Mulit-barrel Automatic Weapon Centerline Aiming Laser

Abstract

The multi-barrel automatic weapon centerline aiming laser (MAWCAL) is a direct solution to the problems inherent in the aiming of a standard military multi-barrel automatic weapon, and it specifically improves the utility of the rifle-caliber multi-barrel automatic weapons in counter-terrorism operations. The MAWCAL consists of three claims which together greatly increase the accuracy of all multi-barrel automatic weapons. The first claim is the mounting of a laser on the centerline of the multi-barrel automatic weapon. The second claim is the process of aligning the beam in the centerline of the multi-barrel automatic weapon. The third claim is the selection of key parameters (laser divergence, manufacturing and assembly tolerances, and adjustment) so that the apparent radius of the laser (while rotating) is closely related to the ballistic drop of the bullet over the effective range of the weapon. While useful for all calibers of multi-barrel automatic weapons, the MAWCAL is therefore especially useful for the primary purpose for which it was developed: the rifle-caliber multi-barrel automatic weapons which are common in counter-terrorism operations, the reduction of the error inherent in aiming those weapons, the reduction of the potential for civilian casualties during the use of those weapons, and ultimately the improvement of the probability that those weapons can quickly and efficiently eliminate terrorist threats.

1 . An apparatus for mounting a laser to the centerline of a multi-barrel automatic weapon, of a centerline-rotating multi-barrel weapon, or of a rotating battery gun, said apparatus containing essentially: a laser diode of sufficient power to project an aiming point at the distance of the typical use of the weapon or at the effective range of the weapon's ammunition; a means to maintain the laser alignment so that the laser remains pointed in the direction that the weapon fires; a connection of the laser diode to the rotating barrels so that the laser rotates with the barrel assembly; and a supply of electricity to power the laser while the laser and barrel assembly are rotating. 
     
     
         2 . An apparatus for mounting a laser to a multi-barrel automatic weapon, to a centerline-rotating multi-barrel weapon, or to a rotating battery gun, wherein: the rotation of the laser about the centerline of the weapon can be used to determine the true centerline of the weapon. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus for mounting a laser to a multi-barrel automatic weapon, to a centerline-rotating multi-barrel weapon, or to a rotating battery gun, wherein: said laser is mounted at an angle from the centerline of the weapon such that the diverged laser beam at a selected range from the weapon traces a circular pattern of desired radius while the weapon is rotated, and that said radius approximates or slightly exceeds the ballistic drop of the projectiles fired from said weapon over the same selected range.