Device for transporting a mortar-type heavy weapon on a light all-terrain vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to techniques used to transport artillery-type autonomous weapons, such as cannons or mortars. The invention can be used to transport a heavy weapon on the rear deck of a light all-terrain vehicle. The interface ( 3, 4 ) between the vehicle ( 2 ) and the weapon ( 1 ) comprises a retractable structure ( 3 ), e.g. a fork crane ( 30 ), a cable ( 32 ) and an electrical winch ( 31 ). When retracted, the retractable structure is designed to form a mechanical connection between the vehicle and the weapon, and, when released, said structure is configured to enable the weapon to move in relation to the vehicle, such that the stresses produced with the launch of a missile are not transmitted to the vehicle. Moreover, when the retractable structure is in the released position, the weapon can be moved away from the vehicle while remaining connected thereto and, in the retracted position, the structure can be used to position the weapon precisely on the vehicle.

1 . An interface between a vehicle and a weapon, comprising 
 a retractable structure intended to form a mechanical connection between the vehicle and the weapon when it is retracted, the retractable structure being configured to allow the weapon to move relative to the vehicle when relaxed, such that the stresses induced by the launch of a projectile are not transmitted to the vehicle.    
   
   
       2 . The interface as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the retractable structure comprises: 
 a flexible element connecting the vehicle to the weapon    a traction member designed to relax and retract the flexible element.    
   
   
       3 . The interface as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising self-centering elements designed to come into register with one another when the retractable structure is retracted, and configured to maintain their position against forces that tend to apply shear to the flexible element.  
   
   
       4 . The interface as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the self-centering elements comprise a male cone and a female cone, the male and female cones being intended to fit one inside the other.  
   
   
       5 . The interface as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a mechanism involving jaws which is 35 configured to be lockable about a tubular part of the weapon, so as to mount the interface on the weapon.  
   
   
       6 . The interface as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a crane, mechanically connected to the retractable structure, intended to be carried by the vehicle, and configured to bring the weapon onto the vehicle.  
   
   
       7 . The interface as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising uncoupling means designed to uncouple the flexible 10 element from the weapon, and configured to be manually operable.  
   
   
       8 . The interface as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein there are at least two retractable structures.  
   
   
       9 . A vehicle equipped with an interface as claimed in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       10 . A weapon comprising means of connection with an interface as claimed in  claim 1 .  
   
   
       11 . The interface as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising a mechanism involving jaws which is 35 configured to be lockable about a tubular part of the weapon, so as to mount the interface on the weapon.  
   
   
       12 . The interface as claimed in  claim 3 , further comprising a mechanism involving jaws which is 35 configured to be lockable about a tubular part of the weapon, so as to mount the interface on the weapon.  
   
   
       13 . The interface as claimed in  claim 4 , further comprising a mechanism involving jaws which is 35 configured to be lockable about a tubular part of the weapon, so as to mount the interface on the weapon.  
   
   
       14 . The interface as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising a crane, mechanically connected to the retractable structure, intended to be carried by the vehicle, and configured to bring the weapon onto the vehicle.  
   
   
       15 . The interface as claimed in  claim 3 , further comprising a crane, mechanically connected to the retractable structure, intended to be carried by the vehicle, and configured to bring the weapon onto the vehicle.  
   
   
       16 . The interface as claimed in  claim 4 , further comprising a crane, mechanically connected to the retractable structure, intended to be carried by the vehicle, and configured to bring the weapon onto the vehicle.  
   
   
       17 . The interface as claimed in  claim 5 , further comprising a crane, mechanically connected to the retractable structure, intended to be carried by the vehicle, and configured to bring the weapon onto the vehicle.  
   
   
       18 . The interface as claimed in  claim 3 , further comprising uncoupling means designed to uncouple the flexible 10 element from the weapon, and configured to be manually operable.  
   
   
       19 . The interface as claimed in  claim 4 , further comprising uncoupling means designed to uncouple the flexible 10 element from the weapon, and configured to be manually operable.  
   
   
       20 . The interface as claimed in  claim 5 , further comprising uncoupling means designed to uncouple the flexible 10 element from the weapon, and configured to be manually operable.