Patent Grant
11131521
The present invention relates to a rocket launching module that can be independently operated or that can be installed on the body of a vehicle.
Various artillery equipment for the transport and launching of artillery are known in the art. For land use, the most well-known solutions involve vehicles such as tanks and 4×4 wheeled cars and combat trucks.
A common type of rocket launching vehicle comprises a vehicle whose body has a flat support surface that receives the launching equipment. The apparatus comprises a box-like structure with rocket receiving cylinders. The housing is pivotable between a position where the cylinders have their longitudinal geometric axis parallel to the plane of the support surface and a position where the lower surface of the housing structure is at an acute or right angle to the support surface, with the pivotable axle being generally arranged near the rear end of the vehicle.
Thus, according to the type and weight of weaponry employed, the box-type structure and articulation device should be sized to support the weight of the pivoting structure and rockets to be launched. Typically, the higher the weight of the rockets, the smaller the amount that can be packed at a time in the box structure. For heavy weaponry, such as missiles, the box-like structure is generally smaller in capacity, accommodating from two to four missiles at a time.
The weight of the weaponry influences both the capacity of the box-like structure and the construction of the pivotable articulation system. Since the weapon handling needs to be done with a large margin of safety, the pivotable articulation system must be both robust and secure.
Another disadvantage associated with known launching equipment is the need to have a vehicle completely dedicated to launching as the vehicle must be modified to incorporate the pivotable articulation system and to form the flat support surface.
In addition to the problems noted above, known launching equipment also has a limitation related to weapon aiming, as the box structure has limited movement to the pivot joint.
Some solutions are known in the art to provide greater flexibility for launching equipment.
Document EP 1739382 shows a projectile launcher comprising a vehicle with a pivotable launching platform with a plurality of launching structures arranged side by side.
Document EP 2 754 989 shows a rocket launch container that is received by a device having a lateral steering portion and a vertical steering portion.
Document JP 2003/056997 describes a missile launcher that allows for greater freedom of launch angle adjustment. The adjustment system comprises a pneumatic system with pivot arms.
Document US 2010/0282150 discloses a folding ramp specially adapted for use on ships. The ramp has a folding structure where the missile supports are installed. The folding structure comprises articulated arms.
Document U.S. Pat. No. 3,316,809 shows a retractable missile launcher for an armored vehicle. A shell containing the missiles is mounted on a shielded ring with a track displacement system and a rack and gear system is used for shrinkage of the shell.
Document U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,790 describes a weaponry drive system comprising a support cage, a movable platform carrying a weapon and a retractable roof covering the weapon.
Document EP 0 612 969 describes an all-terrain vehicle with a pivotable structure with a rig platform, where the structure is pivotable between a transport position and an operating position.
These known solutions, however, either fail to provide the strength required to support a missile or rocket-type artillery assembly or comprise excessively complex structures, requiring the use of systems with a plurality of mechanical, hydraulic-actuated or pneumatic arms.
Thus, a need in the art for a solution that allows launching rockets in a stable and robust but simple and that allows the use of the module independent form or installed in a vehicle remains.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a stable, robust and versatile rocket launching module.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a rocket launching module that can be operated independently or can be installed on a vehicle body.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rocket launching module with a protected configuration when arranged in a retracted configuration in the body of a vehicle.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a rocket launching module whose retraction and steering movement is driven by electric actuators.
The present invention achieves the above objectives by means of a rocket launching module comprising a base frame comprising at least one rail; a sliding table configured to slide substantially vertically on said rail when driven by at least one electric linear actuator; and a targeting device comprising a turntable on which a pivotable body supporting a rocket support portion is mounted. The sliding table comprises a platform configured to receive the turntable of the targeting device.
Preferably, the base frame comprises a four-column rectangular shaped frame, each of the four columns defining a rail; the sliding table comprises a support structure supporting the substantially flat platform; the sliding table support structure comprises a plurality of lugs configured to slide into the frame rails; and the substantially flat platform sliding table comprises an opening that receives the turntable for the targeting device.
In order to provide a steady displacement of the slide table, the module further comprises two linear actuators arranged at opposite ends of the frame, wherein the actuators are powered by electric motor and connected to the slide table by a transition piece.
Preferentially, the body of the pivotable targeting device is designed so that the position of its articulation axis coincides with the center of mass of the support portion receiving a set of rockets.
The pivoting movement of the turntable and the pivoting movement of the pivoting body are preferably driven by an electric actuator.
The module may comprise an outer cage that may be used for transportation or, when provided with feet, allows the module to operate independently.
The present invention further contemplates a rocket launch vehicle comprising a body having an upper opening that can be selectively opened or closed and the launching module of the present invention, so that when the upper opening of the body is closed, the sliding table is retracted from the frame; and when the upper body opening is open; the sliding table is slid vertically on the frame rails to an extended position in which the targeting device is exposed outside the vehicle body.
The present invention will be described in more detail herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The present invention will be described hereinafter based on two embodiments of the invention shown in
The launching module comprises a base frame 1 and a table 3 configured to slide substantially vertically on rails of the base frame 1.
The base frame 1 preferably comprises a rectangular frame with four columns 2 arranged at the corners of the rectangle shape. Part of the inner surface of each column—that is, part of the surface of each column facing into the frame—forms a rail 2a.
The sliding table 3 is configured to receive a targeting device 4. Thus, in the preferred embodiment of the invention shown, the sliding table 3 comprises an opening for receiving the turntable of the targeting device 4.
Preferably, the sliding table 3 comprises a substantially flat platform 8 (with the opening) and a support structure 9.
The support structure 9 comprises shoulders configured to engage the rails 2a of the base frame. Preferably, the base structure comprises eight shoulders, two spaced aligned shoulders being arranged to fit each rail 2a.
With this configuration in frame 1 and sliding table 3, the flat platform supporting the targeting device 4 can be safely and stably moved vertically, as the platform is slidably supported on the four columns 2a of the base frame 1.
A linear actuator 11 powered by electric motor 12 preferably achieves the substantially vertical displacement of the sliding table 3. In the module shown in
As shown in the figures, preferably the linear actuators are arranged at opposite ends of the frame 1 so that the vertical movement of the sliding table 3 is carried out in a stable manner. The connection between each actuator 11 and the sliding table is made by a respective transition piece 13 connected to the table.
The upper part of each actuator 11 is secured to frame 1 by a fastener 14 connected to an upper crossbar 15 of frame 1. The lower part of each actuator 11 is secured to the frame by a lower mounting fixture 16.
As best seen in
The pivotable body 6 is preferably designed such that the position of the pivot axis coincides with the center of mass/gravity of the support portion 7 receiving the modular rocket compartment.
Preferably, the pivoting movement of the turntable 5 and the pivoting movement of the pivoting body 6 are driven by an electric actuator which can, for example, be connected to the underside of the flat platform 8 of the sliding table 3.
The support portion 7 preferably comprises a substantially flat top portion on which the modular rocket compartment is supported and secured.
As can be seen from these figures, modular housing M comprises an outer wrap 20 where positioners 21 are arranged.
The outer wrap may include fairings 22 in the form of longitudinal shoulders.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer wrap receives eight positioners, four in the upper wall and four in the lower wall.
The inner portion, shown in
In the embodiment shown in the figures, each modular compartment M has sixteen rocket receiving tubes.
With this construction, modular compartments can be easily transported and stored. In addition, securing and replacing the M compartments in the launching module is easy, fast and secure.
As shown in
As can be seen from these figures, with this configuration the modular compartments M can be directed by pivoting the turntable 5 and pivoting the pivoting body 6. Since the positioning of the pivoting body axis 6 coincides with the center of gravity Based on the support portion 7 with the modular compartments M, electric actuation of the targeting device 4 is possible, which reduces the weight of the assembly and eliminates the use of hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems.
Characteristics that are similar to the first embodiment will be represented with the same reference numerals.
Thus, the launching module comprises a base frame 1 and a table 3 configured to slide substantially vertically on rails of the base frame 1.
As best illustrated in
The sliding table 3 is configured to receive a targeting device 4.
Thus, in the embodiment shown in
Still as shown in
The support structure 9 comprises lugs 10 configured to engage rails 2a of the base frame. In this embodiment, the base frame comprises eight shoulders 10, two spaced aligned shoulders are arranged to fit each rail 2a.
With this configuration in frame 1 and sliding table 3, the flat platform supporting the targeting device 4 can be safely and stably moved vertically, as the platform is slidably supported on the four columns 2a of the base frame 1.
The substantially vertical displacement of the sliding table 3 is achieved by a linear actuator 110, powered by electric motor 120 (electric piston schematically illustrated in the figures). Thus, as best seen in
As shown in the figure, preferably the linear actuators are arranged at opposite ends of the frame 1, so that the vertical movement of the sliding table 3 is stable. The connection between each actuator 110 and the sliding table is made by a respective transition piece 13 connected to the table.
The upper part of each actuator 110 is secured to frame 1 by a fastener 14 connected to an upper crossbar 15 of frame 1. The lower part of each actuator 110 is secured to the frame by a lower fixture. 16
As best illustrated in
The pivotable body 6 is preferably designed such that the position of the pivot axis 17 coincides with the center of mass/gravity of the support portion 7 receiving the rocket receiving assembly F.
Preferably, the pivoting movement of the turntable 5 and the pivoting movement of the pivoting body 6 are driven by an electric actuator which can, for example, be connected to the underside of the flat platform 8 of the sliding table 3.
The support portion 7 preferably comprises a substantially flat top portion on which the rocket receiving assembly F is supported and secured.
As shown in
As shown in
In this regard, it should be noted that the launching module of the present invention, with its electric actuators, may function in a completely independent way, in any vehicle. Thus, the cage 18 may serve as a chassis in case of independent operation.
Alternatively, the launching module of the present invention may be installed in a vehicle, whereby frame 1 is connected to the internal structure of the vehicle.
The launching module of the present invention provides a compact, safe and stable rocket launching solution (preferably 70 mm diameter rockets).
As shown in
On the other hand, as shown in
In addition, as the sliding table 3 slides over the rails 2a in the frame 2 columns, the flat platform 8 with the targeting device 4 can be safely and stably moved vertically by actuating the linear actuator without risk of tipping and without the need for hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems, which ultimately reduces the risk of failures, especially considering sand or gravel operating environments.
The use of the turntable 5 and the positioning of the pivot shaft 17 of the pivoting body 6 also ensures the possibility of electrical actuation of the targeting device 4, which reduces the weight of the assembly and eliminates the use of hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems.
Having described two example that are the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses other possible variations of the inventive concept described herein, that is limited solely by the wording of the claims, including the possible equivalents.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/BR2017/050235 | 8/17/2017 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2019/033182 | 2/21/2019 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20210190452 A1 | Jun 2021 | US |
