Apparatus, kit and method

Abstract

The invention relates to apparatus, a kit and method for aligning a weapon system ( 55 ) mounted on a vehicle. The apparatus comprises mounting means to mount the apparatus in alignment with the weapon system and reference means for alignment of the apparatus with a reference datum on the vehicle.

1 . Apparatus for aligning a weapon system mounted on a vehicle, comprising:
 mounting means to mount the apparatus in alignment with the weapon system; and   reference means for alignment of the apparatus with a reference datum on the vehicle.   
   
   
       2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the reference means allows alignment of the apparatus with the reference datum in one or more of roll, pitch and yaw orientations. 
   
   
       3 . Apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the alignment with the reference datum is from −0.5 to +0.5 degrees. 
   
   
       4 . Apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the alignment with the reference datum is from −0.1 to +0.1 degrees. 
   
   
       5 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the reference datum is a reference plane, point, mark, line, notch or sticker. 
   
   
       6 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the reference means comprises a reference plane, point, mark, line, notch or sticker. 
   
   
       7 . Apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the reference means is aligned with the reference datum on the vehicle by using aligning means. 
   
   
       8 . Apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the reference means is adapted to support the aligning means. 
   
   
       9 . Apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the aligning means comprises a clinometer. 
   
   
       10 . Apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the aligning means comprises an inclinometer. 
   
   
       11 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the reference means comprises a platform. 
   
   
       12 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the mounting means mounts on, in or around a portion of the weapon system. 
   
   
       13 . Apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the weapon system comprises one or more weapon chambers from which a weapon is deployed and the mounting means mounts the apparatus using one or more of the weapon chambers. 
   
   
       14 . Apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the one or more weapon chambers are substantially tubular weapon chambers and the mounting means comprises at least one elongate member adapted to be received by at least one of the weapon chambers. 
   
   
       15 . Apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the at least one elongate member comprises first and second elongate members which are received by two corresponding weapon chambers of the weapon system. 
   
   
       16 . Apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein the first and second elongate members are suitably spaced and the two corresponding weapon chambers are outer weapon chambers of a launch pod on the weapon system comprising a plurality of weapon chambers. 
   
   
       17 . Apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the corresponding outer weapon chambers are spaced on a substantially horizontal plane. 
   
   
       18 . Apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein the first and second elongate members are circular in cross section and have a diameter substantially similar to the diameter of the corresponding weapon chambers in which they are received. 
   
   
       19 . Apparatus according to  claim 18 , wherein the first and second elongate members are hollow and tubular. 
   
   
       20 . Apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein the first and second elongate members have a closed end. 
   
   
       21 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises attachment means to attach the reference means to the mounting means. 
   
   
       22 . Apparatus according to  claim 21 , wherein the attachment means comprises adjusting means to allow one of the first and second elongate members to be adjustable relative to the other. 
   
   
       23 . Apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein one of the first and second elongate members is fixed relative to the platform and the other is adjustable. 
   
   
       24 . Apparatus according to  claims 22 , wherein the adjusting means comprises a first slot adapted to provide lateral adjustment of one elongate member relative to the other elongate member. 
   
   
       25 . Apparatus according to  claim 24 , wherein the first slot is disposed near a side of the platform and the attachment means engages with the first slot. 
   
   
       26 . Apparatus according to  claim 22 , wherein the adjusting means comprise a second slot adapted to provide longitudinal adjustment of the platform relative to one of the first and second elongate members. 
   
   
       27 . Apparatus according to  claim 25 , wherein the second slot is disposed near a side of the platform and perpendicular with the first slot and the attachment means engages with the second slot. 
   
   
       28 . Apparatus according to  claim 27 , wherein longitudinal side slots are provided in each elongate member and are horizontally aligned and are adapted to allow forward, aft and lateral adjustment of the platform, relative to the elongate members. 
   
   
       29 . A kit of parts for aligning a weapon system mounted on a vehicle, comprising:
 mounting means to mount the apparatus in alignment with the weapon system; and   reference means for alignment of the apparatus with a reference datum on the vehicle.   
   
   
       30 . A kit of parts according to  claim 29 , further comprising one or more of:
 aligning means to align the apparatus with a reference datum on the vehicle;   a reference datum for mounting to the vehicle;   an instruction sheet or manual;   a tool suitably adapted to assemble or disassemble the apparatus; and   storage means.   
   
   
       31 . A method of aligning a weapon system with a vehicle on which it is mounted, the method comprising the steps of:
 mounting an alignment apparatus to the weapon system mounted on the vehicle;   using reference means for aligning the apparatus with a reference datum on the vehicle.   
   
   
       32 . A method of aligning a weapon system according to  claim 31 , the method further comprising the steps of:
 using aligning means to align the apparatus with the reference datum on the vehicle;   adjusting a position of the weapons system according to a misalignment between the aligning means and the reference datum;   assembling or disassembling the apparatus before or after use;   adjusting mounting means for mounting the apparatus in alignment with the weapon system; and   adjusting the reference means.