System and method for a flameless tracer/marker utilizing an electronic light source

Abstract

An electronic light source system is employed to create a flame-less tracer for a munitions projectile. The electronic light source system may be positioned in various locations and combinations of locations on a projectile (e.g., front, back, side, etc.) to enhance visibility of the projectile during flight. The electronic light source system provides a light source on the projectile that is visible to an observer at various viewing angles throughout the projectile flight without the environmental or safety issues presented by tracers using pyrotechnic materials. After assembly, the present system is encapsulated in glass or clear plastic to G-harden the present system, enabling the present system to sustain the large loads and stresses induced by gun launch. The present system may comprise a variety of light sources such as, for example, lasers, high output light-emitting diodes (LEDs), strobe lights, etc. The present system is capable of flashing the light sources at a variety of frequencies (e.g., 5 Hz, 20 Hz, etc.) to further attract the human eye. In addition, the present system presents the substantial benefit of being able to project light at various wavelengths outside the visible spectrum.

1 . A flameless tracer utilizing an electronic light source, for use with a projectile, comprising: 
 at least one G-hardened light source for emitting a light visible to an observer during a flight of the projectile; and    a power source, connected to the light source, for selectively providing electrical power to the light source when the projectile is launched.    
   
   
       2 . The flameless tracer of  claim 1 , wherein the visible light emitted by the light source comprises any one or more of: 
 a visible light spectrum;    an infrared spectrum; and    an ultraviolet spectrum.    
   
   
       3 . The flameless tracer of  claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode.  
   
   
       4 . The flameless tracer of  claim 1 , further comprising a driver circuit that is electrically connected to the power source and the light source, for providing a plurality of pulses at different frequencies and intensities to the light source during the projectile flight.  
   
   
       5 . The flameless tracer of  claim 1 , wherein the power supply comprises a setback-activated battery.  
   
   
       6 . The flameless tracer of  claim 5 , wherein the activation of the setback-activated battery occurs as a result of a high force applied to the setback-activated battery during the projectile launch.  
   
   
       7 . The flameless tracer of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic light source comprises a plurality of miniaturized electronic light sources.  
   
   
       8 . The flameless tracer of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of the miniaturized electronic light sources are suspended in a gelatin-like substance.  
   
   
       9 . The flameless tracer of  claim 8 , wherein the miniaturized electronic light sources are dispersed at a target upon impact, illuminating the target.  
   
   
       10 . The flameless tracer of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic light source is encased in a substance to harden the electronic light source for use in a high-force environment.  
   
   
       11 . The flameless tracer of  claim 1 , further comprising a light-dispersing device that disperses the visible light created by the light source to enhance visibility of the projectile to the observer.  
   
   
       12 . The flameless tracer of  claim 11 , wherein the light-dispersing device comprises a protective cap.  
   
   
       13 . The flameless tracer of  claim 11 , wherein the light-dispersing device is made of any of a composite or plastic material.  
   
   
       14 . The flameless tracer of  claim 11 , wherein the light-dispersing device is made of any of a transparent or a translucent material.  
   
   
       15 . The flameless tracer of  claim 11 , wherein the light-dispersing device comprises any one or more of a reflector and a mirror.  
   
   
       16 . The flameless tracer of  claim 11 , wherein the light-dispersing device is made of any of a composite material, a plastic material, a transparent, or a translucent material, and comprises any one or more of a reflector and a mirror.  
   
   
       17 . The flameless tracer of  claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light sources, at least some of light sources emitting non-visible light that is detectable by an instrument.  
   
   
       18 . The flameless tracer of  claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light sources, at least some of light sources emitting visible light at different wavelengths.  
   
   
       19 . The flameless tracer of  claim 3 , wherein the light-emitting diode comprises a laser diode.  
   
   
       20 . The flameless tracer of  claim 1 , wherein the projectile comprises a rear end and a side.  
   
   
       21 . The flameless tracer of  claim 20 , wherein the tracer is disposed on the rear end of the projectile.  
   
   
       22 . The flameless tracer of  claim 20 , wherein the tracer is disposed on the side of the projectile.  
   
   
       23 . The flameless tracer of  claim 20 , wherein the tracer is disposed on the rear end and the side of the projectile.  
   
   
       24 . A marker for use with a projectile, comprising: a light-emitting device; an energy source attached to the light-emitting device; wherein upon any of a set back, a set forward, or a spin, the energy source is activated; and wherein the light-emitting device starts emitting a tracing light upon the projectile impacting a target.  
   
   
       25 . The marker of  claim 24 , wherein upon the projectile impacting the target, the projectile shatters, allowing the light emitting device to be dispersed over the target.  
   
   
       26 . The marker of  claim 25 , wherein the light-emitting device comprises any one or more of: an LED, a laser diode, a strobe, a miniature light source, a microminiaturized light source, a photoelectric diode, a micro-eletrical-mechanical device (MEM).  
   
   
       27 . The marker of  claim 25 , wherein the light-emitting device is mixed with a sticky substance, wherein upon the projectile impacting the target, the sticky substance disperses over the target, causing the light-emitting device to adhere on the target.  
   
   
       28 . The marker of  claim 27 , wherein the sticky substance is made, at least in part, of silicone.  
   
   
       29 . The marker of  claim 24 , wherein the projectile is made at least in part, of a transparent material, allowing the light emitting device to trace a projectile flight path in addition to marking the target.  
   
   
       30 . The marker of  claim 24 , wherein the projectile is made at least in part, of a translucent material, allowing the light emitting device to trace a projectile flight path in addition to marking the target.  
   
   
       31 . The marker of  claim 24 , wherein the light-emitting device comprises any one or more of: 
 a visible light spectrum;    an infrared spectrum; and    an ultraviolet spectrum.