SINGLE USE FIREARM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/737,515, titled “SINGLE USE FIREARM,” filed Dec. 20, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to a firearm and ammunition thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a single use or disposable firearm configured to interface with a host firearm.

INTRODUCTION

Small unmanned aerial systems (also referred to as “SUAS,” “UAS,” or, generally, “drones”) are a relatively new threat on the battlefields of the world, and effective countermeasures to this threat have proven difficult, expensive, and unwieldy. One of the most dangerous threats to military members on the ground is that of the first person view (FPV) drone. These drones carry a small amount of explosive and attack their target by crashing into them and exploding. FPVs are extremely fast, small and maneuverable, and have so far eluded most efforts to counter them. It is estimated that up to 70% of casualties in Russia's invasion of Ukraine are caused by FPV and similar small drones.

Accordingly, the firearm described herein solves the problem of defending against FPV drones on the battlefield. Currently, there are very few options to defend against this threat. The primary methods currently being implemented are electronic warfare (EW) systems which aim to jam or confuse the threat, and shotguns, which are being pressed into service to shoot down FPVs, though they are far from ideal for the task. Both of these methods have limitations addressed by the firearm described herein.

EW relies on intercepting, jamming, or otherwise interfering with the connection of a UAS to its controller and/or to GPS satellites. Such EW is susceptible to countermeasures and may be rendered useless due to changes in the UAS' radio systems. Currently, many EW systems and protocols are being rendered obsolete rapidly on the battlefields of Ukraine. As well, new UAS are being designed which do not rely on a radio link, generally rendering EW futile.

Shotguns, for lack of better alternatives, are currently being forced into service in Ukraine and are being considered for cUAS duties in the United States military and those of other countries. Shotguns are preferable to rifles for counter-FPV tactics as, with certain loads, their spreading shot allows a user to hit a mobile and aerial target more easily. However, shotguns are heavy and cumbersome, are an additional weapon for a solider to carry, and their projectile's spread, while better than a rifle, is still too tight and requires exceptional aim. In situations where a military member is threatened by a FPV, the time available to accurately acquire the target, aim, and fire is very limited.

In sum, it is impractical to equip most or all military members with either EW or shotgun weapon systems, leaving such individuals vulnerable to FPV attacks.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a device capable of disabling or destroying drones, wherein said device is compact, rapidly deployed, and effective.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claims included herewith.

Provided may be a firearm comprising a shell and a safety catch configured to interface with the shell, the safety catch configurable in a sheathed condition and an unsheathed condition. The firearm may further comprise a mount disposed on the shell, wherein the mount is configured to reversibly affix the firearm to a host; a barrel disposed within the shell, the barrel in contact with a barrel sleeve, wherein the barrel sleeve supports the barrel; and a muzzle cap disposed on a muzzle of the barrel, the muzzle cap configured to prevent fluid communication between the barrel and an environment. The firearm may further comprise a front safety guard hingedly attached to the shell, wherein, in the sheathed condition, the front safety guard is retracted, wherein, in the unsheathed condition, the front safety guard is extended; and a firing handle hingedly attached to the shell, wherein, in the sheathed condition, the firing handle is retracted, wherein, in the unsheathed condition, the firing handle is extended, allowing the firing handle to move along an axis of the firearm. The firearm may further comprise a connecting rod in mechanical communication with the firing handle, wherein movement of the firing handle induces movement in the connecting rod; a firing train in mechanical communication with the connecting rod, wherein movement of the connecting rod actuates the firing train, the firing train comprising at least one of a linkage, a striker retainer, a spring, and a firing pin; and an ammunition disposed within the barrel, the ammunition comprising at least one of a load, a wad, a propellant, and a primer, the ammunition actuating upon actuation of the firing train.

In a further embodiment, the firing train further comprises and an auto activation screw, wherein the auto activation screw is configured to translate external input to actuation of the firing train.

In yet another embodiment, the firearm comprises a gas capture device disposed on a distal end of the firearm, the gas capture device in mechanical communication with the firing train, the gas capture device configured to accept pressure from the host upon firing of the host, wherein accepting said pressure causes the gas capture device to move, actuating the firing train.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a firearm is provided. The firearm includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The firearm includes one or more barrels disposed within the housing, each of the one or more barrels comprising a preloaded munition. The firearm includes a barrel support assembly disposed within the housing and configured to support the one or more barrels. The firearm includes a mounting bracket configured to affix the firearm to a host device.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the firearm may include one or more of the following features. The firearm may further comprise a back pressure assembly disposed within each of the one or more barrels forward of the preloaded munition, the back pressure assembly configured to retain at least the preloaded munition against a breach end of each of the one or more barrels prior to firing. The back pressure assembly may be configurable in a compressed state, wherein, in the compressed state, the back pressure assembly imparts force against a wall of each of the one or more barrels. The back pressure assembly may comprise a distal back pressure member having distal back pressure member tines, a proximal back pressure member having proximal back pressure member tines, a bolt extending through the distal back pressure member and the proximal back pressure member, and a nut disposed on the bolt, wherein compression of the distal back pressure member and the proximal back pressure member via the bolt and the nut causes the distal back pressure member tines and the proximal back pressure member tines to deflect radially outward against interior walls of each of the one or more barrels. Each of the preloaded munitions may comprise one or more projectiles, wherein the one or more projectiles comprise cuboid shot having a rectangular geometry. Each of the preloaded munitions may further comprise a wadding, wherein the cuboid shot is arranged in layers within the wadding, and wherein each layer is rotationally skewed with respect to adjacent vertical layers. Each of the preloaded munitions may further comprise an ignition component, wherein the ignition component comprises an electric match configured to receive an electrical signal and ignite a propellant disposed within each of the preloaded munitions. The firearm may further comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the housing, the PCB in electrical communication with the electric match and configured to transmit an electrical impulse to the electric match to initiate a firing sequence. The PCB may be configured such that a signal having a particular voltage level initiates firing of the firearm. The firearm may further comprise a safety selector disposed on an exterior of the housing, the safety selector configured to physically interact with the PCB, configuring the PCB in a safe mode or fire mode. The host device may be a shoulder-fired weapon.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a firearm is provided. The firearm includes a housing. The firearm includes two or more barrels disposed within the housing. The firearm includes a first preloaded munition disposed within a first barrel of the two or more barrels and a second preloaded munition disposed within a second barrel of the two or more barrels. The firearm includes an electric match disposed at a breach end of each of the two or more barrels, each electric match configured to fire the preloaded munition disposed within a respective barrel of the two or more barrels. The firearm includes a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the housing, the PCB in electrical communication with each of the electric matches and configured to transmit an electrical impulse to at least one of the electric matches to initiate a firing sequence.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the firearm may include one or more of the following features. The first preloaded munition may comprise a first projectile type having a first size and the second preloaded munition may comprise a second projectile type having a second size different from the first size. The PCB may be programmed with a predetermined firing sequence that governs an order in which the two or more barrels are discharged upon successive actuations. The PCB may be in electrical communication with a triggering device disposed on a host device to which the firearm is mounted, the triggering device configured to transmit a firing command to the PCB upon actuation. The firearm may further comprise a back pressure assembly disposed within each of the two or more barrels forward of the respective preloaded munition, the back pressure assembly pressure fit against an interior wall of each of the two or more barrels such that the preloaded munition is retained within each of the two or more barrels prior to firing.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a firearm is provided. The firearm includes one or more barrels, each of the one or more barrels comprising a preloaded munition. The firearm includes a barrel support assembly configured to support the one or more barrels, the barrel support assembly comprising a channel adapted for mounting the firearm to a host.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the firearm may include one or more of the following features. The firearm may further comprise a back pressure assembly disposed within each of the one or more barrels forward of the preloaded munition, the back pressure assembly configured to retain at least the preloaded munition within each of the one or more barrels prior to firing. The firearm may further comprise an electric match disposed at a breach end of each of the one or more barrels, each electric match configured to ignite a propellant disposed within a respective preloaded munition, and a printed circuit board (PCB) in electrical communication with each electric match and configured to transmit an electrical impulse to at least one of the electric matches to initiate a firing sequence. At least one of the preloaded munitions may comprise one or more projectiles having a rectangular geometry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification exemplify the aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, explain and illustrate principles of this disclosure.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a top orthogonal view and an isometric view of an embodiment of a firearm in sheathed and unsheathed conditions, respectively.

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate orthogonal side views of an embodiment of a firearm with the firing handle in a folded safe position and in an armed state with the firing handle extended, respectively.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate cutaway views of an embodiment of a firearm comprising a gas capture device and showing internal ammunition and firing train components.

FIGS. 7-8 illustrate an isometric view and a side elevation view of a firearm showing the housing and mounting mechanism, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9-10 illustrate a section view and an external perspective view of a firearm showing the internal arrangement of ammunition components, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11-12 illustrate isometric views of a firearm from first and second perspectives, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of a firearm showing the barrel, barrel support plates, housing, and associated components, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14-15 illustrate an isometric view and a front view of a firearm assembly showing multiple barrels and locking components, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 16-17 illustrate front and side views of a breach plug, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 18-19 illustrate an isometric view and a front view of a firearm showing the locking bars, mounting bracket, and handgrip, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 20-21 illustrate front and side views of a housing insert and firearm assembly showing the mounting bracket, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 illustrates a section view of a firearm showing the barrel, recoil transfer ring, and internal ammunition components, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded view of an ammunition assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 24-26 illustrate exploded, separated, and end views of a back pressure assembly showing the distal back pressure member, proximal back pressure member, bolt, nut, and associated tines, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 illustrates a system diagram showing a firearm in communication with a dock and an external device via a network, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawing(s), in which identical functional elements are designated with like numerals. The aforementioned accompanying drawings show by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, specific aspects, and implementations consistent with principles of this disclosure. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and it is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized and that structural changes and/or substitutions of various elements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be construed in a limited sense.

It is noted that description herein is not intended as an extensive overview, and as such, concepts may be simplified in the interests of clarity and brevity.

All documents mentioned in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Any process described in this application may be performed in any order and may omit any of the steps in the process. Processes may also be combined with other processes or steps of other processes.

The present disclosure is directed to a firearm, for example, a single use firearm. The present disclosure may detail a number of components, wherein said components may constitute the firearm and/or the ammunition. Throughout this disclosure, the term “firearm” may refer both to a firearm configured to accept ammunition and/or a firearm comprising integrated ammunition components. In a preferred embodiment, the firearm is configured for one-time use, after which, for example, it may be discarded and/or replaced. The “single use” nature of the firearm may allow the firearm to have lower strength and weight constraints than a traditional firearm, which typically is designed to survive thousands of firing instances. By configuring the firearm described herein for single use, the firearm may be manufactured at a decreased cost and weight, allowing such a firearm to be manufactured simply and distributed widely. As a function of the aforementioned “single use” nature, the barrel and firing train may include a simpler and more lightweight design (in many cases less than half the weight and quantity of parts).

As described above, shotguns are currently deployed for cUAS use. The firearm described herein provides numerous benefits and improvements over shotguns. First, in one embodiment, the firearm described herein is configured for single use, thus containing all of the required components in one package (e.g., assembled in a factory and shipped ready for use). In contrast, a shotgun uses reloadable shotgun shells, and is typically designed robustly and with paramount rigidity to withstand thousands of firing instances. Accordingly, the firearm described herein enables use of lightweight materials to decrease overall weight and size. For example, where a shotgun might weigh 5-8 lbs, the firearm of the present disclosure may weigh less than half that. Thus, use of the firearm described herein for cUAS reduces the carry burden on military members. Moreover, in an embodiment, the firearm described herein may be configured to mount to the front of a user's rifle, where the low weight helps to improve user accuracy and comfort.

Additionally, the firearm described herein may include a substantially larger bore diameter and load than that of a standard shotgun. For example, a shotgun generally has a bore diameter of 25.4 mm or less and a load of 1.125 oz or less. In contrast, the firearm described herein may include a bore diameter of 40 mm or more and around ten times as much load as a traditional shotgun.

Yet further, the shot pattern from the firearm described herein may be configured to spread a greater area than that of a conventional shotgun, allowing a user to hit targets further off the bore line (where the gun is pointed). In fast paced and dangerous situations this feature assists the user in attaining a kill shot against the target. For example, a typical shotgun pattern is around 10″ at 20 yards. In contrast, the firearm described herein may pattern approximately 100″ at 20 yards, providing a much larger kill zone.

Another system being considered for cUAS is an underbarrel grenade launcher. Such systems are designed to launch grenades from a short, large caliber barrel, usually mounted beneath a rifle. Underbarrel grenade launchers are generally not considered a viable solution to the cUAS problem. These systems develop much lower internal pressures than a typical firearm (or the firearm described herein) and generally have muzzle velocities of less than 80 m/s, wherein the firearm described herein may attain more than 200 m/s. While grenade launchers are also large bore, they have reloadable ammunition, like shotguns, which necessitates loading the weapon.

Unlike traditional firearms, the firearm described herein may be configured to function without the need for reloading or recharging the weapon.

Yet further, the firearm described herein may be adapted to provide unique firearm capabilities beyond that of standard small arms, including, but not limited to, trench clearing, counter-drone, and counter-riot.

The firearm system described herein may be adapted to fire multiple types of ammunition (e.g., shot, grenades, beanbags, and the like) and may be operated either manually (e.g., human operated) and/or remotely (e.g., activation by machine).

The SUAS threat has caused militaries to adapt, change tactics, and develop new systems in order to combat this new threat and increase military member survivability. The firearm described herein is a desirable C-SUAS device as it can be widely deployed, easily employed, and is effective at solving the FPV/SUAS threat at close range. In this sense, the SUAS threat has elicited weaponry and systems not previously contemplated because such a threat is drastically different than existing military problems.

Accordingly, a preferred use case of the firearm described herein is to destroy or damage SUAS/drones that pose a threat to military members on the battlefield. In one use case, the firearm described herein is configured to provide a “last line of defense” at close range to destroy the threat using a large shot load.

Referring to FIG. 1, the firearm 100 may include a shell 102. The shell 102 may be configured to house and/or hold the firearm components together, while serving as protection from the elements. Yet further, the shell 102 may be configured to be grasped by a user and/or attached to a host weapon system. In an embodiment, the shell 102 may be composed of plastic and may be formed via injection molding. However, the shell 102 be manufactured via additive manufacturing (i.e., 3D printing), computer numerical control (CNC), and other manufacturing means. Moreover, the shell 102 may be composed of any suitable materials including, but not limited to, polymers, metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, titanium), blended materials, and the like. As nonlimiting examples, the shell 102 may be composed of any of polymer, nylon, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), glass-filled nylon, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, fiberglass reinforced plastic, delrin (POM), teflon (PTFE), kevlar reinforced plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ultem (polyetherimide), silicone, acrylic. In one embodiment, the shell 102 may be a unibody construction. In another embodiment, the shell 102 may be comprised of two or more pieces, for example a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere. In an embodiment where the shell 102 is composed of multiple pieces, various fastening means may be utilized, including mechanical, chemical, or other means (e.g., sonic welding). Referring to FIG. 3, the shell 102 may comprise two or more portions or hemispheres, wherein said portions are conjoined, at least in part, via shell screws 104. The shell 102 may be connected to internal and/or external parts in various manners. As a nonlimiting example, internal components of the firearm 100 may be held in place via the conjoining of multiple pieces of the shell 102. In another nonlimiting example, the internal components of the firearm 100 may be attached to the inner surface of the shell 102 via mechanical means (e.g., mechanical fasteners).

The firearm 100 may further include a safety catch 106. Referring to FIG. 1, the safety catch 106, may be a sheath or other member configured to reversibly attach to the shell 102. In an embodiment, the safety catch 106 is configured to conceal portions of the firearm 100 that would otherwise fire the firearm 100. Thus, one function of the safety catch 106 is to prevent inadvertent firing of the firearm 100. Accordingly, manipulation of the safety catch 106 may convert the firearm 100 from a sheathed condition to an unsheathed condition and vice versa. In a sheathed condition, the safety catch 106 may interface with the shell 102, such that the firearm 100 may not be actuated or inadvertently fired. In an unsheathed condition, the safety catch 106 may be removed from the shell 102, exposing firing mechanisms or otherwise putting the firearm 100 in a ready-to-fire condition. In an embodiment, the safety catch 106 may be comprised of three sides and/or a gap between at least two sides of the safety catch 106, allowing the safety catch 106 to be pulled down or to the side, off the shell 102. The safety catch 106 may further include such a gap to enable the top surface of the shell 102 to interface with a host firearm rail, wherein the safety catch 106 is not inhibiting such interfacing.

The firearm 100 may further include a mount 108. The mount 108 may be configured to attach the firearm 100 to a host, for example another firearm (e.g., beneath the host firearm's barrel). Alternatively, the mount 108 may be configured to attach the firearm 100 to other mounting points, such as a standalone man-fired mount, an autonomous turret, or other systems. The mount 108 may be configured for various means of attachment, including common rail profiles such as Picatinny rail (i.e., 1913 rail), M-LOK, KeyMod, the bayonet lug found on many rifles, or components which otherwise grip or enclose the barrel or other parts of a weapon (e.g., barrel shrouds, handguards, and the like). The mount 108 may be composed of metal, for example, in order to handle the stresses imparted by firing the system. However, the mount 108 may be composed of polymers or composites. Referring to FIG. 3, the mount 108 may include or may be positioned in close proximity to a rail gripper 110, wherein the rail gripper 110 is configured to hold the firearm 100 in place via the mount 108, and wherein the rail gripper 110 may be manipulated to allow removal of the firearm 100 from the host. In various embodiments, the firearm 100 may be capable to mounting to turrets or vehicles. The firearm 100 may include one or more mounting points on the shell 102 of the firearm 100, allowing the firearm 100 to be fastened to non-firearm hosts including, but not limited to, turrets and vehicles. In such a nonlimiting example, the firearm 100 may include one or more threaded holes capable of accepting screws, which fasten the firearm 100 to a non-firearm host. In one example, the firearm 100 includes such threaded holes in the rear portion of the firearm 100.

The firearm 100 may include a barrel 112. The barrel 112 may be configured to contain the ammunition 138 (e.g., the shot, wadding, propellant, and/or primer) prior to firing. The barrel 112 may contain, in part, the pressure of the powder deflagration, the effect of which propels the shot from the muzzle 116. The barrel 112 may include an integrated forcing cone or choke. However, in some embodiments, the barrel 112 may not include an integrated forcing cone or choke. The integrated forcing cone and/or choke may be configured to taper the inside surface of the barrel 112 to increase pressure when fired. Further, the integrated forcing cone and/or choke may be angled to hold the load in the barrel 112 before firing. Yet further, the integrated forcing cone and/or choke may cause the shot to project in a desired pattern. As a nonlimiting example, the integrated forcing cone may include an incline of approximately 5 degrees. For comparison, a full shotgun choke may only reduce the diameter of a 12 gauge barrel from 18.53 mm to approximately 17.7 mm; while the barrel 112 of firearm 100 may reduce the diameter of the barrel 112 from 40 mm to 34 mm. However, the aforementioned measurements are included as illustrative examples. The angle of the forcing cone or choke of the barrel 112 may be any suitable angle between 1 and 20 degrees. The aforementioned examples may include an incline more drastic than that of a shotgun such that the spread of the shot is most suitable for disabling drones at common distances encountered by military members. In some embodiments, where a solid, slug, or unibody projectile is preferred, the barrel 112 may include a straight or cylindrical internal surface. The barrel 112 may be composed of a multitude of materials. As a nonlimiting example, steel (e.g., including stainless steel) may be utilized. However, in various preferred embodiments, due to the single use nature of the firearm 100, lighter materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, synthetic fibers (e.g., Kevlar), and plastics of various types may be used for the barrel 112. In various embodiments, the barrel material may be a single material or a composite of multiple materials. As a nonlimiting example, an aluminum or carbon fiber sleeve may be disposed inside the barrel 112 (for example, to resist the impact and effect of the load on the barrel and, generally, to resist high pressures).

Referring to FIG. 4, the firearm 100 may include a barrel sleeve 114 (also referred to as a barrel retainer), wherein the barrel sleeve 114 is configured to hold the barrel 112 in place and/or to connect the barrel 112 to the mount 108, transferring firing energy into the mount 108 and the external host firearm. The barrel sleeve 114 may be a standalone part (for example, as shown in FIG. 4). In another embodiment, the functionality of the barrel sleeve 114 may be accomplished by the shell 102 of the device or by an extension of the mount 108. The barrel sleeve 114 may be composed of metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.), polymers, or composites. In various embodiments, the barrel sleeve 114 may envelop the barrel 112 (for example, as shown in FIG. 4), brace the rear of the barrel 112 only, wrap around the barrel 112, or be mechanically connected, welded, or glued to the barrel 112. In an embodiment, the barrel 112 may be CNC cut steel having a barrel wall thickness of approximately 5 mm. However, any suitable methods of manufacture may be utilized to produce the barrel 112 and the barrel wall thickness may be of any suitable dimensions, wherein such dimensions elicit the desired effects described herein. In one embodiment, the barrel 112 may be comprised of a thin liner with an overmold construction. In such an embodiment, a 0.5-1 mm thick aluminum barrel may be utilized with a 2 mm polymer overmold. In an embodiment, the bore may be approximately 40 mm, with a length of approximately 150 mm.

In an overmold embodiment, the inner part of the barrel 112 may be of metal construction (e.g., aluminum). This inner part may be adapted to protect the outer overmold from the shot (for example, the shot propelling within the barrel during a firing sequence) and heat (for example, produced during firing the firearm). Such an inner part may be cylindrical and thin, for example, less than 1 mm. In an embodiment, on the outside of the inner part an overmold barrel may be disposed, for example, composed of plastic (e.g., a reinforced plastic or carbon fiber/Kevlar/nylon composite). The outer overmold may be adapted to provide the bursting resistance of the barrel. Such an effect is induced because the plastic outer overmold may be stronger than steel or aluminum when such materials are compared in similar quantities. Yet further, this allows the outer plastic overmold, and barrel assembly as a whole, to be lighter than a traditional entirely metal barrel assembly. In a further embodiment, the barrel assembly may be engineered to be even lighter by integrating a certain variance of allowable bulge or allowable failure points (while mitigating catastrophic failure). Thus, the single use nature of the firearm 100 may allow the barrel assembly construction to be significantly lighter than its conventional counterpart.

The barrel 112 may include a muzzle 116 at the distal end of the barrel 112, wherein the muzzle 116 may accept a muzzle cap 118 (also referred to as the cap). The muzzle cap 118 may be a member disposed within the muzzle 116 and/or affixed as to eclipse the muzzle 116, wherein the muzzle cap 118 may prevent introduction of unwanted foreign material and/or separate the environment from the ammunition 138 within the barrel 112.

The firearm 100 may include a front safety guard 120 (also referred to as a front hand guard). The front safety guard 120 may be a component configured to prevent a user from accidentally placing their hand or fingers in front of the muzzle 116. In an embodiment, the front safety guard 120 may be spring loaded or otherwise under pressure, such that, in the sheathed condition, the front safety guard 120 is collapsed towards the shell 102 and, in the unsheathed condition, the front safety guard 120 swings downward and towards the distal end of the firearm 100. In its fully extended position, the front safety guard 120 may extend generally orthogonally from the bottom surface of the shell 102, such that the front safety guard 120 is close to vertical. However, as shown in FIGS. 3-4, the front safety guard 120 may be angled slightly towards from the proximal end of the firearm 100, such that a user's hand would be largely behind the blast radius from the muzzle 116. The front safety guard 120 may pivot about a pin disposed through the front safety guard 120 and the shell 102. As described above, the front safety guard 120 may be spring-loaded, such that removal of the safety catch 106 automatically causes the front safety guard 120 to spring into the unsheathed position.

The firearm 100 may include a trigger mechanism, wherein the trigger mechanism is an input device configured to allow a user to actuate the firearm 100. The trigger mechanism can be one (or a combination of) many types including, but not limited to, traditional firearm triggers, paddles, handles, levers, buttons, screw knobs, or any other member capable of being manipulated or accepting input. Referring to FIG. 3, the trigger mechanism may include a firing handle 122. The firing handle 122 may be a lever, which, when pulled by a user to the rear of the firearm 100, activates the firearm 100. The firing handle 122 may be connected to and in mechanical communication with a connecting rod 124, which transfers the motion from the connecting rod 122 to the firing train 126. However, any suitable types of linkages may be used to translate such motion to actuation. In an embodiment, the firing handle 122 may be spring loaded or otherwise under pressure, such that, in the sheathed condition, the firing handle 122 is collapsed towards the shell 102 and, in the unsheathed condition, the front safety guard 120 swings downward and rearward toward the proximal end of the firearm 100. In its fully extended position, the firing handle 122 may extend generally orthogonally from the bottom surface of the shell 102, such that the firing handle 122 is close to vertical. However, as shown in FIGS. 3-4, the firing handle 122 may be angled slightly towards the proximal end of the firearm 100 as to provide a “pistol like” grip to the user. The firing handle 122 may pivot about a pin disposed through the firing handle 122 and the shell 102. In the sheathed position (for illustrative purposes shown without the safety catch 106 in FIG. 2), the firing handle 122 may be folded in a safe position, wherein the firing handle 122 may not be moved rearward due to the physical blockade of the safety catch 106. Further, in the sheathed condition, the front safety guard 120 may fold over the firing handle 122, capturing the firing handle 122 between the front safety guard 120 and the bottom surface of the shell 102.

The safety catch 106 may include one or more holes, permitting a band, string, or other fastener to be threaded through or attached to the safety catch 106 and around the firearm 100, such that the band, string, or other fastener prevents inadvertent removal of the safety catch 106. In effect, the aforementioned band, string, or other fastener may prevent inadvertent conversion of the firearm 100 to an unsheathed condition and, thus, decrease likelihood of accidental or negligent discharge. Such an arrangement may further secure the firearm 100 during shipment, transport, or distribution to users. Once the firearm 100 is attached to the host firearm or immediately before attachment to the host firearm, the band, string, or other fastener may be destroyed or broken, permitting removal of the safety catch 106 from the shell 102. Moreover, each firearm 100 may be disposed within an individual package (e.g., a cylindrical tube or carboard box), wherein the firearm 100 is tightly packed to prevent accidental or negligent actuation during shipment, transport, and distribution.

The firearm 100 may include a firing train 126. The firing train 126 may include linkage 128, a striker retainer 130, a striker 131, spring(s) 132, a firing pin 134, and/or an auto activation screw 136. For the purposes of this disclosure, the firing train 126 may collectively refer to the components that effect firing of the system. Accordingly, the function of the firing train 126 is to strike the primer and fire the system when activated. Referring to FIG. 4, the firing train 126 comprises a linkage 128 which links the connecting rod 124 to the striker retainer 130. When activated, the linkage 128 moves, releasing the striker 131 (otherwise retained by the striker retainer 130), propelled by the force of the spring(s) 132, to hit the firing pin 134.

The firearm 100 may include and/or may be configured to function with an ammunition 138. As shown in FIG. 6, the ammunition 138 may include a load 140, a wad 142 (also referred to as wadding), a propellant 144, a muzzle cap 118, and/or a primer 148. The primer 148 may be a device which begins the firing sequence of the firearm 100. The primer 148 may be chemical/mechanical systems, although electric and other systems are contemplated herein. The primer 148 may be positioned within the firearm 100, at or near the base of the barrel 112. In one embodiment, the firearm 100 may support standard ammunition primers (e.g., those commercially available). In another embodiment, the firearm 100 may support custom primers (e.g., designed specifically for the firearm 100). The propellant 144 may be a chemical configured to deflagrate, create gas, and fire the system. The propellant 144 may be a commercially available compound or may be custom mixed. The load 140 may be expelled from the firearm 100 when fired and is configured to contact the target. The firearm 100 described herein contemplates a number of load types including, but not limited to, a shot load (e.g., metal, plastic, wood, rubber or other materials), generally a collection of balls/projectiles (other shapes possible) expelled from the system; bolo shot, generally shot which is tied together with a string, rope, or pole, wherein the bolo shot is designed to increase damage against sUAS; solid shot, generally a single projectile made of metal, plastic, rubber or other substances; other loads (e.g., loads such as launchable grenades, rockets, electronic payloads, and more). The wad 142 may be a component that resides in the barrel 112 and generally serves to keep the propellant 144 and load 140 in place prior to firing. In one embodiment, the wad 142 may be a mechanical component (e.g., a plastic insert). In another embodiment, the wad 142 may be a chemical component (e.g., glue, wax, and the like). In yet another embodiment, the wad 142 may be a combination of a mechanical component and a chemical component. In a preferred embodiment, the firearm 100 comprises a wad 142, however, in other embodiments, the firearm 100 may be not utilize a wad 142.

The muzzle cap 118 may sit on, in, or near the end of the barrel 112 or muzzle 116 and may provide weatherproofing, while assisting to contain the ammunition components in the barrel 112. In a preferred embodiment, the firearm 100 includes a muzzle cap 118, however, in other embodiments, the firearm 100 may not include a muzzle cap 118. The muzzle cap 118 may be a wax seal disposed on the muzzle 116 of the firearm 100. In another embodiment, the muzzle cap 118 may be a plastic component fixed within or over the muzzle 116. In various embodiments, the muzzle cap 118 may be configured to be shot through, thus, not requiring prior express removal of said muzzle cap 118.

In an embodiment, the ammunition 138 and its constituent components may be loaded into the firearm 100 at the factory at the time of manufacture. The barrel assembly may be preloaded with the load 140, the propellant 144, the wad 142, and/or the muzzle cap 118 prior to being mated with the other parts of the firearm 100.

To account for loading the barrel 112, wherein the barrel 112 has a forcing cone of a conspicuous angle (as discussed above), the ammunition 138 components may be breech loaded from the back of the barrel 112, then a rear breach cover may be attached to the back of the barrel 112 to complete the barrel/ammunition assembly. In another embodiment, a two-part barrel may be utilized, wherein the forcing cone is a separate part. In such an embodiment, the load 140 (or other ammunition 138 components) is loaded into the main body of the barrel, whereafter a forcing cone is affixed to the main body of the barrel. In yet another embodiment, the ammunition 138 (or components thereof) may be loaded into a straight barrel, whereafter mechanical means (e.g., press forge, roller forming, or the like) is utilized to create the forcing cone after the ammunition 138 (or components thereof) is loaded. One benefit of such an embodiment is that the barrel is ultimately comprised of a singular piece.

The load 140 may include, but is not limited to, any of the following: flechette rounds, slug+shot combo, armor-piercing slug, dragon's breath, incendiary shells, fireball rounds, bolo rounds, rubber slugs/pellets, beanbag rounds, taser shells, frangible rounds, frag-12, high explosive (HE) rounds, shrapnel shells, salt rounds, paintball rounds, stun/sonic rounds, breaching rounds, bird bombs, chained projectiles, piranha rounds, exploding slugs, signal shells, flare rounds, explosive birdshot, pepper spray rounds, glass slug rounds, and/or metal chain pellets. As a nonlimiting example, the load 140 may be composed of a combination of several larger shot pellets (e.g., approximately 8 mm diameter) and a bolo component. In such a nonlimiting example, the balls may be any material (e.g., steel or tin for formability, or lead) and the string may be monofilament line, carbon fiber, plastic, rope, metal wire, or the like.

The firearm 100 may be fitted and/or may include a number of safety mechanisms. Safety mechanisms may be configured to prevent the system from activating until a user purposefully activates it. Safety devices are not required for the firearm 100 to operate, but may be advisable to render the system safe. As a nonlimiting example, safety devices include, but are not limited to, pins, stops, levers, covers, screws, and the like that prevent the firing of the system. The safety devices may prevent movement of various components to prevent firing (e.g., a pin that keeps a connecting rod in place), or can block components from contact (e.g., a bar blocking the striker from hitting the firing pin). In one embodiment, a blocking member may be partially inserted into the firearm 100 (for example, via the rear of the firearm 100), such that the blocking member prevents movement of the firing pin 134 and reduces likelihood of accidental or negligent discharge during shipment, transportation, or distribution. Such a blocking member may be removed before use.

In an embodiment, the firearm 100 may be configured for machine actuation. For example, the trigger mechanism and/or firing train 126 may be actuated by an external machine. In one aspect, the firearm 100 may include a separate trigger or trigger mechanism operated by a machine. In another aspect, the firearm 100 may include an automated or machine-actuated firing mechanism in communication with the trigger utilized for manual firing (i.e., the firing handle 122). As a nonlimiting example, referring to FIG. 4, the firearm 100 may include an auto activation screw 136, wherein the auto activation screw 136 is in mechanical communication with a motor, moving the connecting rod 124 when activated, thus, actuating the firing train 126. The motor may be disposed internal to the firearm 100 or may be disposed externally. As a nonlimiting example, in an instance where the firearm 100 is mounted to a vehicle or turret, the auto activation screw 136 would preclude the need for a cumbersome manual trigger extension. Further, in such a nonlimiting example, the fastening means of the firearm 100 to the vehicle or turret may include, be coupled to, or facilitate external actuation of the auto activation screw 136 and, thus, the firing train 126. In embodiments comprising the auto activation screw 136 (or similar components), the firearm 100 may be utilized with electronic firing systems or other computerized systems. For example, the firing of the firearm 100 may be operated via computer (either in close proximity or remotely).

In an embodiment, the firearm 100 may be configured for gas or pressure actuation. Referring to FIG. 5, the firearm 100 may be configured or fitted to utilize the gas pressure or impact of a bullet fired from the host weapon to activate the firing train 126. In such an embodiment, a gas capture device 150 may be adhered to the front of the firearm 100 such that when a projectile exits the host firearm, the gas capture device 150 is pushed away from the firearm 100, actuating the firing train 126. In one embodiment, the gas capture device 150, sans movement from firing of the host weapon, is immovably affixed to the front of the firearm 100. In another embodiment, the gas capture device 150 may be movable, wherein the gas capture device 150 may be positioned afront the host weapon's muzzle when actuation of the firearm 100 is desired and the gas capture device 150 may be positioned away from the host weapon's muzzle when actuation of the firearm 100 is not desired. This may be accomplished via a slide mechanism or hinge attached to the gas capture device 150. When the gas capture device 150 is armed and the host weapon fired, the expanding gas from the host weapon applies pressure on the gas capture device 150 and, through a linkage, activates the firing train 126. In such a series of events, the gas capture device 150 may be configured to completely separate from the firearm 100, reducing the overall weight of the host firearm and ensuring that the gas capture device 150 does not interfere with subsequent use of the host firearm.

The firearm 100 can be modified or otherwise utilized to fire various types of ammunition for various tactical needs. As nonlimiting examples, such ammunition may include less-lethal munitions, grenades, rockets, flares, and the like.

In further embodiments, firearm 100 can be modified or otherwise utilized to mount and fire it in many different manners with hosts such as aircrafts, unmanned vehicles, sentry towers, and the like.

As discussed herein, the firearm 100 differs from a traditional, large caliber firearm in that such a traditional large caliber firearm, having the same load as firearm 100, would be considerably heavier, more expensive, and less easily employed by users. Similarly, existing grenade launchers fail to provide the same benefits of firearm 100 because, at least in part, existing man portable or weapon mountable systems are low pressure and not practical for the use cases described herein.

Moreover, the firearm 100 may be utilized for other purposes outside of its preferred use (e.g., cUAS). Proposed uses include but are not limited to crowd/riot control, trench/room clearing, vegetation clearing, counter ambush, VIP protection, and more.

As described above, the firearm 100 may contain a number of parts and, specifically, a number of moving parts, far less than a traditional firearm (e.g., a shotgun).

As a nonlimiting example, the firearm 100 may be mounted to the underside of the rail system or barrel of an M4 Carbine (or similar firearm). The safety catch 106 may be pulled off the firearm 100 and disposed of, causing the firing handle 122 and the front safety guard 120 to automatically swing to the unsheathed condition. The user may utilize the optics or sights affixed to the host firearm, thus also aiming the firearm 100 at the desired target. Accordingly, the angle of the barrel 112 and the overall geometry of the firearm 100 may be configured such that the point of aim of the host firearm is substantially similar to that of the firearm 100. Upon pulling the firing handle 122 rearward, the firing train 126 may be actuated, causing the ammunition 138 to ignite and project the load 140 towards the target. Upon firing the firearm 100, the host firearm may continue being used as needed.

In an embodiment where the gas capture device 150 is utilized, the user may fire the host firearm with the gas capture device 150 in close proximity to the host firearm's muzzle, thus, firing the host firearm and the firearm 100 simultaneously.

The firearm 200 may incorporate any of the components or features described with respect to the firearm 100, and the firearm 100 may similarly incorporate any of the components or features described with respect to the firearm 200. While the firearms 100 and 200 may exhibit some differing features as described herein, it is understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may select and combine features from one or both of the firearms 100 and 200 to achieve a desired configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 11-12, the firearm 200 is illustrated in an isometric view showing the assembled configuration of the device. The firearm 200 may be configured as a single use or disposable firearm designed to provide counter-unmanned aerial system (cUAS) capabilities, trench clearing, counter-riot applications, and other tactical uses. A mounting section may be disposed at the top of the firearm 200, which may include a slot configured to facilitate attachment to a host firearm or other mounting system such as a turret, vehicle, or standalone mount. The firearm 200 may be configured to contain all components necessary for firing within a single integrated unit, including the barrel, ammunition components, and firing train, thereby eliminating the need for reloading or recharging the weapon after use. The single use nature of the firearm 200 may allow for reduced weight and manufacturing cost compared to traditional firearms designed to survive thousands of firing instances, enabling wide distribution and deployment to military members or other users who may benefit from rapid counter-drone or other tactical capabilities.

Referring to FIG. 13, an exploded view of the firearm 200 is illustrated showing the various components and their spatial relationships. The firearm 200 includes a plurality of barrels 202, for example three barrels 202, extending between a muzzle end 206 and a breach end 208. The barrels 202 may be configured to contain ammunition components and to direct the load upon firing. A recoil transfer ring 204 may be disposed around each barrel 202 and may be configured to transfer recoil forces generated during firing to the mounting system or host firearm. The recoil transfer ring 204 may help distribute firing energy and reduce stress on individual components of the firearm 200. In one embodiment, the barrel 202 may have a bore diameter of approximately 25 mm and a length of approximately 605 mm, however, these dimensions are provided as an exemplary configuration and the bore diameter and length may be adjusted in instances where a larger or smaller shot must be accommodated or where the firearm 200 is configured for longer or shorter target engagement distances.

In some aspects, the barrel 202 may be composed of steel, although composite materials or composite constructions with an aluminum liner (or other interwoven metallic component) may be utilized due to reduced weight characteristics. In another embodiment, the barrel 202 may comprise a carbon fiber barrel in conjunction with a slim aluminum sleeve, providing a lightweight yet durable barrel construction suitable for the single use nature of the firearm 200. In some aspects, the barrel 202 may be configured as a straight bore or cylinder bore barrel without any choke, taper, or forcing cone along its internal surface.

The firearm 200 may include the three barrels 202 arranged in a triangular configuration, wherein each barrel 202 is generally equidistant from the other barrels 202. In such a configuration, two barrels 202 may be disposed beneath a top barrel 202, forming a triangular pattern when viewed from the muzzle end 206 or breach end 208. The barrels 202 may be mounted such that the barrels 202 run in parallel to one another along the length of the firearm 200.

At the muzzle end 206 of the barrel 202, a muzzle cap 210 may be disposed to seal the barrel opening and provide protection from environmental contaminants prior to firing. The muzzle cap 210 may be configured to be expelled or penetrated when the firearm 200 is discharged. At the opposite end, a breach plug 212 may be positioned at the breach end 208 of the barrel 202. The breach plug 212 may serve to seal the rear of the barrel 202 and may provide a surface against which firing pressure acts during discharge. In some aspects, the breach plug 212 may include a geometry or may be otherwise configured to enable electronic firing of the firearm 200, for example by accommodating an electric match or other electronic ignition component. In other aspects, the breach plug 212 may be adapted for mechanical firing of the firearm 200, for example by accommodating a firing pin or striker mechanism as described above with reference to the firearm 100.

The barrel 202 may be supported by a plurality of barrel support plates including barrel support plate 214, barrel support plate 216, barrel support plate 218, barrel support plate 220, and barrel support plate 222. These barrel support plates may be arranged along the length of the barrel 202 to provide structural support and maintain alignment of the barrel 202 within the housing 224. The barrel support plates may be configured with apertures or openings sized to receive the barrel 202 and may be spaced at intervals to distribute support along the barrel length.

In various embodiments, any number of barrel support plates may be utilized, and the barrel support plates may be used in any combination to achieve a desired level of structural support for the barrel 202. In some aspects, each of the barrel support plates may include different features, geometries, or dimensions to elicit certain fitment characteristics or configurations within the housing 224. For example, one or more barrel support plates may include apertures of varying sizes, shapes, or positions to accommodate different barrel arrangements or to interface with other components of the firearm 200.

Referring to FIG. 13, the barrel support plates 214, 216, 218, 220, and 222 are positioned sequentially along the length of the firearm 200 between the housing proximal end 238 and the housing distal end 240. The barrel support plate 214 may be disposed nearest the muzzle end 206, while the barrel support plate 222 may be disposed nearest the breach end 208, with the barrel support plates 216, 218, and 220 arranged at intermediate positions therebetween. Each barrel support plate may include apertures configured to receive and support the barrels 202 as they extend through the housing 224. In some aspects, the barrel support plates may vary in their configuration, with certain barrel support plates having different thicknesses, aperture sizes, or peripheral geometries to accommodate the positioning of other components such as the recoil transfer ring 204, the locking bars 226, or the housing insert 228. The barrel support plate 220 may operate as a spacer configured to maintain a predetermined distance between adjacent barrel support plates within the housing 224.

In one embodiment, the barrel support plates 214, 216, 218, 220, and 222 and the barrels 202 may be formed as a unibody construction, wherein the barrel support plates and barrels are manufactured as a single integrated component rather than as separate parts assembled together. For example, such a unibody construction may be fabricated from a single carbon fiber part, which may reduce weight, eliminate assembly steps, and provide enhanced structural rigidity compared to multi-part assemblies.

The barrel support plates may be fabricated from metal, polymer, composite materials, or combinations thereof, and may be secured within the housing 224 via mechanical fasteners, interference fit, adhesive bonding, or other suitable attachment means. In some aspects, the barrel support plates may be composed of metals such as steel, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, or titanium. In other aspects, the barrel support plates may be composed of polymers including nylon, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), glass-filled nylon, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, delrin (POM), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In yet other aspects, the barrel support plates may be composed of composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer, fiberglass reinforced plastic, or kevlar reinforced plastic. The selection of material for the barrel support plates may depend on factors such as the desired weight characteristics, strength requirements, cost considerations, and manufacturing processes employed. In some embodiments, different barrel support plates within the same firearm 200 may be composed of different materials to achieve varying performance characteristics at different positions along the barrel 202. For example, barrel support plates positioned near the breach end 208 may be composed of higher strength materials to withstand greater forces during firing, while barrel support plates positioned near the muzzle end 206 may be composed of lighter weight materials to reduce overall weight of the firearm 200.

The housing 224 may enclose the barrel 202 and associated components, providing protection and structural integrity to the firearm 200. The housing 224 may be defined by a housing proximal end 238 and a housing distal end 240. A slot 242 may be formed in the housing 224 and may be configured to facilitate mounting of the firearm 200 to a host system. A housing insert 228 may be configured to be received within the housing 224 and may provide additional structural support or component retention.

Locking bars 226 may be positioned on opposite sides of the assembly and may be configured to secure the various components together and maintain the assembled configuration of the firearm 200. The locking bars 226 may further be configured to lock the firearm 200 to a host, such as a host firearm, turret, vehicle, or other mounting system, thereby securing the firearm 200 in position during operation and preventing unintended separation from the host upon firing.

The locking bars 226 may connect with a part of the barrel 202 or barrel support assembly, for example, the barrel support plate 214. The opposite end of the locking bars 226 may be adapted to interface with a specialized mount disposed on the host, wherein the specialized mount is adapted with slideable mobility such that the locking bars 226 press against the specialized mount during operation. Additionally, the locking bars 226 may be spread apart or otherwise disengaged to connect and/or disconnect the firearm 200 from a host.

The firearm 200 may include a PCB 231 configured to control the firing sequence of the firearm 200. In some aspects, the PCB 231 may be disposed within the housing 224, for example positioned adjacent to the breach end 208 of the barrel assembly or within a compartment formed by the housing 224. In other aspects, the PCB 231 may be disposed outside the housing 224, for example mounted to an exterior surface of the housing 224 or positioned within a separate enclosure attached to the firearm 200. The PCB 231 may be configured to send signals to fire the firearm 200 by transmitting an electrical impulse to the electric match 258, thereby initiating the firing sequence.

The PCB 231 may enable one or more safety features configured to prevent unwanted or accidental firing of the firearm 200. In some aspects, the PCB 231 may be configured such that only a particular signal will enable firing of the firearm 200. For example, a specific voltage level, signal pattern, or encoded command may be required to initiate the firing sequence, and signals that do not match the predetermined parameters may be rejected or ignored by the PCB 231. In this way, stray electrical signals, electromagnetic interference, or unauthorized firing attempts may be prevented from actuating the firearm 200.

A second safety feature may be provided by the safety selector 232, which may be disposed on the exterior of the housing 224. The safety selector 232 may be configured for actuation by a user, for example by sliding the safety selector 232 between a safe position and a fire position. Upon actuation, the safety selector 232 may physically open or close a circuit between the PCB 231 and the electric match 258. In the safe position, the safety selector 232 may interrupt the electrical pathway such that signals from the PCB 231 cannot reach the electric match 258. In the fire position, the safety selector 232 may complete the circuit, allowing electrical impulses from the PCB 231 to be transmitted to the electric match 258. In other aspects, the safety selector 232 may otherwise prevent the flow of electrical impulse from the PCB 231 to the electric match 258 through mechanical or electromechanical means.

Referring to FIG. 14, an assembled support 244 may be disposed at the breach end 208 of the firearm 200 and may be the assembled component composed of the barrel support plates 214, 216, 218, 220, and 222.

Referring to FIG. 15, a front view of the firearm assembly is illustrated showing the arrangement of the barrels 202 from the muzzle end 206 perspective. The barrels 202 may be positioned within the housing structure with the breach plug 212 visible, and the locking bars 226 may be disposed on opposite sides of the assembly to secure the components together.

Referring to FIGS. 16-17, a front view and side view of the breach plug 212 are illustrated. Each barrel 202 may include a breach plug 212 disposed at the breach end 208 thereof. The assembled support 244, or the individual barrel support plates thereof, may include a support aperture 246 sized to accept the barrels 202 as they extend through the assembled support 244. The support aperture 246 may be dimensioned to provide a close fit with the outer diameter of the barrel 202, thereby maintaining alignment and providing structural support during firing.

Each of the breach plugs 212 may include a breach plug aperture 248. The breach plug aperture 248 may be formed as an opening extending through the breach plug 212 and may be configured to accommodate firing components such as an electric match, firing pin, or other ignition mechanism. In some aspects, the breach plug aperture 248 may provide access to the propellant or primer disposed within the barrel 202, allowing the ignition source to initiate the firing sequence. The breach plug aperture 248 may be sized and positioned to align with the corresponding ignition component of the firing train, ensuring reliable initiation of the propellant upon actuation. In some cases, the breach plug aperture 248 may be sealed or covered prior to firing to prevent contamination of the internal ammunition components.

Referring to FIGS. 18-19, an isometric view and front view of the firearm 200 are illustrated showing the housing configuration, mounting components, and user interface elements. The firearm 200 may include a distal support 250 disposed at the distal end of the housing 224.

The distal support 250 may be positioned to provide structural reinforcement at the forward portion of the firearm 200 and may serve to maintain the spatial relationship between the barrels 202 and the housing 224.

In some aspects, the distal support 250 may be configured to fit over the housing 224, enclosing or covering a portion of the housing distal end 240. The distal support 250 may be designed as a weather cap or protective cover configured to prevent environmental contaminants such as moisture, dust, debris, or other foreign materials from encroaching on the internals of the barrels 202 or the firearm 200 generally. In such a configuration, the distal support 250 may provide a seal or barrier between the external environment and the internal components of the firearm 200, thereby protecting the ammunition components and firing mechanisms from degradation or contamination prior to use. The distal support 250 may be fabricated from metal, polymer, or composite materials depending on the strength and weight requirements of the particular embodiment. In some aspects, the distal support 250 may be formed as a unibody construction with the housing 224, and the distal support 250 may be sized to permit attachment of a weather cap or other protective element configured to shield the muzzle end of the barrels 202 from environmental exposure.

In some aspects, the housing 224 may fully or substantially encapsulate the barrels 202, for example, with the exception of the crown or muzzle portion of the barrels 202 which may extend beyond or remain exposed at the housing distal end 240. This encapsulated configuration may provide a compact form factor that facilitates storage and rapid deployment, while also preventing snags on exposed barrel surfaces and protecting the barrels 202 from damage during handling or transport.

The firearm 200 may include a mounting bracket 252 disposed on the upper surface of the housing 224. The mounting bracket 252 may be configured to facilitate attachment of the firearm 200 to a variety of host systems. In some aspects, the mounting bracket 252 may include a Picatinny rail profile (also referred to as MIL-STD-1913 rail) configured to interface with standard military and commercial firearm accessories and mounting systems. In other aspects, the mounting bracket 252 may include an M-LOK profile, a KeyMod profile, or a proprietary rail configuration. The mounting bracket 252 may alternatively be configured with a bayonet lug interface for attachment to rifles equipped with bayonet mounting points. In yet other aspects, the mounting bracket 252 may include a barrel clamp or shroud grip configuration adapted to wrap around or enclose a portion of a host firearm barrel or handguard.

The mounting bracket 252 may be adapted for attachment to various host systems including, but not limited to, rifles such as the M4 Carbine, M16, AK-pattern rifles, or other military and commercial long guns. The mounting bracket 252 may also be configured for attachment to autonomous turrets, vehicle-mounted weapon systems, sentry platforms, tripod mounts, or standalone firing stands. In some aspects, the mounting bracket 252 may be configured for attachment to drones, such as unmanned aerial systems, or other similar airborne platforms. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 252 may be removable or interchangeable, allowing a user to select a mounting bracket 252 having a profile suited to a particular host system. In other embodiments, the mounting bracket 252 may be integrally formed with the housing 224.

In an alternate embodiment, the rear portion of the firearm 200 (the proximal end) may include an attachment mechanism such that the firearm 200 may be fastened to a host via attachment to the proximal end of the firearm 200. The attachment mechanism at the proximal end may comprise a Picatinny rail interface or other common mounting platform configured to interface with corresponding mounting hardware disposed on the host. As a nonlimiting example, this configuration may be employed in vehicular mounts or when the firearm 200 is mounted on a dock 300 or turret.

The firearm 200 may include a handgrip 254 extending from the lower portion of the housing 224. The handgrip 254 may be configured to provide an ergonomic gripping surface for a user during manual operation of the firearm 200. In some aspects, the handgrip 254 may include a textured or ribbed surface to enhance grip security and prevent slippage during handling. The overall shape of the handgrip 254 may be contoured to conform to the natural curvature of a user's hand, with the handgrip 254 extending at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the firearm 200 to facilitate a comfortable and natural grip position. In some aspects, the handgrip 254 may be angled rearward toward the proximal end of the firearm 200, providing a pistol-like grip orientation that may allow a user to maintain control of the firearm 200 while operating the firing mechanism. The handgrip 254 may include finger grooves, palm swells, or other ergonomic features to improve user comfort and control. The dimensions of the handgrip 254 may be selected to accommodate a range of hand sizes while providing sufficient surface area for secure gripping during operation.

Referring to FIG. 20, a front view of the housing insert 228 is illustrated showing the configuration of apertures formed therein. The housing insert 228 may include three circular openings arranged in a triangular pattern, which may be sized and positioned to actuate loads within barrels 202 as they extend through the housing insert 228.

Referring to FIG. 21, a side view of the firearm assembly is illustrated showing the relationship between the housing insert 228 and the mounting bracket 252. The mounting bracket 252 may extend along the upper surface of the assembly, while the housing insert 228 may be positioned within the housing 224 with the barrel apertures visible from the side perspective.

Finally, other implementations of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Referring to FIG. 22, a section view of the firearm is illustrated showing the barrel 202, recoil transfer ring 204, and internal ammunition components arranged within the barrel assembly. The section view reveals the sequential arrangement of components from the breach end to the muzzle end of the barrel 202.

The barrel 202 may extend along the length of the firearm and may be configured to contain the ammunition components prior to firing and to direct the load 264 upon discharge. The barrel 202 may be fabricated from various materials as described herein, with the single use nature of the firearm allowing for lighter weight construction compared to traditional firearms designed for repeated use.

The recoil transfer ring 204 may be disposed around the exterior of the barrel 202 and may be configured to transfer recoil forces generated during firing to the mounting system or host firearm. The recoil transfer ring 204 may help distribute firing energy across the mounting interface, reducing stress concentrations on individual components and providing a more stable firing platform. In some aspects, the recoil transfer ring 204 may be positioned at a location along the barrel 202 where firing forces are concentrated, allowing for efficient transfer of energy to the host system.

During firing, the recoil transfer ring 204 may be projected rearward in response to the forces generated by deflagration of the propellant. As the recoil transfer ring 204 attempts to move rearward, the recoil transfer ring 204 may press against the barrel support plate 214, transferring the firing forces to the barrel support plate 214. As shown in FIG. 13, the barrel support plate 214 may include a top portion with a flat profile, unlike the open profile of the top portions of the barrel support plates 216-222, which include open top portions to form the channel that mounts to the host. The barrel support plate 214 may in turn transmit these forces to the buffer 230, which may function as a buffer disposed between the barrel support plate 214 and the host system. The buffer 230 may then press against a portion of the host disposed within the mount, such as a rail, barrel, or handguard of a host firearm positioned within the mounting bracket 252.

In this configuration, the buffer 230 may absorb and mitigate recoil during use by decreasing the recoil impulse experienced by the user and the host system. The buffer 230 may deform, compress, or otherwise yield in response to the forces transmitted through the recoil transfer ring 204 and barrel support plate 214, thereby extending the duration over which the recoil forces are applied and reducing the peak force magnitude. This reduction in recoil impulse may improve user comfort, enhance accuracy during firing, and reduce stress on the host firearm or mounting system.

The buffer 230 may be composed of various materials selected to provide desired energy absorption and damping characteristics. In some aspects, the buffer 230 may be composed of elastomeric materials such as rubber, silicone, neoprene, or polyurethane, which may provide compressibility and energy absorption through elastic deformation. In yet other aspects, the buffer 230 may be composed of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or other polymer materials that combine flexibility with durability. The buffer 230 may also be composed of composite materials or layered constructions incorporating multiple materials to achieve specific recoil mitigation characteristics. In some cases, the buffer 230 may be composed of gel materials, spring steel, or other resilient materials configured to absorb and dissipate firing energy.

At the breach end of the barrel 202, epoxy filling 256 may be disposed to provide a seal and secure the rear portion of the barrel assembly. The epoxy filling 256 may serve to encapsulate and protect the firing components while providing structural reinforcement at the breach end. In some aspects, the epoxy filling 256 may bond the breach plug to the barrel 202, creating a unified assembly that may resist the high pressures generated during firing. The epoxy filling 256 may be configured to hold the electric match 258 and other sensitive components in a fixed position within the breach end of the barrel 202, such that movement or displacement of these components is prevented and reliable initiation of the firing sequence may be achieved upon actuation.

The electric match 258 may be positioned adjacent to the breach plug and may be configured to initiate the firing sequence upon actuation. The electric match 258 may receive an electrical signal from a firing control system, whereupon the electric match 258 may generate sufficient heat or spark to ignite the propellant 260. The use of an electric match 258 may facilitate remote or electronic firing of the firearm, allowing integration with autonomous systems, vehicle-mounted platforms, or other electronically controlled firing mechanisms. In some aspects, the electric match 258 may provide more consistent ignition timing compared to mechanical firing systems.

The propellant 260 may be disposed within the barrel 202 adjacent to the electric match 258 and may be configured to deflagrate upon ignition to generate gas pressure. The propellant 260 may be a commercially available compound or a custom formulation selected to provide desired pressure and velocity characteristics. The quantity and composition of the propellant 260 may be selected to achieve target muzzle velocities while remaining within the pressure tolerances of the barrel 202 and associated components.

A gas plug 262 may be positioned between the propellant 260 and the load 264, serving to separate these components within the barrel 202. The gas plug 262 may function to contain the propellant 260 in position prior to firing and may help direct the expanding gases generated during deflagration toward the load 264. In some aspects, the gas plug 262 may provide a seal that prevents premature mixing of the propellant 260 and load 264 during storage and handling.

The load 264 may comprise the projectile material that is expelled from the barrel 202 upon firing. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the load 264 may be a tungsten load, which may provide increased density and penetration characteristics compared to other projectile materials. The load 264 may alternatively comprise shot pellets, solid slugs, or other projectile configurations depending on the intended application of the firearm. The mass and composition of the load 264 may be selected to achieve desired terminal ballistic effects against the intended target.

In some aspects, the load 264 may be composed of cuboid tungsten shot, wherein the individual projectiles have a generally rectangular or block-shaped geometry rather than a spherical form. The angular corners and edges of the cuboid shot may provide enhanced cutting and tearing effects upon impact with a target, which may be particularly effective against machinery such as drones or other unmanned aerial systems. The cuboid geometry may create irregular wound channels or damage patterns that may increase the likelihood of disabling mechanical components, severing wiring or control surfaces, or otherwise compromising the structural integrity of the target. The initial contact pressure concentrated at the corners of the cuboid shot upon striking a target may provide improved penetration characteristics against the lightweight composite materials, thin plastics, and carbon fiber structures typically employed in drone construction.

The load 264 may be adjustable or selectable for a given use case, allowing the firearm to be configured with different projectile types, masses, or compositions depending on the intended target or tactical application as contemplated above.

The back pressure assembly 266 may be disposed forward of the load 264 within the barrel 202 and may be configured to provide resistance during the firing sequence. The back pressure assembly 266 may help contain the load 264 within the barrel 202 prior to firing while allowing the load 264 to be expelled when sufficient pressure is generated by the deflagrating propellant 260. In some aspects, the back pressure assembly 266 may contribute to the shot pattern characteristics by influencing how the load 264 exits the muzzle.

This configuration of components provides improvements to the single use firearm concept by integrating all ammunition and firing components within a pre-assembled barrel unit. The arrangement allows the firearm to be manufactured, loaded, and sealed at the factory, eliminating the need for field loading or reloading operations. The sequential positioning of the electric match 258, propellant 260, gas plug 262, load 264, and back pressure assembly 266 within the barrel 202 provides a self-contained firing system that may be actuated electronically without requiring mechanical firing train components. The recoil transfer ring 204 facilitates integration with various host systems by providing a defined interface for transferring firing forces. The epoxy filling 256 at the breach end provides a permanent seal that protects the internal components from environmental contamination while contributing to the structural integrity of the assembly. This integrated configuration may reduce the overall part count, weight, and complexity of the firearm compared to traditional designs, supporting the objective of providing a lightweight, disposable counter-drone or tactical weapon system.

Referring to FIG. 23, an exploded view of an ammunition assembly is illustrated showing the individual components and their spatial arrangement within the firearm. The propellant 260 may be shown as disc-shaped elements configured to deflagrate upon ignition and generate the gas pressure necessary to expel the load 264 from the barrel. In some aspects, the gas plug 262 may be positioned adjacent to the propellant 260 and may serve to separate the propellant 260 from the load 264 while directing expanding gases during the firing sequence. The load 264 may be depicted as a collection of interconnected projectile elements having a cuboid or block-shaped geometry, which may provide enhanced terminal effects against targets such as unmanned aerial systems. In various embodiments, the wadding 268 may be shown as a cup-shaped component configured to separate and contain the propellant 260 and load 264 within the barrel prior to firing, helping to maintain the proper positioning of ammunition components during storage and handling. The back pressure assembly 266 may be illustrated as an elongated mechanical assembly positioned forward of the load 264, configured to provide resistance during the firing sequence and to influence the manner in which the load 264 exits the muzzle. The exploded view demonstrates one possible sequential arrangement of these components within the barrel, with each element positioned to facilitate the deflagration of the propellant 260 and subsequent expulsion of the load 264 upon actuation of the firearm. However, other arrangements and configurations of these components are contemplated herein.

In some aspects, the wadding 268 may be shaped such that the load 264 is held in a preferred position within the barrel prior to firing. Referring to FIG. 23, the wadding 268 may be configured such that when enclosed upon the load 264, in this instance comprising cuboid shot, each layer of the cubes may be packed tightly in the horizontal plane. Each layer may be rotationally skewed (i.e., 45 degrees) with respect to the layers above and/or below. In this configuration, instead of expanding gases pushing through uniform cracks between cubes where the cubes are simply stacked directly atop one another, the rotational skewing of the layers may prevent the gas from pushing through a uniform crack formed between stacked cubes. The gas may necessarily press against a cube upon exiting the crack directly below any given two horizontally adjacent cubes. This arrangement may promote more uniform pressure distribution across the load 264 during the firing sequence, which may contribute to consistent expulsion of the projectiles from the barrel and may influence the resulting shot pattern characteristics.

In some embodiments, the firearm may include a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the housing or adjacent to the breach end of the barrel assembly. The PCB 231 may include one or more computerized components such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, or other integrated circuit configured to receive and interpret signals from a triggering device. The triggering device may be a remote control unit, an autonomous targeting system, a vehicle-mounted firing controller, or other electronic input device capable of transmitting a firing command to the firearm. The PCB 231 may be configured to process the incoming signal and verify that appropriate firing conditions have been met prior to initiating the firing sequence. In some aspects, the PCB 231 may include signal conditioning circuitry, voltage regulation components, or filtering elements to ensure reliable operation across varying environmental conditions or input signal characteristics.

In some embodiments, the firearm 200 may be mounted to a host service weapon such as a rifle or carbine, wherein the triggering device comprises a button, switch, trigger, or other actuation mechanism attached to the host service weapon in a location accessible to the user during operation. Such a triggering device may be positioned on the handguard, stock, or grip of the host service weapon and may be in electrical communication with the PCB 231 of the firearm 200 via a wired connection or a wireless communication link such as a radio frequency or infrared signal. Upon activation of the triggering device by the user, the triggering device may transmit a firing command to the PCB 231, which may then initiate the firing sequence of the firearm 200 while the user maintains control of the host service weapon. As a nonlimiting example, the triggering device may be a button or switch disposed in or on the grip of the host weapon and hardwired to the PCB 231, or alternatively, the triggering device may be a pad or pressure switch disposed on the side or bottom of the host weapon.

Upon receiving a valid firing signal from the triggering device, the PCB 231 and the components thereof may be configured to convert the signal into an electrical impulse capable of initiating the electric match 258. The microprocessor or other control circuitry on the PCB 231 may generate a current pulse of sufficient magnitude and duration to activate the electric match 258, thereby initiating deflagration of the propellant 260 and commencing the firing sequence. In some aspects, the PCB 231 may include safety logic or authentication protocols configured to prevent unauthorized or accidental firing of the firearm 200. The PCB 231 may also include diagnostic capabilities to verify the integrity of the electric match 258 or other firing components prior to actuation. The integration of computerized components within the firearm 200 may facilitate compatibility with a variety of electronic firing systems, autonomous platforms, or networked weapon control architectures while maintaining the single use, disposable nature of the firearm design.

In some embodiments, each of the barrels 202 may be preloaded with a preconfigured load 264, wherein all barrels 202 contain the same type, mass, and composition of projectile material to provide uniform ballistic characteristics upon firing. In other embodiments, the loads 264 disposed within the respective barrels 202 may differ from one another, allowing the firearm 200 to be configured with varying projectile types, shot patterns, or terminal effects across the multiple barrels 202 to address different tactical requirements or target characteristics within a single firing sequence.

As a nonlimiting example, in a multi-barrel configuration, the barrels 202 may be loaded with different loads 264 optimized for engaging targets at varying distances corresponding to a typical engagement sequence. The barrel 202 configured to fire first may contain a load 264 optimized for engaging a target at the distance where a user would typically first engage a drone target, such as at longer range where the drone is initially detected and tracked. This first load 264 may include shot of a first size, wherein the first size is larger relative to the shot in subsequent barrels 202. Larger shot pellets may retain kinetic energy over greater distances due to their increased mass and reduced surface-area-to-mass ratio, thereby providing improved ballistic performance and terminal effects at the initial, longer engagement distance. The next barrel 202 in the firing sequence may be loaded with a second load 264 optimized for engaging a target at a distance closer than the initial engagement, for example in situations where the user's first shot was ineffective at disabling the target or where the user missed the target entirely. The second load 264 may be configured with shot having projectiles of a second size different from (for example, smaller than) the first size, which may be selected to provide improved effectiveness at the reduced engagement distance. Yet further, the next barrel 202 in the firing sequence may be loaded with a third load 264 optimized for engaging a target in close proximity to the user, for example in situations where the first two shots did not disable the drone and the target has continued to approach. The third load 264 may include shot of a third size selected to maximize effectiveness at close range. While the variation between the loads 264 in the respective barrels 202 may involve changes in projectile size, the loads 264 may also differ in other characteristics such as the number of projectiles, the projectile material, the projectile geometry or orientation, the projectile mass, or combinations thereof. In some aspects, the sequential firing of barrels 202 loaded with progressively optimized loads 264 may provide the user with multiple engagement opportunities as a target approaches, with each successive shot configured to address the changing engagement conditions. In such a configuration, the first barrel 202 may contain shot of a larger diameter that maintains velocity and kinetic energy over extended distances, the second barrel 202 may contain shot of an intermediate diameter providing a balance between range and pattern density, and the third barrel 202 may contain shot of a smaller diameter that, while losing energy more rapidly over distance, provides a greater quantity of projectiles to increase the probability of striking a target at close range where the reduced individual projectile energy remains sufficient for target effect.

In some embodiments, the barrel 202 may be preloaded with programmable munitions, airburst munitions, or delayed munitions in place of a shot load, wherein the firearm 200 is adapted to launch a single projectile configured with timing or proximity fusing rather than expelling a plurality of shot pellets. Such munitions may be programmed prior to firing or may include onboard sensors configured to detonate the munition at a predetermined distance from the muzzle, at a specified time after firing, or upon detection of proximity to a target such as an unmanned aerial system.

In some embodiments, the PCB 231 may be programmed with a predetermined firing sequence that governs the order in which the barrels 202 are discharged upon successive actuations of the triggering device. Such a programmed firing sequence may follow the protocol described above, wherein the barrels 202 are fired in a sequence corresponding to progressively optimized loads 264 for engaging targets at decreasing distances. The PCB 231 may store the firing sequence in memory and may track which barrels 202 have been discharged, automatically selecting the next barrel 202 in the sequence upon each subsequent firing command. In an alternate embodiment, the selection of which barrel 202 to fire may be determined by the user rather than by a preprogrammed sequence. In such an embodiment, the firearm 200 may include a barrel selector or other selection device configured to allow the user to designate a specific barrel 202 for firing. The barrel selector may comprise a switch, dial, button array, or other input mechanism accessible to the user during operation, which may be in communication with the PCB 231 to direct the firing command to the user-selected barrel 202. This user-selectable configuration may be desirable in instances where the user wishes to select a particular load 264 based on the tactical situation, target characteristics, or engagement distance rather than relying on a fixed firing sequence. For example, a user may elect to fire a barrel 202 containing a load 264 optimized for close range engagement even as a first shot if the target is already in close proximity, or may select a barrel 202 containing a specialized load 264 suited to a particular target type encountered during the engagement.

Referring to FIGS. 24-26, the back pressure assembly 266 is illustrated in various views showing the component parts and their arrangement. The back pressure assembly 266 may be configured to pressure fit into the barrel 202 and provide resistance that holds the ammunition components in position prior to firing while allowing the load 264 to exit at preferred speeds upon actuation.

The back pressure assembly 266 may enable the ammunition components to be retained within and fired from a barrel 202 having a substantially uniform or cylindrical bore profile, thereby eliminating the need for a conventional chamber, choke, or other tapered barrel geometry that would otherwise be required to hold the propellant 260, load 264, and other ammunition components in position prior to firing.

The back pressure assembly 266 may include a distal back pressure member 270 and a proximal back pressure member 272 positioned at opposite ends of the assembly. A bolt 274 may extend through the back pressure assembly 266 and may be configured to connect the distal back pressure member 270 and the proximal back pressure member 272 together. A nut 276 may be disposed on the bolt 274 to secure the assembly and to provide a means for adjusting the compression between the two members. The nut 276 and bolt 274 may be torqued to a desired level during assembly such that sufficient back pressure is imparted on the ammunition components to ensure proper firing characteristics and consistent performance upon actuation of the firearm 200.

The distal back pressure member 270 may include distal back pressure member tines 278 extending radially outward from a central hub portion. Similarly, the proximal back pressure member 272 may include proximal back pressure member tines 280 extending radially outward in a corresponding configuration. In some aspects, the distal back pressure member tines 278 and the proximal back pressure member tines 280 may be configured to interlock with one another when the distal back pressure member 270 and the proximal back pressure member 272 are brought together.

When the bolt 274 is tightened via the nut 276, the back pressure assembly 266 may be compressed, causing the distal back pressure member 270 and the proximal back pressure member 272 to press against one another. This compression may cause the interlocking tines to flex outward. The pressure of the two members against each other may cause the distal back pressure member tines 278 and the proximal back pressure member tines 280 to deflect radially and press against the interior walls of the barrel 202. This outward pressure against the barrel walls may create a friction fit that secures the back pressure assembly 266 in position within the barrel 202.

The wedging action of the back pressure assembly 266 may provide the benefit of holding the propellant 260, gas plug 262, load 264, and other ammunition components tightly in position within the barrel 202 during storage, handling, and transport. By maintaining the ammunition components in their proper positions, the back pressure assembly 266 may help ensure consistent performance characteristics upon firing. The back pressure assembly 266 may also influence the manner in which the load 264 exits the muzzle by providing a controlled amount of resistance that must be overcome during the firing sequence. This resistance may allow the propellant 260 to build to a desired pressure level before the load 264 begins to move, which may contribute to achieving preferred projectile exit velocities and shot pattern characteristics.

Referring to FIG. 25, the distal back pressure member 270 and the proximal back pressure member 272 are shown in a separated view with the bolt 274 extending therebetween. The threaded shaft of the bolt 274 is visible extending downward, and the proximal back pressure member 272 is shown with the nut 276 positioned on its upper surface. This view illustrates the relationship between the bolt 274 and the two back pressure members prior to full compression of the assembly.

Referring to FIG. 26, an end view of the proximal back pressure member 272 is illustrated showing the arrangement of the proximal back pressure member tines 280 extending radially from a central opening. The nut 276 is visible at the center of the proximal back pressure member 272. The proximal back pressure member tines 280 are arranged in a symmetrical pattern around the central axis, which may provide uniform outward pressure against the barrel walls when the back pressure assembly 266 is compressed and installed within the barrel 202.

Referring back to FIG. 22, the back pressure assembly 266 is shown in a compressed configuration within the barrel 202, with the distal back pressure member 270 and proximal back pressure member 272 brought together such that the distal back pressure member tines 278 and proximal back pressure member tines 280 are deflected radially outward against the interior walls of the barrel 202. In this compressed state, the back pressure assembly 266 may be positioned forward of the load 264 and maintains the ammunition components in their proper arrangement within the barrel 202 prior to firing.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “munition” may refer to the grouping of the epoxy filling 256, electric match 258, propellant 260, gas plug 262, load 264, and/or back pressure assembly 266, or any combination thereof. The term “preloaded” may refer to munition that is inserted and fit into the barrel 202 at the time of manufacture or in a manner where loading before use by the user is not required, such that the preloaded munitions are configured to be present within the barrel 202 at the time of receipt by the end user.

In some aspects, the preloaded munition may be caseless, wherein the components of the munition such as the propellant 260, load 264, and other ammunition components are loaded directly into the barrel 202 and held in position by the back pressure assembly 266 or other retention means rather than being contained within a separate cartridge housing. In this sense, the munition may not be loaded in a traditional brass or plastic case such as those employed in conventional rifle cartridges or shotgun shells, and the barrel 202 itself may serve as the containment structure for the ammunition components prior to firing. In such an example, the back pressure assembly 266 provides the necessary back pressure to retain and to sufficiently propel the projectiles upon firing. However, in alternate embodiments, cased munition may be utilized.

Referring to FIG. 27, a system diagram is illustrated showing the firearm 200 in communication with a dock 300 and an external device 600 via a network 500. In various embodiments, one or more firearms 200 may be mounted to the dock 300. The dock 300 may be a turret, a vehicle, a sentry platform, a tripod mount, a wall-mounted fixture, a drone, a watercraft, or any other object configured to accept the firearms 200. The dock 300 may include mounting interfaces compatible with the mounting bracket 252 of the firearm 200, allowing the firearm 200 to be secured to the dock 300 in a fixed orientation or in an adjustable configuration.

In an embodiment, the dock 300 includes a dock microcontroller 302 enabling communication with each of the firearms 200 mounted thereto. The dock microcontroller 302 may be configured to transmit firing orders to the firearms 200, receive status information from the firearms 200, and coordinate the operation of multiple firearms 200 when more than one firearm 200 is mounted to the dock 300. The dock microcontroller 302 may be in electrical communication with the PCB 231 of each firearm 200 via wired connections or wireless communication links, allowing the dock microcontroller 302 to selectively initiate firing sequences for individual firearms 200 or groups of firearms 200.

The system may optionally include a network 500 enabling communication between the dock 300 and an external device 600. In some aspects, the network 500 may enable communication between the firearm 200 directly and the external device 600, as indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 27. The network 500 may comprise any suitable communication medium or combination of communication media. In some embodiments, the network 500 may include a wireless local area network (WLAN) utilizing Wi-Fi protocols such as IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, or 802.11ax. In other embodiments, the network 500 may include a cellular network utilizing protocols such as 3G, 4G LTE, 5G, or other mobile communication standards. The network 500 may include a local area network (LAN) utilizing wired Ethernet connections or other wired communication protocols. In some aspects, the network 500 may include Bluetooth communication, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, Z-Wave, or other short-range wireless protocols. The network 500 may include satellite communication links, mesh networks, radio frequency communication links, infrared communication, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the network 500 may include a wide area network (WAN), the internet, a virtual private network (VPN), or other networked communication infrastructure.

The external device 600 may be a computer or computerized device configured to provide firing instructions to the dock 300. In some aspects, the external device 600 may be a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, dedicated control terminal, or other computing device. The external device 600 may be disposed within a vehicle, allowing a user to operate firing of the firearms 200 via the external device 600 from within the vehicle. In such a configuration, the user may remain protected within the vehicle while controlling the operation of the firearms 200 mounted to the dock 300.

The external device 600 may be outfitted with automated targeting and weapon programs enabling the firearms 200 and the dock 300 to work in concert to place the firearms 200 on target. Such automated targeting programs may include object detection algorithms, target tracking software, ballistic calculation modules, or other computerized systems configured to identify and track potential targets such as unmanned aerial systems. In one embodiment, the external device 600 may automatically target, arm, and otherwise prepare the firearms 200 for firing, wherein the external device 600 further requires a manual selection by a user to initiate the firing sequence. In such an embodiment, a human user is in the sequence permitting the firing of the firearms 200, providing human oversight of the firing decision while benefiting from automated targeting assistance.

The dock 300 may be equipped with a motorized element allowing the firearms 200 to be directed in a direction as dictated by the target. The motorized element may include one or more servo motors, stepper motors, or other actuators configured to rotate, pan, tilt, or otherwise reposition the firearms 200 mounted to the dock 300. The motorized element may receive positioning commands from the dock microcontroller 302, which may in turn receive targeting information from the external device 600 via the network 500. In some aspects, the motorized element may provide continuous tracking of a moving target, adjusting the orientation of the firearms 200 to maintain alignment with the target as the target moves through space.

The dock 300 may be configured to move, initiate firing, or perform other actions based on data derived from onboard sensors disposed on the dock 300 itself, offboard sensors disposed on external platforms or devices (e.g., as previously received or assessed via external device 600), or combinations thereof. In some aspects, the sensors may include radar systems, lidar sensors, infrared cameras, thermal imaging sensors, optical cameras, acoustic sensors, radio frequency detectors, or other sensing devices configured to detect, identify, and track potential targets such as unmanned aerial systems. The dock microcontroller 302 may receive sensor data from these onboard or offboard sensors and process the data to determine appropriate actions, such as repositioning the firearms 200 to align with a detected target, arming the firing system, or initiating a firing sequence upon confirmation of target acquisition.

Various elements, which are described herein in the context of one or more embodiments, may be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. Further, the processes described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described. For example, the processes described herein are not limited to the specific processing order described herein and, rather, process blocks may be re-ordered, combined, removed, or performed in parallel or in serial, as necessary, to achieve the results set forth herein.

It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts that have been described and illustrated herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the following claims.

All references, patents and patent applications and publications that are cited or referred to in this application are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. Finally, other implementations of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.