WEAPON FIRING SYSTEM INCLUDING WEAPON INTERROGATION MEANS AND STRAY VOLTAGE TESTING MEANS

摘要

A weapon firing system including weapon interrogation means is disclosed wherein a weapon control computer (8) provides a signal (at 27) for closing a normally open switch (16) and signals (at 29, 29A, 29B, 29N) for connecting one of a plurality of weapon select relays (18, 18A, 18B, 18N) to the switch. During weapon interrogation, a low level interrogation signal (from 20) is applied through the closed switch and the one relay to a weapon igniter (12, 12A, 12B, 12N) connected to a corresponding weapon (2, 2A, 2B, 2N) to interrogate the availability of the weapon for firing. The igniter provides an impedance indicative of said availability, which is sensed by a sensor (28) for providing a signal (EL) which is applied to the computer for mission programming and display purposes. During weapon firing, a fire signal (from 32) is applied through the closed switch and one of the relays connected to the switch to fire the weapon connected to the relay in a firing sequence depending on the availability of the weapons. Prior to weapon interrogation, each weapon is tested via a stray voltage detector (32) to detect the presence of positive or negative voltage levels or pulses that may appear on an igniter and be indicative of an unsafe condition. The stray voltage detector is connected to the igniters which are sequentially powered, and provides an output (ES) to the computer for alerting the operator of the potentially unsafe condition.