Patent GB-143727-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in apparatus for practising fire-control of ground batteries from aircraft and the like
IPC: F41G3/28
Filed: 1919-06-05
Abstract: 143,727. Finer, H. J. June 5, 1919. Teaching ranging and flash-spotting.-Relates to apparatus for training artillery observing officers on aircraft in locating the position of shell bursts, and consists in employing on a representation of the ground one or more series of devices (such as electric lamps) representing various targets, associated with a number of similar devices representing shell-burst positions, these devices being controlled from a series of switches with which is oombined a visual indicator on which are tabulated the co-ordinates (according to the clock-code system) of every device referred to any one of the target devices as origin. In the form shown in in Fig. 2, a board 22 adapted to be placed below a map representation of the ground carries electric lamps 1 - - 8 representing various targets, and electric lamps 9 - - 21 representing shell-burst positions, a hole being provided in the map-board above each lamp to permit observation of the flash. The lamps are wired through a common battery 25 to a series of switches 29 on a switchboard 27, Fig. 3, additional switches 30 being provided in the target lamp circuits. Behind a window 32 is arranged a drum, rotatable by means of a knurled head 34, on which are tabulated in parallel columns the clock co-ordinates of each lamp referred in successive columns to each of the target lamps 1 - - 8. In Fig. 3, the column exposed shows opposite each switch the co-ordinates of the lamp associated with that switch when lamp 1 is taken as target. The Specification also describes but does not claim (1) ground signal devices on a board 37 illuminated by lamps 35 selectively controlled from the switchboard 27, and (2) battery devices represented by lamps 43 similarly controlled. In a modification, adapted for operation from a distance, the numbers of the lamps are marked opposite teeth on a rotary switch 48, Fig. 8, at the distant operator's position, connected to a similar switch 50 at the map position by known electing selecting-means, the switch 50 carrying a contact-arm displaceable over contact studs 57 to complete the circuit of any lamp on the board 22. The switches 48, 50 are adjusted so that the numbers opposite the contact 52 and the pawl 56 are identical. When the cut-out switch 71 of the battery 51 is closed, and the switch 48 is rotated so that its teeth move step by step over the contact 52, contacts 55 of a relay 54 are closed, causing an electro-magnetic pawl device 56 to rotate the switch 50 and displace its contact-arm step by step over the contacts 57. When switch 58 is closed, contacts 60 of a relay 59 are closed, completing the circuit of a relay 61. Contacts 62 are thereby closed, causing the selected lamp to flash. The lamp co-ordinates, tabulated as before, are arranged on an horizontal drum in a casing 64, Fig. 10, behind a series of shutters marked 1 to 8. A handle 66 is adapted to rotate this drum and the selector switch 48 simultaneously. When any target, such as 4, is selected for the shoot, the corresponding shutter is depressed, and reveals the co-ordinates, referred to the target-lamp 4, of the lamp, the number of which on the switch 48 appears at the hole marked " Selector only." Pressure on the button marked " Fire " closes the switch 58. The shutters are locked by devices on a bar 69, which may be slid along to allow any selected four shutters to be opened, for example, when the individual guns of a battery are to be dealt with in turn.