Vehicle under fire indicator.
VINITI, 1996
Vehicle Fire Indicator
The companies MS Instrunients pie and Lyonje Brandfield Ltd. have developed a vehicle fire indicator, which is a completely passive system capable of detecting fire weapons such as small arms and artillery when fired at a distance of 25 to 100 m. It detects and displays a 45° sector in which fire is being conducted within 1 s.
The system consists of three units: a sensor matrix, a computer, and an indicator unit. Depending on the vehicle configuration, one or two sets of sensors are mounted on top symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The sensors detect the shock wave generated by the projectile, convert the pressure change into an electrical signal, and input it into the computer. Detection is carried out over a hemisphere with a radius of 25 to 100 m or more, depending on the caliber of the projectile.
The computer processes the electrical signal from the sensor matrix and calculates the general direction of the fire. It then immediately sends the information to the indicator unit and at the same time generates an audible warning signal or sends it to the vehicle's intercom system.
The indicator unit contains the system control knobs and a display consisting of eight lamps illuminating eight 45° sectors. When the first information appears, one sector lamp lights up and remains lit for 3 seconds, showing the direction of fire relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The display is constantly updated with the latest information. This system, originally developed for helicopters, can be adapted for use on any type of vehicle: armored or conventional, military or commercial, and can also be used as a stationary installation. Two stationary sensor matrices cover a front of up to 150 m, taking into account the necessary overlap. The distance between the sensor matrix, computer and detector unit can be up to 250 m, forming an ideal system for protecting buildings, open-air areas and for use in ambushes and covert operations.
Technical characteristics
| Sensor matrix Weight, kg | 1.3 |
| Diameter, mm | 100 |
| Height, mm | 75 |
| Computer | 5.0 kg |
| Weight, kg | 5.0 |
| Dimensions, mm | 340х235х120 |
| Indicator block Weight, g | 400 |
| Dimensions, mm | 150х60 x 60 |
| Power Supply | 12-28 VDC, 7 W, separate or built-in |
| Audible warning signal | Tone 4 kHz, duration 1 s |
| Temperature, °С | from -30 to +70 (working) from —40 to +90 (storage) |