System and method for a flameless tracer/marker utilizing an electronic light source

Abstract

An electronic light source system is employed to create a flame-less tracer for a munitions projectile. The electronic light source system may be positioned in various locations and combinations of locations on a projectile (e.g., front, back, side, etc.) to enhance visibility of the projectile during flight. The electronic light source system provides a light source on the projectile that is visible to an observer at various viewing angles throughout the projectile flight without the environmental or safety issues presented by tracers using pyrotechnic materials. After assembly, the present system is encapsulated in glass or clear plastic to G-harden the present system, enabling the present system to sustain the large loads and stresses induced by gun launch. The present system may comprise a variety of light sources such as, for example, lasers, high output light-emitting diodes (LEDs), strobe lights, etc. The present system is capable of flashing the light sources at a variety of frequencies (e.g., 5 Hz, 20 Hz, etc.) to further attract the human eye. In addition, the present system presents the substantial benefit of being able to project light at various wavelengths outside the visible spectrum.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of provisional application 60 / 320,042, filed Mar. 24, 2003, the entire file wrapper contents of which provisional application are herein incorporated by reference as though fully set forth at length.FEDERAL RESEARCH STATEMENT [0002] The inventions described herein may be manufactured, used, and licensed by, or for the U.S. Government for U.S. Government purposes.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of the Invention [0004] This invention relates to munitions employed for training and tactical purposes. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tracer for small, medium and large caliber ammunition, mortar and canon caliber ammunition employing an electronic light source capable of providing flight path trace and site identification. [0005] 2. Background of the Invention [0006] In both military and non-military organizations, training and tactical exercises commonly employ ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention satisfies this need, and presents a system and an associated method (collectively referred to herein as “the system” or “the present system”) for utilizing an electronic light source in a flameless tracer and / or marker for use in small, medium and large caliber ammunition. The present system may be positioned in various locations and combinations of locations on a projectile (e.g., front, back, side, etc.) and inside a translucent or transparent projectile to enhance visibility of the projectile during flight and / or deliver a mark on a target. The goal of the present system is to provide a light source on or inside the projectile that is visible to an observer at various viewing angles throughout the projectile flight without the environmental or safety issues presented by conventional tracers. Depending on the need, the light source of the present system could mark a target with trace of flight, mark a target without trace of flight, or provide trace without mark. These options are controlled by the projectile design.

[0013] The present system may comprise a variety of light sources such as, for example, lasers, high output light-emitting diodes (LEDs), strobe lights, laser diodes, photo diodes, etc. The present system is capable of flashing the light sources at a variety of frequencies (e.g., 5 Hz, 20 Hz, etc.) to further attract the human eye. The light sources may be purchased at electronic stores at designated frequency, intensity, and wavelengths. Furthermore, the present system presents the substantial benefit of being able to project light at various wavelengths outside the visible spectrum. Some light sources that may be used by the present system are available, for example, in infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), and visible wavelengths and at various frequencies. Consequently, the present system comprising light sources such as IR or UV could be used in tactical situations such that the tracer and / or marker is visible only to personnel using IR night vision, UV detectors, etc. Furthermore, the present system can provide a light source in the visible wavelengths, allowing troops to see colors that have specific tactical meaning. In addition, the present system can be configured to provide a tracer with no mark, a trace with mark, or no trace but a mark on a target. The configuration is determined by the need of the soldier using the item.

[0014] The light created by the light source may be focused or directed in a manner to enhance its visibility to the observer. For example, a plastic or composite reflective cap, mirror(s), or reflector(s) in the path of a light beam may intermittently cast a bright beam to wider angles. Furthermore, the light source may be placed in different locations on the projectile to enhance visibility. These and other methods of enhancing the visibility of the light generated by the present system may be used singly or in combination in the present system.

[0017] The miniature, microminiaturized, or MEMS lights in a gelatin-like substance may be used, for example, to permit identification of impact areas. In addition, missiles and smart munitions that contain infrared or UV seeking sensors can home in on a target marked by miniature or MEMS lights and thereby guide a munition to its target. Furthermore, miniature light sources emitting either visible, infrared, UV light, or a combination of these spectrums may be delivered by projectiles to illuminate, for example, caves, equipment, booby traps, enemy vehicles, projectile impact areas, personnel, etc. In addition, infrared or UV light sources provided by the miniature or MEMS lights would allow personnel to look into a cave with infrared or UV (night vision) detection devices to a much greater depth than previously possible. Current night detection devices are only capable of detecting temperature differences. Booby traps that are deeply embedded in a cave and at the same temperature as the cave would not be detected by night vision devices unless marked, for example, with a miniaturized flashing light. Further, flashing miniature or MEMS lights may be used to direct a unit in battle to concentrate their projectiles into a marked area. This area would be marked by visible and / or UV, and / or infrared miniature, microminiaturized, or MEMS light when dispersed from a projectile. This visual signal is an effective method to get the attention of soldiers during battle because battle noise interferes with communication. In this manner, the fighting unit is more efficient in defeating an enemy.

[0021] Present systems that provide trace and mark may utilize a setback battery or battery in a sleeve combined with the light-emitting source (i.e. LED, miniaturized LED, or MEMS device with LED) and combined with an optional flashing unit. These devices are placed inside a transparent or translucent projectile. Only the part of the projectile that contains the devices needs to be transparent or translucent. A sticky substance (i.e. silicon gel) in a container such as glass, plastic vials, plastic bags, etc. are contained in the projectile to help the devices stick to and mark a target. The light-emitting devices are also enclosed in the container. The glass vials may be held apart by a spider to keep the glass vials from hitting each other and breaking. The spider is secured to the projectile so that the vials do not break. If the devices are placed in a plastic bag and the sticky substance is placed in a plastic bag then the bags are designed to be extremely tough and will only break when encountering the setback, setforward, or spin force. These bags are added directly to the projectile until the projectile is full.

[0022] Upon setback, the setback battery activates and powers the high intensity light-emitting devices. If a battery in a sleeve is utilized, the battery slides into position after setback and powers the light-emitting devices. The vials or bags shatter and the light-emitting devices mix with the sticky materials. The light-emitting devices continue to emit a high intensity light during the projectile flight and provide a trace to target. Upon projectile impact with the target the plastic projectile breaks and scatters the sticky light-emitting devices on the target, marking the target. The sticky material cushions and protects the light-emitting devices as they scatter on the target and helps them to adhere to the target. The miniaturized or MEMs LEDs, strobes, laser diodes, etc. are manufactured to be rugged and to survive the impact at target. The high intensity devices can provide a visible, IR, and / or UV high intensity light mark on target. Depending on the battery, the light can be set to last for a few seconds or up to a month. The battery does not have to be part of the marking device when using photo diodes since an energy source such as a laser directed at the photo diodes from a distance will light up the photo diodes.

Problems solved by technology

Although such conventional methods have met with some degree of success, workers in the art have encountered certain difficulties.

For example, tracer ammunition has frequently resulted in fires on training ranges that have been attributed to energetic material tracers contacting and burning surrounding brush and other ground material.

These fires incur additional costs in extinguishing the fires and also interrupt training exercise.

Consequently, training exercises may be extended to replace time lost, thereby incurring additional expense.

Furthermore, materials used in pyrotechnic tracers are environmentally unfriendly.

These materials often pose environmental hazards to training areas as a result of toxic emissions into the atmosphere and such materials leaching into ground water.

Since projectiles housing the pyrotechnic materials may be transported, the nature and explosive properties of these pyrotechnic materials add significant costs and danger to personnel.

The need for such a system has heretofore remained unsatisfied.

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