Effects of Tank Gun Structural Components on the First Shot Hit Probability

  • Tolga Dursun Aselsan Inc MGEO Division, CankiriYolu 7.km Akyurt, Ankara - 06750
  • Çağrıhan Utlu Aselsan Inc MGEO Division, CankiriYolu 7.km Akyurt, Ankara - 06750
  • Enis Naci Özkan Aselsan Inc MGEO Division, CankiriYolu 7.km Akyurt, Ankara - 06750
Keywords: Gun dynamics, First shot hit probability, Main gun structure, Projectile system

Abstract

Fire power for a main battle tank is one of the most important performance parameters like survivability and mobility. Fire power effectiveness is directly related to the first shot hit probability, performance of main gun, second armament, gun and turret drive system, fire control system, automatic target tracker, commander and gunner sight etc. First shot hit probability (a measure of cumulative effects of errors) is affected by the variations of the projectile parameters, the main gun structure uncertainties, fire control system errors, interaction between the projectile and the gun barrel and the unpredictable environmental changes. These errors and variations can be eliminated or minimised by understanding and simulating the firing event properly, manufacturing the related parts in high precision, using advanced fire control algorithms, and accurate sensors. In this review study, the effects of main gun structural components on the first shot hit probability are investigated taking into account all of the associated error sources. In order for a main battle tank to have both high and repetitive first shot hit probability under all battlefield conditions the gun structure should respond in a similar manner in successive firings without causing any abrupt change in performance. In this study, first the dynamic behaviour of gun/projectile system is discussed and then the design recommendations for the main gun components such as bearings, gun barrel, recoil system etc. to achieve higher first shot hit probability are reviewed.

Author Biographies

Tolga Dursun, Aselsan Inc MGEO Division, CankiriYolu 7.km Akyurt, Ankara - 06750
Dr Tolga Dursun obtained BSc and MSc in the Mechanical Engineering Department of Middle East Technical University and PhD in the Mechanical Engineering Department of Gazi University, in 2006. Currently working as a senior lead design engineer for ASELELSAN Inc. Microelectronics, Guidance and Electro-Optics Division. He is responsible for designing, analysing and testing of electro-mechanical systems for military platforms. His research areas include : Finite element analysis, gun dynamics, ballistics and vibration and shock analysis of structures.
Çağrıhan Utlu, Aselsan Inc MGEO Division, CankiriYolu 7.km Akyurt, Ankara - 06750
Mr Çağrıhan Utlu obtained BSc in Mechatronics Engineer from Sabancı University, Department of Engineering and Natural Sciences, in 2008. Currently working as a technical consultant for Rheinmetall BMC Defense Industry. His research areas include : Identification, modelling and control of electro-mechanical systems, system control algorithms and systems engineering.
Enis Naci Özkan, Aselsan Inc MGEO Division, CankiriYolu 7.km Akyurt, Ankara - 06750
Mr Enis Naci Özkan obtained BSc in the Mechanical Engineering Department of Middle East Technical University, in 1995. Currently working as Integrated Systems Design manager for ASELELSAN Inc. Microelectronics, Guidance and Electro-Optics Division. He is responsible for designing and integrating electro-optical-mechanical systems for military platforms. His research areas include the design of electro-optical-mechanical systems.
Published
2018-04-16
How to Cite
Dursun, T., Utlu, Çağrıhan, & Özkan, E. (2018). Effects of Tank Gun Structural Components on the First Shot Hit Probability. Defence Science Journal, 68(3), 273-281. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.68.12246
Section
Combat Engineering