GEMINI REACTIVE STEEL TARGET SYSTEM (GRSTS 6)

Transcription

1 GEMINI REACTIVE STEEL TARGET SYSTEM (GRSTS 6) WHITE PAPER System Version: Target Version: M6 G6 MkIV Date:

2 Copyright: Copyright Honestas Ltd All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, distributed, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, photocopying, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Honestas Ltd. For additional copies of the document, please contact Honestas Ltd. at Honestas Ltd. reserves the right to make any changes at any time to this document without prior notification. Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OF THE SYSTEM Authorised Weapon Types SYSTEM OVERVIEW Target Unit (G6) Chassis Plate Electronics Package (EP G6) Electrical Engine and Power Source Sensors Protective Armour Command and Control Computer (C2C G6) Operating Software Basic Operating System (BOS G6) Server Modem Package (SMP G6) EXPANDABILITY Adding more G6 Target Units to the System Using Spall Hood for Special Training Extending the Wireless Range of the System Improving the Endurance of the System Battery Chargers Page 2

3 4.6 Sound and Light Effects LIFETIME MAINTENANCE Mechanical Endurance and Corrosion Resistance of G6 Target Units Electrical Engine Lifetime Battery Lifetime Electronics Lifetime Software Development Contact Information: Company: Honestas Ltd. Address: P.O. Box 150 FI 00211, Helsinki FINLAND Telephone: E mail: Website: Business ID: info@honestas.com FI Page 3

4 1 INTRODUCTION Gemini Reactive Steel Target System (GRSTS 6 6) is a computerised live fire target system designed for military small arms. The purpose of this White Paper is to give to the reader a brief overview of the entire system, its capabilities and what it can be used for. Chapter 2, Purpose of the System, describes what GRSTS 6 6 is intended for. Chapter 3, System Overview, describes the main components of GRSTS 6 6. Chapter 4, Expandability, describes the ways GRSTS 6 6 may be expanded. Chapter 5, Lifetime Maintenance, describes how GRSTS 6 6 is designed to be maintained. The abbreviations used after all GRSTS 6 6 components mentioned in this document are product codes. These codes are convenient when making inquiries to the manufacturer. For more detailed information, please contact Honestas Ltd. directly. Contact information is located on page three of this White Paper. Page 4

5 2 PURPOSE OF THE SYSTEM GRSTS 6 has been designed to be a live fire target system for light infantry weapons. The following examples illustrate the various types of training GRSTS 6 can be used for: 1. Basic Training 2. Stress Courses 3. Qualification Courses 4. Tactical Training 5. Team Tactics 6. Sniper Training 2.1 Authorised Weapon Types GRSTS 6 is designed to endure prolonged firing with the weapon types listed in Table 1. Table 1: Authorised Weapons and Calibers Weapon type Handguns Submachine guns Rifles Shotguns The most powerful authorised caliber 10 mm AUTO 10 mm AUTO 7.62 x 51 NATO 12/76 (solid slugs are not allowed) It is recommended to contact the manufacturer before attempting to use GRSTS 6 with other weapon types. Page 5

6 3 SYSTEM OVERVIEW GRSTS 6 consists of the following main components: 1. Target Unit (G6) 2. Command and Control Computer (C2C G6), which contains the Basic Operating System (BOS G6) required to operate the system 3. Server Modem Package (SMP G6) 300m 500m 150m Target Unit (G6) Server Modem Package (SMP G6) Command and Control Computer (C2C G6) Picture 1. The main components of GRSTS 6 Page 6

7 3.1 Target Unit (G6) G6 Target Unit is the main target type used in GRSTS 6. Picture 2 shows G6 Target Unit ready to operate in the field. G6 Target Unit is a reactive steel target which has the following main components: 1. Chassis 2. Plate 3. Electronics Package 4. Electrical Engine and Power Source 5. Sensor Package 6. Protective Armour Picture 2. G6 Target Unit deployed in the field Page 7

8 3.1.1 Chassis The chassis of G6 Target Unit is made of welded steel tubing which has been treated against corrosion in field use. The chassis has been designed with easy handling and cleaning in mind and has an optimal strength to weight ratio Plate The actual plate has a diameter of approximately 20 cm and has been designed to resemble a typical infantry target. The material used in the plate is 16 mm thick armour steel Electronics Package (EP G6) Each G6 Target Unit is equipped with its individual Electronics Package. This contains the logical circuitry used to operate G6 Target Unit and register and transmit hit and maintenance data to C2C G6. The electronics used in EP G6 has been especially designed for this purpose. Together with a weatherproof casing having an IP67 rating, this ensures flawless functioning of G6 Target Unit in all field conditions the year around Electrical Engine and Power Source The tested and proven electrical engines used in G6 Target Units are virtually maintenance free. Engine power and energy consumption have been optimised for this purpose. Dry cell batteries are used as the power source for G6 Target Unit engines. They have been encased in a dedicated container to facilitate easy installation and removal even during field use. The Main Battery Set (MBS G6) contains its own connectors for easy and rapid recharging. Picture 3. Main Battery Set (MBS G6) Sensors All the sensors used in G6 Target Unit are of the inductive type, i.e. they contain no moving mechanical parts that could wear out. This ensures an extremely long life cycle. The sensors Page 8

9 are completely weatherproof and have been designed to endure even direct rain and snowfall Protective Armour The front and both sides of G6 Target Unit are equipped with detachable protective armour plates. No tools are required to attach or detach the protective armour. Due to this, the assembly and disassembly of G6 Target Unit is rapid even in field conditions. With the protective armour removed even a single person can move G6 Target Unit. 3.2 Command and Control Computer (C2C G6) A regular pc or a laptop computer may be used to operate GRSTS 6. The manufacturer recommends, though, that only mil spec computers are used in field conditions. Civilian type computers are not rugged enough. The operating system used is a dedicated Linux distribution. 3.3 Operating Software The operating software contains all the software components required to run GRSTS 6. These are: - Basic Operating System (BOS G6) - Server Core (SC G6) - Individual Target Software (OS G6) 3.4 Basic Operating System (BOS G6) Every BOS G6 contains a Graphical User Interface (GUI G6). Even the basic versions are very versatile and have the following features: 1. Logging in protected by user specific password 2. Designing and running of personalised programs 3. Downloading of predesigned programs from a CD ROM, etc. 4. Trainee information files that can be individually configured 5. Automated registering and saving of results 6. Cycle count window that can be used to monitor maintenance intervals. Page 9

10 Picture 4. Run Program page in GUI G6 3.5 Server Modem Package (SMP G6) SMP G6 functions as a communications server between C2C G6 and individual target units. SMP G6 is protected against humidity and harmful vibrations. Two versions of SMP G6 are available: The Server Modem Package, Short Range (SMP G6 SR) intended for short range (500 meters and closer) training. It comes in two variants, Alpha for European frequencies and Bravo for US frequencies. Both models are lightweight and compact and have been designed to fit in a standard assault rifle magazine pouch. The Server Modem Package, Long Range (SMP G6 LR) intended for long range (up to several kilometres) training. It comes in two variants, Charlie for European frequencies and Delta for US frequencies. Both models, though larger than SMP G6 SR, have been designed to fit in a standard drop pouch. Page 10

11 All G6 Target Unit versions can be operated from the minimum safe shooting distance up to maximum range with no modifications to the G6 Target Unit. Maximum range depends on the type of terrain. Picture 5. Server Modem Package, Long Range (SMP G6 LR) Page 11

12 4 EXPANDABILITY GRSTS 6 may easily be expanded in the following ways, for example: 1. Increasing the number of G6 Target Units. 2. Using Spall Hood (SHI G6) for special training 3. Extending the wireless control range of the system. 4. Extending the operational time of the system by using Spare Battery Sets (SBS G6). 5. Accelerating the recharge time of the battery sets by increasing the number of Battery Charger Units (BCU G6). 6. Adding Sound and Light Effects to the system. 4.1 Adding more G6 Target Units to the System When training requirements increase or when the End User desires to have a more challenging system, a number of G6 Target Units may easily be added to the existing system. The Single User Licence (SUL G6) standard with GRSTS 6 entitles the End User to use up to 20 individual G6 Target Units in a single system. When this number is exceeded, the SUL G6 may be expanded to a multiple range licence which enables the End User to run multiple systems using the same Command and Control Computer (C2C G6). 4.2 Using Spall Hood for Special Training Spall Hood, Indoor (SHI G6) is a separate device intended to reduce the number of secondary projectiles generated when a primary projectile impacts on G6 Target Unit. SHI G6 is especially useful at indoor ranges, because it enables the use of G6 Target Units with regular ammunition, i.e. no frangible ammunition is required. SHI G6 is fully modular and lightweight and thus easily portable. 4.3 Extending the Wireless Range of the System The wireless operating range of a Short Range GRSTS 6 is over 400 metres. The Long Range variant has an operating range of several kilometres. Ranges may be affected by special terrain, range contours and possible built up areas. Should the standard control range prove to be insufficient, a separate Server Modem Repeater Package (SMRP G6) may be added to the system. SMRP G6 functions as a separate Base Station between SMP G6 and individual G6 Target Units and extends the operating range to tens of kilometres depending on the types of antennas and transmitting power used. Page 12

13 4.4 Improving the Endurance of the System G6 Target Units may be ordered with additional Spare Battery Sets (SBS G6). Using these, the operating time between recharging may be extended simply by switching battery sets in the field. 4.5 Battery Chargers The usual ratio in standard GRSTS 6 deliveries is one Battery Charger Unit (BCU G6) per three G6 Target Units. Should the End User wish to minimise battery recharge time, more Battery Chargers may be ordered. 4.6 Sound and Light Effects G6 Target Units may be equipped with a separate Sound Kit (SK G6). This enables the End User to program various sound effects for individual Target Units. An additional Light Kit (LK G6) enables various light effects to be added to individual Target Units. Page 13

14 5 LIFETIME MAINTENANCE GRSTS 6 is designed for professional use. Part of it is the design and implementation of Lifetime Maintenance Procedures. For example, all components may be replaced individually without having to replace entire modules. This results in a very cost effective system in the long run. Proper maintenance of GRSTS 6 during its entire intended lifespan ensures flawless functioning and minimal down time. GRSTS 6 Lifetime Maintenance Procedures have been designed with the following taken into account: 1. The mechanical endurance and corrosion resistance of individual G6 Target Units 2. The lifespan of Main Electrical Engines (MEE G6) 3. The lifespan of all system batteries 4. Replacement of obsolete electronics 5. Future software development The amount and frequency of necessary maintenance obviously depends a lot on the amount of use and the calibers used to train with GRSTS 6. The following sections illustrate some of the factors that should be considered. 5.1 Mechanical Endurance and Corrosion Resistance of G6 Target Units G6 Target Units are mechanical tools. This means that certain parts must be from time to time replaced with new parts according to the maintenance procedures. Proper lubrication of moving parts and a periodical check up of parts exposed to corrosive wear are also necessary to reduce the amount of unnecessary wear on the system. The wear on plates is proportional to the number of hits to them. With more powerful calibers, the wear is accelerated. Other variables affecting the equation are firing distance and impact pattern. In practice, though, plates endure the impact of even tens of thousands of high power rifle rounds before having to be replaced. 5.2 Electrical Engine Lifetime The electrical engines used in GRSTS 6 are designed for professional use and, when maintained properly, last for a very long time. Worn out engines can be replaced easily. Page 14

15 5.3 Battery Lifetime All batteries are expendable items that have their own lifetime. As batteries grow older, they also lose some of their capacity. This has been taken into account in the Lifetime Maintenance Procedures, as well. The manufacturer guarantees the availability of fully compatible batteries even in the case that a particular model is no longer manufactured. 5.4 Electronics Lifetime All electronics eventually become obsolete. The continuous research and development efforts by the manufacturer guarantee that all replacement electronics fully duplicate or exceed the performance of the original electronics. 5.5 Software Development Software development is congruous with the development of computers. The manufacturer maintains a continuous development effort that ensures full compatibility with new hardware. For this reason, the End User can be assured that, even years after the initial purchase of the system, new software can be added to it as well as software upgrades. Page 15