Mechanical Characteristics and Firing Disturbance of a Lightweight Remote-Controlled Weapon Station Under Multi-Condition Operations

doi:10.12382/bgxb.2025.0200

Abstract

Abstract:

To enhance the precision strike capability and environmental adaptability of lightweight remote-controlled weapon stations (RCWS), it is essential to study the mechanical characteristics and firing disturbances of the weapon station under firing loads. This research selects a small-caliber assault rifle as the study object. Based on the structure of a matched lightweight RCWS, a rigid-flexible coupled firing dynamics model of the system is established using ADAMS-Simulink co-simulation. The firing process under both single-shot and burst-fire conditions is simulated and analyzed. Furthermore, based on the simulation results, the clamping module of the RCWS is optimized by introducing a buffer between the weapon and the clamping structure. Live-fire tests are conducted to validate the system before and after optimization. The results show that under single-shot conditions, the response time from bullet ignition to the first peak impact torque on the motor is within 35ms, with the directional motor experiencing more significant impacts, reaching a peak torque of 182.98N·m. During burst fire, the coupling of residual energy and new impact loads causes a sudden increase of approximately 50% in the motor torque oscillation amplitude. Additionally, the inherent firing rate instability of the weapon also affects firing disturbances. The simulation results align well with live-fire test data, verifying the accuracy of the rigid-flexible coupled firing dynamics model. By introducing the buffer, the impact torque on the motor and firing disturbances are significantly reduced, with the 100-meter half-group dispersion radius decreasing by 45.8% in a five-round burst, markedly improving firing density and system accuracy.

Key words: remote-controlled weapon stations, dynamic simulation, rigid-flexible coupling, mechanical characteristics, firing disturbances

WANG Yunlong, ZHAO Zhengyuan, WU Zhilin, LI Zhongxin. Mechanical Characteristics and Firing Disturbance of a Lightweight Remote-Controlled Weapon Station Under Multi-Condition Operations[J]. Acta Armamentarii, 2025, 46(10): 250200-.

Figures/Tables 20

Fig.1 Structure composition of the light remote-controlled weapon station

Fig.2 Schematic diagram of assembly location for light remote-controlled weapon station

Fig.3 Schematic diagram of rigid flexible coupling dynamic modeling and solution steps for light remote-controlled weapon station

Fig.4 Schematic diagram of finite element mesh and rigid flexible coupling model

Fig.5 Physical model of gas conducting firearm

Fig.6 Load effect curves

Fig.7 ADAMS Simulink joint simulation process

Fig.8 The variation of motor torque under single shot shooting conditions

Fig.9 The variation of motor torque under five consecutive shooting conditions

Fig.10 Schematic diagram of clamping module for adding buffer

Fig.11 The variation of motor torque under five consecutive shooting conditions after adding a buffer

Fig.12 Diagram of reference coordinate system and shooting disturbance caused by muzzle position disturbance

Fig.13 Schematic diagram of coordinate system and deviation angle for analysis of firearm firing angle disturbance

Fig.14 Disturbance situation under single shot shooting conditions

Fig.15 Disturbance situation under five consecutive shooting conditions

Fig.16 Schematic diagram of the impact effect of a remote-controlled weapon station on a target at 100m under continuous shooting conditions

Fig.17 Disturbance situation under five consecutive shooting conditions after adding a buffer

Fig.18 Schematic diagram of the impact effect of a remote-controlled weapon station on a target at 100m under continuous shooting conditions after adding a buffer

Fig.19 Live firing experiment

Table 1 Statistical results of shooting test mm

组数	刚性连接	柔性连接	组数	刚性连接	柔性连接
1	476.67	216.47	7	645.24	320.10
2	441.41	170.07	8	471.07	338.00
3	301.98	256.86	9	381.78	163.37
4	465.65	228.91	10	448.87	301.99
5	659.59	265.24	均值	458.14	248.12
6	289.13	220.21

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