FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of a mortar simulator, a method of simulating and use of ammunition recognition software in a mortar simulator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A mortar is an indirect fire weapon that fires shells at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing bal- listic trajectories. It is typically muzzle-loading and has a barrel length less than 15 times its calibre.

A mortar is relatively simple and easy to operate. A modern mortar consists of a tube into which gunners drop a shell, which is usually referred to as a bomb or round. The tube is generally set at between 45 and 85 degrees angle to the ground, with the higher angle giving shorter firing distances. The shell contains a quantity of propellant. When it reaches the base of the tube it hits a firing pin, which detonates the propellant and fires the shell. Some larger cali- bre mortars have a string operated firing pin instead of a fixed one .

These attributes contrast with the mortar's larger siblings, howitzers and field guns, which fire at higher velocities, longer ranges, flatter arcs, and sometimes using direct fire. These weapons also do not use the mortar's gravity-assisted means of detonating the shell.

From the 18th to the early 20th century very heavy, relatively immobile siege mortars were used, of up to one me ^¬ tre calibre, often made of cast iron and with outside barrel diameter many times that of the bore diameter. Smaller and more portable designs were introduced during the First World War, primarily for trench warfare, which took place at relatively close ranges. Mortars continue to be in use to the present day.

Light and medium mortars are portable, and usually used by infantry units. The chief advantage a mortar section has over an artillery battery is the flexibility of small numbers, mobility and the ability to engage targets in the defilade with plunging fires. Mortars are able to fire from the protection of a trench or defilade. In these aspects the mortar is an excellent infantry support weapon, as it can be transported over any terrain and is not burdened by the logistical support needed for artillery.

Heavy mortars are typically between 120- and 300-mm calibre .

A mortar can be carried by one or more men (larger mortars can usually be broken down into components) , or transported in a vehicle. An infantry mortar can usually also be mounted and fired from a mortar-carrier, such as a purpose-built or modified armoured vehicle with a large roof hatch. A mortar can also be a launcher for fireworks, a handheld or vehicle-mounted projector for smoke shells or flares, or a large grenade launcher. Heavy mortars can be mounted on a towed carriage, or permanently vehicle-mounted as a self- propelled mortar. Twin-barrelled self-loading mortars—such as the Patria AMOS PT1—are the latest evolution of these heavy mortars and are mounted on platforms such as armoured personnel carriers, tank chassis, and coastal patrol boats.

Most modern mortar systems consist of three main components: a barrel, a base plate, and a bipod.

Modern mortars normally range in calibre from 60 mm (2.36 in) to 120 mm (4.72 in). However, mortars both larger and smaller than these specifications have been produced.

Ammunition for mortars generally comes in two main varieties: fin-stabilised and spin-stabilised.

Mortars and their ammunition are generally smaller and lighter than other artillery. They operate well at short range, but not at long range. In particular, the mortar can drop shells on close-by targets, even behind obstacles, due to its "lobbing" trajectory. This also makes it possible to launch attacks from positions lower than the target of the attack; for example, conventional long-range artillery could not shell a target 1 km away and 30 metres (100 ft) higher, but shelling the target by mortar would be easy.

Mortars are also very effective when used from concealed positions, such as the natural escarpments on hillsides or from woods, especially if observers are being em ^¬ ployed in strategic positions to direct fire.

Modern mortars have further improved, offering a weapon that is light, adaptable, easy to operate, and yet possesses enough accuracy and firepower to provide the infantry with quality close fire support against soft and hard targets more quickly than any other means .

Amongst others for training purposes mortar simulators are known.

For instance, EP 0 952 422 Bl recites a simulator for front loaded barrel weapons, such as mine or grenade launchers, includes an opening at the bottom end of the launcher tube to allow the shot to drop out. Of course the simulator may be provided with sensors for detecting the aiming of the weapon so that a suitable target strike may be predicted or simulated.

Similar, US6059573 (A) recites a full-size mortar training device which includes full-size, simulated, propelling charges is disclosed. The device comprises a base, a barrel mounted to said base, a simulated mortar cartridge adapted to be slidably received in said barrel to simulate a mortar firing, said cartridge having mounted therein first electronic means for inputting selected firing settings for said mortar and for generating first signals corresponding to said selected firing settings, second electronic means in said base for determining the firing position of said barrel and for generating second signals corresponding to said firing posi ^¬ tion, third electronic means in said base engageable with said first electronic means for receiving the first signals corresponding to said selected firing settings, and computer means connected to said second and third electronic means for calculating the fire control solution based on said first and second signals and for determining the accuracy of the fire control solution for the simulated mortar firing.

However, a disadvantage of the above simulators is that mortars fall out at the bottom end of the tube, which forms amongst others a risk for users. Typically such is not compliant with (government) regulations for work. Even further, the above simulator can only handle a few rounds of mortars, as then the space around the mortar is not accessible anymore. Further, "used" mortars are not easily disposable. Even further, the simulator can not be used under all weather conditions.

The present invention therefore relates to a mortar simulator, a method of simulating and use of ammunition recognition software in a mortar simulator, which overcomes one or more of the above disadvantages, without jeopardizing functionality and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in a first aspect to a mortar simulator system (1), preferably a mobile system, comprising :

a tube (2) resembling a mortar,

the tube comprising a disposal unit (3),

wherein the tube is adapted for rotation around a first vertical axis into a rotational position,

a base surface (4) for supporting the tube, preferably an elevated base surface,

a stability providing unit (5) for keeping the tube in an inclined position, such as a bipod, wherein the inclined position generally is at an angle from 30-85° with respect to the base surface,

a detector unit (6) for determining at least an inclination angle and rotational position of the tube, and

a receiving unit (7) for receiving mortar shells located under the base surface.

The present system is applicable to front loaded barrel weapons, such as mine or grenade launchers, and mortars, and the like.

As such the present, invention offers many advantages over the prior art system. For instance, mortars do not fall out at the bottom end of the tube, thereby greatly reducing risk for users. As such the present system is compliant with (government) regulations for work. Even further, the above simulator can only handle many rounds of mortars, as the space around the mortar remains accessible. Also the rounds can be provided at a speed comparable to real life, e.g. every 4 seconds or so, or even faster. "Firing" tens or hundreds of mortars is in principle no problem. As the present mortars used in the simulator are in principle not active, i.e. do not comprise an explosive or the like, the term mortar is in this respect used to indicate a mortar shell, or the like. Further, "used" mortars are easily disposable. Even further, the simulator can be used under all weather conditions. Also the present system offers direct feed back on e.g. performance of users the present system, for instance on predicted/calculated position of impact, on faults, etc.

Typically the present system comprises a tube for loading mortars, which tube therefore resembles or is the same as a mortar tube. Mortars entered into the tube need to be disposed off, in order to allow a subsequent mortar to be introduced in the tube.

Typically when firing a mortar the mortar is brought in a position to hit a target by rotation around a first (virtual) vertical axis.

Also the tube needs to be supported, typically by a base surface, which base surface may be the same as a surface carrying users of the present system.

In a preferred example the base surface is elevated, in order to allow a receiving unit for used mortars to be lo ^¬ cated underneath said base surface.

Typically the tube of the mortar is in an inclined position to hit a target by increasing or decreasing an in ^¬ clination angle. Typically the mortar is inclined to provide for a parabolic flight or the like, and thereto the inclination angle, as defined as an angle between base plate and tube, is from about 30° to about 85°.

The present system is further provided with a detec ^¬ tor unit, in order to be able to determine a (virtual) posi ^¬ tion of impact. Typically at least an inclination angle and rotation angle are determined, such as by communicating installed angles electronically and/or wireless to a computer or the like. The computer will further typically comprise supporting data and models, for calculating a position of impact .

Used mortars are collected in a receiving unit, which unit is located under the base surface. As such used mortars are directly, i.e. after use, disposed off, and no further risk for users is present.

Thereby the present invention provides a solution to one or more of the above mentioned problems.

Advantages of the present description are detailed throughout the description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in a first aspect to a mortar simulator system (1), preferably a mobile system comprising :

a tube (2) resembling a mortar,

the tube comprising a disposal unit (3),

wherein the tube is adapted for rotation around a first vertical axis into a rotational position, a base surface (4) for supporting the tube, prefera bly an elevated base surface,

a stability providing unit (5) for keeping the tube in an inclined position, such as a bipod, wherein the inclined position generally is at an angle from 30-85° with re ^¬ spect to the base surface,

a detector unit (6) for determining at least an inclination angle and rotational position of the tube, and

a receiving unit (7) for receiving mortars located under the base surface.

The present mortar simulation system is also usable for comparable projectiles, as grenades.

It is preferred that the present system is constructed in such a way that it can be transported from one place to another, such as from a base to a terrain typical for war fare and use of a mortar.

In an example the mortar simulator system further comprises a container, preferably a standard size container, preferably a constructively reinforced container, wherein the container is preferably mobile. As such the present system can be transported without much effort, using standarc trucks suitable for transporting containers. As a standard container may need to be adapted to present use, it is preferred that the container is reinforced, in order to be handled using standard equipment, without running a risk the container will be damaged.

The tube comprises a disposal unit, such as an opening which may be closed, typically provided at a bottom side thereof. As a consequence the base plate is also provided with an opening, for letting used mortars pass through.

The tube may be rotated around a vertical axis.

Thereto means for rotating, such as a base plate which is partly rotatable, may be provided. Typically the means for rotating are electronically coupled to the detector unit, for determining an angle of rotation.

The base surface supports the tube, and may further support users of the present system.

Typically one or more users are present, such as three users. A first user, being in command, provides in ^¬ structions, such as rotation and inclination angle. A second user adapts the present system accordingly, by rotating the tube and increasing/decreasing inclination angle, as required. A third person enters the mortar subsequently in the tube, and checks if the mortar is (virtually) launched, typi ^¬ cally by putting his hands around the tube when introducing the mortar. The users typically are present on a base surface directly adjacent to the base surface occupied by the mortar.

Further a receiving unit is provided, which is lo ^¬ cated under the base surface. Thereto the base surface may be elevated, relative to the receiving unit.

In an example of the mortar simulator system the tube has an internal dimension resembling that of a mortar, such as from 40-150 mm, such as 120 mm, 81 mm, 60 mm. Typically the tube is made of a stiff material, such as metal. For simulator purpose also a light weight material may be used, such as carbon, or such as a reinforced material. It is an advantage of the present system that one type of tube can easily be replaced by another type, thereby allowing subse ^¬ quent simulation of another mortar type. As such the present tube is removable attached to the base surface. Typically the present system is provided with a range of tubes, in order to allow subsequent simulation.

In an example of the mortar simulator system the receiving unit is rotatable, preferably rotatable in discrete steps, such as in steps of 360°/n. As such various containers for receiving mortars are provided in the receiving unit, thereby allowing quick and reliable removing of used mortars and a large storage/disposal capacity. Such allows for long periods of simulation. Typically containers have equal size, which size may be adapted to type (calibre) of mortar used. Typically 3-36 containers are provided, such as 6-12.

In an example of the mortar simulator system the re- ceiving unit comprises n partitions, wherein each partition may comprise 2 or more sub-partitions, preferably 2-10, such as 3-8. Even further, each partition may be sub-divided into further sub-partition, in order to maximize storage capacity. A division may be in any suitable way. As such the receiving unit provides capacity for receiving 6-360 mortars, which capacity can easily be increased, if required.

In an example the mortar simulator system further comprises an inflatable element, which inflatable element is substantially spherical when inflated, and which inflatable element comprises the tube, the base surface and the stabil ^¬ ity providing unit, wherein a cross section of the inflatable element is from 2m-10m, preferably from 3m-8m, such as from 4m- 6m.

As such the inflatable element is providing an en ^¬ closed space, capable of accommodating at least users of the present system, the tube, base plate and stability providing unit. Thereby the present system can be used in all weather conditions. Even further, the inflatable element provides many further advantages, such as will be highlighted throughout the description and in the accompanying figures.

In an example the mortar simulator system further comprises one or more of an entrance, preferably a double en ^¬ try entrance, such as an air lock or ventilation lock, a cov ^¬ er, a direction means, such as optics, a direction means detector, software, ammunition recognition software, such as ARES, means for determining charge, a transmitter, a receiver, a computer, a database, a recorder, a pump for main ^¬ taining pressure in the inflatable element, a projector, preferably one or more spherical projectors, a screen for projecting, wherein the screen is preferably located in an inside of the inflatable element, an electricity generator, a climatizing unit, a forward air simulator, semi-circular side elements for the base surface, evaluation software, a means for providing movement and/or vibration to the tube, a means for introducing faults and errors, a means for detecting response, a chain of command (closed loop) , a means for provid ^¬ ing sound, a means for removing atmospheric water, a means for supporting and/or elevating and/or maintaining an inflatable element, a means for rotating the receiving unit, and a means for providing mortars.

Optional details of the present example are given below.

The entrance allows maintenance of pressure within the inflatable element, and keeps weather conditions out side .

The tube is preferably provided with direction means in order to determine angle of inclination and rotation accurately by a user. Preferably the detection means provides optical information on the angles. The direction means may fur ^¬ ther comprise means for compensation, such as for compensat ^¬ ing wind speed, rotation of the earth, temperature, etc. Even further, settings for the angles are automatically communi ^¬ cated by a direction means detector. Further sensors and a fire-control computer may be provided. The added performance allows basically any input to be added, from air density and wind, to wear on the barrels and distortion due to heating. Present fire-control systems may be interfaced with sensors (such as sonar, radar, infra-red search and track, laser range-finders, anemometers, wind vanes, thermometers,

etc.) e.g. in order to cut down or eliminate the amount of information which has to be manually inputted in order to calculate an effective solution. In the present simulator part of the information may be simulated as well, e.g. infra ^¬ red search may provide a virtual target to be hit. Sonar, radar, IRST and range-finders can give the system the direc ^¬ tion to and/or distance of the target. Alternatively, an optical sight can be provided and an operator can point it at the target, or a representation thereof, such as a 2-D image, which is easier than having someone input it using other methods and gives the target less warning that it is being tracked. Typically, weapons fired over long ranges need the environmental information—the longer a munition travels, the more the wind, temperature etc. will affect its trajectory, so the more important having accurate information becomes to getting a good solution. Sometimes environmental data has to be obtained at high altitudes or in between the launching point and the target. Often, satellites or balloons are used to gather this information. Such information may be provided as well. Once a firing solution is calculated, a fire-control system is able to aim and fire the present mortar. Once again, this is in the interest of speed and accuracy. Even if a system is unable to aim a weapon itself, it is able to give the operator cues on how to aim. In the case of a mortar launch, a fire-control computer may give feedback about whether a target is in range of the mortar and how likely the mortar is to hit if launched at any particular moment.

Typically the present system comprises software for performing all sorts of functions, such as calculating position of impact, recording data, providing feed-back, detecting and recognizing ammunition, etc. The present applicant has developed ammunition recognition software specifically suitable for the present use under the brand name of ARES.

In normal use of mortars an amount of charge needs to be determined, as well as amount of explosive. Thereto means are provided.

For communication one or more transmitters, receivers, computers and the like are provided.

Further a database for storing data, for retracting data, etc. may be provided. Further a recorded, such as a computer or database may be provided. Also evaluation software may be provided. Further, software and means for providing movement and/or vibration to the present tube is provided, whereby real-life circumstances are mimicked even further. In this context also sound may be provided.

In order to simulate real life a virtual projection may be made, such as on an inside of the inflatable element. Thereto one or more projectors are provided, in view of the shape of the inflatable element one or more spherical projec ^¬ tors. Even further, a 3-D image may be provided. A projection is preferably made on a screen, which screen preferably is provided on an inside of the inflatable element. Preferably the screen allows for 3-D projection.

In order to simulate many of the attributes of the present system require electricity. Thereto a generator is provided.

Typically also a climatizing unit is provided.

Also preferably a so-called forward air simulator may be provided, thereby increasing flexibility and potential use of the present system.

In order to support the present user the inflatable element preferably comprises semi-circular side elements .

As in real life mistakes occur, such mistakes may be introduced in the present system as well. This offers as an advantage that behaviour may be introduced allowing users to respond to mistakes adequately. Thereby e.g. serious injuries in real life may be prevented.

As such also response of users may be detected, in order to be able to evaluate the response later or directly.

An aspect further is that a chain of command may be simulated as well, the present system being very well suited therefore .

In order to maintain the present system dry, means for removing atmospheric water, such as gutters or the like may be provided.

In an example of the present system

the base surface is elevated 50 cm - 150 cm, preferably 75 cm - 120 cm, such as 90 cm, thereby allowing sufficient space for storage and for users.

The inflatable element may be made from plastic, such as from PE, PP, PET, PVC and/or comprise a pressure release .

Preferably the inflatable element is reinforced, such as with glass fibre, carbon fibre, nanotubes, and/or the inflatable element comprises two or more layers, preferably at least one plastic layer and at least one reinforcing layer, wherein the layers are preferably integrated.

Preferably a pump provides a pressure of 1 - 2 bar, preferably from 1.05-1.5 bar, such as 1.1 bar.

Preferably a generator provides AC and/or DC electricity.

Preferably an airco conditions temperature between 15 °C-25 °C and humidity between 50 %RH and 80% RH is provided.

Preferably one or more projectors are located on the base plate and/or a top of the inflatable element.

In an example of the present system software is provided to simulate a fire mission, and/or to evaluate, and/or to introduce operation faults, and/or to simulate a chain of command, and/or to provide vibration, and/or to provide sound .

In a second aspect the invention relates to a method of simulating firing of a mortar comprising the steps of:

providing a mortar simulating system to one or more users, preferably according to the invention,

determining at least an inclination angle and rotational position of the tube, and

providing feed back to the one or more users.

In an example of the method feed back comprise one or more of verification of inclination angle, verification of rotational position, type of mortar used, error detection, position of impact of mortar, and so on, as is described in the present application.

In an example of the method further one or more op ^¬ erational faults are introduced. An example of such a fault is a wrong type of mortar being introduced into the tube, a failure of a mortar being launched, a wrong mortar being pro ^¬ vided to a user, e.g. from a wrong stock, etc.

In a third aspect the present invention relates to use of ammunition recognition software, such as ARES, in a simulator, such as the simulator system of any of the preceding claims .

The invention is further detailed by the accompa- nying figures, which are exemplary and explanatory of nature and are not limiting the scope of the invention. To the person skilled in the art it may be clear that many variants, being obvious or not, may be conceivable falling within the scope of protection, defined by the present claims.

FIGURES

The invention although described in detailed explanatory context may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Figure 1 shows a system according to the invention.

Figures 2 shows a system according to the invention .

Figure 3 shows a cross section of an example of the present system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS / FIGURES Figure 1 shows details of an example of a system according to the invention. Therein a tube (2) resembling a mortar is shown. The tube is supported by a bipod (5) and is resting on a base plate (4) . At a bottom side of the tube a disposal unit (3) is provided. Through the disposal unit mortars entered into the tube are disposed off into the receiving unit (7), in this example a rotatable unit having various partitions, for collecting the mortars used. Also a detection unit (6) is shown.

Figure 2 shows a cross section of an example of the present system. Therein the inflatable element (9) is shown. The element is made of 3 mm thick reinforced PVC . The inner side of the inflatable element is covered with a coating, in order to provide for a projection surface. Within the inflatable element the present system is located. The inflatable element further comprises a pressure vent. Even further, in an example the inflatable element comprises one or more of the above mentioned further elements, such as direction means. At a left and right side supporting elements are shown. Even further on the right side an entrance (8) is located. In the example the entrance is an air lock system, having a double door, in order to maintain pressure within the inflatable element, if required.

Figure 3 shows a cross section of an example of the present system (1) . Therein on the right side an entrance (8) is located. In the example the entrance is an air lock system, having a double door. The tube (2), rotatable around an axis (2a), a bipod (5) for maintaining an inclination angle a (dotted line), a base plate (4) for supporting the tube, bipod, etc., as well as one or more users of the present system, and disposal unit (3) are shown. The disposal unit is provided as an opening at a bottom side of the tube, adapted to dispose the mortars into the receiving unit (7) . The receiving unit has various partitions, and can be rotated around a vertical axis. Thereto rotating means are provided, such as an electrical rotor. Means for detecting (6) and direction means detector are in this example provided at a bot- torn side of the tube. Also optics (13) are provided for de- termining an inclination angle of the tube. The inflatable element (9) is supported and elevated by means (17) . Further, the present system fits into a standard size container (10) .

It should be appreciated that for commercial application it may be preferable to use one or more variations of the present system, which would similar be to the ones disclosed in the present application and are within the spirit of the invention.