Emerging Defense Technologies February 2016

Emerging Defense Technologies - February 2016

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Emerging Defense Technologies

February 2016

A sampling of interesting and innovative military technologies

RUSSIA METHOD OF STRIKING MINIATURE UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

U.S. ANTI-SHIP CRUISE MISSILE BARRIER

RUSSIA FIRING FROM TANK GUN

RUSSIA METHOD OF INPUT DATA PREPARATION DURING FIRING FROM TANK GUN

U.S. AUTOMATIC RECOVERY OF LOST COMMUNICATIONS WITH UGV

U.S. ROCKET OR ARTILLERY LAUNCHED SMART RECONNAISSANCE POD

RUSSIA MODULAR MULTI-SEAT MARINE LAUNCHER FOR MISSILE VERTICAL LAUNCHING

U.S. VEHICLE CABIN HEATING COOLING AND VENTILATION SYSTEM

CHINA TRANSFORMABLE AERIAL VEHICLE

U.S. & AUSTRIA PERSONAL LOAD CARRYING RELEASE

RUSSIA DEVICE FOR APPLICATION OF TRIBOCOMPOSITION OF ARTILLERY SHELL

U.S. UNIVERSAL TUBE LAUNCHED MUNITIONS SYSTEM

U.S. REFLEXIVE RESPONSE SYSTEM FOR POPUP THREAT SURVIVAL

UK RUNFLAT DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR FITTING

U.S. RETICLE PROVIDING MAXIMIZED DANGER SPACE

CANADA BALLISTIC AND IMPACT PROTECTIVE VISOR SYSTEM FOR MILITARY HELMET ASSEMBLY

U.S. FIREARM HAVING A HYBRID INDIRECT GAS OPERATING SYSTEM

U.S. BALLISTIC RESISTANT THERMOPLASTIC SHEET, PROCESS OF MAKING AND ITS APPLICATIONS

SWEDEN ARRANGEMENT FOR THREAT MANAGEMENT FOR GROUND-BASED VEHICLE

U.S. POLYMERIC SLEEVE VIBRATION DAMPER FOR THE ACTION SPRING OF AR-10 DERIVATIVE RIFLES

U.S. AERIAL REFUELING SYSTEM

GERMANY METHOD FOR STORING AND DEPLOYING SUBMERSIBLES IN A SUBMARINE

U.S. FIREARM ACCESSORY MOUNTING INTERFACE

RUSSIA THERMONUCLEAR WEAPON WITHOUT NUCLEAR FUSE

U.S. HANDS-FREE MULTI-USE LONG GUN CARRY PACK AND RELATED METHODS

GERMANY CARGO HOLD FLOOR FOR A CARGO HOLD OF AN AIRCRAFT

U.S. MODULAR FIREARM STOCK SYSTEM

RUSSIA SHIPBORNE AND GROUND-BASED LOWER RADAR SIGNATURE AIRCRAFT WITH ALL AROUND ANTENNA SYSTEM

U.S. INTEGRATED LEVELER AND RAIL PLATFORM ASSEMBLY FOR A FIREARM



METHOD OF STRIKING MINIATURE UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES Organization: Federal’noe gosudarstvennoe kazennoe voennoe uchrezhdenie vysshego professional’nogo obrazovanija “Voen-naja akademija material’no tekhnicheskogo obespechenija imeni generala armii A.V. Khruleva”Country of origin: RussiaLanguage: Russian

This invention relates to detection and striking of miniature unmanned aerial vehicles (MUAV). A system for detecting and striking MUAV consists of detection and aiming means, striking devices, a cluster war-head, a missile consisting of a head, strike elements, explosive, detonator and a power supply unit. The detection and aiming means are based on three gyro-stabilised platforms linked to each other by operating bases, which auto-matically determine the distance between each other and their spatial coordinates. Each base is fitted with sensors operating in the optical, acoustic and adjustable radar ranges of electromag-netic waves. Control of operation and processing of obtained information and signals is carried out by a computer. The reported effect is enabling striking of MUAV in different observation conditions. 5 drawings

ANTI-SHIP CRUISE MISSILE BARRIEROrganization: Lockheed MartinCountry of origin: U.S.Language: English

Vessels such as surface ships face a tangible threat of attack from anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs). ASCMs are designed to fly at low altitudes and may reach air velocities of 0.8 Mach to over 2.0 Mach. In addition, ASCMs may employ countermea-sures including radical maneuvers in order to confuse and elude conventional defense systems.

Conventional defense systems include active (or hard kill) defense systems, and passive (or soft kill) defense systems. Hard kill techniques employ a counter weapon, such as an anti-missile missile, or radar guided guns. Hard kill systems are expensive and require detection, analysis and interception of the incoming ASCM through sensors and guidance systems, all of which add to the overall cost of the system. The weapons used in hard kill sys-tems often have greater value than the targets they are intended to destroy. Soft kill techniques include systems for jamming or confusing the flight control systems of the incoming ASCM and attempt to fool the ASCM into striking a dummy target, which the ASCM mistakes for its intended target. However, the immedi-ate effectiveness of a deployed soft kill countermeasure cannot always be determined in a timely manner. While both hard kill

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and soft kill systems enjoy some degree of success, an alterna-tive defense system against incoming threats posed by ASCMs that addresses the disadvantages of conventional hard and soft kill countermeasures is desired. A barrier for providing defense against attack from airborne cruise missiles includes a buoyant lighter than air structure. The buoyant structure is deployed to float at an altitude greater than the surface upon which the intended target is located. A curtain is suspended from the lighter than air structure and hangs from the lighter than air structure and is configured to cover a given area whose boundaries extend proximal to the surface on which the target is located. The curtain is deployed across a path identi-fied as a potential attack path for an incoming threat. The curtain is configured to separate from the lighter than air structure in whole or in part when the curtain is impacted by an incoming cruise missile. The curtain may have perforations adapted to allow a portion of the curtain to separate from the remaining portions of the curtain when the curtain is struck by the incoming missile. The separated portion of the curtain is sufficiently large to enwrap and/or entangle the missile, including covering the flight control surfaces of the cruise missile. Covering the flight con-trol surfaces deprives the missile of lift, preventing relative air movement over the flight control surfaces. When deprived of lift, the missile falls due to the force of gravity and strikes the surface before the missile is able to reach the intended target. In one embodiment, the curtain is configured of a durable and resilient material sufficient to withstand impact of the missile without rupture (i.e. through rupture of the material) at the location of impact. Instead, the perforated portions proximal the location of impact cause a segment of the curtain impacted by the missile to be detached therefrom and thereby entangle or enwrap the missile.7 drawings

FIRING FROM TANK GUN Organization: Federal’noe gosudarstvennoe bjudzhetnoe uchrezhdenie “3 Tsentral’nyj nauchno- issledovatel’skij institut” Ministerstva oborony Rossijskoj Federatsii Country of origin: RussiaLanguage: Russian

This document describes deviations from normal firing conditions are determined, distance to target and target flange speed are identified, type of ammunition is selected, the charging automatic gear charges the gun with ammunition with further charge depressurization, initial pressure in the charging chamber with primer charge is increased to 120 atmosphere by the compressed air of the hydropneumatic cleaning system with assurance of the gun tightness, by the pressure sensor the actual pressure is measured in the charging chamber, the ballistic computer calculates angles of sight and lateral lead depending on error correction to the initial speed of the selected round type and actual pressure in the charge chamber, target shot is made. The reported effect is that it increases initial speed of round and firing distance.

METHOD OF INPUT DATA PREPARATION DURING FIRING FROM TANK GUN Organization: Federal’noe gosudarstvennoe bjudzhetnoe uchrezhdenie “3 Tsentral’nyj nauchno- issledovatel’skij institut” Ministerstva oborony Rossijskoj Federatsii Country of origin: RussiaLanguage: Russian

This document describes the switch unit in the ballistic computer selects and set the round type for firing the target, the automatic system reads from the bar-code the information of actual round weight, data are entered in the ballistic computer, distance to the target is measured by the laser distance meter, distance changes are automatically read according to tank and target movements, angular vertical and horizontal speeds of tar-get, heeling angle and axis inclination angle of the gun trunnions, wind speed, individual angle of round jump from the gun chan-nel during firing, air temperature and pressure, average weight of the round, charge temperature, wear of the barrel channel, angle of sight and lateral lead are calculated for target shot con-sidering information of the actual weight of each fragmentation demolition and hollow charge projectile. The reported effect of this invention increases accuracy of firing from the tank guns.

AUTOMATIC RECOVERY OF LOST COMMUNICATIONS WITH UGVOrganization: U.S. NavyCountry of origin: U.SLanguage: English

The radio communication link between a remotely-operated robot and the operator can be broken in a number of ways. For example, the robot could travel beyond the range of the radio link, the robot could go behind an obstacle that shields the radio



signal, the robot could execute a maneuver that results in an unfavorable orientation of the antenna, and/or the robot could move a manipulator arm or payload in such a way as to block the radio signal. When the radio link is broken the operator may lose control of the robot. In order to regain control, the operator must change his/her position to re-establish the radio link. In first responder and/or military applications, re-positioning the operator may expose the operator to unsafe conditions. Some remotely-operated robots have “retro-traverse” capabilities which allow the robot to return home automatically if the radio link is lost by using waypoint navigation or Simultaneous Local-ization and Mapping. There is a need for a simple method for re-establishing a radio communication link between a remote-ly-operated robot and an operator. This document describes a lost communications link re-covery method for a remotely-operated robot comprising the following steps: monitoring command and control (C2) signals transmitted over a wireless network from an operator control unit (OCU) to the robot; storing the C2 signals in a sliding win-dow buffer; monitoring the wireless network for communication link breaks between the OCU and the robot; and creating, and issuing to the robot, reverse C2 commands based on the stored C2 signals upon detecting a communication link break.6 drawings

ROCKET OR ARTILLERY LAUNCHED SMART RECONNAISSANCE PODOrganization: Lonestar InventionsCountry of origin: U.S.Language: English

The invention relates to reconnaissance, namely the gather-ing of up-to-date visual information related to a desired area of interest. More particularly, the invention is a launchable pod and method of using a launchable pod containing cameras, infrared sensors, GPS, magnetic compass and a radio transmitter which is deployed by ballistic means, such as rocket, grenade launcher, an artillery piece or an aircraft. There is an important void in the reconnaissance puzzle at a tactical level. That void is the need to observe a target without putting individuals and/or expensive or renewable observation vehicles at risk. “Current and instantaneous” visual or infrared information regarding a specific area in an inaccessible location such as a combat zone or a battlefield is a very important piece of information in any level of the chain of command ranging from platoon level

all the way up to the short-, medium- and long-range artillery fire control and command structure. In this instance “current and instantaneous” means up-to-date visual information related to a desired area of interest in the order of several minutes after the time when the visual information is needed for a duration of minutes up to 30 minutes, depending on the ejection alti-tude. An “area of interest” ranges over an area which covers a radius from 50 m to 2,000 m depending on the altitude. “Range of interest” is a distance of 50 m to 40 km from a launch site, depending on the delivery platform used. Reconnaissance related to a specific area of interest at a given time is a very important piece in any level of combat situation, from a platoon to long range artillery fire command and control. This wide spectrum of information covers a chain of com-mand structure from the platoon commander level all the way up to the battalion and division commander level, which is need-ed to make the right combat decisions at any instance of time for the combat sector in a battlefield scenario. In a modern military, strategic level of reconnaissance is provided by reconnaissance satellites and reconnaissance aircraft. This very valuable recon-naissance information contains massive amount of data which is related to a very large area, and it must be analyzed, which can be very time consuming. As a result, the data gathering, process-ing and interpretation does not achieve current, or “up-to-date” status--on the order of minutes--after a request for reconnais-



sance is issued. At a tactical level, reconnaissance information is gathered by many means such as a manned winged aircraft, a helicopter, a missile, a bomb observation balloons, spotting aircraft, a UAV and forward observer personnel (FO) or recon-naissance patrols. Needless to say forward observers and recon patrols are subject to very high risk and require planning ahead of time, which uses great amounts of valuable highly trained and skilled combat resources. UAV’s are becoming a very popular means of gathering visual data related to a specific area of interest, but they require dedicated skilled resources for piloting and data interpretation, and they cannot be deployed and activated instantaneously, and they cannot be at a desired location at a desired time reliably due to their launch constraints, limited range and nature of their flight characteristics, including speed and maneuverability. Small, hand launched electrically powered UAV’s have been developed, but their range and deployment duration are generally limited, measured in several miles and minutes, and since they have very limited speed, they may not timely arrive at a desired location. What is needed is a better and more versatile observation vehicle.33 drawings

MODULAR MULTI-SEAT MARINE LAUNCHER FOR MISSILE VERTICAL LAUNCHING Organization: Aktsionernoe obshchestvo “Konstruktorskoe bjuro spetsial’nogo mashinostroenija” Country of origin: RussiaLanguage: Russian

This claimed launcher comprises top and bottom supports and frame-like carcass arranged there between. Said supports and carcass make the cells for various-type pods. The first barrel is arranged every cell of the launcher top support. The first barrel body top end is provided with the shutter composed of circular support for seat of the first standard size pad. The first barrel is provided with the guide to set the preset angular position of the pad relative to the launcher cell lengthwise axis. The second bar-

rel is fitted in every cell of the launcher and aligned with the first barrel. Every cell of the launcher is equipped with the bearing plate articulated with the bottom support body. Said plate has the through bore to make a discrete circular support for seat of the first standard size pad. The second barrel is articulated with the support plate and integrated therewith and with relocatable thrust supports with centering elements to make the module for be withdrawn from the bottom support at the launcher servic-ing. The reported effect is higher operating performances, sim-plified servicing.

VEHICLE CABIN HEATING COOLING AND VENTILATION SYSTEMOrganization: HDT Expeditionary SystemsCountry of origin: U.S.Language: English

The global war on terror has presented the military with new challenges. One such challenge is the redesign of combat vehicles to safely carry personnel and or cargo. One of the most important requirements for a combat vehicle’s protection is counter mine design. These new mine/IED protected vehicles



and armored fighting vehicles are designed for anti-personnel or larger anti-tank mines, armor penetrating and self-forged fragmented mines as well as improvised explosive devices (IEDs). To provide maximum protection new vehicles use special lower frame V shapes to deflect a mine blast with increased armor and clear armor windows for blast and bullet defense. Engines and transmissions are also housed within armor. The only outside openings that can be safely opened are the firing ports located in the doors and side panels. This added ballistic protection of the engine, transmission, and crew compartment has increased the cabin thermal load and mass thereby substantially increasing the load on the heating, cooling, and ventilation of the crew com-partment. Present tactical and non tactical vehicle heating and air conditioning systems use two independent engine driven heat transfer fluid systems in order to heat or cool the interior or cabin environment of a vehicle. Typically, in order to heat the interior, heated engine coolant is circulated from the engine through a liquid-to-air type heat exchanger located in or near the interior of the vehicle. In order to cool the interior, an engine driven compressor is typically used to compress a refrigerant. The condensed refrigerant is then allowed to pass through a refrigerant-to-air type heat exchanger (e.g. an evaporator coil) also located in or near the interior. In addition, present vehicle air ventilation systems may draw filtered or unfiltered air from the ambient environment. There are several disadvantages in using such engine driven independent systems for the heating and cooling of a vehicle in-terior. First, using separate heating and cooling systems requires the use of twice as many fluid conduits and heat exchangers. In other words these independent systems typically include one set of fluid conduits and an interior heat exchanger for heating and one set of fluid conduits and an interior heat exchanger for cooling. Having two sets of fluid lines and heat exchangers not only incurs additional expense in the manufacture of the vehicle, but also contributes to the overall vehicle weight and consump-tion of valuable cabin space. This is particularly the case in larger transport vehicles that have multiple heat exchangers in the in-terior. For example, extended cab vehicles, large passenger vans, and military tactical vehicles typically include two in-dash heat exchangers, two mid-cabin heat exchangers, and two rear cabin heat exchangers. The two heat exchangers are normally pack-aged together with a common blower in order to effectively and adequately heat or cool the entire interior. In some applications a large single interior heat exchanger is used while a high CFM blower forces the treated air via ductwork to multiple locations throughout the interior. This ductwork consumes additional interior cabin space, requires the use of insulation, and must be sufficiently rigid so that it does not collapse or bend during the loading or unloading of personnel and cargo. It can be seen that

cost, weight, and space are all important concerns. The present invention relates to the field of tactical and non-tactical vehicle cabin heating, nuclear chemical and bio-logical (NBC) filtered and unfiltered air ventilation, and cooling systems. In particular, the present invention relates to systems intended to heat, cool, ventilate, or over pressurize the interior or crew compartment of a vehicle.9 drawings

TRANSFORMABLE AERIAL VEHICLEOrganization: SZ DJI TechnologyCountry of origin: ChinaLanguage: English

Unmanned vehicles can be used for performing surveillance, reconnaissance, and exploration tasks for military and civilian ap-plications. Unmanned vehicles may be outfitted with a functional payload, such as sensors for collecting data from the surround-ing environment. For example, remote-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles, which include fixed-wing aircraft and rotary-wing aircraft, can be used to provide aerial imagery of otherwise inac-cessible environments.



The design of such unmanned vehicles involves tradeoffs between vehicle size, weight, payload capacity, energy consump-tion, and cost. Additionally, the vehicle design should provide sufficient functional space for the payload to operate. In some instances, existing unmanned aerial vehicle designs can be less than ideal for providing unobstructed viewing angles for a pay-load camera, such as when the visual space is obscured by the vehicle frame. A need exists for improvements in the structure and design of vehicles such as unmanned aerial vehicles. The present inven-tion provides systems, devices and methods for a transformable aerial vehicle. In some embodiments, the systems, devices and methods described herein provide an aerial vehicle capable of transforming from a first configuration to a second configuration in order to increase the functional space of a coupled payload. Advantageously, the disclosed systems, devices and methods obviate the need for increasing the size of the aerial vehicle or providing additional mounting structures for the payload to increase the payload functional space.16 drawings

PERSONAL LOAD CARRYING RELEASEOrganization: Paul Carter and Andreas HoertnaglCountry of origin: U.S. and AustriaLanguage: English

Currently, soldiers are issued large quantities of equipment to increase lethality, survivability, mobility and target acquisition capabilities. Often, little consideration is given to item deploy-ment, storage, transport or utilization. A soldier may therefore find himself forced to place items in hard-to-reach locations when securing issued equipment to his person. This can lead to inefficiencies in both carrying equipment and accessing equip-ment for use. Without the ability to quickly detach necessary items from a soldier’s person, a soldier’s life may be unnecessar-

ily endangered. Moreover, detached items must be easily reat-tached. A system and method of attaching and quickly detaching multiple pieces of equipment to a soldier is, therefore, required.53 drawings

DEVICE FOR APPLICATION OF TRIBOCOMPOSITION OF ARTILLERY SHELL Organization: Federal’noe Gosudarstvennoe Voennoe Obrazova-tel’noe Uchrezhdenie Vysshego Professional’nogo Obrazovanija “VOENNYJ Uchebno-Nauchnyj Tsentr Sukhoputnykh VOJSK “Obshchevojskovaja Akademija Vooruzhennykh SIL Rossijskoj Federatsii” Country of origin: RussiaLanguage: Russian

This invention relates to military equipment, particularly to the devices that ensure the artillery piece barrel survivabil-ity. claimed device comprises the standard charging system of the self- propelled artillery piece. Claimed device is equipped additionally with the circular brush arranged at the trough front part, in the plane perpendicular to shell displacement. Circular nozzle is arranged ahead of said brush to spray the liquid mix with tribocomposition on the brush bristle. Lubricant with said tribocomposition is uniformly applied on the shell drive collar and cylindrical portion after transfer of the shell by the trough with circular brush secured thereat. The reported effect is the automatic application of tribocom-position before every charging at fire from self-propelled artillery piece.



UNIVERSAL TUBE LAUNCHED MUNITIONS SYSTEMOrganization: CSI-Penn Arms LLCCountry of origin: U.S.Language: English

A number of designs of electronically fired explosive-propul-sion projectile weapons and non-explosive projectile weapons have been developed that have some similarities to 18th-century volley guns, particularly in that they use many barrels which can be fired all at once or in sequence. Various forms of the weap-on have been designed, including aircraft-mounted guns firing downward, man-portable artillery packs and defensive applica-tions, such as ship-based anti-missile defense systems. Although these designs are effective for their intended purpose, they are limited to the use of a specific munitions manufactured in a specific caliber, which is typically intended to be lethal. Given the current mandate to lessen civilian casualties in military operations, prepare for the enemy’s use of non-com-batants as protective shields, and protect in-theater buildings during urban conflicts, military forces need a combination of both non-lethal and lethal munitions. Vessels need to be able to determine the intent of oncoming watercraft without causing casualties and respond when hostile intent is determined. Simi-larly, ground forces need to be able to separate combatants from non-combatants, escalate force as necessary, and enhance force protection while operating vehicle check points and entry control points, and during convoy security operations. Conventional approaches to addressing this problem of intent determination require separate launch platforms for each type of munitions (non-lethal and lethal in various calibers). This creates challenges with providing training, supplies, and space for multiple launch platforms that each use different munitions. Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved universal tube launched munitions system that uses a variety of non-lethal and lethal munitions in multiple calibers. In this regard, the various embodiments of the present invention substantially fulfill at least some of these needs. In this respect, the universal tube launched munitions system according to the present invention substan-tially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily devel-oped for the purpose of providing a single munitions launcher that can launch a variety of munitions in multiple calibers. 9 drawings

REFLEXIVE RESPONSE SYSTEM FOR POPUP THREAT SURVIVALOrganization: Lockheed MartinCountry of origin: U.S.Language: English

Vehicles involved in military missions often encounter un-anticipated threats (also called “popup” threats) which threaten the survivability of the vehicle. For example, an aircraft flying through enemy territory may encounter threats on the ground such as people or vehicles with anti-aircraft weapons capable of shooting down the aircraft or disrupting its flight path. In response to detecting a popup threat, a typical response by an operator of the vehicle may be to increase the distance between the vehicle and the threat in an effort to lessen the ability of the threat to engage the vehicle in an action that would result in destruction of the vehicle or disruption of the mission. Alterna-tively, depending on the mission parameters, the operator of the vehicle may risk being targeted by a popup threat to ensure that the mission is completed successfully.

This document describes methods and apparatus for assess-ing threats to a vehicle to facilitate a reflexive response. Threat timeline parameters for a detected threat to the vehicle includ-ing a threat mode and a time progression of the threat in the threat mode is determined based, at least in part, on a plurality of information sources. One or more candidate solutions for facilitating the reflexive response to the threat are determined based, at least in part, on the threat mode and the time progres-sion and one or more of the candidate solutions are presented to an operator of the vehicle to enable the operator to mediate the threat.8 drawings



RUNFLAT DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR FITTING Organization: Run Flat Systems LtdCountry of origin: UKLanguage: English

On a normal vehicle wheel and tire assembly, the beads of the tire sit in `seats` of the wheel rim and, when the tire is inflated, internal air pressure holds the beads in place. In the event of a tire deflation whilst a vehicle is in motion the tires beads can move inwards from the wheel rims seats. When this occurs, grip between the tire and the wheel rim is de-creased. This can allow the tire to slip circumferentially around the wheel and as a consequence the vehicle loses traction, as the wheel can rotate within the tire and its beads, or the vehicle can lose braking efficiency as the rotation of the wheel may be stopped by the vehicle’s brakes while the tire continues to rotate. As the tire is loose on the rim it can flail and rapidly break up and if on a steering wheel then steering control is impaired.

There are devices, variously known as `well fillers`, available to prevent tire beads slipping into the wheel’s well, but these do not stop the tire moving circumferentially round the wheel rim when running deflated due to the well filler of necessity being of a lesser diameter than the wheel’s seats and therefore the tires beads. It is necessary for well filler’s to be of a smaller diameter than the wheel’s seats and the tires beads otherwise it would be impossible to fit the tire to the wheel. These devices are not designed to lock the tires beads into place on the wheel rim and therefore the tyre may move circumferentially around the wheel rim, therefore traction and braking control may be compromised. There are devices, variously known as `runflat assemblies`, `runflat inserts` or `runflat devices` that may be fitted to a single piece drop center wheel rim. These may have a diameter greater than the seats and the flanges of the wheel rim and be of suffi-cient diameter to support the tread of the tire when running flat.

Generally, these devices are supported by a part of their main body sitting in the wheel’s well. This provides only a small foot-print area; since space has to be left in the wheel’s well to allow the tire’s outer bead to be fitted when fitting the tire. As a result, stability of the runflat device may be compro-mised when the vehicle is running with a deflated tire. The device can also be forced sideways within the wheel well in ex-treme runflat situations. In systems using an annular base fitted with a second outer ring (or segments forming a ring) which may rotate when the vehicle is running on a flat tyre, the small foot-print area available to support the second or rotatable ring or annular segments is narrow, reducing the capability of spreading the rotational forces and vehicle weight over a larger area and reducing pressure between the rotating parts. High pressures over a small contact area increase friction, which produces heat, reducing the device’s longevity and therefore runflat distance capability. Typically, these devices can not lock the tires beads in place in the wheel rims seats, therefore although the tire may be supported when running flat, traction and braking may be com-promised as the tire is able to slip circumferentially around the wheel rim. Most current runflat devices take a long time to fit, relative to fitting the tire, and for fitting require extra tools or equipment in addition to the tire fitter’s normal tools and equipment. The present invention attempts to overcome the above problems faced in the known art and thus provides a method and system for fitting a runflat device to a vehicle wheel.7 drawings

RETICLE PROVIDING MAXIMIZED DANGER SPACEOrganization: U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityCountry of origin: U.S.Language: English

Optical weapon sights are equipped with a sighting assem-bly which includes a reticle. A reticle serves as an aiming refer-ence guide for a target engagement situated at various distanc-es. The weapon sights and the reticle therein follow different design methods, and can have various sizes, shapes and forms. For example, the EOTech Holographic Weapon Sight (“HWS”) is a proprietary weapon sight that utilizes combined ranging and aiming in one image, via a heads-up display that has a wide field of view for situational awareness which helps with speed in target acquisition. In general, such weapon sights can be broadly classified into two categories: Short range and Multi-purpose. Short range weapon sights may include a reticle that has a reflex,



circle dot, or red-dot configuration. An operator places the dot on the target and fires. This type of optic is typically utilized in close quarters combat environments and basic patrolling oper-ations. The advantage to this type of optic is ease of use, small size, light weight and speed. Disadvantages of this type of optical sight include limited capability when engaging extended range targets. Multi-Purpose weapon sights include a reticle with subten-sions that designate an aiming reference according to a specific distance of a target. The disadvantage to this type of sight is that the reticle is calibrated for a specific caliber and weight ammuni-tion, at a specific muzzle velocity, at a specific altitude and sever-al other parameters. If the operator is not utilizing the identical weapon/ammunition combination, and is operating at a different altitude, accurate shot placement may be compromised. Addi-tionally, in most dynamic situations, the operator does not know the range to a target to employ the correct aiming reference. Multi-Purpose weapon sights optics are typically expensive and do not offer the speed of use of the short range weapon sights.16 drawings

BALLISTIC AND IMPACT PROTECTIVE VISOR SYSTEM FOR MILITARY HELMET ASSEMBLYOrganization: Revision MilitaryCountry of origin: CanadaLanguage: English

Military and law-enforcement helmets with face shields are known such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,901,369 and 4,536,892. These face shields provide pivot arrangements on opposite lateral sides of the face shield to allow the face shield to be pivoted upward away from the user’s face when the face shield is not deployed. The face shield is held in a deployed po-sition in front of the user’s face by locking of the pivot arrange-ments. This document describes a visor for a helmet includes a lens having a top edge that slopes downward from a top center point to first right and left curve points, at the first curve points the

top edge begins to slope more aggressively toward second right and left curve points, and more aggressively toward right and left side edge points. A plane of sight along the vertical extent of the lens is displaced above the plane intersecting the side edge points. The lens has a thickness defined between an inner con-cave surface and an outer convex surface; the inner and outer surfaces having different radii of curvatures. The lens tapers from the center toward the outer edges.85 drawings



FIREARM HAVING A HYBRID INDIRECT GAS OPERATING SYSTEMOrganization: Colt ManufacturingCountry of origin: U.S.Language: English

There are conventional semi-automatic or automatic fire-arms that are gas operated via an operating rod in the case of an indirect gas operating system. Such systems rely on a piston and operating rod with the piston actuated by gas from the barrel of the firearm. A problem arises when the cylinder is coupled directly to the barrel due to barrel deflection. As such, there is a desire to be able to eliminate interaction between the cylinder and the barrel.

In an automatic or semi-automatic rifle, the rifle has a receiver and a bolt having a striking surface, the bolt enclosed within the receiver. A barrel has a bore, the barrel coupled to the receiver. An indirect gas operating system has a cylinder and a piston, the indirect gas operating system mounted with a mounting structure substantially independent of the barrel. The cylinder is in communication with the bore, and the piston is fit-ted to the cylinder and disposed for striking the striking surface and displacing the bolt assembly.45 drawings

BALLISTIC RESISTANT THERMOPLASTIC SHEET, PROCESS OF MAKING AND ITS APPLICATIONS Organization: Honeywell InternationalCountry of origin: U.S.Language: English

High tenacity fibers, such as SPECTRA polyethylene fibers or aramid fibers such as KEVLAR and TWARON fibers, are known to be useful for the formation of articles having excellent ballistic resistance. Ballistic resistant articles formed from high tenacity tapes are also known. Articles such as bullet resistant vests, hel-mets, vehicle panels and structural members of military equip-ment are typically made from fabrics comprising high tenacity fibers or tapes because of their very high strength to weight

performance. For many applications, the fibers or tapes may be formed into woven or knitted fabrics. For other applications, the fibers or tapes may be encapsulated or embedded in a polymeric matrix material and formed into non-woven fabrics. In one com-mon non-woven fabric structure, a plurality of unidirectionally oriented fibers are arranged in a generally coplanar, coextensive relationship and coated with a binding matrix resin to bind the fibers together. Typically, multiple plies of such unidirectional-ly oriented fibers are merged into a multi-ply composite. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,403,012; 4,457,985; 4,613,535; 4,623,574; 4,650,710; 4,737,402; 4,748,064; 5,552,208; 5,587,230; 6,642,159; 6,841,492; and 6,846,758, all of which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent consistent herewith. Composites fabricated from non-woven fabrics are known to stop projectiles better than woven fabric composites because the component fibers in non-woven fabrics are not crimped like the fibers in woven materials. Fiber crimping reduces the ability of the fibers to stay in tension and immediately absorb the energy of a projectile, compromising their effectiveness. In addition, projectile damage to non-woven fabrics is more local-ized compared to woven fabrics, allowing for enhanced multi-hit performance. However, non-woven composite technology re-mains imperfect. Traditional non-woven composites are not ideal because the resin coating that is generally necessary to keep the component fibers bound together is present in place of a greater quantity of high tenacity fibers. The reduction in overall fiber content reduces the maximum achievable ballistic resistance efficiency on an equal weight basis relative to fabrics incorporat-ing no resin coating. However, it is difficult to produce single-ply sheets of unidirectionally oriented fibers with adequate mechan-ical integrity when less than 10% by weight of bonding resin is used. In addition, to maximize ballistic resistance, it is desired for there to be a bare minimum of space between adjacent fibers to facilitate maximum engagement of the fibers with a projectile threat. One way to accomplish that is by adding more fibers to a fibrous layer, but that makes the armor heaver, which is unde-sirable. A more preferred method is spreading filaments apart



to form thinner fiber layers having fewer fibers that lie on top of each other. This allows a greater number of fiber layers to be stacked on top of each other without altering the expected fabric thickness, thereby enhancing fiber engagement with projectile threats without increasing fabric weight. However, it is difficult to produce single-ply sheets of unidirectionally oriented fibers with adequate mechanical integrity when the filaments of the fibers are spread very thinly. Accordingly, there is an ongoing need in the art for a ballistic resistant composite containing less than 10% binder resin and having reduced thickness that combines the superior mechanical strength of woven fabrics with the superior ballistic resistance of non-woven fabrics. The present invention provides a solution to this need.5 drawings

ARRANGEMENT FOR THREAT MANAGEMENT FOR GROUND-BASED VEHICLEOrganization: BAE Systems HagglundsCountry of origin: SwedenLanguage Swedish

The invention pertains to a method for threat handling of a ground based vehicle, comprising the steps of providing at least two kinds of systems for said threat handling, wherein said threat handling comprises determining information about said threat and determining actions for handling said threats based upon said information, and providing a control unit for con-trolling provided systems, providing a separate hardware safety configuration unit, and providing said separate hardware safety configuration unit with by means of provided means determined information about said threat so as to in an evaluation step de-ciding if said control unit should be given a go ahead for handling said threat or not. The invention also relates to a computer pro-gram product comprising program code for a computer imple-menting a method according to the invention. The invention also relates to a device and a ground based vehicle which is equipped with the device.6 drawings

POLYMERIC SLEEVE VIBRATION DAMPER FOR THE ACTION SPRING OF AR-10 DERIVATIVE RIFLESOrganization: William WoodCountry of origin: U.S.Language: English

An assault rifle is a gas-operated rifle designed for combat that can be selectively fired in both fully-automatic and semi-au-tomatic modes. Assault rifles are the standard infantry weapons in most modern armies, having largely superseded or supple-mented larger and more powerful battle rifles such as the M14, FN FAL and the Heckler & Koch G3. Examples of assault rifles include the AK-47, the M16, the M4 and the Steyr AUG. The German military developed the assault rifle concept during World War II, based upon research that showed that most firefights happen at a range of less than 300 meters. The

power and range of contemporary rifle cartridges was excessive for most small arms firefights. As a result, the German military sought a cartridge and rifle combining submachine gun features (large-capacity magazine, selective-fire) with an intermedi-ate-power cartridge effective to 300 meters. To reduce manu-facturing costs, the 7.92.times.57 mm Mauser cartridge case was shortened, the result of which was the lighter 7.92.times.33 mm Kurz (short). The Sturmgewehr model 1944 (storm rifle model 1944, usually abbreviated StG44), is generally considered by historians to be the first modern assault rifle. Developed in Nazi Germany toward the end of World War II, it was the first of its kind to see major deployment. Though derided by the allied forces for its heavy receiver and fully-automatic fire capability, the StG44 fulfilled its role admirably, particularly on the Eastern Front, by offering greatly-increased concentration of fire, as compared to standard infantry rifles then in use. Fortunately, it arrived too late to have a significant effect on the outcome of the war. Mikhail Kalashnikov began his career as a weapon design-er while in a hospital after being wounded during the rout of Soviet troops by the German forces at the Battle of Bryansk. While recovering from his injuries, Kalashnikov experienced repeated flashbacks of the battle, and became obsessed with creating a submachine gun that would drive the Germans from his homeland. After tinkering with a sub-machine gun design for some time, he entered a 1944 com petition for a new weapon that would chamber the 7.62.times.41 mm cartridge developed by Elisarov and Semin in 1943. A particular requirement of the competition was that the firearm be serviceable and reliable in the muddy, wet, and frozen conditions of the Soviet frontline. The Kalashnikov entry--a carbine bearing a strong design resem-blance to the American M1 Garand--lost out to a Simonov design that would later become the SKS semi-automatic carbine. How-ever, in response to a subsequent design competition in 1946, Kalashnikov and his design team submitted a redesign of his original carbine. The gas-operated rifle which his team entered is most aptly described as a hybrid of the best rifle technology of the period. His design incorporated the trigger, double locking lugs and unlocking raceway of the M1 Garand/M1 carbine; the safety mechanism of the Browning-designed Remington Model 8 rifle; and the gas system and layout of the StG44. Sixty years after its acceptance by the Soviet military in 1947, the iconic Avtomat Kalashnikova Model 1947 (shortened to AK-47) remains the most widely-used assault rifle in the world. More AK-type rifles have been produced than all other assault rifles combined. The main advantages of the Kalashnikov rifle are its simple design, fairly compact size and adaptability to mass production. It is inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to clean and maintain. In addition, its ruggedness and reliability are legendary. The large gas piston, generous clearances between moving parts, and tapered cartridge case design allow the gun to endure large amounts of foreign matter and fouling without failing to cycle. However, this reliability comes at the cost of accuracy, as the looser tolerances do not allow for precision and consistency. The M14 rifle is an American selective-fire automatic rifle that chambers 7.62.times.51 mm NATO ammunition. It was the standard issue US rifle until 1970. The M14 was used for US Army and Marine Corps basic and advanced individual training, and was the standard issue infantry rifle in CONUS, Europe, and South Korea, until replaced by the M16 rifle in 1970. It remains



in limited front line service with the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, and remains in use as a ceremonial weapon. It was the last so-called “battle rifle” (a term applied to weapons firing full-power rifle ammunition) issued in quantity to U.S. troops. The M14 was developed from a long line of exper-imental weapons based upon the M1 Garand, the first success-ful semi-automatic rifle to be put into active military service. Designed by Canadian-born John C. Garand while employed as a consulting engineer by the U.S. Springfield Armory, the M1 was standard issue for U.S. soldiers during World War II. Though among the most advanced infantry rifles of the 1940s, it was not a perfect weapon. It primary detractions were its length, its mass, its heavy ammunition, and its lack of a fully-automatic mode. Toward the end of the war, modifications were made to the basic design which addressed the final detraction. Those modifications included the incorporation of fully-automatic firing capability and replacing the 8-round “en bloc” clips with a detachable box magazine holding 20 rounds. John Garand’s T20 conversion was the most widely-used of the fully-auto M1 variants. However, it soon became evident that the size and weight attributes of the basic M1 design required a more radical approach. Earle Harvey and Lloyd Corbett, both employees of the Springfield Armory, were instrumental in designing rifles for the new .30 Light Rifle cartridge, which was based upon .30-06 cartridge case cut down to the length of the .300 Savage case. The .30 Light Rifle eventually evolved into the 7.62.times.51 mm NATO and the commercial .308 Winchester round. Although shorter than the .30-06, the 7.62.times.51 mm NATO round retained the same power due to the use of modern propellants. Harvey was instrumental in designing a completely new T25 rifle prototype, while Corbett was tasked with developing .30 Light Rifle conversions of the M1 and T20 designs. Corbett’s original T44 prototype used a T20 receiver rebarreled for the NATO 7.62 mm round. In addition, the long operating rod/piston of the M1 was replaced with the T25’s shorter “gas expansion and cut-off” system. The T44 design evolved to use newly-fabricated receiv-ers that were shorter than those of either the M1 or T20. The new action’s length was matched to the shorter 7.62 mm NATO cartridge instead of the longer .30-06. Corbett’s more conserva-tive approach ultimately prevailed during design competitions that began in 1954, and the T44 was adopted by the U.S. military as the M14 in 1957. Springfield Armory began tooling a new production line in 1958 and delivered the first service rifles to the U.S. Army in July 1959. Acceptance of the M14 did not occur before a radical new-

comer entered the contest. In 1954, Eugene M. Stoner became chief engineer of newly-formed ArmaLite, a division of Fairchild Engine & Airplane Corporation. Stoner was primarily responsible for the development of the 7.62 mm AR-10. Springfield’s T44 and similar entries were conventional rifles that used wood for the buttstock and which were built entirely of steel using mostly forged and machined parts. ArmaLite was founded specifically to bring the latest in designs and alloys to firearms design, and Stoner felt he could easily beat the other offerings. Stoner’s AR-10 was radical for its day. The receiver was made of forged and milled aluminum alloy instead of steel. The barrel was mated to the receiver by a separate hardened steel extension to which the bolt locked. This allowed a lightweight aluminum receiver to be used while still maintaining a steel-on-steel lockup. Whereas on traditional semi-automatic rifles, the action is actuated by a cyl-inder and piston close to a gas vent in the barrel, the bolt on the AR-10 was operated by high-pressure combustion gases taken from a hole in the middle of the barrel, routed directly through a tube above the barrel to a cylinder, with the bolt carrier itself acting as a piston. On the AR-10, the stock and grips were made of a glass-reinforced plastic shell over a rigid foam plastic core. The muzzle brake was fabricated from titanium. The layout of the weapon itself was also somewhat unique. Previous designs generally placed the sights directly on the barrel, using a bend in the stock to align the sights at eye level while transferring the recoil down to the shoulder. This meant that the weapon tended to rise when fired making it very difficult to control during fully-automatic fire. The ArmaLite team used a solution previously used on weapons such as the German FG 42 and Johnson light machine gun; the barrel was in line with the stock, well below eye level, with the sights to eye level. The rear sight was built into a carrying handle over the receiver. The AR-10 was a very advanced design for its time. Despite being over 2 lb (0.9 kg) lighter than the competition, it offered significantly greater accuracy and recoil control. Two prototype rifles were delivered to the U.S. Army’s Springfield Armory for testing late in 1956. At this time, the U.S. armed forces were already two years into a service rifle evaluation program, and the AR-10 was a newcomer with respect to older, more fully-developed designs. Unfortu-nately, ArmaLite’s president, George Sullivan, insisted that both prototypes be fitted with barrels made of aluminum extruded over a thin stainless steel liner. Shortly after the aluminum-steel composite barrel burst on one of the prototypes in 1957, the AR-10 was rejected. However, later that same year, General Willard G. Wyman, commander of the U.S. Continental Army Command (CONARC) put together a team to develop a .223 cali-ber (5.56 mm) weapon. Wyman had seen the AR-10 in an earlier demonstration and, impressed by its performance, personally suggested that ArmaLite enter an AR-10 modified to use a 5.56 mm cartridge designed by Winchester. ArmaLite commissioned Stoner’s chief assistant, Robert Fremont, and Jim Sullivan, an-other employee, with the task of scaling down the basic AR-10 design to fire the small-caliber .223 Winchester cartridge. When improper assembly of the prototypes being tested resulted in CONRAC rejecting the design, Fairchild, which had already spent $1.45 million in development costs with no potential return on the investment, decided to bail out of the small-arms business. Fairchild thereafter sold production rights for the AR-15 to Colt Firearms in December 1959, for a mere $75,000 in cash and a 4.5% royalty on subsequent sales. In 1960, ArmaLite was reorga-



nized, and Stoner left the company. Given such an inauspicious beginning, it would have been difficult to predict that within five years, the AR-15 would be adopted by United States military forces as the M16 rifle, and that it and variants thereof would be in continuous production well into the twenty-first century. The M4 carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16, all based on the orig-inal AR-15 made by ArmaLite. It is a shorter and lighter version of the M16A2 assault rifle, achieving 80% parts commonality with the M16A2. The M4 has selective fire options including semi-au-tomatic and three-round burst (like the M16A2), while the M4A1 has a “full auto” option in place of the three-round burst. The AR-15 and M16 rifle designs are derived from the AR-10. As on the AR-10, the bolt on the AR-15 and M16 is operated by high-pressure combustion gases taken from a hole in the middle of the barrel. The gases are routed directly through a tube above the barrel to the front of the bolt carrier, which acts as a piston. The bolt and bolt carrier slide within a receiver extension, which functions as a cylinder. The bolt and bolt carrier slide backwards against a buffer that is inserted in the front end of an action spring that is installed within the receiver extension. The receiver extension, incidentally, is housed within the rifle’s buttstock. As the bolt, bolt carrier and buffer slide backwards, the rifle’s ham-mer is reset as an extractor simultaneously pulls the spent casing from the chamber. Once the casing is clear of the chamber, an ejector kicks the casing out of the receiver. The AR-15, M16 and derivative rifles are, thus, gas operated via a method known as direct impingement (DI). The DI system has the advantage of having the absolute minimum of recoiling action parts, resulting in the minimum possible weapon disturbance due to balance shifting during the action cycle as well as reducing overall weap-on weight. It has the disadvantage of the propellant gas (and the accompanying fouling) being blown directly into the action parts. DI operation increases the amount of heat that is deposited in the receiver while firing, which can burn off essential lubricants. Lack of proper lubrication is the most common source of weapon stoppages or jams. The bolt, extractor, ejector, pins, and springs are also heated by this high-temperature gas. These combined factors reduce service life of these parts, reliability, and mean time between failures. What is needed is a method for damping the vibration of the action spring at the moment of maximum compression.5 drawings

AERIAL REFUELING SYSTEMOrganization: The Boeing CompanyCountry of origin: U.S.Language: English

Aerial refueling involves the in-flight transfer of fuel from a tanker aircraft to a receiver aircraft. The transfer of fuel to the receiver aircraft may increase the range and endurance of the receiver aircraft. The transfer of fuel to the receiver aircraft may also increase the payload capability of the receiver aircraft. In one conventional method of aerial refueling, a semi-rigid, pivoting boom may be mounted to an underside of a fuselage of a tanker aircraft on the aft end thereof. A receiver aircraft may include a receptacle configured to mate with the pivoting

boom. The pilot of the receptacle-equipped receiver aircraft may maneuver into close proximity to the tanker aircraft. The pivoting boom may be steered into alignment with the receptacle on the receiver aircraft until the boom locks with the receptacle. After establishing the connection between the boom and the recep-tacle, fuel may be transferred from the tanker aircraft to the receiver aircraft. Unfortunately, current tanker aircraft include only one (1) pivoting boom such that only one (1) receptacle-equipped receiver aircraft may be refueled at a time. Furthermore, the pivoting boom extends a relatively short distance from the aft end of the tanker aircraft such that when the pivoting boom is coupled to the receptacle, a relatively small spacing separates the receiver aircraft from the tanker aircraft. The relatively short length and semi-rigid nature of the pivoting boom limits the capability for relative movement between the tanker aircraft and the receiver aircraft which may present challenges when refueling in turbulent conditions. In addition, the pivoting boom is stored on an exterior of the tanker aircraft which generates a significant amount or aerodynamic drag, and which has a detri-mental impact on the radar signature of the tanker aircraft. As can be seen, there exists a need in the art for a refueling system and method that allows for the simultaneous refueling of two (2) or more receptacle-equipped receiver aircraft, and which additionally allows for an increased amount of relative movement and increased spacing between the tanker aircraft and the receiver aircraft when coupled together during refueling. Furthermore, there exists a need in the art for a refueling system and method that may be stored internally in the tanker aircraft to minimize or eliminate contributions to aerodynamic drag, and to preserver a low-observable or stealth capability of the tanker.21 drawings



METHOD FOR STORING AND DEPLOYING SUBMERSIBLES IN A SUBMARINEOrganization: Thyssen Krupp Marine SystemsCountry of origin: GermanyLanguage: German

The device has a depth charger dropping device and a tube-shaped storing container for a depth charger arranged outside a pressure hull. The storing container forms a pressure resistant chamber that withstands pressure encountered in immersion. The depth charger dropping device has a piston movably guided in a cylinder. A movement path of the piston is limited in the cylinder by a supporting tube.5 drawings

FIREARM ACCESSORY MOUNTING INTERFACEOrganization: Magpul IndustriesCountry of origin: U.S.Language: English

Modern firearms, in particular, military assault rifles, can be deployed for a number of combat missions such as sniper weapons and in close combat. They are commonly used for nighttime combat. All of these applications can require fitting a variety of telescopic sights, infrared sights, tactical lights, laser sighting modules, grenade launchers, bipods, grips and other accessories to the firearm. For mounting purposes, standardized mounting platforms have been developed, such as the Picatinny rail platform (MIL-STD-1913 or STANAG 2324). The Picatinny rail is a cross-section shaped roughly like a wide T with the top of the T corresponding to the top of the rail. The rail has a number of evenly spaced transverse slots in the top spanning the width of

the T-shaped cross-section. Such rails are often placed directly on the weapon’s receiv-er, in the position normally occupied by the rear sights. The rail may also extend over the rifle handguard associated with the rifle barrel. In addition to top mounting rails, firearms may now include rails fastened to guns in various locations. In some cases, grips are surrounded with top, bottom and side rails. Mounting rails are also appearing on shotguns and pistols. While the mounting rails have obvious utilitarian benefits, they are not without some shortcomings. Most notably, they can be uncomfortable when grasped by a user’s hands, they can snag on clothing, barbed wire, and other objects, they add weight to a weapon system, and under certain field conditions they may become clogged with dirt and other debris that make it difficult to install one of the many accessories receivable on the rails. Other systems have detachable rails that allow the user to install rails only where they are needed, and only of the length needed. While this decreases weight (and the discomfort and other disadvantages) of having needless rails where the hand is to grip, it suffers from other disadvantages. First, such systems may be difficult or complex to install. Second, they may require custom modification of parts, such as drilling and tapping holes where needed. Third, the attachment locations may be in limited locations due to the need to relocate fasteners such as threaded inserts (or may increase cost and weight by using an excessive number of fasteners). A further significant disadvantage of systems having modu-lar rails that may be mounted in various locations on the forearm or handguard of a rifle stock is the susceptibility to loosening. If the mount for a rifle scope becomes loose, this can cause signifi-cant aiming errors. One solution to the disadvantages of Picatinny rail systems is the KEYMOD system introduced by VLTOR Weapon Systems. The KEYMOD system consists of two parts: the KEYMOD slot; and the KEYMOD nut. The slot is distinctive with a larger diameter through-hole combined with a narrow slot. The slot is chamfered on the backside while the through-hole is sized for clearance of a quick-detach sling swivel (approximately 3/8’’ diameter). However, the KEYMOD specifications also suffer from sev-eral disadvantages including more complex manufacturing. The KEYMOD specification is also harder to implement in polymeric materials since it typically requires complex secondary machining operations rather than standard molding processes to form the keyhole apertures. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a firearm accessory mounting interface that adds minimal or no weight to a weapon system, is unlikely to snag, is



unlikely to clog with mud and debris, and is comfortable to hold. In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of accessory interfaces, this disclosure provides an improved firearm accessory mounting interface. As such, the present disclosure’s general purpose is to provide a new and improved accessory mounting interface that is easy to use, adds minimal or no weight to a weapon system, is unlikely to snag, is unlikely to clog with mud and debris, and is comfortable to hold. The process of making the improved firearm accessory mount-ing interface is also faster, easier to adapt to polymeric material processes, and results in greater part consistency than the prior art accessory mounting interfaces.38 drawings

THERMONUCLEAR WEAPON WITHOUT NUCLEAR FUSE Organization: Antropov Valerij Mikhajlovich Country of origin: RussiaLanguage: Russian

A thermonuclear weapon without nuclear fuse consists of a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body is connected to the conical body which is connected to the spherical body. On one side of the cylindrical body there is a trigger of the explosive, on the other side of the body there is thermonuclear charge inside which the thermonuclear fuel is located. Along the longitudi-nal axis of the charge there is a rod of plutonium. The trigger is separated from the thermonuclear charge by the uranium cover. All the remaining space inside the cylindrical body is filled with polystyrene foam. Along the longitudinal axis of the bodies the rod of lithium metal is axially located. The lithium rod portion located in the center of the spherical body comprises a ball consisting of lithium deuteride. The center of the ball coincides with the center of the spherical body. The internal volume of the conical and cylindrical bodies is filled with lithium deuteride. The spherical body is made of metal. The conical and cylindrical bodies are made of electrotechnical ceramics. The reported effect is a simplified design of the munition. 1 drawing

HANDS-FREE MULTI-USE LONG GUN CARRY PACK AND RELATED METHODSOrganization: Wild Bucks OutdoorsCountry of origin: U.S.Language: English

Long guns are an elongated class of firearms generally de-signed to be discharged by a gunman with an outstretched arm supporting the barrel of the gun while the gun stock is braced against his or her shoulder. Long guns have many practical uses, particularly in military and sportsman arts. Despite this utility, long guns are usually heavy and lengthy whereby manually carry-ing such guns can be difficult and tiring. Furthermore, manually carrying a gun occupies the gunman’s hands and arms so that multi-tasking by the carrier is limited. Many apparatus exist which allow hands-free carrying of a long gun on the back of a gunman. While loading a long gun on the back of the gunman eases the gunman’s burdens of manual-ly carrying the gun, apparatus for back mounting long guns are not entirely suitable for all situations because, the gun is hard to reach and far (in time, distance, and procedure) from a gunman’s fire-ready position. Other apparatus for assisting a gunman’s carrying of a long gun also exist, but such apparatus are either uncomfortable for the gunman or expose the gun and its components (e.g., sighting elements) to damage. For example, sling type apparatus exists for supporting a long gun over a shoulder of the gunman, but such apparatus: focus the weight of the long gun on a single extremity (e.g. a single arm or shoulder) so that carrying the gun becomes uncomfortable; leave the gun dangling on the shoul-der so that the gun may either be dropped or hit against items;



and place the gun at a location that is far (in time, distance, and procedure) from the gunman’s fire-ready position. In view of the foregoing, there is a need for gun-protective multi-use apparatus for secure and hands-free carrying of a long gun in close proximity (in time, distance, and procedure) to a firing position of a gunman carrier.15 drawings

CARGO HOLD FLOOR FOR A CARGO HOLD OF AN AIRCRAFTOrganization: Telair InternationalCountry of origin: GermanyLanguage: English

Both for civil and for military applications, it is often nec-essary to use aircraft to transport persons but also freight, in particular containers or pallets. Here the cargo holds of the aircraft are fitted with seats or other function units e.g. side guide elements, cross bars, roller units, fixing elements etc. for the most efficient possible use of the hold. As for the operator of aircraft, every minute in which an aircraft cannot be used consti-tutes an added financial burden, it is necessary to optimise the conversion measures in order to minimise the time required for these. Furthermore the hold, in particular when used to trans-port freight, should be designed such that loading and unloading processes can be performed as quickly as possible. The function

units used should be simple to operate such that no incorrect operation can occur as this can lead to at least partial blockage of the aircraft. Furthermore it is found that the cargo hold and all function units therein are exposed to extreme environmental situations (e.g. high and low temperatures, severe temperature differences, dust, sand, wet conditions etc.). With regard to user-friendliness, it must furthermore be considered that not all airports have qualified operating staff. In particular for military use of aircraft, for example when ejecting equipment into crisis zones, it must be expected that the operating staff will be under great stress so that particularly simple and safe operation of the function units is required. It will be clear that irrespective of use (military or civil), high requirements are imposed on the safety of the function units since detachment of a seat or slippage of the freight items during flight are unacceptable. The function units used need not only be secure but also lightweight. Heavy function units lead to increased fuel consumption, and reduce the maximum loading capacity and range of the aircraft. As usual in the industry, for manufacturers of function units and cargo hold floors it is essential to minimise the necessary expense and costs. The production process should be as efficient as possible so that the high quality products can be produced at the lowest possible costs. Important factors for the efficient production are low use of materials, rapid and simple production and an efficient (first) installation. The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a car-go hold floor for a hold of an aircraft which is simple to produce, versatile in use and easy to configure.35 drawings

MODULAR FIREARM STOCK SYSTEMOrganization: RA Brands LLCCountry of origin: U.S.Language: English

Typically, most conventional firearms have been adapted for specific tasks and generally are limited to use with specific calibers and/or types of ammunition. However, demand is in-creasing for firearms that can be modified to fire different types of ammunition, and/or can be reconfigured for different environ-ments and uses. For example, in military applications today, the environments in which soldiers are forced to fight are changing such that they can be in open desert and then move into close quarter’s battle in a more urban area within the matter of a few hours. At the same time, their weapons needs can further change, i.e., they might be faced with need for a longer range, sniping weapon or alternatively with needs for a more standard infantry rifle depending on the environment or situation. Carry-ing multiple different firearms is, however, impractical as adding undue weight and bulk to soldiers’ packs and gear. Additionally,



for more specialized uses, such as for sniping and other tactical situations, the weapon must be configurable as needed to fit the shooter’s particular needs and/or use in a particular combat situation. It therefore can be seen that a need exists for a modular firearm that addresses the foregoing and other related and unre-lated problems in the art.16 drawings

SHIPBORNE AND GROUND-BASED LOWER RADAR SIGNATURE AIRCRAFT WITH ALL AROUND ANTENNA SYSTEM Organization: Publichnoe Aktsionernoe Obshchestvo “Tagan-rogskij aviatsionnyj nauchno- tekhnicheskij kompleks im. G.M. Berieva” (PAO “TANTK im. G.M. Berieva”) Country of origin: RussiaLanguage: Russian This invention relates to aircraft engineering, partially, to development of shipborne and ground-based aircraft with ob-servation and guidance all around antennas intended for traffic control and sea patrolling. Claimed aircraft comprises fuselage, wing, empennage, power plant, undercarriage and all around antenna system. Wing central part features radioparent leading and trailing edges and has larger contraction than the wing end parts. Note here that the wing central part features contraction for antennas arranged at wing leading and trailing edges to allow all around observation.

The reported effect is enlarged coverage of air situation, lower radar signature, unimpeded crew ejection, easy access to antenna system cowls. 3 drawings

FIREARM HANDGRIP ASSEMBLY WITH LASER GUNSIGHTOrganization: Hogue Inc.Country of origin: U.S.Language: English

Lasers are commonly used for firearm sighting when light conditions are poor, such as at night or in the darkened rooms of buildings. They are often used by police and military users of firearms, who need to be able to quickly and accurately aim the firearm at a poorly-illuminated target under low light conditions. They are increasingly popular for use with handguns, which are otherwise potentially difficult to aim and shoot accurately. Laser sights have been developed that employ a battery-pow-ered laser that has been sighted-in so that the laser illuminates the firearm’s point of impact. The target reflects the laser beam back to the user, which informs the user exactly where the firearm is aimed and where the bullet will impact if the firearm is fired. Various laser gunsight systems have been developed for use with firearms that are equipped with a handgrip. One exam-ple is the LG-401 LASERGRIPS manufactured by Crimson Trace of Wilsonville, Oreg. The standard factory-supplied grips are removed from the firearm and replaced by two panels that are



screwed onto the firearm’s frame. The two panels are connect-ed by a front activation pad that wraps around the front strap of the firearm’s handgrip. The handgrip is grasped by the user’s hand when the firearm is being held in the firing position, and a laser attached to the top of the right grip is turned on while the front activation pad is depressed. The laser housing includes set screws to adjust the laser’s elevation and windage when the laser is sighted-in by firing rounds at a target and noting any aiming error. The two batteries are capable of powering the laser for about four hours of illumination. However, the LG-401 LASERGRIPS has a significant disad-vantage in that the sighting-in process of the laser has to be repeated every time the batteries are changed. One of the two batteries cannot be replaced unless the right grip holding the laser is removed from the firearm so the battery can be ac-cessed and replaced. When the right grip is reattached, there is no guarantee the laser beam will still accurately reflect the firearm’s point of impact. Battery replacement is recommend-ed at least annually, and even more frequently for heavy users, which creates considerable inconvenience if a shooting range is not readily available. Furthermore, if the batteries begin to fail or experience a complete failure in the field, the user cannot replace them without taking the chance that the laser beam will no longer accurately indicate the firearm’s point of impact. The LG-401 LASERGRIPS has an additional disadvantage in that its exterior mimics the standard hard factory-supplied firearm grips for handguns. It is often desirable to utilize firearm handgrip assemblies composed of rubber or other relatively soft elastomers instead. The use of a soft firearm handgrip assembly provides the user with a more secure grip. Such firearm hand-grip assemblies often include ergonomic features such as finger ridges and palm swells to provide adequate security for holding the gun during recoil. The firearm handgrip assemblies may also provide a larger grip circumference than the standard facto-ry-supply firearm handgrips to accommodate users with larger hands. Firearm grip assemblies may include rigid inserts for reinforcement of the elastomer material. Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved firearm handgrip assembly that provides a laser gunsight system with batteries that can be changed without detaching the laser from the firearm and that provides ergonomic features. In this regard, the various embodiments of the present invention substantially fulfill at least some of these needs. In this respect, the firearm handgrip assembly according to the present invention substan-tially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a laser gunsight system with batteries that can be changed without detaching the laser from the firearm and providing ergonomic features.14 drawings

INTEGRATED LEVELER AND RAIL PLATFORM ASSEMBLY FOR A FIREARMOrganization: Mega Arms LLVCountry of origin: U.S.Language: English

Rail platforms are commonly used in connection with auto-

matic and semi-automatic rifles, such as military M-16 rifles and AR 15 type rifles, respectively. A rail platform typically corre-sponds to an upper receiver of a rifle and sometimes to both an upper receiver and a handguard that covers the barrel of the rifle. The rail platform accommodates a variety of accessories, such as lights, additional scopes, and anti-cant (leveling) devic-es. Known anti-cant devices are added in the field and extend externally of the handguard and rail platform. A user has to put up with the anti-cant device extending outwardly of the rail plat-form and can have impaired vision when shooting the rifle after leveling the rifle via the anti-cant device, because it is impractical to remove the anti-cant accessory once the rifle is aligned. Fur-ther, it can be time consuming and awkward to add and remove accessories in the field, especially when timing is of the essence. Furthermore, externally-extending rifle accessories are more likely to be damaged or entangled with brush or clothing. The present invention is directed to a rail platform with an anti-cant feature (leveler) that is integrated with a rail platform. The rail platform may be configured to be in two pieces: a first rail portion to be configured with an upper receiver for a firearm and a second rail portion to be configured with a handguard that itself is configured to receive a barrel assembly of a firearm. Each rail portion may include a plurality of outwardly extending and spaced apart upper ridges that laterally span the rail platform. The two rail portions are aligned end to end to form a slot be-tween the two rail portions. The slot is configured to receive an anti-cant leveler. Alternatively, the rail platform may be config-ured in one piece that is configured with its respective upper receiver and handguard portion, with a slot between the two at the rail platform. The leveler, which is configured to be received within the slot, includes a level vial and a level vial barrel receiver that may be axially received into a separate barrel having a cam lock and guide slot. The level vial is filled with leveling liquid that creates a visible bubble that can be externally visible of the level vial receiver when the level vial is axially received into the level vial receiver. In the embodiment with a separate barrel having a cam lock and guide slot, a spring biases the level vial receiver against an end of the barrel. When the level vial receiver pushes against the spring, the position can be held by a retaining pin that locks the leveler when the retaining pin is moved into the cam lock. In this way, the leveler can move between an open position and a closed and locked position.14 drawings









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Emerging Defense Technologies February 2016