Gun simulator

Abstract

The chain gun simulator provides a high-fidelity simulation of the electrical control system signals for any weapon platform using a variety of chain gun types. The simulator device is stand-alone, requiring no external equipment, and replicates the electrical states, levels, and timing of the real guns such that the weapon platform's fire control interface can function normally without the need for a real gun and live ammunition. In addition, the simulator provides user control for selecting gun type and mode, and provides visual indication of modes, feed selection, and simulated weapon bolt position. There may also be an audible indication every time the simulator has advanced through the normal shutdown portion of the gun cycle.

1 . A chain gun simulator for simulating the operation of a chain gun, the chain gun simulator comprising:
 a coupling member for coupling the chain gun simulator to a firing control system of a weapons platform;   a programmable microprocessor for simulating chain operation;   a mechanism for selecting ammunition type;   a mechanism for selecting gun type;   a mechanism for selecting operation modes;   a plurality of indicators indicating operation modes;   a plurality of indicators indicating stage of operation; and   a plurality of indicators indicting ammunition type; wherein the programmable microprocessor includes logic to:   simulate chain gun fire sequence initialization;   simulate chain gun fire sequence primer;   simulate chain gun firing sequence;   simulate chain gun extraction sequence; and   simulate chain gun end of fire sequence.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the mechanism for selecting ammunition type selects ammunition from the group consisting of anti-personnel and high-explosive. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the mechanism for selecting gun type selects guns selected from the group consisting of M242 and Mark 44 chain guns. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the mechanism for selecting modes of operation selects from the group consisting of normal firing, misfire, gun malfunction, and feeder test. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of indicators indicating operation indicates modes from the group consisting of normal firing, misfire, gun malfunction, and feeder test. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of indicators indicating stage of operation indicates stages of operation selected from the group consisting of breech lock, misfire, extract, normal shutdown, seared and RAM. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of indicators indicating ammunition type indicates ammunition selected from the group consisting of anti-personnel and high-explosive. 
   
   
       8 . A method for simulating the operation of a chain gun, the method comprising:
 coupling a programmable simulator to a firing control system of a weapons platform, the programmable simulator having programs comprising:
 simulating chain gun fire sequence initialization; 
 simulating chain gun fire sequence primer; 
 simulating chain gun firing sequence; 
 simulating chain gun extraction sequence; and 
 simulating chain gun end of fire sequence; 
   selecting chain gun simulator mode of operation;   selecting gun type; and   selecting an ammunition type.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein simulating the chain gun fire sequence initialization further comprises:
 simulating a feeder test sequence;   simulating a sear solenoid test sequence;   simulating a sear pin retraction sequence; and   simulating an armature test sequence.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein simulating the chain gun fire sequence primer further comprises:
 simulating a mechanical hangfire set sequence; and   simulating an initial RAM sequence;   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8  wherein simulating the chain gun firing sequence further comprises:
 simulating a malfunction sequence and a normal sequence wherein simulating the malfunction sequence is determined by the selected mode of operation.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein simulating the malfunction sequence further comprises:
 simulating a malfunctioning RAM sequence; and   simulating a gun malfunction sequence determined by the fire control system.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein simulating the normal sequence further comprises:
 simulating a RAM sequence;   simulating a misfire test sequence; and   simulating one of a misfire clearing sequence or a normal firing sequence determined by the selected mode of operation.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 8  wherein simulating the chain gun extraction sequence further comprises:
 simulating an extraction sequence; and   simulating an initial shutdown sequence.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 8  wherein simulating the chain gun end of fire sequence further comprises:
 either a high rate of fire end of cycle sequence or   a low rate of fire end sequence as determined by the firing control system.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 8  wherein simulating a feeder test sequence simulates feeding ammunition selected from the group consisting of consisting of anti-personnel and high-explosive. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 8  wherein selecting gun type includes a chain gun selected from the group consisting of M242 and Mark 44 chain guns.