Patent Grant
8209064
The present invention pertains generally to a reusable target for small arms practice. More specifically, the present invention pertains to remotely controlled moving targets. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively useful as a moving target having a selectively repairable/replaceable façade structure, and an armor-protected automotive unit that is survivable for repetitive reuse with a plurality of different façades.
When one's physical safety is involved, the response to a threat from another relies on many factors. In particular, a response to threats in a combat, or quasi-combat environment must be as instinctive as possible, and it must be appropriate for elimination of the threat. This requires both preparation and training.
A realistic environment for training is a significant consideration when preparing an individual(s) to encounter a life-threatening situation. In a combat environment where there are many different types of threats, it is all the more important that an individual be able to identify and properly respond to each threat. With this in mind, a situation of particular importance in today's conflicts arises wherever a conventional looking land vehicle (i.e. an unarmored vehicle) drives into a potential strike zone without proper identification or authorization. In a combat environment, even though the vehicle may look like a car, truck or some other non-military vehicle, a justifiable response to this situation is to engage the vehicle with small arms fire.
In preparation for a situation as presented above, a realistic target should be used for training purposes. It must look like a vehicle, move like a vehicle, and sound like a vehicle. Further, the action that is taken to nullify (eliminate) such a target must be the same as will be used for a response to such a threat in actual combat. Specifically, this means the land vehicle (target) will be engaged by small arms fire. In this case, the term “small arms” means any portable firearm (e.g. rifles, pistols and light machine guns). As a practical matter, however, this may also include 50 cal. weapons. In any event, when a vehicle (training target or otherwise) is engaged, the expectation is that the target vehicle will be destroyed. This can be expensive. Particularly, when a large number of target vehicles are needed during a training cycle.
In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile target assembly (i.e. target vehicle) having a façade that can be repaired/replaced for a subsequent training exercise, after being damaged/destroyed by small arms fire. Another object of the present invention is to provide a target vehicle having an armor-protected automotive unit that is survivable for subsequent use after being attacked by small arms fire. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile target assembly that is easy to manufacture, is simple to use and is comparatively cost effective.
A mobile target assembly in accordance with the present invention includes an automotive unit that is mounted on a chassis. Also included is an armored shell. Specifically, the armored shell is formed with a compartment for receiving the automotive unit therein when the armored shell is mounted on the chassis. With this configuration, the automotive unit is enclosed and is effectively protected by the armored shell. Further, the mobile target assembly includes a façade that is selectively affixed to the armored shell. The purpose of the façade is to give the target assembly a visual presentation that is representative of a land vehicle (e.g. a civilian car or commercial type truck).
For the present invention there are a plurality of different façades. Only one façade, of course, is selectively useable for the target assembly at a time. In detail, each façade is manufactured using a plastic foam type material, and it is shaped to represent a conventional land vehicle. Importantly, each façade is repairable/replaceable. Thus, when a façade is damaged or destroyed, it can either be repaired for reuse, or it can simply be discarded.
As indicated above, the armored shell of the target assembly structurally supports a selected façade. Additionally, the armored shell is designed to enclose and protect the automotive unit during use of the target assembly. For this purpose, the armored shell is mounted on the chassis. With this structural combination in mind, a description of the armored shell is perhaps best appreciated using a chassis-based reference system. Specifically, consider that the chassis defines a base plane and a central axis that is perpendicular to the base plane. In relation to this reference system, the armored shell has an upper portion and a lower portion. In detail, the upper portion includes a plurality of panels, and each of these panels is inclined relative to the base plane at a respective angle α. In general, the angle α is in a range between 20° and 45°. Further, the lower portion also includes a plurality of panels. Similarly, each panel of the lower portion is inclined relative to the base plane at a respective angle β. In general, the angle β is in a range between 20° and 45°. Also, the upper portion is joined to the lower portion to establish a periphery surrounding the central axis, wherein each panel of the upper portion and each panel of the lower portion extend a respectively predetermined distance from the periphery. Additionally, the armored shell includes a top plate that is affixed to the upper portion to establish the compartment between the top plate, the upper portion and the lower portion. Preferably, the top plate and the panels are made of AR 500.
For an operation of the present invention, a façade is selected and mounted on the armored shell. The automotive unit is then activated. For the present invention, the automotive unit includes a remote control unit for steering the target assembly. It also includes a propulsion unit that is responsive to the control unit for controlled movement of the target assembly. Although the control unit will preferably include a steering lever and a throttle lever, any type of remote controls that are well known in the pertinent art can be used. In any event, the control unit is used to move the target assembly into a target area.
As envisioned for the present invention, the moving target assembly is intended for use in a training exercise to pose a realistic threat to trainees (e.g. soldiers and marines) within the target area. The expectation here is that the trainees will respond to the perceived threat (i.e. vehicle incursion into the target area) with small arms fire. Specifically, it is expected this small arms fire will damage or destroy the façade. It is also expected, however, that due to the armored shell, the small arms fire will not damage or destroy the automotive unit. Instead, in accordance with the present invention, a new (repaired or replacement) façade can be affixed to a previously used armored shell for subsequent use as a mobile vehicle target assembly.
The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
Referring initially to
With reference to
Returning to
The armored shell 16 is essentially a plurality of panels 50 that comprise the upper portion 44 (the panels 50a and 50b are exemplary), and a plurality of panels 52 that comprise the lower portion 46 (the panels 52a and 52b are exemplary). Structurally, the panels 50 in the upper portion 44 of armored shell 16 are connected to each other and, as best seen with reference to
The façade 14 can be of any configuration desired. Specifically, it should be designed to mimic the type of vehicle that is commonly used by indigenous personnel. More importantly, the façade 14 should be inexpensive and, if not easily repaired for reuse, should be discarded. Preferably, the façade 14 will be made of a foam plastic material and painted as desired. For the purposes of the present invention, the façade 14 can be affixed to the armored shell 16 in any way well known in the pertinent art, such as by gluing or with fasteners.
In the operation of the present invention, trainees 58 are pre-positioned in a target area 12. They are then presented with a perceived threat as a target assembly 10 is moved (driven) into the target area 12. For the present invention this movement of the target assembly 10 is accomplished by remotely controlling the target assembly 10 with a control box 32. The expected reaction in this training exercise is that the target assembly 10 will be engaged by small arms fire from the trainees 58a,b. The consequence of this engagement will most likely be the destruction of the façade 14. Once the live fire exercise has been completed, the destroyed façade 14 can be repaired or removed from the armored shell 16. As disclosed above, the armored shell 16 is designed to survive an attack by small arms fire. If the façade 14 cannot be repaired and instead needs to be removed, it can be easily replaced and the target assembly 10 can then be reused for a subsequent training exercise.
While the particular Ballistic Robotic Vehicle as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20100274413 A1 | Oct 2010 | US |
