SOTECH 2009 Volume: 7 Issue: 8 (October)
FGU 12 (Tsentral’nyj nauchnoissledovatel’skij institut Ministerstva oborony Rossijskoj Federatsii) of Russia has released information on a design for a non-lethal system that affects vision (even protected by optical devices) via the “application” of EHF radiation. The electromagnetic radiation, in the millimeter wave range operating in the range of 7.8 to 8.8 mm, corresponds to a window of “atmosphere transparency and transmission of radiation through optical devices,” according to FGU 12. The radiation flux will cause the target individual to shut their eyes.
The system has the transmitting device, which includes a sighting optic mounted on a vehicle for mobility. No discussion is made as to the relative size and shape of the antenna, the aiming array, or the generator required. The Russian text does provide a number of mathematical equations and formulas, but it is not obvious as to the range and power output of the device.
Steerable Projectile
Thales Holdings UK has released information on a steerable projectile, such as a bullet, comprising a body portion and a nose portion. According to Thales, “The nose portion and body portion are substantially coaxially arranged and rotatable relative to one another about their co-axis.” The nose portion may be spun by a motor so that it counter-rotates relative to the body during flight and is thus rendered substantially stationary with respect to the ground. By doing so, it is reported, it enables the projectile to be subjected to offaxis drag during flight.
The design also allows for the nose portion to possibly have a pair of canards extending radially, but not beyond, the radial extent of the body portion. A clutch, rather than a motor, may then be provided to act in controlling the rotation and orientation of the nose.
Suppressor
A new small arms suppressor fitting has been announced by an individual Russian (no company affiliation can be determined). The design is relatively simple in that it offers extension boxes connected by gas channels to the barrel. The extension boxes feature smooth surfaces that are closed in the cross-section to form a closed vortex of combustion gas inside. The gas channels, at a tangent to the barrel length, fill with gas before the round leaves the barrel—or reaches the gas channel for the next box. The reported effect of this design is enhanced sound dampening with reduced impairment of the weapon.
Sniper Detection
Released under the description of “Device Defining Angular Coordinates of Firearms Shooting Point,” a Russian design was developed to determine the point a firearm is discharged from. The design company behind the concept is not known. “At the moment of shot, any firearm generates energy in the infrared band,” according to the claim. The invention claims to have a device capable of registering a firearm shot automatically in the space under survey within direct visibility range, and defining angular coordinates of the shot in the horizontal
and vertical planes against optic axis of optic system view field.
The effect is achieved by registration of the infrared band energy, determination of energy variation rate and comparison to a given minimum and maximum variation rate for energy emitted by gunshot. Angular coordinates of shot point are defined by the address (number) of matrix pixel by photo receivers detecting the energy. The reported effect is enhanced accuracy of detection.