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WO2009002300A1 - Autoprotection à laser non directionnel - Google Patents

Autoprotection à laser non directionnel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009002300A1
WO2009002300A1 PCT/US2007/014637 US2007014637W WO2009002300A1 WO 2009002300 A1 WO2009002300 A1 WO 2009002300A1 US 2007014637 W US2007014637 W US 2007014637W WO 2009002300 A1 WO2009002300 A1 WO 2009002300A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
countermeasure
laser energy
signal
weapon
aperture
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2007/014637
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Webster Dove
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc
Original Assignee
BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc filed Critical BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc
Priority to PCT/US2007/014637 priority Critical patent/WO2009002300A1/fr
Publication of WO2009002300A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009002300A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
    • F41H13/00—Means of attack or defence not otherwise provided for
    • F41H13/0043—Directed energy weapons, i.e. devices that direct a beam of high energy content toward a target for incapacitating or destroying the target
    • F41H13/005—Directed energy weapons, i.e. devices that direct a beam of high energy content toward a target for incapacitating or destroying the target the high-energy beam being a laser beam
    • F41H13/0056—Directed energy weapons, i.e. devices that direct a beam of high energy content toward a target for incapacitating or destroying the target the high-energy beam being a laser beam for blinding or dazzling, i.e. by overstimulating the opponent's eyes or the enemy's sensor equipment
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A33/00—Adaptations for training; Gun simulators
    • F41A33/02—Light- or radiation-emitting guns ; Light- or radiation-sensitive guns; Cartridges carrying light emitting sources, e.g. laser
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
    • F41H11/00—Defence installations; Defence devices
    • F41H11/02—Anti-aircraft or anti-guided missile or anti-torpedo defence installations or systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/48—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S17/00
    • G01S7/495—Counter-measures or counter-counter-measures using electronic or electro-optical means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to self-protection from guided weapons and more particularly, relates to a laser-based non-directional self-protection system and method.
  • One such known system includes a non-directional infrared system. These systems generally include a lamp (such as a hot carbon lamp or the like) disposed within a housing having a rotatable shutter. The shutter includes a plurality of lenses that are rotated about the housing to produce a pulsed infrared signal designed to confuse the approaching missile.
  • a lamp such as a hot carbon lamp or the like
  • the shutter includes a plurality of lenses that are rotated about the housing to produce a pulsed infrared signal designed to confuse the approaching missile.
  • Another problem associated with these known systems is that the output of the lamp is often not sufficient to confuse the missiles with sufficient time to avoid collision. This is particularly a problem with fast moving missiles as well as large, slow moving ships, trains, and airplanes.
  • a further problem with the known systems is that that color match of the jamming signal (i.e., the frequency of the jamming signal) cannot be adjusted sufficiently to confuse many modern missiles.
  • Newer, modern missiles have ever-increasingly improving counter-countermeasure (CCM) capabilities designed to reduce, diminish, or eliminate the CCM effectiveness of many known countermeasure systems. In order to jam modern missiles, the jamming signal must be very precise. As a result, the known systems may not be capable of jamming many modern missiles.
  • Another known countermeasure system includes laser-based directional jamming systems. These systems generate a modulated laser beam that is aimed directly at the sensors of the approaching missile in order to confuse the missile's guiding system. These laser-based directional jamming systems provide increased color match compared to the non-directional infrared countermeasure systems, thus are more effective against modern missiles.
  • the present invention features a countermeasure system for protecting an object, such as aircraft, land vehicles, buildings, and vessels, from potential weapons, such as missiles and the like.
  • the countermeasure system includes a laser energy source, and oscillator, and an aperture.
  • the laser energy source preferably a single laser source, generates a laser.
  • the oscillator modulates the laser generated by the laser source to create a countermeasure signal.
  • the countermeasure signal is then distributed to an aperture disposed proximate an outer surface of the object, preferably using fiber optics or the like.
  • the aperture preferably a wide-angle lens, emits the countermeasure signal in a non-directional manner.
  • the countermeasure system includes a plurality of apertures disposed about the outer surface of the object.
  • the countermeasure system may include a single oscillator.
  • a plurality of oscillators each connected to at least one aperture may be used.
  • the plurality of oscillators independently modulate the laser to create a plurality of independent countermeasure signals.
  • the counter-measures system includes a controller.
  • the controller detects the presence of a potential weapon and determines an appropriate countermeasure signal.
  • the controller tracks the potential weapon and directs an appropriate aperture to emit the countermeasure signal.
  • the present invention features a weapon countermeasure system for defeating a potential weapon and includes a controller.
  • the controller detects the presence of a potential weapon and determines an appropriate signal to be emitted.
  • At least one oscillator responsive to the controller, modulates a ' ' " r energy source to create the signal to be emitted.
  • At least one non-directional aperture preferably a wide-angle lens, is disposed proximate an outer surface of an object to be protected.
  • the aperture is connected to the oscillator using fiber optics and non-directionally emits the modulated laser signal.
  • the present invention also features a method of protecting an object from a potential weapon. The method includes detecting the presence of a potential weapon and determining an appropriate countermeasure signal to prevent the potential weapon from hitting the object to be protected based upon the type of potential weapon. [0017] Once the appropriate countermeasure signal has been determined, a laser is generated by a laser energy source and is modulated to create at least one countermeasure signal based upon the type of potential weapon detected. Next, the countermeasure signal is distributed to at least one aperture, preferably using fiber optics or the like. Lastly, the countermeasure signal is emitted from the aperture" in a non-directional manner.
  • a plurality of different countermeasure signals may be simultaneously generated in order to defeat a plurality of different weapons simultaneously approaching. These different countermeasure signals may be distributed to one or more apertures disposed about the object to be protected base upon the information collected.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention in combination with several types of objects to be protected;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the countermeasure system according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of the countermeasure method according to the present invention.
  • the countermeasure system 10, FIG. 1, is designed to protect an object 12 such as, but not limited to, manned and un-manned aircrafts 12', land vehicles 12" (such as tanks, trains, trucks, and the like), ships 12"', as well as buildings 12 IV and the like from guided objects or weapons, such as missiles, 14.
  • the countermeasure system 10 emits a non-directional signal 11 that tricks, confuses, or defeats the guidance system 15 of the missile 14 such that the missile 14 is unable to inflict damage upon the object 12.
  • the countermeasure system 10, FIG. 2, and method 300 preferably includes a power source 24 and a controller 26.
  • the controller 26 may include any known device that determines the presence of a missile 14, activates the countermeasure system 10 and determines the type(s) of incoming missiles 14 (act 310, FIG. 3) such that an appropriate non-directional jamming signal 11 can be generated (act 320, FIG. 3) as will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.
  • the countermeasure system 10 also includes at least one laser source or generator 20 generating a laser signal (act 330, FIG. 3). The laser source 20 must be sufficiently powerful to generate a non-directional signal 11 capable of providing adequate coverage about the object 12.
  • the laser source 20 is preferably capable of generating a laser having approximately 100-10,000 watts.
  • Laser sources 20 sufficient to generate a laser of sufficient strength are well known to those skilled in the art. While the present invention may include multiple laser sources 20, the use of a single laser source 20 may be sufficient and is will reduce the overall cost and size of the countermeasure system 10.
  • the laser source 20 is preferably connected to at least one modulator/oscillator 22 in any manner known to those skilled in the art.
  • the oscillator 22 modulates the laser signal (act 340, FIG. 3) generated by laser source 20 in order to create the non- directional jamming signal 11.
  • the particulars of the oscillator 22 are well within the knowledge of one skilled in the art, and of course will depend upon the intended types of missiles 14 which the countermeasure system 10 is intended to protect against.
  • the use of multiple oscillators 22 allows the countermeasure system 10 to jam multiple different targets simultaneously (for example, multiple types of incoming missiles 14), and is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art.
  • tracking information from the controller 26 can be used to direct the appropriate modulated laser signal to a particular aperture 18.
  • the oscillator 22 preferably yields about a 4-5 micron light source.
  • the output of the oscillator 22 is preferably distributed (act 350, FIG. 3) to at least one aperture 18 disposed about an exterior region of the object 12.
  • fiber optics 16 are used to distribute the output of the oscillator 22.
  • the aperture 18 emits (act 360, FIG. 3) the modulated laser signal in a non- directional manner.
  • non-directional is intended to mean that the modulated laser signal is not aimed directly at a potential weapon 14.
  • the number and types of apertures 18 will vary greatly depending upon the specific circumstances of the installation. For example, the number and types of apertures 18 will depend upon the desired coverage (for example 360 degree coverage or 180 degree coverage) as well as the physical constraints of the object 12 which the countermeasure system 10 is to protect. It is envisioned that a plurality of apertures 18 will typically be employed to create the desired coverage, though again this is not a limitation of the present invention.
  • a typical aircraft 12' might employ an aperture 18 proximate the nose 28 of the aircraft 12', an aperture 18 disposed proximate the tail section 30, as well as apertures 18 disposed about a top and bottom surface 32, 34.
  • These apertures 18 are preferably connected to a central laser source 20 using fiber optics 16. This arrangement of apertures 18 would provide a complete, 360-degree, spherical coverage about the aircraft 12', thereby protecting against missiles 14 coming from all directions. Alternatively, .
  • the apertures 18 include lenses such as wide angle or fish-eye lenses. These lenses can provide a wide dispersion pattern, thus reducing the number of lenses needed to provide adequate coverage.
  • the countermeasure system 10 is non-directional and therefore does not require the use of expensive and complex tracking and aiming systems. While it may be desirable to use tracking and aiming systems with the present invention, especially in situations where multiple types of missiles 14 may likely be simultaneously fired, it is not mandatory unlike the prior art directed laser systems discussed above.
  • the countermeasure system 10 does not need to have any rotating assembles. As discussed above, these rotating assembles are maintenance intensive and do not work particularly well in certain environments (for example, desert environments) as well as on certain objects 12. Moreover, the use of apertures 18 results in a smaller emitting assembly, thereby allowing the countermeasure system 10 to be more easily adapted and installed on a wide variety of objects 12.
  • the countermeasure system 10 uses a laser source 20 and oscillator 22 to generate the non-directional jamming signal 11, the countermeasure system 10 is capable of more closely matching the required jamming signal of modern missiles 14, thereby increasing the countermeasure system's 10 ability to protect against the CCM capabilities of modern missiles 14.
  • the present invention provides a novel laser-based non-directional self-protection system and method system useful on many different types of objects and in many conditions.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de contre-mesure à un missile ou à d'autres armes comprenant un signal d'énergie laser modulé non directionnel conçu pour protéger un objet (tel un avion, un véhicule terrestre, un bâtiment ou un navire). Une fois une menace potentielle détectée, une source d'énergie laser génère un signal d'énergie laser de puissance suffisante pour assurer la couverture nécessaire. L'énergie laser est modulée en utilisant un oscillateur pour créer le signal de contre-mesure approprié. Ensuite, des fibres optiques et d'autres dispositifs de couplage distribuent le signal d'énergie laser modulé vers une ou plusieurs ouvertures, de préférence des objectifs grands angles ou autres dispositifs similaires, disposés autour de la surface extérieure de l'objet à protéger. Le nombre et l'emplacement des ouvertures dépendront des caractéristiques de l'installation, ainsi que de la couverture souhaitée.
PCT/US2007/014637 2007-06-22 2007-06-22 Autoprotection à laser non directionnel Ceased WO2009002300A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2007/014637 WO2009002300A1 (fr) 2007-06-22 2007-06-22 Autoprotection à laser non directionnel

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2007/014637 WO2009002300A1 (fr) 2007-06-22 2007-06-22 Autoprotection à laser non directionnel

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009002300A1 true WO2009002300A1 (fr) 2008-12-31

Family

ID=40185907

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2007/014637 Ceased WO2009002300A1 (fr) 2007-06-22 2007-06-22 Autoprotection à laser non directionnel

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2009002300A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6587486B1 (en) * 1997-10-16 2003-07-01 Eads Deutschland Gmbh Laser beam source for a directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) weapon system
US7104496B2 (en) * 2004-02-26 2006-09-12 Chang Industry, Inc. Active protection device and associated apparatus, system, and method
US7212148B1 (en) * 2005-04-05 2007-05-01 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Apparatus for jamming infrared attack unit using a modulated radio frequency carrier

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6587486B1 (en) * 1997-10-16 2003-07-01 Eads Deutschland Gmbh Laser beam source for a directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) weapon system
US7104496B2 (en) * 2004-02-26 2006-09-12 Chang Industry, Inc. Active protection device and associated apparatus, system, and method
US7212148B1 (en) * 2005-04-05 2007-05-01 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Apparatus for jamming infrared attack unit using a modulated radio frequency carrier

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