US3814017A - Method and system arrangement for determining the type and condition of ammunition ready for firing - Google Patents

Abstract

Method and system arrangement for determining the type and condition of ammunition which is ready for firing and can be detonated electrically wherein specific signals corresponding to the type and the condition values are sent as correction signals to a firing control computer processing the target data for positioning a piece of ordnance and/or for setting a fuse of the ammunition. The ammunition is electrically detonated by means of an electric propellant charge ignitor connected between the case of the ammunition and a centrally disposed contact insulated from the case with all measuring and control signals being supplied to the ammunition via the central contact.

Description

States Patent [191 Backstein et al.

[ METHOD AND SYSTEM ARRANGEMENT FOR DETERMINING THE TYPE AND CONDITION OF AMMUNITION READY FOR FIRING [75] lnventors: Gunter Backstein, Meerbusch;

Frank-Volker Spath, Dusseldorf, both of Germany [73] Assignee: Rheinmetall GmbH, Dusseldorf,

Germany 22 Filed: Dec. 6, 1971 211 Appl. No.: 205,102

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 4, 1970 Germany"; 2059665 [52] US. Cl. 102/702 R, 102/702 A [51] Int. Cl F421) 9/08,F42c 11/00, F42c ll/06 [58] Field of Search 102/702 R, 70.2 P

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,560,863 2/l97l Baumoel iog 70,2 13

[ 5] June 4,1974

3,667,342 0/1972 Warnock et al. ..i., [OZ/70.2 R

3,667,392 6/1972 Grentham etal. 102/702 R Primary Examiner-Samuel Feinberg Assistant Examiner-Th0mas H. Webb Attorney, Agent, or Firm--Craig and Antonelli [5 7] ABSTRACT Method and system arrangement for determining the type and condition of ammunition which is ready for firing and can be detonated electrically wherein specific signals corresponding to the type and the condition values are sent as correction signals to a firing control computer processing the target data for positioning a piece of ordnance and/or for setting a fuse of the ammunition. The ammunition is electrically detonated by means of an electric propellant charge ignitor connected between the case of the ammunition and a centrally disposed contact insulated from the case with all measuring and control signals being supplied to the ammunition via the central contact.

27 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUN 4W I 14 7 sum ants METHOD AND SYSTEM ARRANGEMENT FOR DETERMINING THE TYPE AND CONDITION OF AMMUNITION READY FOR FIRING The present invention relates to a method and system arrangement for determining the type and condition of ammunition which is readied for firing and can be electrically detonated and for controlling the positioning of the piece of ordnance which fires the ammunition and- /or the setting of the ammunition fuse.

In order not to reveal ones own position to the enemy, it is of great importance to be accurate with the first firing of the weapon without first misfiring or trying out the range of a gun. Thus, to increase the accuracy of fire at the time of the shot it is known to take into consideration external ballistic data, which affect a projectile, such as cross winds. It has been found, however, that this data alone is not sufficient to ensure an accurate striking of the target at the time of the first shot. In addition, it is already known to set fuses of ammunition made up into cartridges located in the barrel of the piece of ordnance by an inductive potential, a wire being wound around the barrel of the piece at the position of a coil connected to the fuse. By a brief application of voltage corresponding to the distance of the target, the fuse is set.

Also, it is known that the muzzle velocity and therefore the trajectory of a projectile alters depending on the powder temperature and therefore attempts have been made to measure the powder temperature, in order that it can also be taken into consideration when positioning the piece. For this purpose, several concentric, mutually insulated rings have been provided in the base of the case, to which is connected an electric temperature measuring element, located in the powder of the projectile cartridge, by means of which the powder temperature can be ascertained. However, these prior art attempts have not proven successful.

The present invention provides a method and system arrangement which makes it possible to take accurately into consideration the condition of a projectile cartridge, i.e., the internal ballistic properties of a projectile cartridge. located in the cartridge chamber of a customary piece of ordnance provided with an electric firing device, at the time of adjustment of the positioning gear of a piece and/or a projectile fuse. The condition of the ammunition or the internal ballistic ammunition properties are characterized by the powder temperature inside the projectile cartridge, since it is known that the gas pressure alters with the powder temperature, and therefore so does the muzzle velocity of a projectile. Also, with the method according to the invention and the system arrangement, the type of ammunition, for example, explosive incendiary projectiles, hard core or hollow charge projectiles with time fuses, impact detonators or proximity fuses, whose muzzle velocities can likewise differ from each other can be determined.

The method according to the invention includes the steps of providing successive electrical signals to ammunition which is ready to be fired by means of measuring and control instruments connected to the firing control computer, which signals are altered in accordance with the type and condition of the ammunition and then supplied by appropriate connections to the measuring and control circuits associated therewith for application to the firing control computer as correction signals and in combination with the target data supplied to the computer bring about an appropriate positioning of a piece of ordnance and/or setting of a fuse of the ammunition which is ready to fire. With this method, it is possible to determine the type and the condition of the ammunition located in the cartridge chamber of a piece and to take this into consideration when positioning the piece and/or setting the fuse. Thus, the positioning of the piece and the setting of the fuse can take place continuously depending on the data ascertained or just once, immediately before the firing of a projectile.

' In the method according to the invention all the signals are preferably sent via a single, insulated central contact of a threaded electrical-ignition primer, which is screwed into the ammunition, at least a part of the consecutive signals being of opposite polarity.

According to an advantageous development of the method, the signals for setting the fuse are in the form of a series of pulses, the number of which is determined by the control device depending on the correction signals and target data. Alternatively, it is also'possible in accordance with the present invention for the signals for setting the fuse to be in the form of voltage pulses, whose voltage level is determined by the control device depending on the correction signals and target data.

For carrying out the method according to the invention, a system arrangement is utilized which is characterized in that in the ammunition a firing circuit, a measuring circuit and a control circuit are provided which by means of a common lead can be connected to measuring and control devices connected to the firing control computer, electrical blocking means being provided between the switching circuits for separating the signals intended for the individual circuits, and in that the firing control computer has inputs for the correction signals coming from the ammunition which is ready to be fired and for the input target data and the external correction data, as well as outputs for the signals for positioning the piece of ordnance and/or setting the fuse.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the system arrangement it is provided that the common lead for the firing circuit, the measuring circuit and the control circuit is connected to the firing control computer via a single, insulated central contact of a threaded electrical ignition primer. By means of this connection, it is possible to use the method and arrangement according to the invention even in conventional pieces of ordnance having electrical firing, the connection between the projectile fuse and the primer being made by plug contacts on screwing in the threaded primer and inserting the projectile fuse into the case.

According to a further feature of the invention, the firing circuit includes an electrical propellent charge igniter having an associated blocking means in the form of a rectifier such as a four-layer diode and the measuring circuit includes a temperature responsive resistor and an electrical element for identifying the type of ammunition. The measuring circuit is providedwith associated blocking means in the form of a rectifier having the same polarity as the firing circuit rectifier. The control circuit is provided with a projectile fuse which can be controlled electrically and preferably includes a switching circuit for activating the fuse, the associated blocking means in the form of a rectifier having opposite polarity relative to the other rectifiers and another switching circuit for setting the fuse depending on the correction signals and target data wherein the associated blocking means for this circuit is in the form of a rectifier having the same polarity as the rectifiers for the firing circuit and the measuring circuit.

In accordance with the present invention, by means of the four-layer diode, the measuring voltage, which measures the powder temperature by the change of the temperature-responsive resistor, for example, a thermistor, and which indicates the type of projectile with the aid of an element for identifying types of ammunition, is prevented from firing the propellent charge igniter since the four-layer diode becomes conductive only with a voltage substantially higher than the measuring voltage. In the direction in which the control circuit for setting the projectile fuse is conductive, the measuring and firing circuits are blocked by the rectifiers of opposite polarity. The measuring and controlling thus occurs by applying signals of opposed polarity, the ignition of the firing charge occurring with simultaneous destruction of the measuring circuit.

According to a further feature of the invention a pulse transmitter is provided, which is connected to the firing control computer and which can be connection to the switching circuit for setting the fuse and delivers pulses, the number of which is determined by the firing control computer depending on the correction signals and target data supplied to the firing control computer.

In order to determine the type of ammunition, in the arrangement according to the invention, switching elements are provided for characterizing the type of ammunition, which switching elements produce different correction signals according to the type of ammunition.

According to a further feature of the invention, the pulse transmitter is connected to the fuse with the interposition of an electrical gate circuit of the AND type, the other input of the gate being connected to the firing button, such that the pulses reach the fuse only after the firing button has been actuated.

In order to be able to carry out the setting of the fuse in an advantageous manner depending on the correction signals and the target data, the switching circuit for controlling the fuse has a counting chain with a storage element connected on the load side and a pulse generator, as well as an acceleration-responsive switch, which switch connects the pulse generator to the counting chain after the accelerating phase, so that during its operating period the pulse generator renders the ignition element operative by means of the counting chain while taking into consideration the value stored in the storage element. The switching circuit for activating the fuse and for supplying power to the switching circuit for setting the fuse also comprises an ignition voltage section for supplying the ignition current for the ignition element and of a low voltage section for supplying power to the switching circuit for setting the fuse. The ignition voltage section preferably comprises a capacitor and a rectifier connected in series and the low voltage section comprises a capacitor with a zener diode connected in parallel and a resistor connected in series therewith and a rectifier.

In a further development of this system arrangement, an active power source is arranged in parallel to the low voltage section, which can be connected to the switching circuit for setting the fuse by means of an acceleration-responsive switch in such a way that the active power source only supplies the switching circuit with power after the projectile has left the barrel of the piece.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and system arrangement for determining information of the type and condition of ammunition which is readied for firing and for controlling the positioning of a piece of ordnance and/or setting the fuse of the ammunition in accordance with the ammunition information as well as target and external correction data which overcomes the drawbacks of prior art arrangements.

It is another object to provide electrical ignition primer means which can be secured to conventional ammunition and which includes a common lead for all signals to and from the ammunition.

It is a further object to provide ammunition which is electrically detonatable via the cartridge case serving as one pole for the circuit and a contact electrically insulated therefrom as the other pole.

These and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more obvious from the following description, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration only, several embodiments in accordance with the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically a projectile cartridge connected to a firing control computer, the cartridge being located in a barrel of a piece of ordnance;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic circuit diagram of an activating device;

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the sequence of the measuring and control signals when using a series of pulses for setting the fuse;

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the current flow curves for various types of projectile when using different capacitors as elements for recognizing the type of ammunition;

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the sequence of the measuring and control signals when using negative voltage pulses for setting the fuse; and

FIG. 6 is a graph showing current flow curves for various types of projectile when using different resistors as elements for recognizing the type of ammunition.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views and more particularly to FIG. I, there is shown a projectile cartridge 2 with acase 20 and aprojectile 2b located in a cartridge chamber In of a barrel 1 of a piece of ordnance. The projectile cartridge is secured in the barrel 1 of the piece by a breech-block mechanism part 3. A threaded electrical ignition primer 4 is screwed into thecase 2a and is provided with a centrally disposedcontact 6 which serves as an electrical pole or electrode and is electrically insulated by a layer ofsynthetic material 5. Thecentral contact 6 is connected by adiode 7 to atemperature sensing element 9, for example, a thermistor, and to an element for characterizing the type of ammunition in the form of a capacitor 8a, connected in parallel thereto, and to the threaded electrical ignition primer 4 which is in electrical contact with thecase 2a. Thecase 20 serves as the other electric pole or electrode for the ammunition circuits and is generally at ground potential. In parallel with this circuit is a series connection of a four-layer diode Ill and an electrical propellent charge igniter l2,

the igniter being surrounded by apropellent charge powder 10. Thecentral contact 6 is also connected by plug andsocket connections 14 to aprojectile fuse 15, which can be a delay fuse or time fuse, a proximity fuse or an impact detonator.

The fuse includes a fuse activating device 39, which receives a signal via the blockingdevice 13 for making the ammunition live only when it has been inserted in thecartridge chamber 1a of the barrel 1 of the piece. In the present embodiment an electronic time fuse is illustrated which is set by a firing control computer, as will be described hereafter, and includes acounting chain 36 with astorage device 38 connected on the load side and apulse generator 35, preferably in the form of a quartz crystal timer. The countingchain 36 is connected to thecentral contact 6 by adiode 33 and the plug andsocket contacts 14 and is controlled by thepulse generator 35 such that a signal is sent to anignition device 37, when the specified time for firing the projectile has been reached.

The activating device 39 serves for supplying power to both thepulse generator 35 as well as thecounting chain 36 and thestorage device 38. In addition, it serves for supplying the ignition current for theignition device 37. According to a preferred embodiment, the activating device 39 is divided into anignition voltage part 39a for supplying the ignition current for theignition member 37 and into alow voltage part 39b for supplying power to thepulse generator 35, the countingchain 36 and thestorage device 38. As shown in FIG. 2, thelow voltage part 39b includes acapacitor 41 connected in parallel with aZener diode 42, which capacitor 41 is charged via aresistor 43 and therectifier 13b to the voltage, for example, of about 15V, illustrated by the first part of the signal c in FIG. 3. Theignition voltage part 39a, consisting of thecapacitor 40, is then charged by therecitfier 13a to the voltage of approximately 100V illustrated by the second part of the signal c. Since theZener diode 42 becomes conductive at a voltage above 15V, the voltage at thecapacitor 41 is independent of the higher ignition voltage and remains at the former value.

In accordance with a further development of this embodiment, a power source in the form of anelectrical battery 44 is connected in parallel with thelow voltage capacitor 41. Thebattery 44 is intended for supplying power to thepulse generator 35, the countingchain 36 and thestorage device 38, after the projectile 2b has left the barrel 1 of the piece. For this purpose, an accelerationresponsive switch 34 is interposed, which makes the connection only when the acceleration phase has ended. In this manner the constant connection of thebattery 44 to the pulse generator, the countingchain 36 and thestorage device 38 resulting in discharge of the battery is avoided. Also, during the high acceleration after the ignition of the propellent charge, thepulse generator 35 may not work properly and therefore, according to the invention, thepulse generator 35 is connected to thecounting chain 36 by another acceleration-responsive switch 34 only after the acceleration phase. It should be noted that the ignition voltage does not of necessity have to be supplied from outside. It can also be produced by means of induction by thelow voltage part 39b. Thus, it is possible to avoid providing a source of ignition voltage on the piece, of course due to this the fuse becomes more complicated.

It should be noted that in a projectile with, for example, an impact detonator, the activating device 39 can consist of a simple switch member, which makes the fuse live. However, it can also consist of a power storing device, to which the necessary power is supplied from outside by a power supply device. Depending upon the requirements, it can also be an active power source which is switched on from outside or of a combination of both.

As shown in FIG. 1, thecentral contact 6 is connected to a change-over switch 20 by acontact 17 insulated in a layer ofsynthetic material 16 provided in the breechblock mechanism 3. This change-over switch has an input II for the ammunition activating signal, which is produced in agenerating device 40 of conventional construction which provides either a pulse, which switches on the activating device 39 or a voltage signal of a certain duration, which charges the activating device 39. Another input I of the change-over switch 20 is connected to thefiring control computer 18 by a measuring andcontrol device 27 for recognizing the type of ammunition and a temperature measuring andcontrol device 28. The firingcontrol computer 18 serves for actuating thepositioning mechanism 22 for the piece of ordnance and for setting thefuse 15 depending on the data supplied, i.e., depending on the external correction data supplied bytransducer device 26, on the target data supplied by thetransducer device 25, on the type of ammunition supplied by thedevice 27 and on the powder temperature supplied by thedevice 28. It should be noted thattransducer device 25, 26 and measuringdevices 27 and 28 are all of conventional construction for performing the desired operations in converting input data into signals utilizable as 1 inputs for thecomputer 18. The determining values for thefuse 15 are converted by means of 'apulse transmitter 32 into a series of pulses, the number of which is determined by the correction signals and target data supplied to thecomputer 18 which provides an output totransmitter 32. These pulses are preferably sent to the ammunition via an AND gate 31 and the change-over switch 20. The second input of the gate 31 is connected to thefiring button 21, so that the pulses from thepulse transmitter 32 are only passed on to fuse 15 after thefiring button 21 has been pressed.

According to a further embodiment (not shown) the determining values for thefuse 15 are expressed by negative voltage pulses d as shown in FIG. 5, the voltage level of which is determined by the correction signals and target data supplied, the different voltage level of the illustrated voltage pulses representing the changing computer output in accordance with the values of the correction signals and target data which are continuously altering up to the moment of firing.

The first pulse coming from the gate 31 is further sent via adelay device 30 to the propellentcharge ignition device 29, which provides an output signal e, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, in the form of a greatly increased voltage to the electricpropellent charge igniter 12. The ignition voltage is of a level which causes the four-layer diode 11 to conduct, the diode only becoming conductive at this voltage. Obviously, the four-layer diode 11 may be replaced by another equivalent device, which has a blocking action in one direction and becomes conductive at a predetermined voltage. It should be noted that theelectrical delay device 30 is only necessary if the time between the actuation of the electricpropellent charge igniter 12 and the ignition of the propellent charge is too short for sending the fuse setting pulses to the fuse.

In operation, upon placing the ammunition in the ammunition chamber of the piece of ordnance and switching on the firing control computer, the change-over switch 20 alternately establishes a connection between one of its inputs I and II and its output III, beginning with a connection between the input I and the output III. At this moment a voltage is applied via thediode 7 to the measuring circuit consisting of thecapacitor 80 and theresistor 9. This voltage corresponds to the signal a in FIG. 3 and is supplied by the measuring andcontrol device 27 which, for example, may include suitable means for providing the signal at the instance of switching of the change-over switch. As indicated previously, the capacitance of the capacitor 8a is chosen in accordance with the type of ammunition, so that for different types of ammunition the different charging currents shown in FIG. 4 result. Thedevice 27 also includes means for recognizing the type of ammunition in the form of a current measuringmember 27b and adelay member 27a connected in such a manner that the charging current is measured a certain time T after switching on the voltage, so that according to the type of ammunition a current I,, I I of varying magnitude is measured (FIG. 4) and a signal indicative thereof is supplied to thefiring control computer 18, which uses this value for setting thefuse 15. After the charging current through the capacitor 8a dies away, there flows through thethermistor 9 only the constant current I whose value depends on the instantaneous resistance of thethermistor 9. Thetemperature measuring device 28 measures this current and provides an output signal indicative of the temperature of the propellent charge which is fed to thefiring control computer 18. As shown in FIG. 3, the two signals a and b have a positive polarity at thecentral contact 6, whereas the signal 0, which is produced by the generatingdevice 40, has a negative polarity. This signal c is fed to the activating device 39 for charging the capacitors when thechangeover switch 20 produces the connection between the input II and output III in accordance with its timed switching characteristics. After a predetermined time interval the change-over switch 20 switches back to the connection between the input I and the output III and the signals a and b are again supplied to thefiring control computer 18 for updating the computer. After another switching to the connection between the input II and the output III, a connection from the generatingdevice 40 is again made to the activating device 39. It should be noted that the alternating input of positive and negative signals a, b, can be used to return the counting chain to a definite starting position, so that these signals do not influence the setting of the fuse.

By pressing thefiring button 21 at the point A, as shown in FIG. 3, the change-over switch is instantaneously switched back to the connection between the input I and the output III. A signal is thus provided to the gate 31 which enables the gate and passes the pulses d (FIG. 3) from thepulse transmitter 32 to thecounting chain 36 by way of the change-over switch 20, the plug and socket connections M and thediode 33. The first pulse is also fed with a predetermined delay which is determined by the delay device or by the ignition delay of the propellent charge to the propellentcharge ignition device 29 which provides a greatly increased voltage output signal e to the electricpropellent charge igniter 12 through the four-layer diode 11 which is conductive at this voltage. Thus, the ignition of the propellent charge occurs and the projectile is accelerated in the barrel of the piece. During the acceleration phase, the acceleration-responsive switch 34 is opened so that the pulse generator35 is separated from the countingchain 36. After the projectile leaves the barrel, the acceleration ceases and thepulse generator 35 is connected to thecounting chain 36. From this point on thepulse generator 35, the countingchain 36 and the storage device act upon each other in a wellknown manner such that after a period corresponding to the number of pulses supplied, a signal is sent to theignition device 37, which explodes the projectile.

The aforedescribed method of operation relates to a projectile with a time fuse. However, different types of fuses may be utilized. For example in a projectile with a proximity fuse, the signal coming from thepulse counter 36 does not cause the projectile to explode, but rather activates the actual proximity fuse a short distance from the target, so that a premature explosion by the response of the proximity fuse to objects other than the target is thus avoided.

It should be noted that the member 8a for recognizing the type of ammunition does not necessarily have to be a capacitor, as shown, but may be replaced by other electrical members, such as, for example, by a resistor or an inductance or a combination of these. When using different resistors as the member for recognizing the different types of ammunition and assuming that the powder temperature alters with the time T, according to the type of ammunition, for example, the current flow curves I,, I,, I' illustrated in FIG. 6 result.

Under certain circumstances, the gate 31 can be dispensed with, such that the pulses from thepulse transmitter 32 are fed to thefuse 15 after each occurrence of the activating signal 0. In this manner, the setting of the fuse would alter continuously until the moment of firing. However, care must be taken in this type of operation to ensure that the last pulse sequence before firing effects the final setting of the fuse.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It should therefore be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What we claim is:

1. A method for determining the type and condition of electrically detonatable ammunition which is ready for firing from a piece of ordnance including the steps of supplying successive electrical signals to measuring and control circuits associated with the ammunition, modifying the signals in accordance with the type and condition of the ammunition, supplying signals corresponding to the modified signals of the type and condition values of the ammunition as correction signals to a firing control computer, supplying target data signals to the firing control computer, and processing the correction signals and target data signals to provide output signals corresponding to at least one of a desired positioning for the piece of ordnance for firing the ammunition and a desired setting for a fuse of the electrically detonatable ammunition.

2. A method according to claim 1 and further including the steps of supplying external correction signals to the firing control computer, and positioning the piece of ordnance and setting the fuse in accordance with the processed signals.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the steps of supplying signals to the measuring and control circuits and supplying modified signals of the type and condition values of the ammunition includes applying the signals and modified signals through a single insulated central contact of an electrical ignition primer for the ammunition.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein a part of the signals supplied in succession are of opposite polarity to the remainder of the signals.

5. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the signals for setting the fuse are in the form of a series of pulses, and including the step of varying the number of pulses in accordance with the correction signals and target data.

6. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the signals for setting the fuse are in the form of voltage pulses, and including the step of varying the voltage levels in accordance with the correction signals and target data.

7. A firing control system for determining the type and condition of electrically detonatable ammunition which is ready for firing from a piece of ordnance, comprising ammunition having circuit meansfor sensing the magnitude of at least one parameter of the ammunition, control circuit means and firing circuit means arranged therein, each of said circuit means having a common lead and each including blocking means for preventing a signal applied to one circuit means from being applied to another circuit means, said ammunition having the case thereof serving asan electrode and a contact electrically insulated therefrom serving as another electrode for detonation of the ammunition, a firing control computer means for connection with said common lead of said circuit means of the ammunition for supplying signals to the ammunition and receiving signals therefrom indicative of the type and condition thereof in the form of correction signals, said computer means being responsive to the ammunition correction signals, external correction signals and target signals supplied thereto for providing output signals for at least one of positioning the ordnance piece and for setting the control circuit means of the electrically detonatable ammunition.

8. A firing control system according toclaim 7 wherein said computer means includes a firing control computer having connected thereto sensing means, control means, external correction means and target means, said sensing means and control means being arranged for connection to said common lead of the ammunition.

9. A firing control system according to claim 8, wherein the ammunition includes electrical ignition primer means in engagement with the case of the ammunition, said primer means having said electrically insulated contact centrally arranged therein, said contact serving for connecting said common lead of said circuit means to said computer means.

10. A firing control system according toclaim 9, wherein said electrical ignition primer means is in screw-threaded engagement with the ammunition.

11. A system according toclaim 9, wherein said firing circuit means includes an electric propellant charge igniter and associated blocking means in the form of a rectifier, said sensing circuit means includes a temperature-responsive resistor and an electrical device means for identifying the type of ammunition and associated blocking means in the form of a rectifier having the same polarity as the firing circuit rectifier, and said control circuit means includes a projectile fuse which can be controlled electrically.

12. A system according toclaim 9, wherein said blocking meansof said firing circuit means is a fourlayer diode.

13. A system according toclaim 11, wherein the elec trically controllable projectile fuse includes a first switching circuit means for activating the fuse, the associated blocking means being in the form of a rectifier having opposite polarity relative to the other blocking rectifiers.

14. A system according toclaim 13, wherein the electrically controllable fuse includes a second switching circuit means for setting the fuse in accordance with the correction signals and target signals supplied to said computer means, the associated blocking means being in the form of a rectifier having the same polarity as the rectifiers for the firing circuit and the measuring cir cuit. I

15. A system according toclaim 14, wherein said control means of said computer means includes pulse transmitter means connected to the firing control computer and adapted to be selectively connected to the switching circuit for setting the fuse for delivering pulsesthe number of which varies in accordance with the firing control computer output signal depending on the correction signals and target data signals supplied to the firing control computer.

16. A system according toclaim 7, wherein the sensing circuit means determines the type of ammunition and includes electrical elements for characterizing the type of ammunition, said elements providing different correction signals according to the type of ammunition.

17. A system according toclaim 15, wherein an AND gate is connected between the pulse transmitter and the fuse, the pulse transmitter providing an input to the AND gate, and a firing button providing another input to the AND gate such that the pulses reach the fuse after the firing button has been actuated.

18. A system according toclaim 14, wherein the fuse includes an ignition means and the switching circuit means for setting the fuse comprises a counting chain with a storage member connected on the load side, a pulse generator and an acceleration-responsive switch,

the acceleration-responsive switch connecting the pulse generator to the counting chain after the acceleration phase of the fired ammunition, and wherein the pulse generator during its operating period renders the ignition means operative via the counting chain in accordance with the signal magnitude stored in the storage member.

19. A system according toclaim 14, wherein the fuse includes an ignition means and the switching circuit means for activating the fuse and for supplying power to the switching circuit means for setting the fuse, said activating switching circuit means comprising an ignition voltage section for supplying the ignition current for the ignition means and a low voltage section for supplying power to the fuse setting switching circuit means.

20. A system according to claim 19, wherein the ignition voltage section comprises a capacitor and a rectifier connected in series and the low voltage section comprises a capacitor with a Zener diode connected in parallel and a resistor connected in series therewith and a rectifier.

21. A system according toclaim 20, wherein an active power source is provided in parallel with the low voltage section, an acceleration-responsive switch being connected between the active power source and the switching circuit for setting the fuse such that the active power souce only supplies the switching circuit with power after the projectile has left the barrel of the piece.

22. A system according toclaim 15, wherein the measuring circuit means for determining the type of ammunition includes electrical elements for characterizing the type of ammunition, said elements providing different correction signals according to the type of ammunition.

23. A system according toclaim 16, wherein an AND gate is connected between the pulse transmitter and the fuse, the pulse transmitter providing an input to the AND date, and a firing button providing another input to the AND gate such that the pulses reach the fuse after the firing button has been actuated.

24. A system according toclaim 17, wherein the fuse includes an ignition means and the switching circuit means for setting the fuse comprises a counting chain with a storage member connected on the load side, a pulse generator and an acceleration-responsive switch,

the acceleration-responsive switch connecting the pulse generator to the counting chain after the acceleration phase of the fired ammunition, and wherein the pulse generator during its operating period renders the ignition means operative via the counting chain in accordance with the signal magnitude stored in the storage member.

25. A system according toclaim 18, wherein the fuse includes an ignition means and the switching circuit means for activating the fuse and for supplying power to the switching circuit means for setting the fuse, said activating switching circuit means comprising an ignition voltage section for supplying the ignition current for the ignition means and a low voltage section for supplying power to the fuse setting switching circuit means.

26. A system according toclaim 25, wherein the ignition voltage section comprises a capacitor and a recitifer connected in series and the low voltage section comprises a capacitor with a Zener diode connected in parallel and a resistor connected in series therewith and a rectifier.

27. A system according toclaim 26, wherein an active power source is provided in parallel with the low voltage section, an acceleration-responsive switch being connected between the active power source and the switching circuit for setting the fuse such that the active power source only supplies the switching circuit with power after the projectile has left the barrel of the piece.

Claims (27)

1. A method for determining the type and condition of electrically detonatable ammunition which is ready for firing from a piece of ordnance including the steps of supplying successive electrical signals to measuring and control circuits associated with the ammunition, modifying the signals in accordance with the type and condition of the ammunition, supplying signals corresponding to the modified signals of the type and condition values of the ammunition as correction signals to a firing control computer, supplying target data signals to the firing control computer, and processing the correction signals and target data signals to provide output signals corresponding to at least one of a desired positioning for the piece of ordnance for firing the ammunition and a desired setting for a fuse of the electrically detonatable ammunition.

2. A method according to claim 1 and further including the steps of supplying external correction signals to the firing control computer, and positioning the piece of ordnance and setting the fuse in accordance with the processed signals.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the steps of supplying signals to the measuring and control circuits and supplying modified signals of the type and condition values of the ammunition includes applying the signals and modified signals through a single insulated central contact of an electrical ignition primer for the ammunition.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein a part of the signals supplied in succession are of opposite polarity to the remainder of the signals.

5. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the signals for setting the fuse are in the form of a series of pulses, and including the step of varying the number of pulses in accordance with the correction signals and target data.

6. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the signals for setting the fuse are in the form of voltage pulses, and including the step of varying the voltage levels in accordance with the correction signals and target data.

7. A firing control system for determining the type and condition of electrically detonatable ammunition which is ready for firing from a piece of ordnance, comprising ammunition having circuit means for sensing the magnitude of at least one parameter of the ammunition, control circuit means and firing circuit means arranged therein, each of said circuit means having a common lead and each including blocking means for preventing a signal applied to one circuit means from being applied to another circuit means, said ammunition having the case thereof serving as an electrode and a contact electrically insulated therefrom serving as another electrode for detonation of the ammunition, a firing control computer means for connection with said common lead of said circuit means of the ammunition for supplying signals to the ammunition and receiving signals therefrom indicative of the type and condition thereof in the form of correction signals, said computer means being responsive to the ammunition correction signals, external correction signals and target signals supplied thereto for providing output signals for at least one of positioning the ordnance piece and for setting the control circuit means of the electrically detonatable ammunition.

8. A firing control system accorDing to claim 7 wherein said computer means includes a firing control computer having connected thereto sensing means, control means, external correction means and target means, said sensing means and control means being arranged for connection to said common lead of the ammunition.

9. A firing control system according to claim 8, wherein the ammunition includes electrical ignition primer means in engagement with the case of the ammunition, said primer means having said electrically insulated contact centrally arranged therein, said contact serving for connecting said common lead of said circuit means to said computer means.

10. A firing control system according to claim 9, wherein said electrical ignition primer means is in screw-threaded engagement with the ammunition.

11. A system according to claim 9, wherein said firing circuit means includes an electric propellant charge igniter and associated blocking means in the form of a rectifier, said sensing circuit means includes a temperature-responsive resistor and an electrical device means for identifying the type of ammunition and associated blocking means in the form of a rectifier having the same polarity as the firing circuit rectifier, and said control circuit means includes a projectile fuse which can be controlled electrically.

12. A system according to claim 9, wherein said blocking means of said firing circuit means is a four-layer diode.

13. A system according to claim 11, wherein the electrically controllable projectile fuse includes a first switching circuit means for activating the fuse, the associated blocking means being in the form of a rectifier having opposite polarity relative to the other blocking rectifiers.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein the electrically controllable fuse includes a second switching circuit means for setting the fuse in accordance with the correction signals and target signals supplied to said computer means, the associated blocking means being in the form of a rectifier having the same polarity as the rectifiers for the firing circuit and the measuring circuit.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein said control means of said computer means includes pulse transmitter means connected to the firing control computer and adapted to be selectively connected to the switching circuit for setting the fuse for delivering pulses the number of which varies in accordance with the firing control computer output signal depending on the correction signals and target data signals supplied to the firing control computer.

16. A system according to claim 7, wherein the sensing circuit means determines the type of ammunition and includes electrical elements for characterizing the type of ammunition, said elements providing different correction signals according to the type of ammunition.

17. A system according to claim 15, wherein an AND gate is connected between the pulse transmitter and the fuse, the pulse transmitter providing an input to the AND gate, and a firing button providing another input to the AND gate such that the pulses reach the fuse after the firing button has been actuated.

18. A system according to claim 14, wherein the fuse includes an ignition means and the switching circuit means for setting the fuse comprises a counting chain with a storage member connected on the load side, a pulse generator and an acceleration-responsive switch, the acceleration-responsive switch connecting the pulse generator to the counting chain after the acceleration phase of the fired ammunition, and wherein the pulse generator during its operating period renders the ignition means operative via the counting chain in accordance with the signal magnitude stored in the storage member.

19. A system according to claim 14, wherein the fuse includes an ignition means and the switching circuit means for activating the fuse and for supplying power to the switching circuit means for setting the fuse, said activating switching circuit means comprising an ignitIon voltage section for supplying the ignition current for the ignition means and a low voltage section for supplying power to the fuse setting switching circuit means.

20. A system according to claim 19, wherein the ignition voltage section comprises a capacitor and a rectifier connected in series and the low voltage section comprises a capacitor with a Zener diode connected in parallel and a resistor connected in series therewith and a rectifier.

21. A system according to claim 20, wherein an active power source is provided in parallel with the low voltage section, an acceleration-responsive switch being connected between the active power source and the switching circuit for setting the fuse such that the active power souce only supplies the switching circuit with power after the projectile has left the barrel of the piece.

22. A system according to claim 15, wherein the measuring circuit means for determining the type of ammunition includes electrical elements for characterizing the type of ammunition, said elements providing different correction signals according to the type of ammunition.

23. A system according to claim 16, wherein an AND gate is connected between the pulse transmitter and the fuse, the pulse transmitter providing an input to the AND date, and a firing button providing another input to the AND gate such that the pulses reach the fuse after the firing button has been actuated.

24. A system according to claim 17, wherein the fuse includes an ignition means and the switching circuit means for setting the fuse comprises a counting chain with a storage member connected on the load side, a pulse generator and an acceleration-responsive switch, the acceleration-responsive switch connecting the pulse generator to the counting chain after the acceleration phase of the fired ammunition, and wherein the pulse generator during its operating period renders the ignition means operative via the counting chain in accordance with the signal magnitude stored in the storage member.

25. A system according to claim 18, wherein the fuse includes an ignition means and the switching circuit means for activating the fuse and for supplying power to the switching circuit means for setting the fuse, said activating switching circuit means comprising an ignition voltage section for supplying the ignition current for the ignition means and a low voltage section for supplying power to the fuse setting switching circuit means.

26. A system according to claim 25, wherein the ignition voltage section comprises a capacitor and a recitifer connected in series and the low voltage section comprises a capacitor with a Zener diode connected in parallel and a resistor connected in series therewith and a rectifier.

27. A system according to claim 26, wherein an active power source is provided in parallel with the low voltage section, an acceleration-responsive switch being connected between the active power source and the switching circuit for setting the fuse such that the active power source only supplies the switching circuit with power after the projectile has left the barrel of the piece.

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