dedicates limited space within the RWS pedestal for multiple ammunition cans associated with only a single weapon.

With respect to weapons configuration, weapon station design has been limited by a “point solution” mindset. In other words, weapons stations are predominantly designed with a specific weapon configuration in mind. This mindset is understandable, given that the weapon station must incorporate sophisticated motion drive and stabilization systems to rotate the station turret or pedestal about an azimuth axis, and to rotate a mounted weapon about an elevation axis, with precision and accuracy. By focusing on one or perhaps a few weapon configurations, weapon station designers can limit the loading variables that must be accommodated and can optimize the weapon support and motion drive systems. However, this “point solution” mindset may be detrimental to combat preparedness because a weapon station having a fixed weapon configuration may become ill-suited for combat as battle conditions change.

The height of the weapon station elevation axis is an example of a weapon station design parameter that limits the available weapon configurations. A relatively low elevation axis is useful for shorter barrel guns and gives the armored vehicle a desirably low profile. However, an weapon station with a relatively low elevation axis cannot accommodate certain longer barrel guns and missile launchers. U.S. Pat. No. 7,669,513 (Niv et al.) teaches an RWS intended to have a variety of weapon configurations. The RWS has an automated vertically-adjustable linkage on which a weapon mount is carried for adjusting the height of the weapon elevation axis. This type of system introduces other costs, complexities, and possible malfunction points to the RWS.

What is needed is a weapon station that enables reloading of ammunition under armor without using valuable space within the vehicle compartment and without relying on a conveyor mechanism.

What is also needed is a mechanically simple weapon station that can be readily outfitted with a variety of weapon configurations depending upon changing combat requirements.

It is further desired to provide a basic vehicle-mounted weapon station apparatus that may be adapted to provide a manned weapon station depending upon operational requirements.

In the event of power outages, it is highly desirable to provide for manually powered movements of the pedestal about the azimuth axis, and manually powered movements of weaponry and operational units about the elevation axis. The apparatus for enabling manually powered movements should be space-efficient and compact.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In embodiments of the present invention, a weapon station is configurable to adjust the height of a rotational elevation axis thereof by providing interchangeable pairs of removably mounted yoke arms, wherein the pairs have different heights.

The configurable weapon station apparatus comprises a pedestal adapted to be mounted on an armored vehicle for rotation relative to the armored vehicle about an azimuth axis. The pedestal includes a pair of laterally-spaced yoke arm attachment interfaces. The apparatus also comprises a first pair of elevation yoke arms and a second pair of elevation yoke arms selectively exchangeable with the first pair of elevation yoke arms in being removably mounted on the pedestal. The yoke arms are configured for removable mounting on the pair of yoke arm attachment interfaces of the pedestal for movement with the pedestal. A pair of elevation rotary bearings are respectively supported by the mounted pair of elevation yoke arms in alignment with one another to define the elevation axis. The apparatus further comprises an elevation drive motor, and an elevation drive hub connected to the elevation drive motor and supported by one of the pair of elevation rotary bearings, wherein the elevation drive hub is rotatable about the elevation axis by operation of the elevation drive motor. An elevation follower hub is supported by the other of the pair of rotary bearings. The elevation drive hub and the elevation follower hub are configured for removable mounting of a primary weapon thereto such that the primary weapon resides between the mounted pair of elevation yoke arms and is rotatable about the elevation axis by operation of the elevation drive motor.

When the first pair of elevation yoke arms are mounted on the pedestal, they support the pair of elevation rotary bearings such that the elevation axis is at a first height above the pedestal. When the second pair of elevation yoke arms are mounted on the pedestal, they support the pair of elevation rotary bearings such that the elevation axis is at a second height above the pedestal different from the first height. Consequently, the elevation axis is height-adjustable for replacing a mounted primary weapon with a different primary weapon.

In an alternative embodiment providing height adjustment of the elevation axis, the configurable weapon station apparatus comprises a pair of spacers for selective installation between a driver elevation yoke arm and a follower elevation yoke arm, respectively. Each spacer includes a bottom end configured for removable mounting on the first attachment interface of the pedestal and a top end having a yoke arm attachment interface. The respective elevation yoke arms may be directly mounted on the pedestal (i.e. without the spacers) to set the elevation axis at a first height. In an alternative configuration, the spacers may be directly mounted on the pedestal and the respective elevation yoke arms may be mounted on top of the spacers to set the elevation axis at a second height greater than the first height.

In another embodiment of the invention, a vehicle-mounted weapon station is provided with at least one fixed hanging ammunition container that is reloadable under the armored protection of the vehicle and the weapon station shell. The ammunition container has an ammunition storage portion and an ammunition exit chute leading from the storage portion, and the ammunition container is fixed to the pedestal such that the storage portion of the ammunition container resides at least mostly within, preferably completely within, an interior compartment defined by the pedestal. The exit chute of the ammunition container extends through the pedestal. A belt of linked ammunition suspended in the storage portion of the ammunition container is fed through the exit chute to supply a weapon carried by the external weapon support yoke. The fixed ammunition container is reloadable by personnel under protection of the armored vehicle and the pedestal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-4depict a remote weapon station (RWS)10formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein RWS10is shown without any weapons, weapon cradles, or other operational units mounted thereon. RWS10generally comprises a base or pedestal12and a weapon support yoke14definable by a first pair of elevation yoke arms14A,14B. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, pedestal12is adapted to be mounted on an armored vehicle (not shown) so as to cover a hatch opening in a top deck of the armored vehicle and be rotatable relative to the armored vehicle about an azimuth axis AZ. For this purpose, pedestal12may include a base plate16to which an outer rotary bearing race18is attached, and a corresponding inner rotary bearing race20mountable to the armored vehicle. For example, inner race20may be bolted onto the top deck of the armored vehicle. Pedestal12further includes an armored shell22coupled to base plate16. As seen inFIG. 3, pedestal12defines an interior compartment24that is accessible from within the armored vehicle. Shell22may include a pair of lateral hatches23at opposite lateral sides of pedestal12, a pair of front hatches25at a front end of the pedestal, and/or a topside hatch27.

Rotation of pedestal12about azimuth axis AZ may be driven by an azimuth drive assembly26fixed to an interior wall of shell22. Azimuth drive assembly26includes a motor-driven output gear28meshing with inner gear teeth30of inner race20. Azimuth drive assembly26may be commanded through an operator interface and control electronics (not shown) to control the angular position of pedestal12about azimuth axis AZ relative to the armored vehicle. A slip ring assembly32provides signal transmission to and from azimuth drive assembly26and other electronic units in pedestal12across the rotational interface.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, pedestal12includes a pair of laterally-spaced yoke arm attachment interfaces34for removable mounting of elevation yoke arms14A,14B. In the illustrated embodiment, each yoke arm attachment interface34includes a flat surface36on the exterior of shell22, a plurality bolt holes38registering with bolt holes40on the corresponding yoke arm14A,14B, and a central opening42communicating with pedestal interior compartment24. The pair of elevation yoke arms14A,14B are removably mounted on the pair of yoke arm attachment interfaces34using threaded fasteners44extending through aligned holes38,40. As a result, elevation yoke arms14A,14B move with pedestal12as the pedestal rotates about azimuth axis AZ. As shown in the depicted embodiment, topside hatch27may be located between the pair of yoke arm attachment interfaces34, and may be inclined relative to attachment interfaces34so that spent ammunition casings slide down and do not accumulate on the topside hatch. RWS10includes a pair of elevation rotary bearings46A,46B respectively supported by elevation yoke arms14A,14B. Elevation rotary bearings46A,46B are aligned with each other to define a rotational elevation axis EL at a first height H1above pedestal12.

Reference is also made now toFIGS. 5-7. Apparatus for RWS10comprises a second pair of elevation yoke arms14C,14D configured for removable mounting on the pair of yoke arm attachment interfaces34of pedestal12for movement with the pedestal. The second pair of elevation yoke arms14C,14D are taller than the first pair of yoke arms14A,14B and can be selectively swapped with the first pair of elevation yoke arms14A,14B to support the pair of elevation rotary bearings46A,46B at a second height H2above the pedestal greater than the first height H1. In this manner, elevation axis EL is height-adjustable for replacing a mounted primary weapon with a different primary weapon.

As may be understood fromFIGS. 4 and 7, RWS10additionally comprises an elevation drive motor48and an elevation drive hub50connected to the elevation drive motor48and supported by elevation rotary bearing46A, wherein elevation drive hub50is rotatable about elevation axis EL by operation of elevation drive motor48. Elevation drive motor48may be housed within the elevation yoke arm that houses drive hub50to keep drive motor48near drive hub50and reduce complexity of a connecting drive train assembly, however drive motor48may be located outside of the yoke arm without straying from the invention.

RWS10also comprises an elevation follower hub52supported by elevation rotary bearing46B. Elevation drive hub50and elevation follower hub52are configured for removable mounting of at least one primary weapon thereto such that the primary weapon resides between the mounted pair of elevation yoke arms14A,14B or14C,14D and is rotatable about elevation axis EL by operation elevation drive motor48. For example, hubs50and52may each include a bolt hole array used to removably mount a weapon cradle56(shown inFIG. 2) or to directly mount a primary weapon housing thereto. Weapon cradle56may be designed to support more than one weapon.

RWS10may further comprise a lateral hub58connected to elevation drive motor48, wherein the lateral hub58is rotatable about elevation axis EL by operation of elevation drive motor48. Lateral hub58is configured for removable mounting of a secondary weapon thereto, either directly or through a secondary or lateral weapon cradle60, such that the mounted secondary weapon is rotatable about elevation axis EL by operation of the elevation drive motor48.

Referring again toFIG. 4, RWS10may also comprise a sighting hub62and a corresponding sighting drive motor64. In the embodiment shown, sighting hub62is supported by the same yoke arm (either14B or14D) as elevation follower hub52for rotation about elevation axis EL. Sighting hub62is configured for removable mounting of a sighting unit thereto. Sighting hub62is rotatable about elevation axis EL by operation of sighting drive motor64. Sighting drive motor64is operable independently of elevation drive motor48, whereby sighting hub62and a mounted sighting unit are rotatable about the elevation axis EL independently of elevation drive hub50and any equipment or weapons mounted to drive hub50.

Attention is now directed toFIGS. 4 and 7. In an aspect of the present invention, the second pair of elevation yoke arms14C,14D may be structurally similar to the first pair of elevation yoke arms14A,14B. When mounted to pedestal12, each yoke arm14A-14D includes a respective base66S or66T and a respective cap68removably attachable onto base66. In the embodiment shown by the figures, the yoke arm bases66T (tall) of the second pair of elevation yoke arms14C,14D are taller than the yoke arm bases66S (short) of the first pair of elevation yoke arms14A,14B. Each base66S or66T is adapted for removable mounting to one of the yoke arm attachment interfaces34of pedestal12. For example, each yoke arm base66S or66T may include bolt holes40registering with the bolt holes38of an associated yoke arm attachment interface34. Caps68for yoke arms14C,14D may be identical to caps68for yoke arms14A,14B, or at least they may fit onto yoke arms14A,14B. Thus, the overall apparatus may require only a single pair of caps68for installation on the two bases66of the particular pair of yoke arms that currently mounted on pedestal12at a given time; the yoke arm bases66S or66T not in use at a given time do not require caps68.

When RWS10is configured with taller yoke arms14C,14D, the overall height of the armored vehicle may prevent it from passing through locations where there are overhead obstructions. In order to temporarily lower the overall profile height of the armored vehicle, pedestal12may further include a pair of yoke arm pivot interfaces70spaced from the pair of yoke arm attachment interfaces34, and the yoke arm bases66T of the second pair of yoke arms14C,14D may include a pivot coupling72configured to mate with a corresponding pivot interface70of pedestal12. For example, pivot interfaces70may have a pair of aligned circular pivot apertures74with which another pair of pivot apertures76in base66T may be aligned, and a pair of pivot covers78securable into the aligned pivot apertures74,76. As a result, the second pair of yoke arms14C,14D may be pivoted relative to pedestal12when they are situated on, but not fixed to, yoke arm attachment interfaces34. In this way, the armored vehicle can be provided with a lower profile for travel. The yoke arm pivot interfaces70may define a yoke arm pivot axis PA parallel to and behind elevation axis EL.

Changeover between the first pair of yoke arms14A,14B and the second pair of yoke arms14C,14D may be carried out by unbolting yoke arm caps68from the mounted yoke arm bases, removing the assembled bearings, hubs, and any drive motors housed by the mounted yoke arms, and unbolting the mounted yoke arm bases66from yoke arm attachment interfaces34. The yoke arm bases66of the other pair of yoke arms are then bolted to the yoke arm attachment interfaces34, the drive assemblies are reinstalled and aligned in the newly mounted yoke arm bases66, and the caps68are bolted onto the newly mounted yoke arm bases66. Transferring the same drive assemblies and bearings between the short and tall yoke arms avoids hardware cost and reduces the amount of additional hardware that must be stocked. It is also contemplated to provide dedicated drive assemblies within each yoke arm14A-14D so that removal and replacement of the drive assemblies is not necessary. As will be appreciated, changeover may be accomplished quickly by trained mechanics at a military base, whereby the same armored vehicle may have one RWS configuration one day and a different RWS configuration the next.

FIGS. 8-10illustrate various examples of weapon configurations of RWS10when the shorter pair of yoke arms14A,14B is installed on pedestal12.

InFIG. 8, there is central weapon cradle56mounted between drive hub50and follower hub52, and an M134 machine gun100mounted on central weapon cradle56as a primary weapon. A non-lethal equipment cradle61is coupled to lateral hub58and carries an acoustic hailer102, an illuminator104, and a grenade launcher106. A sighting unit108is mounted on the opposite side of the RWS to sighting hub62.

The configuration shown inFIG. 9includes central weapon cradle56mounted between drive hub50and follower hub52to support an MK19 automatic grenade launcher110and an M2 machine gun112. A javelin mount114is attached to lateral hub58and supports a javelin missile launcher116. Sighting unit108is mounted on sighting hub62.

As may be understood fromFIGS. 8-9andFIGS. 33-37, central weapon cradle56may be mounted to drive hub50and follower hub52in a non-inverted orientation (seeFIGS. 9, 33, 35, and 36) and in an inverted orientation (seeFIGS. 8, 34, and37). Invertible cradle56comprises a pair of laterally-spaced mounting braces56A,56B configured for respective removable attachment to hubs50,52, and a support platform56C extending between the pair of mounting braces56A,56B. Support platform56C extends in a plane parallel to and offset from elevation axis EL. In the embodiment shown, support platform56C includes a first under-weapon mounting area57A upon which a weapon may be seated when cradle56is mounted in its non-inverted orientation, wherein the first under-weapon mounting area has an access opening59A. Support platform56C may further include a second under-weapon mounting area57B upon which another weapon may be seated when cradle56is mounted in its non-inverted orientation, wherein the second under-weapon mounting area57B has a corresponding access opening59B. Access openings59A and59B are positioned and sized to allow spent ammunition casings to drop down away from the weapon mounted above. Support platform56C also includes an over-weapon mounting area57C from which a weapon may be suspended. In the embodiment shown, over-weapon mounting area57C is between access openings59A,59B. When cradle56is mounted to hubs50,52in its non-inverted orientation, the plane of support platform56C is below elevation axis EL for seating a weapon in the first under-weapon mounting area57A and/or in the second under-weapon mounting area57B. When cradle56is mounted to hubs50,52in its inverted orientation, the plane of support platform56C is above elevation axis EL for suspending a weapon from the over-weapon mounting area57C.

InFIG. 10, a TOW missile launcher118has a hub bracket for direct mounting to drive hub50and follower hub52. Lateral cradle60supports an M240 machine gun120. Sighting unit108is mounted on sighting hub62.

FIGS. 11-14show examples of other weapon configurations of RWS10when the taller pair of yoke arms14C,14D is installed on pedestal12replacing shorter yoke arms14A,14B.

InFIG. 11, a hellfire missile launch pod122has a hub bracket for direct mounting to drive hub50and follower hub52. Lateral cradle60supports M240 machine gun120. Again, sighting unit108is mounted on sighting hub62.

The configuration ofFIG. 12is similar to that ofFIG. 11, except the hellfire pod is replaced by an M230LF cradle124coupled to hubs50and52that carries an M230LF autocannon126.

InFIG. 13, a pair of 30 mm ammunition boxes128are associated with opposite lateral sides of RWS10, and an MK44 chain gun assembly130is mounted to hubs50and52as the primary weapon. Lateral cradle60supports M240 machine gun120, and sighting unit108is mounted on sighting hub62.

The configurations shown inFIGS. 8 through 14are intended as non-limiting examples. Of course, many other configurations involving other weapons and equipment are possible.

In another aspect of the present invention, RWS10enables reloading of ammunition under the armored protection of the vehicle and pedestal12without using space within the vehicle compartment and without the need for a conveyor mechanism. As best seen inFIGS. 15-18, RWS10comprises an ammunition container80having an ammunition storage portion82and an ammunition exit chute84leading from the storage portion82, wherein the ammunition container80is fixed to pedestal12such that its storage portion82resides completely within interior compartment24of pedestal12and its exit chute84extends through shell22of pedestal12. While it is preferred that storage portion82fit completely within interior compartment24, an alternative wherein storage portion82is mostly within interior compartment24is also contemplated. Storage portion82of ammunition container80has a reload opening86by which the ammunition container may be reloaded with ammunition. A belt88of linked ammunition is fed from storage portion82through exit chute84to supply a weapon carried by the weapon support yoke14, and the ammunition container is reloadable by onboard personnel under protection of the armored vehicle and the pedestal.

Ammunition container80may include a flange90on exit chute84, whereby the ammunition container80may be fixed to shell22of pedestal12by threaded fasteners engaging the flange and the pedestal.

The storage portion82of ammunition container80may have a pair of side walls92connected by a front wall93and a top wall94, wherein at least one of a bottom and a rear of storage portion82is open to provide the reload opening86. Ammunition container80may take the form of a “hanging ammo” container configured with an open rear and a pair of inner support ledges96extending from side walls92to receive and suspend a folded ammunition belt88that is slid into the container through the rear reload opening86. In the depicted embodiment, both the bottom and the rear of storage portion82are open to provide the reload opening86, thereby allowing greater access during reloading. As best seen inFIG. 18, ledges96may have a slight dip or trough97to prevent unwanted sliding or shifting of the suspended ammunition belt88as the vehicle travels over uneven terrain. Support ledges96may be omitted if they would impede the feeding of a particular size of ammunition round.

As will be understood from the drawing figures, weapon support yoke14may be configured to support two weapons and RWS may comprise two ammunition containers80respectively associated with the two weapons. Those skilled in the art will understand that the dimensions and specific configuration of each ammunition container80may vary and will depend on the specific type of ammunition being fed. To allow an operator to reload either or both of the containers80from the same location, and to simplify location of a firing control unit98sensing ammunition status, the respective reload openings86of the two ammunition containers80may face a common reloading space99within interior compartment24.

FIGS. 19-24illustrate an RWS210formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. InFIGS. 19-21, RWS210is shown without any weapons, weapon cradles, or other operational units mounted thereon. RWS210is similar to RWS10described above in that it comprises pedestal12including base plate16, outer rotary bearing race18, inner rotary bearing race20, armored shell22, and yoke arm attachment interfaces34. As in the previous embodiment, pedestal12defines interior compartment24that is accessible from within the armored vehicle. RWS210may also comprise motorized elevation and azimuth drive systems as described above in connection with RWS10. RWS210further comprises a pair of elevation yoke arms214A,214B supporting respective elevation rotary bearings46A,46B defining rotational elevation axis EL.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 19-24, elevation yoke arms214A,214B may be directly mounted on yoke arm attachment interfaces34to position elevation axis EL at a first height H1(seeFIGS. 20 and 23), and may also be indirectly mounted on yoke arm attachment interfaces34by way of a pair of spacers215A,215B to position elevation axis EL at a second height H2different from first height H1(seeFIGS. 21 and 24). As may be understood, the bottom end of each elevation yoke arm214A,214B is configured to be removably mounted directly on the pair of yoke arm attachment interfaces34, for example using threaded fasteners44. The bottom end of each elevation yoke arm214A,214B is also configured for removable mounting on a respective attachment interface234at a top end of each spacer215A,215B using threaded fasteners44. The bottom end of each spacer215A,215B is configured to be removably mounted directly on the pair of yoke arm attachment interfaces34, for example using threaded fasteners244. Thus, RWS110may be selectively configured in a short configuration as shown inFIGS. 20 and 23, or in a tall configuration as shown inFIGS. 21 and 24, depending upon whether spacers215A,215B are installed or not.

In the depicted embodiment, elevation yoke arm214A is a driver elevation yoke arm that supports elevation drive motor48, elevation rotary bearing46A, and elevation drive hub50, and elevation yoke arm214B is a follower elevation yoke arm that supports elevation rotary bearing46B and elevation follower hub52. Advantageously, the elevation drive motor48may be coupled to the driver elevation yoke arm214A and not coupled to the first spacer215A, thereby facilitating selective installation and removal of spacer215A to efficiently reconfigure RWS210. First spacer215A may be hollow as shown inFIG. 19to freely receive drive hardware extending down from driver elevation yoke arm214A.

In order to ensure axial alignment of elevation rotary bearings46A,46B in both the short and tall configurations, elevation rotary bearings46A,46B may be embodied as self-aligning ball bearings that are insensitive to slight misalignment of elevation drive hub50and elevation follower hub52.

In an optional refinement of the invention, each of the first and second attachment interfaces34may define a plurality of different selectable attachment positions at which an elevation yoke arm214A,214B or a spacer215A,215B may be mounted on the attachment interface, whereby a longitudinal position (i.e. position fore to aft) of the elevation axis relative to the armored vehicle is adjustable. The attachment positions may be defined by providing further bolt holes38in each attachment interface34. In another optional refinement of the invention, a lateral spacing between the driver elevation yoke arm214A and the follower elevation yoke arm214B differs depending upon whether or not the first spacer215A and the second spacer215B are installed. This may be achieved by configuring one or both spacers215A,215B such that its top-end attachment interface234defines an attachment location that is offset laterally (i.e. inboard or outboard) relative to the corresponding underlying attachment interface34on pedestal12.

FIGS. 25 and 26illustrate a basic automated drive system of RWS210. The basic drive system comprises an electrically-powered azimuth drive motor29operable to rotate output gear28. The output gear28meshes with inner gear teeth30of inner race20, wherein output gear28functions as an azimuth drive gear rotatable by azimuth drive motor29to rotate pedestal12and yoke arms214A,214B about azimuth axis AZ. The basic drive system also comprises electrically-powered elevation drive motor48operable to rotate output gear49. The output gear49meshes with a gear train coupled to drive hub50(not shown inFIGS. 25 and 26), wherein output gear49functions as an elevation drive gear rotatable by elevation drive motor48to drive rotation of elevation drive hub50about elevation axis EL. In the illustrated embodiment, azimuth drive gear28and elevation drive gear49travel with pedestal12in rotating relative to the armored vehicle about the azimuth axis AZ. Slip ring assembly32may be incorporated in the basic drive system to provide signal transmission to and from control electronics associated with azimuth drive motor29, elevation drive motor48, and other electronic units in pedestal12across the rotational interface defined between pedestal12and the armored vehicle upon which pedestal12is mounted. InFIG. 25, components of the basic automated drive system are shown floating in space because supporting structure has been hidden for sake of clarity. For example, elevation drive motor48and elevation drive gear49are actually supported by elevation yoke arm214A (not shown), and slip ring assembly32may actually be supported by pedestal12.

In an aspect of the present invention, the basic automated drive system described above with reference toFIGS. 25 and 26may be enhanced in space-efficient fashion to enable manual operation of azimuth drive gear28and elevation drive gear49in the event of a loss of electrical power to drive motors29and48. As shown inFIGS. 27-30, an azimuth drive train250and an elevation drive train270may be incorporated into the drive system to enable manual operation. As will be described in greater detail below, azimuth drive train250is manually operable to rotate azimuth drive gear28to thereby rotate pedestal12and elevation yoke arms214A,214B about azimuth axis AZ, and elevation drive train270is manually operable to rotate elevation drive gear49to thereby rotate elevation hub50about the elevation axis EL.

Azimuth drive train250may generally include a crank252, a transmission arm256, a first transmission belt258, a primary drive shaft260, a second transmission belt262, a secondary drive shaft266, and a motor-input gearbox268.

Crank252may have a crank arm253and a handle254. Crank arm253may be coupled at one end thereof to a first pulley255, and handle254may be rotatably mounted at an opposite end of crank arm253to extend at a right angle relative to the longitudinal direction of crank arm253. First pulley255may be rotatably mounted at a peripheral end of transmission arm256and connected by first transmission belt258to a second pulley259. Second pulley259may be fixedly mounted to a bottom end of primary drive shaft260. As will be understood, manual rotation of crank252will cause first pulley255to rotate, and this rotational motion is transmitted to second pulley259by first transmission belt258, wherein primary drive shaft260is caused to rotate with second pulley259. As best seen inFIG. 30, primary drive shaft260extends through a central axial passage33through slip ring assembly32and is rotatably mounted by a pair of rotary bearings263enabling primary drive shaft260to rotate relative to slip ring assembly32. A third pulley261may be fixed to a top end of primary drive shaft260to rotate with primary drive shaft260. Third pulley261may be connected by a second transmission belt262to a fourth pulley264fixedly mounted on secondary drive shaft266, wherein rotation of third pulley261is transmitted to fourth pulley264by second transmission belt262, thereby causing secondary drive shaft266to rotate. Secondary drive shaft266may be coupled to a manual input gearbox268associated with azimuth drive motor29. Consequently, in a power outage situation, azimuth drive motor29may be powered manually to rotate azimuth drive gear28to achieve rotation of pedestal12about azimuth axis AZ relative to the armored vehicle.

Elevation drive train270is very similar to azimuth drive train250described above. Elevation drive train270may generally include a crank272, a transmission arm276, a first transmission belt278, a primary drive shaft280, a second transmission belt282, a secondary drive shaft286, and a motor-input gearbox288.

Crank272may have a crank arm273and a handle274, wherein crank arm273may be coupled at one end to a first pulley275, and handle274may be rotatably mounted at an opposite end of crank arm273to extend at a right angle thereto. First pulley275may be rotatably mounted at a peripheral end of transmission arm276and connected by first transmission belt278to a second pulley279fixedly mounted to a bottom end of primary drive shaft280. Thus, manual rotation of crank272will cause first pulley275to rotate, and this rotational motion is transmitted to second pulley279by first transmission belt278. As a result, primary drive shaft280is caused to rotate with second pulley259. As best seen inFIG. 30, primary drive shaft280of elevation drive train270extends through central axial passage33through slip ring assembly32by being coaxially nested to extend through primary drive shaft260of azimuth drive train250, which is embodied as a tube sized to receive primary drive shaft280. In the depicted embodiment, elevation primary drive shaft280is rotatably mounted within azimuth primary drive shaft260by a pair of rotary bearings269to enable shafts260and280to rotate independently of one another about a main axis of slip ring assembly32that may coincide with azimuth axis AZ. A third pulley281may be fixed to a top end of primary drive shaft280to rotate with primary drive shaft280and may be connected by a second transmission belt282to a fourth pulley284fixedly mounted on secondary drive shaft286. Rotation of third pulley281is transmitted to fourth pulley284by second transmission belt282, thereby causing secondary drive shaft286to rotate. Secondary drive shaft286may be coupled to a manual input gearbox288associated with elevation drive motor48. Consequently, in a power outage situation, elevation drive motor48may be powered manually to rotate elevation drive gear49to achieve rotation of elevation drive hub50about elevation axis EL.

In an advantageous refinement, primary drive shaft280may be embodied as a hollow tube through which cables, for example fiber optic cables290, may be routed from one side of the rotational interface to the other.

As shown inFIGS. 31 and 32, the present invention may also be embodied by a manned weapon station apparatus310. Similar to the RWS embodiments described above, manned weapon station apparatus310comprises a pedestal312adapted to be mounted on an armored vehicle for rotation relative to the armored vehicle about an azimuth axis AZ, and a weapon support yoke314carried by pedestal312and having laterally-spaced elevation yoke arms214A,214B extending upward from the pedestal, with or without optional spacers215A,215B as described above. Pedestal312may include a topside hatch327between elevation yoke arms214A,214B to enable a person to enter or exit an interior compartment of the pedestal. The illustrated embodiment depicts hatch327as being connected to the pedestal by a hinge328, however a hatch327may be made to slide along tracks to open and close if a hinged hatch does not have clearance relative to mounted weaponry. Topside hatch327may be inclined relative to horizontal so that spent ammunition casings slide down and do not accumulate on the topside hatch.

Manned weapon station apparatus310further comprises a personnel support platform330suspended from pedestal12for rotation with the pedestal about azimuth axis AZ. Personnel support platform330may be suspended from pedestal312by one or more vertical structural member332. A weapon control unit335and a seat337may be mounted on the same or different structural members332for accommodating an operator. Manned weapon station apparatus310may further comprise a periscope340allowing the operator to view external objects from within the interior compartment of the pedestal312.

Manned weapon station apparatus310may further comprise slip ring assembly32configured to transmit power and data across a rotary interface established between pedestal312and the armored vehicle. In the depicted embodiment, slip ring assembly32is mounted to the personnel support platform320in alignment with azimuth axis AZ. Alternatively, slip ring assembly32may be movably mounted to an inner wall of pedestal12, for example by a pantograph arm or other mechanical arm that enables the slip ring assembly to be displaced within interior compartment24. A user may then selectively align slip ring assembly32with azimuth axis AZ for pedestal rotations, or move slip ring assembly32out of the way for using topside hatch327.

The description above relating to selective configuration of the height of elevation axis EL for RWS embodiments applies equally to the manned weapon station embodiment shown inFIGS. 31 and 32.

While the invention has been described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the detailed description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth. The invention is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications and equivalents of the described embodiment as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.