Autonomous weapon system

An autonomous weapon control system for controlling a weapon to be fired at a target using a weapon mounting system operable to point the weapon in accordance with input control signals, said weapon control system comprising:

• a sensor system which acquires image data from a target zone;
• image processing means for processing said acquired image data and identifying potential targets according to predetermined target identification criteria;
• targeting means for providing said input control signals to said weapon mounting system to point the weapon for firing at a selected one or more of said potential targets;
• and
• autonomous firing control means for automatically selecting targets from among said potential targets, and for causing said weapon to fire, or not to fire, at said selected targets, or for limiting such firing, according to a predetermined set of rules of engagement stored in said system.

An autonomous weapon control system, comprising:

• a weapon to be fired at a target;
• a weapon mounting system operable to point the weapon in accordance with input control signals;
• a sensor system which acquires image data from a target zone;
• image processing means for processing said acquired image data and identifying potential targets according to predetermined target identification criteria;
• targeting means for providing said input control signals to said weapon mounting system to point the weapon for firing at a selected one or more of said potential targets;
• and
• autonomous firing control means for automatically selecting targets from among said potential targets, and for causing said weapon to fire, or not to fire, at said selected targets, or for limiting such firing, according to a predetermined set of rules of engagement stored in said system.