Gun sight compensator

Abstract

A range compensator for a gun sight for an associated gun is provided. The compensator includes at least one Risley prism pair that is rotatable in opposite relative directions about a common axis; mounting means for mounting the Risley prism pair to the sight between the sight and a target at a distance; and, a respective rotator associated with the Risley prism pair for rotating each prism in the Risley prism pair about the axis that is generally aligned with the path. The prisms are rotatable between an unrefracted range finding position in which a “line of departure” required to ensure the projectile strikes the target is determined and a refracted firing position in which the path of light extending between the sight and the target is refractively deviated to maintain the target centered with the sight when the gun is positioned along the required “line of departure”.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a gun sight compensator. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The trajectory for any projectile, except for self-propelled ones, follows a repeatable pattern when all variables are held constant. Rather than following a flat trajectory, all projectiles drop downwards due to the effects of gravity. The downward displacement at various distances (i.e., the amount of drop) depends largely on the ballistics of the projectile. Other forces influencing the drop dynamics include temperature, humidity, altitude, windage, and angle of fire. In addition, there are several forces that potentially affect the lateral displacement of a projectile relative to the firing direction, primarily windage (especially crosswinds) and any oblique aiming posture or “canting”. [0003] The aggregate impact of all these factors is that the actual projectile flight path deviates in an estimable manner (magnitude and direction) from a straight line of s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a range compensator for a gun sight that uses a pair of Risley prisms to adjust the gun's sighting for different target distances. The prisms can be rotated between a range finding position and a refracted firing position to ensure the target is always in the sight. The compensator also includes a range finder, a processor, and a controller to automatically adjust the prism rotation based on the target distance. The rotator can cause co-rotation or counter-rotation of the prisms, and may include two motors to achieve equal and opposite rotation of the prisms. The technical effect of the range compensator is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of gun sighting for different target distances.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, there are several forces that potentially affect the lateral displacement of a projectile relative to the firing direction, primarily windage (especially crosswinds) and any oblique aiming posture or “canting”.

This greatly complicates any control.

Further, the prism can only produce displacement “windows” within the confines of the image that is available.

Images