Measurement of tank gun dynamics in support of a dynamic muzzle referencing system

Defence research establishment Ottawa, 1990. – 35 p.Experiments were conducted on a Leopard C1 main battle tank with a 105 mm gun to determine its non-firing, terrain-induced muzzle dynamics. The sensors 'included gyroscopes and accelerometers placed at the ends and the center of the gun barrel. The experiments were conducted in support of a Kalman filter design for a new tank Dynamic Muzzle Referencing System which is being developed by DND as a subsystem for a comprehensive Integrated Fire Control System for a future Main Battle Tank. Preliminary data analysis shows significant muzzle motion but most of this is attributed to gun stabilization system errors (1 to 2 milliradians). Some evidence of barrel bending was found (½ to 1½ mrad). The methods and results of the experiment are described.