Patent GB-1482278-A (GB)
Title: Method and installation for firing a succession of projectiles
IPC: F41G3/14
Filed: 1974-11-06
Abstract: 1482278 A method of destroying a target ELECTRONIQUE MARCEL DASSAULT 6 Nov 1974 [7 Nov 1973] 48095/74 Heading F3C A method of destroying a target by firing a succession of explosive projectiles from a launching apparatus, the launching apparatus including observation means utilizing electromagnetic detection waves, and each projectile including an adjustable electric or electronic timing means determining the interval of time between the launching of the projectile and its explosion, comprises the steps of firing one or more projectiles in the direction of the target, operating said observation means to observe the location of the target and also the location of the burst or bursts of the fired projectile or projectiles and thereby obtaining from said observation means a corresponding output signal, processing the signal in a computer in order to derive a signal representative of an adjustment of the timing means of the next to be fired projectile required to alter the said interval of time in the sense to reduce the distance between the location of the target and the location of the burst or bursts of the projectile or projectiles, and feeding the derived signal to the electric or electronic timing means of the projectile or projectiles next to be fired, to cause corresponding adjustment thereof. The observation means comprises optical telemetric or distance-measuring radar means. The computer forms part of the launching apparatus and is a digital type of computer. A parameter dependent upon the initial velocity of the projectile is introduced into the computer along with a parameter influencing the dispersion of a number of projectiles. The signal obtained from the observation means is also used to correct the angular setting of the launching apparatus. In use the computer 13, Fig. 1, receives, through its input 22, signals from a radar apparatus 14, for example, comprising a distance-detector 15, having an aerial 16, and an angle detector 17, having an aerial 18, the detectors being interconnected by a line 19 and their outputs 20, 21 respectively being connected to the input 22. Thus the computer 13 receives signals regarding the distance and angle of both the target C and the bursts zone E and feeds through its output 23, a digital signal relation to the required time of travel of a projectile from launching to bursting. This signal is applied, through a device 10, Fig. 2, forming part of the launching apparatus, and through circuits 24, 25 to contacts 26, 27 with which co-operates a conductive zone 28 on the body of a projectile 29 immediately upstream of its launching position. The signal on output 23 can also correct the angle of elevation of the launching apparatus. Inside the projectile, the signal received passes through input 30, Fig. 3, into electronic digital counter device 31 which has rocker-type counters 32 with positioning means 33, so as to position the latter. The device 31 is connected by a line 34 to an electronic digital clock 35 and triggering input 36 of the counter device 31 is connected to a means 37 which reacts to the departure of the projectile from the launcher. The output 38 of the device 31 constitutes the input of electronic contact device 39 from which current flows at 41 and ignites the charge in the projectile. In a modification the signal from output 23 relating to the duration of travel is passed inductively to projectile 45, Fig. 4, from induction coils 46, 47. The computer 13, Fig. 1, may be provided with an input 51 for receiving the initial velocity of the projectile, an input 52 for receiving a parameter variable with time and an input 53 for receiving a parameter which also influences firing.