Colonel E. Maksimov
In foreign countries, in order to increase the efficiency of reconnaissance on the battlefield, the protection of objects for various purposes, as well as timely notification of the movement of people, ground equipment and low-flying aircraft (helicopters) in tactical (operational-tactical) depth, development and supply activities are being consistently carried out to the troops of new and modernization of systems and complexes of reconnaissance and signaling devices (RSD) in service.
The US Army is armed with the SCORPION Unattended Target Recognition Systems system produced by the American company Northrop-Grumman. It is designed for covert remote detection and tracking of the movement of people, ground equipment, as well as for classifying objects in tactical (operational-tactical) depth.
Reconnaissance and signaling devices of the Scorpion system can be used to solve such problems as:
- surveillance of areas in which the concentration or movement of enemy troops is possible or expected;
- conducting reconnaissance of the most likely routes for their advance and deployment;
- determination of directions and intensity of troop movements;
- protection of the locations of their troops, barriers, approaches to bridges, etc.;
- ensuring the protection of important military facilities together with other technical means to prevent the penetration of reconnaissance and sabotage groups and terrorists into their territory;
- protection of state border areas, dividing lines of opposing forces and demilitarized zones.
The Scorpion system is made using a flexible architecture, and its electronic components are characterized by high reliability and low cost in the supply and sales market. In addition, the RSP complex is easily configured and deployed with a full range of remote monitoring and control of each component in the system, down to the individual sensor.
Depending on the tasks being solved, the system may include RSPs with four types of sensors (seismic, magnetometric or combined seismic/magnetometric, acoustic, passive infrared), optoelectronic observation devices, radio repeaters, data processing and control stations (SODU, wearable and portable). If necessary, it may additionally include hydroacoustic sensors, as well as chemical and radiation reconnaissance sensors.
All RSPs are installed manually, and the time required for this does not exceed several minutes. The devices are made in a special protective metal case and are designed for operation in adverse climatic conditions.
Combined (seismic/magnetometric) RSP and optoelectronic observation devices are additionally equipped with Navstar CRNS to provide topographic reference.
Each reconnaissance and alarm device includes: one sensor, an electronic processing unit with a VHF transmitter and a battery.
The electronic processing unit is pre-installed with a universal software for pre-processing data from various types of sensors.
To increase the efficiency of sensors and reduce the likelihood of false alarms, the RSP uses sensitivity threshold adjustment. To determine the direction to an object, the system uses a goniometric method. The maximum communication range with the radio repeater is up to 2 km.
When the power supply of the RSP is turned on, testing is carried out automatically, during which its performance is monitored and the type of connected sensors is determined. If the device is ready for operation, information about this is transmitted via a radio repeater to the data processing and control station. The activation of the sensor in the electronic processing unit of the RSP generates a coded signal, which is then transmitted in the same way to the command post.
Optoelectronic surveillance devices of the “Phoenix” type are designed for remote automatic detection of moving targets in a given field of view at any time of the day and in adverse weather conditions. The reconnaissance range using the device is up to 800 m. The system includes a digital black-and-white daytime video camera (the operating wavelength range reaches the near-IR region of the spectrum) and an IR camera based on an uncooled focal matrix.
The optoelectronic surveillance device is mounted on a tripod and masked with a camouflage cover. Pointing it at the target is carried out with the receipt of “alarm” signals from other RSPs, as well as remotely - according to the operator’s commands. When a moving target is detected, the device automatically tracks it, performs primary processing, compresses video images in the standard JPEG 2000 format and transmits it via cable line to a radio repeater.
The radio repeater ensures the reception of data from the RSP and its transmission to the data processing station located at the control points. One radio repeater can serve up to 800 radio stations.
The system uses two types of radio repeaters: short-range radio communication (provides it in the VHF range at a line-of-sight range) and over-the-horizon communication.
The over-the-horizon radio repeater, in addition to the standard VHF transmitter, is equipped with a transceiver for the Iridium commercial satellite communication system and a connector for connecting an external optoelectronic surveillance device.
Short-range radio repeaters are used when protecting military facilities, and those equipped with a satellite transmitter are used when conducting reconnaissance.
The portable SODU is made on the basis of a portable small-sized personal computer, the operation of which is controlled by the Windows 2000 SP4 or XP Professional SP2 operating system. It performs a number of functions: it provides programming of specified operating modes of the RSP, remote control and monitoring of their functioning, automatic registration and systematization of incoming data, as well as remote guidance of optoelectronic devices at specified objects.
Portable SODU is located at command posts and in combat control centers. It is PC-based and, in addition to the wearable version, provides final processing of intelligence information and the formation of a database. Special station software allows you to track the location of objects in the controlled area and display data from the radar station in real time against the background of an electronic map of the area.
The Scorpion system operates autonomously, and its sensors can operate continuously for up to three months. Sufficient flexibility of this tool is provided through the use of universal transceivers that are programmed to work with sensors using a wearable data processing and control station. The presence of universal hardware and software allows the use of reconnaissance and alarm devices of a different class in the system, for example, Rembass-2, Falcon Watch and Classic.
 |
In order to increase the effectiveness of combat support for troops at the tactical level, the Northrop-Grumman company developed and put into experimental combat operation the Scorpion-2 RSP system. Unlike the previous one, it uses combined-type devices, which have smaller weight and size characteristics and power consumption, as well as doubled continuous operation time (up to six months).
This device includes three sensors - seismic, magnetometric and passive infrared. They provide detection and recognition of objects at a distance of over 100 m.
In total, the US Army has more than 1,000 sets of the Scorpion system. Their high efficiency and reliability have been confirmed during combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Distinctive features of this system are:
- modular, open and scalable architecture for customizing the RSP during combat operations (operations);
- adapted, safe, two-way communication through short-range VHF radio lines or over-the-horizon communication (Iridium satellite communication system);
- functional compatibility with various types of sensors (seismic, magnetometric or combined seismic/magnesitometric, acoustic, passive infrared);
- low energy consumption of system elements, increased time of their continuous operation, etc.
In the US Armed Forces, work to improve RSP systems and reconnaissance sensor systems in the period until 2020 involves constant modernization of existing models, providing for the replacement of individual devices, as well as the introduction of fundamentally new information technologies that expand their functionality.
According to American experts in the field of electronic reconnaissance equipment, the use of the Scorpion RSP system during combat operations can significantly reduce the losses of personnel and equipment, as well as reduce the number of forces and means required both for reconnaissance and for the protection of objects.
| Table 1 Main performance characteristics of sensors | ||
| Characteristic | Combined (seismic/magnetometric) | Passive IR |
| Detection range, m: | ||
| person | 3-15 | 50-100 |
| vehicle | 25-50 | 100-200 |
| Maximum speed of movement of detected objects, km/h: | ||
| person | 5-7 | |
| vehicle | 45-50 | |
| Operating temperature range, in ° WITH | from -25 to +60 | from -25 to +60 |
|
Table 2 Main performance characteristics of optoelectronic surveillance devices |
||
| Characteristic | IR camera | Camcorder |
| Operating wavelength range, microns | 8-12 | 0,4-0,7 |
| Detection/recognition range, m: | ||
| person | 300/200 | ./300 |
| vehicle | 800/400 | ./800 |
| Size of the matrix of sensitive elements, pixels | 640x480 | 720x576 |
| Field of view angle, degrees. | 9,3 | 5,5 |
| Focal length, mm | 75 (F/1(0) | 50 (F/1.8) |
|
Table 3 Main performance characteristics of radio repeaters | ||
They represent a separate design task, without the successful solution of which it is impossible to create effective weapons. In particular, in the context of machine gun weapons, various systems are of great interest that allow increasing the size of ready-to-use ammunition and thereby ensuring long-term firing without reloading. Relatively recently, an interesting project of such a system was presented by domestic designers.
A domestic device designed to improve the combat qualities of existing machine guns was developed by the FRONT-Tactical Systems company. The creation of a new product, designated “Scorpion,” was carried out on its own initiative, without an order from the military department or law enforcement agencies. In order to increase the ammunition capacity of the machine gun, ready for use, it was decided to abandon the standard boxes for tapes, replacing them with a larger container and a special device for feeding the cartridge belt to the receiving window of the machine gun.
In its current form, the Scorpio system consists of several main parts. To store the belt with cartridges, a metal container box of appropriate dimensions is intended. Connected to it is a special flexible hose for supplying cartridges, at the other end of which there is a bracket for mounting on a machine gun. This architecture of the kit allows the production of various variants, both stationary and portable.
General view of the Scorpio system. Photo Front-ts.ru
It should be noted that the idea of using flexible metal sleeves to feed tapes is not new. Similar designs were developed back in the first half of the last century and even found application in practice in various fields. The use of a flexible sleeve allows you to connect the weapon with the cartridge box, as well as ensure the correct interaction of the cartridge belt, box and weapon when their position in space changes. As a result, such designs are the optimal solution to existing problems.
The Scorpio kit includes several basic elements. A metal container box is used to store and carry the belt with cartridges. In its basic configuration, it measures 40x10x30 cm and holds 475 rounds in one belt. To carry the box, it is proposed to use a special backpack, adjustable in accordance with the anatomy of the shooter. A special cover with fastenings for a flexible hose is installed on the cartridge box. The sleeve itself is a structure made up of a large number of metal segments that can change position relative to each other within certain sectors. The length of the sleeve is 160 cm, width 10 cm, thickness -2.5 cm, which allows it to hold up to 75 rounds. If necessary, the sleeve is equipped with a protective cover. The sleeve is equipped with a bracket that allows it to be connected to a weapon. The kit without cartridges weighs about 4.1 kg.
According to the manufacturer, in the basic configuration the Scorpion kit is intended for use with 7.62x54 mm R rifle cartridges and loose metal belts. In preparation for shooting, a single belt for 550 rounds is placed in the box and sleeve. The end of the tape is brought to the receiving window of the weapon. According to available data, the design of the Scorpion kit is designed for use with machine guns of the Kalashnikov design, but the possibility of creating modifications for other weapons is mentioned.
Ammo box and flexible sleeve. Photo Vpk.name
The main feature of the Scorpion system is the use of a common belt for all wearable ammunition, which gives it a number of characteristic features and also provides certain advantages over other methods of ammunition supply. According to the development company, Scorpio compares favorably with existing tape boxes for a number of reasons. First of all, a certain reduction in the weight of the entire complex in the form of a machine gun, cartridges and ammunition systems is achieved. So, to carry 550 rounds of ammunition you need six standard metal boxes. With an empty box weighing about 1-1.5 kg, only due to the means of storing and carrying ammunition, the total mass of the complex is reduced by several kilograms.
No need to reload the weapon after using up a 100-round belt (as when using standard boxes) allows you to provide a fire advantage and create a high density of fire. In addition, the Scorpion elements do not interfere with the shooter’s movement across the battlefield and do not impose serious restrictions on his mobility. Firing from various positions is possible, during which the sleeve or backpack does not interfere with the machine gunner.
The existence of the Scorpio project was announced quite a long time ago. Over the past period of time, the development company has carried out all the necessary tests and completed the development of the system. In particular, during 2015 the system was tested in test sites. Thanks to this, it was possible to get rid of all the shortcomings and ensure high reliability of the operation of all elements of the kit.
Machine gunner with the Scorpion system. Photo: Basoff1.livejournal.com
To date, the FRONT-Tactical Systems company has mastered the serial production of the Scorpion system in a configuration chambered for the 7.62x54 mm R cartridge and Kalashnikov machine guns of the PK, PKM and Pecheneg modifications. Products are assembled to order within two weeks after receiving the application. At the request of the customer, some changes can be made to the system regarding the backpack and its belt system. In particular, you can choose the color of the textile elements of the set.
According to the manufacturer, the selected architecture of the complex allows you to change its basic parameters. Thus, in accordance with the customer’s wishes, the design of the container box for carrying the tape can be changed. In the wearable version of the Scorpion, the box can hold up to 1000 rounds of ammunition, and this limitation is primarily related to the physical capabilities of the shooter and the weight of the ammunition. When manufacturing a stationary version intended for installation on equipment, etc., there are no such restrictions. In this case, the kit can be equipped with boxes of any capacity.
According to available data, Scorpion ammunition kits are produced in small batches and supplied to individual customers. There are references to the ordering of such equipment by representatives of Russian law enforcement agencies and armed forces. Thus, the original proposal attracted the interest of its “target audience” and reached the point of application in practice.
Flexible hose section chambered for 12.7x108 mm cartridge. Photo: Basoff1.livejournal.com
Using the accumulated experience of its own and others, the development company is currently working on several options for the development of the Scorpio system. Thus, last summer there were reports about the development of a flexible hose for supplying 12.7x108 mm cartridges, which could be used to supply ammunition to the NSV-12.7 Utes machine gun or other similar systems. For obvious reasons, this version of the kit will not become a direct analogue of the Scorpion for PC/PKM, but it may well find application in weapons of various equipment. At the same time, it will completely “inherit” all the characteristic advantages of the base model.
In the future, the creation of new systems of similar architecture for various ammunition cannot be ruled out. It is claimed that the flexible sleeve can even be used to feed 30mm grenades for the corresponding weapon. Whether potential customers will show interest in such offers - time will tell.
In parallel with the creation of new kits, the development of updated versions of existing equipment is underway. Last December, it was reported that work was being done on a modernized version of the sleeve attachments to the weapon. Using brackets of a new design, the developers are going to ensure compatibility of the Scorpion kit with new modifications of Kalashnikov machine guns, primarily with the Pecheneg machine gun in a bullpup configuration.
One of the foreign analogues of the Scorpion is the American-developed TYR Tactical MICO system. Photo Warspot.ru
Currently, in Russia and abroad, several options for small arms ammunition supply systems with cartridges supplied through a flexible metal sleeve are being developed and tested. All of these products have a similar architecture and should also have the same advantages over standard samples. However, none of these systems have yet been put into service. Flexible sleeves are actively used as part of small arms of various equipment, but kits for infantry-machine gunners have not yet reached mass use in practice.
The Scorpion ammunition system is of great interest from a technical and tactical point of view. Some publications devoted to this development claim that the original technical solutions of the project can make a real revolution in the field of small arms and methods of their combat use. In particular, it was proposed to develop a new automatic rifle chambered for 7.62x54 mm R, which could initially be used with a flexible sleeve for feeding cartridges, increasing its combat characteristics. In addition, certain advantages were mentioned associated with the abandonment of intermediate cartridges and the transfer of all infantry weapons to rifle ammunition.
Despite all the high praise and attempts to present the new domestic development as a revolution in the arms business, the Scorpion kit has not yet attracted the attention of the Russian military department and has not become the subject of contracts for mass supply. However, a number of such products are already used by representatives of various structures. The future prospects of the kit remain in doubt. Whether the Scorpion will become a standard element of equipment for Russian machine gunners is not yet entirely clear.
Based on materials from sites:
http://front-ts.ru/
http://vpk.name/
https://inforeactor.ru/
http://warspot.ru/
http://basoff1.livejournal.com/
Ammunition systems for small arms represent a separate design task, without the successful solution of which it is impossible to create effective weapons. In particular, in the context of machine gun weapons, various systems are of great interest that allow increasing the size of ready-to-use ammunition and thereby ensuring long-term firing without reloading. Relatively recently, an interesting project of such a system was presented by domestic designers.
A domestic device, designed to improve the combat qualities of existing machine guns, was developed by the FRONT-tactical systems company. The creation of a new product, designated “Scorpion,” was carried out on its own initiative, without an order from the military department or law enforcement agencies. In order to increase the ammunition capacity of the machine gun, ready for use, it was decided to abandon the standard boxes for tapes, replacing them with a larger container and a special device for feeding the cartridge belt to the receiving window of the machine gun.
In its current form, the Scorpio system consists of several main parts. To store the belt with cartridges, a metal container box of appropriate dimensions is intended. Connected to it is a special flexible hose for supplying cartridges, at the other end of which there is a bracket for mounting on a machine gun. This architecture of the kit allows the production of various variants, both stationary and portable.
General view of the Scorpio system.
It should be noted that the idea of using flexible metal sleeves to feed tapes is not new. Similar designs were developed back in the first half of the last century and even found application in practice in various fields. The use of a flexible sleeve allows you to connect the weapon with the cartridge box, as well as ensure the correct interaction of the cartridge belt, box and weapon when their position in space changes. As a result, such designs are the optimal solution to existing problems.
The Scorpio kit includes several basic elements. A metal container box is used to store and carry the belt with cartridges. In its basic configuration it measures 40x10x30 cm and holds 475 rounds in one belt. To carry the box, it is proposed to use a special backpack, adjustable in accordance with the anatomy of the shooter.
A special cover with fastenings for a flexible hose is installed on the cartridge box. The sleeve itself is a structure made up of a large number of metal segments that can change position relative to each other within certain sectors. The length of the sleeve is 160 cm, width 10 cm, thickness -2.5 cm, which allows it to hold up to 75 rounds. If necessary, the sleeve is equipped with a protective cover. The sleeve is equipped with a bracket that allows it to be connected to a weapon. The kit without cartridges weighs about 4.1 kg.
According to the manufacturer, in the basic configuration the Scorpion kit is intended for use with 7.62x54 mm R rifle cartridges and loose metal belts. In preparation for shooting, a single belt for 550 rounds is placed in the box and sleeve. The end of the tape is brought to the receiving window of the weapon. According to available data, the design of the Scorpion kit is designed for use with machine guns of the Kalashnikov design, but the possibility of creating modifications for other weapons is mentioned.
Ammo box and flexible sleeve.
The main feature of the Scorpion system is the use of a common belt for all wearable ammunition, which gives it a number of characteristic features and also provides certain advantages over other methods of ammunition supply. According to the development company, Scorpio compares favorably with existing tape boxes for a number of reasons. First of all, a certain reduction in the weight of the entire complex in the form of a machine gun, cartridges and ammunition systems is achieved. So, to carry 550 rounds of ammunition you need six standard metal boxes. With an empty box weighing about 1-1.5 kg, only due to the means of storing and carrying ammunition, the total mass of the complex is reduced by several kilograms.
No need to reload the weapon after using up a 100-round belt (as when using standard boxes) allows you to provide a fire advantage and create a high density of fire. In addition, the Scorpion elements do not interfere with the shooter’s movement across the battlefield and do not impose serious restrictions on his mobility. Firing from various positions is possible, during which the sleeve or backpack does not interfere with the machine gunner.
The existence of the Scorpio project was announced quite a long time ago. Over the past period of time, the development company has carried out all the necessary tests and completed the development of the system. In particular, during 2015 the system was tested in test sites. Thanks to this, it was possible to get rid of all the shortcomings and ensure high reliability of the operation of all elements of the kit.
Machine gunner with the Scorpion system.
To date, the FRONT-Tactical Systems company has mastered the serial production of the Scorpion system in a configuration chambered for the 7.62x54 mm R cartridge and Kalashnikov machine guns of the PK, PKM and Pecheneg modifications. Products are assembled to order within two weeks after receiving the application. At the request of the customer, some changes can be made to the system regarding the backpack and its belt system. In particular, you can choose the color of the textile elements of the set.
According to the manufacturer, the selected architecture of the complex allows you to change its basic parameters. Thus, in accordance with the customer’s wishes, the design of the container box for carrying the tape can be changed. In the wearable version of the Scorpion, the box can hold up to 1000 rounds of ammunition, and this limitation is primarily related to the physical capabilities of the shooter and the weight of the ammunition. When manufacturing a stationary version intended for installation on equipment, etc., there are no such restrictions. In this case, the kit can be equipped with boxes of any capacity.
According to available data, Scorpion ammunition kits are produced in small batches and supplied to individual customers. There are references to the ordering of such equipment by representatives of Russian law enforcement agencies and armed forces. Thus, the original proposal attracted the interest of its “target audience” and reached the point of application in practice.
Flexible hose section chambered for 12.7x108 mm cartridge.
Using the accumulated experience of its own and others, the development company is currently working on several options for the development of the Scorpio system. Thus, last summer there were reports about the development of a flexible hose for supplying 12.7x108 mm cartridges, which could be used to supply ammunition to the NSV-12.7 Utes machine gun or other similar systems. For obvious reasons, this version of the kit will not become a direct analogue of the Scorpion for PC/PKM, but it may well find application in weapons of various equipment. At the same time, it will completely “inherit” all the characteristic advantages of the base model.
In the future, the creation of new systems of similar architecture for various ammunition cannot be ruled out. It is claimed that the flexible sleeve can even be used to feed 30mm grenades for the corresponding weapon. Whether potential customers will show interest in such offers - time will tell.
In parallel with the creation of new kits, the development of updated versions of existing equipment is underway. Last December, it was reported that work was being done on a modernized version of the sleeve attachments to the weapon. Using brackets of a new design, the developers are going to ensure compatibility of the Scorpion kit with new modifications of Kalashnikov machine guns, primarily with the Pecheneg machine gun in a bullpup configuration.
One of the foreign analogues of the Scorpion is the American-developed TYR Tactical MICO system.
Currently, in Russia and abroad, several options for small arms ammunition supply systems with cartridges supplied through a flexible metal sleeve are being developed and tested. All of these products have a similar architecture and should also have the same advantages over standard samples. However, none of these systems have yet been put into service. Flexible sleeves are actively used as part of small arms of various equipment, but kits for infantry-machine gunners have not yet reached mass use in practice.
The Scorpion ammunition system is of great interest from a technical and tactical point of view. Some publications devoted to this development claim that the original technical solutions of the project can make a real revolution in the field of small arms and methods of their combat use. In particular, it was proposed to develop a new automatic rifle chambered for 7.62x54 mm R, which could initially be used with a flexible sleeve for feeding cartridges, increasing its combat characteristics. In addition, certain advantages were mentioned associated with the abandonment of intermediate cartridges and the transfer of all infantry weapons to rifle ammunition.
Despite all the high praise and attempts to present the new domestic development as a revolution in the arms business, the Scorpion kit has not yet attracted the attention of the Russian military department and has not become the subject of contracts for mass supply. However, a number of such products are already used by representatives of various structures. The future prospects of the kit remain in doubt. Whether the Scorpion will become a standard element of equipment for Russian machine gunners is not yet entirely clear.
Ammunition systems for small arms represent a separate design task, without the successful solution of which it is impossible to create effective weapons.
In particular, in the context of machine gun weapons, various systems are of great interest that allow increasing the size of ready-to-use ammunition and thereby ensuring long-term firing without reloading. Relatively recently, an interesting project of such a system was presented by domestic designers.
A domestic device designed to improve the combat qualities of existing machine guns was developed by the FRONT-Tactical Systems company. The creation of a new product, designated “Scorpion,” was carried out on its own initiative, without an order from the military department or law enforcement agencies. In order to increase the ammunition capacity of the machine gun, ready for use, it was decided to abandon the standard boxes for tapes, replacing them with a larger container and a special device for feeding the cartridge belt to the receiving window of the machine gun.
In its current form, the Scorpio system consists of several main parts. To store the belt with cartridges, a metal container box of appropriate dimensions is intended. Connected to it is a special flexible hose for supplying cartridges, at the other end of which there is a bracket for mounting on a machine gun. This architecture of the kit allows the production of various variants, both stationary and portable.
It should be noted that the idea of using flexible metal sleeves to feed tapes is not new. Similar designs were developed back in the first half of the last century and even found application in practice in various fields. The use of a flexible sleeve allows you to connect the weapon with the cartridge box, as well as ensure the correct interaction of the cartridge belt, box and weapon when their position in space changes. As a result, such designs are the optimal solution to existing problems.
The Scorpio kit includes several basic elements. A metal container box is used to store and carry the belt with cartridges. In its basic configuration, it measures 40x10x30 cm and holds 475 rounds in one belt. To carry the box, it is proposed to use a special backpack, adjustable in accordance with the anatomy of the shooter. A special cover with fastenings for a flexible hose is installed on the cartridge box. The sleeve itself is a structure made up of a large number of metal segments that can change position relative to each other within certain sectors. The length of the sleeve is 160 cm, width 10 cm, thickness -2.5 cm, which allows it to hold up to 75 rounds. If necessary, the sleeve is equipped with a protective cover. The sleeve is equipped with a bracket that allows it to be connected to a weapon. The kit without cartridges weighs about 4.1 kg.
According to the manufacturer, in the basic configuration the Scorpion kit is intended for use with 7.62x54 mm R rifle cartridges and loose metal belts. In preparation for shooting, a single belt for 550 rounds is placed in the box and sleeve. The end of the tape is brought to the receiving window of the weapon. According to available data, the design of the Scorpion kit is designed for use with machine guns of the Kalashnikov design, but the possibility of creating modifications for other weapons is mentioned.
The main feature of the Scorpion system is the use of a common belt for all wearable ammunition, which gives it a number of characteristic features and also provides certain advantages over other methods of ammunition supply. According to the development company, Scorpio compares favorably with existing tape boxes for a number of reasons. First of all, a certain reduction in the weight of the entire complex in the form of a machine gun, cartridges and ammunition systems is achieved. So, to carry 550 rounds of ammunition you need six standard metal boxes. With an empty box weighing about 1-1.5 kg, only due to the means of storing and carrying ammunition, the total mass of the complex is reduced by several kilograms.
No need to reload the weapon after using up a 100-round belt (as when using standard boxes) allows you to provide a fire advantage and create a high density of fire. In addition, the Scorpion elements do not interfere with the shooter’s movement across the battlefield and do not impose serious restrictions on his mobility. Firing from various positions is possible, during which the sleeve or backpack does not interfere with the machine gunner.
The existence of the Scorpio project was announced quite a long time ago. Over the past period of time, the development company has carried out all the necessary tests and completed the development of the system. In particular, during 2015 the system was tested in test sites. Thanks to this, it was possible to get rid of all the shortcomings and ensure high reliability of the operation of all elements of the kit.
To date, the FRONT-Tactical Systems company has mastered the serial production of the Scorpion system in a configuration chambered for the 7.62x54 mm R cartridge and Kalashnikov machine guns of the PK, PKM and Pecheneg modifications. Products are assembled to order within two weeks after receiving the application. At the request of the customer, some changes can be made to the system regarding the backpack and its belt system. In particular, you can choose the color of the textile elements of the set.
According to the manufacturer, the selected architecture of the complex allows you to change its basic parameters. Thus, in accordance with the customer’s wishes, the design of the container box for carrying the tape can be changed. In the wearable version of the Scorpion, the box can hold up to 1000 rounds of ammunition, and this limitation is primarily related to the physical capabilities of the shooter and the weight of the ammunition. When manufacturing a stationary version intended for installation on equipment, etc., there are no such restrictions. In this case, the kit can be equipped with boxes of any capacity.
According to available data, Scorpion ammunition kits are produced in small batches and supplied to individual customers. There are references to the ordering of such equipment by representatives of Russian law enforcement agencies and armed forces. Thus, the original proposal attracted the interest of its “target audience” and reached the point of application in practice.
Using the accumulated experience of its own and others, the development company is currently working on several options for the development of the Scorpio system. Thus, last summer there were reports about the development of a flexible hose for supplying 12.7x108 mm cartridges, which could be used to supply ammunition to the NSV-12.7 Utes machine gun or other similar systems. For obvious reasons, this version of the kit will not become a direct analogue of the Scorpion for PC/PKM, but it may well find application in weapons of various equipment. At the same time, it will completely “inherit” all the characteristic advantages of the base model.
In the future, the creation of new systems of similar architecture for various ammunition cannot be ruled out. It is claimed that the flexible sleeve can even be used to feed 30mm grenades for the corresponding weapon. Whether potential customers will show interest in such offers - time will tell.
In parallel with the creation of new kits, the development of updated versions of existing equipment is underway. Last December, it was reported that work was being done on a modernized version of the sleeve attachments to the weapon. Using brackets of a new design, the developers are going to ensure compatibility of the Scorpion kit with new modifications of Kalashnikov machine guns, primarily with the Pecheneg machine gun in a bullpup configuration.
Currently, in Russia and abroad, several options for small arms ammunition supply systems with cartridges supplied through a flexible metal sleeve are being developed and tested. All of these products have a similar architecture and should also have the same advantages over standard samples. However, none of these systems have yet been put into service. Flexible sleeves are actively used as part of small arms of various equipment, but kits for infantry-machine gunners have not yet reached mass use in practice.
The Scorpion ammunition system is of great interest from a technical and tactical point of view. Some publications devoted to this development claim that the original technical solutions of the project can make a real revolution in the field of small arms and methods of their combat use. In particular, it was proposed to develop a new automatic rifle chambered for 7.62x54 mm R, which could initially be used with a flexible sleeve for feeding cartridges, increasing its combat characteristics. In addition, certain advantages were mentioned associated with the abandonment of intermediate cartridges and the transfer of all infantry weapons to rifle ammunition.
Despite all the high praise and attempts to present the new domestic development as a revolution in the arms business, the Scorpion kit has not yet attracted the attention of the Russian military department and has not become the subject of contracts for mass supply. However, a number of such products are already used by representatives of various structures. The future prospects of the kit remain in doubt. Whether the Scorpion will become a standard element of equipment for Russian machine gunners is not yet entirely clear.
Owners of patent RU 2399004:
The system for feeding cartridges into the barrel of a weapon is designed for automatic and semi-automatic firearms. The system contains a magazine with cartridges installed in the weapon socket, a magazine retention latch and a cartridge feeder. The system is equipped with a bolt stop and a mechanical connection of the magazine holding latch with cartridges or a bolt stop, while the magazine holding latch is configured to open when the magazine is empty or when there is the last cartridge in it, as well as a lock with an additional latch mechanically connected to the protrusion made on weapon and located in the path of movement of the bolt of the weapon or associated elements to prevent premature detachment of the magazine from the weapon. The invention simplifies charging and reduces the reloading time of weapons by self-disconnecting the magazine when the ammunition is used up. 2 n. and 8 salary f-ly, 6 ill.
The invention relates to automatic and semi-automatic firearms and is applicable to weapons of any small caliber systems.
Ammunition supply systems are known, consisting of a magazine with a spring-loaded feeder and a magazine socket on the weapon /see. for example, “Manual on Small Arms” M.: Military Publishing House, 1970 p.4-19/. The disadvantage of this system is that after the cartridges are used up, the magazine must be removed. In addition, the carob-shaped magazine is inconvenient to insert and remove, because movement in an arc is less orthopedicly convenient for the loader’s hand - a simple direct movement is performed more confidently and quickly, so reloading an open-arm magazine takes 1 second longer than a straight one. And the experience of combat operations in Afghanistan revealed the urgent need to reduce the reloading time of weapons, especially machine guns. In addition, when firing from a machine gun, if the trigger is released immediately after the last cartridge is used up or when firing single rounds, the end of the cartridges goes unnoticed, which can lead to the death of a soldier.
The technical result is simplification of charging and self-detachment of the magazine when the ammunition is used up, which serves as an alarm about the end of cartridges.
To do this, the magazine retention latch is mechanically connected to the feeder in the upper or upper (if there is one cartridge in the magazine) position, or to an element mechanically connected to the feeder or to the cartridges, and if the magazine has an indirect, for example horn-shaped, then its working the end has straight guides. The mechanical connection can be located both in the weapon and in the magazine, and in the latter case, with some design solutions, the stop for the latch located in the magazine can serve as a counter latch located in the weapon. In systems where the opening of the latch is not designed to empty the magazine, but to the last cartridge, there is a magazine release lock in the form of an additional latch, mechanically connected to a protrusion located in the path of movement of the bolt or associated elements.
The design designed for the last cartridge differs from the first in that in the first design the magazine is separated after the last shot, when the bolt moves back and releases the feeder. In this case, the weapon remains ineffective for some time.
And in a design designed for the last cartridge, the magazine is separated before the last shot in the cartridge loading phase. In this case, the weapon, at least when firing single shots, remains charged all the time.
For more efficient separation of the magazine from the weapon, there is an ejector spring attached to the magazine or weapon. And so that during practice shooting the magazine does not fall on a hard surface or in the mud, there are loops on the magazine and weapon to which carabiners of the safety cord are connected.
The mechanical connection can be carried out either directly or through a rod, a double-armed or single-armed spring-loaded or spring lever, etc.
Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the ammunition supply system. Figure 2 shows four specific examples of the location of straight guides on a horn magazine. Figures 3-6 show specific design solutions.
Structurally, the system consists of element 1, which senses the end of ammunition or the moment when there is one cartridge or a unitary shot left in the magazine; this can be a feeder, an element associated with it, for example, a bolt stop in a PM pistol, or the cartridges themselves. A mechanical connection 2 interacts with this element, and with it a latch 3 for holding the magazine body 4.
In designs designed for the last cartridge, to prevent premature detachment of the magazine, there is a latch 5 of the lock, connected to a protrusion 6 in the path of the bolt or the element 7 connected to it. To speed up the separation of the magazine, there is an ejector spring 8.
This system works as follows: when the cartridges are used up, element 1 opens latch 3 through a mechanical link 2 and the empty magazine 4, under the influence of its own weight and spring 8, is separated from the weapon. In designs designed for the last cartridge, after the latch 3 is released, the magazine is held by the lock latch 5 until the last cartridge is removed from it by the bolt 7, which / or the element associated with it / when rolling presses on the protrusion 6, opening the latch 5 blocker. The store is separated.
Figure 2 shows the main options for the location of the guides 9 on the body 4 of the horn magazine. Intermediate ones are also possible.
Depending on the type of magazine /straight, open-end, disk, drum/ and the type of mechanical transmission (direct, rod, pusher, one- or two-armed lever, shaft, etc./, and the location of the mechanical connection and latch, various examples are possible specific execution.
The systems in Figs. 3-5 consist of a magazine body 4 with a feeder 10, spring-loaded by a spring 11. To hold the magazine there is a latch 3, and for manual release there is a flag 12. Moreover, in Figs. 3, 5 the latches are formed by bending an elastic plate on which and fasten.
In Fig.3 there is also a rod 13, attached, for example by contact welding, to the feeder 10 and the flag 12.
Figure 4 shows staggered cartridges 14, between the tips of which there is a protrusion 15 of a double-armed lever 16, spring-loaded by a spring 17 and mounted on an axis 18 inside the guide 19.
In Fig. 5, the latch 3 is located on an elastic plate 20 attached to or part of the rear wall of the magazine, and the stop for the latch 3 is an additional latch 21 in the form of an elastic plate bent at an angle, one end attached to the body of the weapon. On the magazine body 4 there is a protrusion 22 for the latch 5 of the lock 23, which is mounted on the axis 24 and has a protrusion 6 located in the path of rolling the handle 25 of the bolt frame.
Figure 6 shows a magazine 4 in a weapon socket 26. In the wall of the socket there is a groove 27, in which there is a cup 28 with a tooth 29. An ejector spring 8 that works in tension is attached to the cup and the bottom of the groove.
The systems in Fig.3, 4 operate as follows: as the cartridges are consumed, the feeder 10, under the action of the spring 11, moves to the open end of the magazine 4 and after the last cartridge is used up through a mechanical connection in the form of a rod 13 /Fig.3/ or a protrusion 15 on the lever 16 /Fig.4/ opens the latch 3 and the magazine falls out of the weapon under its own weight.
The system in Fig. 5 operates similarly, except that the latch 3, under the action of the elastic plate 20, enters the groove of the feeder 10 at a time when there is still one cartridge left in the magazine. This happens after the rollback, and so that the magazine does not prematurely separate along with the last cartridge, it is held by the protrusion 22 by the latch 5 of the lock 23.
During the roll-up, the cartridge is sent into the barrel and at the same time the bolt or, in relation to the AKM assault rifle, the bolt frame with its handle 25 presses on the protrusion 6 of the lock and the empty magazine is separated. Moreover, if the shooting was carried out with single shots or the trigger was released at that moment, the weapon remains combat-ready during reloading: at any moment it is ready to fire one shot. To reload, all that remains is to insert a new magazine and, without distorting the bolt, you can continue shooting. It should be added that in this case it is desirable to use a slide stop in the machine gun, similar to the PM pistol.
For faster and more reliable separation of the magazine, the above systems may have a push-out spring 8 /Fig. 6/, which, when attaching the magazine, stretches, and after detaching the magazine, it compresses and with the tooth 29 of the cup 28 pushes out the empty magazine 4.
The use of the invention will significantly increase the combat effectiveness of motorized rifle and airborne troops, especially in short-term oncoming, close-in, urban battles.
1. A system for feeding cartridges into the barrel of a weapon, containing a magazine with cartridges installed in the weapon socket, a magazine holding latch and a cartridge feeder, characterized in that it is equipped with a bolt stop and a mechanical connection of the magazine holding latch with cartridges or a bolt stop, wherein the holding latch The magazine is configured to open when the magazine is empty or when there is the last cartridge in it.
2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is equipped with straight guides for mounting a curved magazine in the weapon socket.
3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said mechanical link is located in the magazine.
4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said mechanical link is located in the weapon.
5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the magazine retention latch is made with a protrusion located in the weapon.
6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is equipped with an ejector spring located between the magazine and the weapon and attached to the magazine or to the weapon.
7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said mechanical connection is made in the form of a rod between the cartridge feeder and the magazine retention latch.
8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said mechanical connection is made in the form of a spring-loaded or springy double-armed or single-armed lever.
9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said mechanical connection is effected by direct contact between the magazine retention latch and the cartridges or bolt stop.
10. A system for feeding cartridges into the barrel of a weapon, containing a magazine with cartridges installed in the weapon socket, a magazine retention latch and a cartridge feeder, characterized in that it is equipped with a lock with an additional latch mechanically connected to a protrusion made on the weapon and located in the path of movement the bolt of the weapon or elements associated with it to prevent premature detachment of the magazine from the weapon, and the magazine retention latch is configured to open when the magazine is empty or when there is the last cartridge in it.
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