Abstract: The present invention surrounds a payload for use as a projectile for disabling and neutralizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) threats and the like. The payload uses a central projectile and one or more satellite projectiles tethered to central projectile. The satellite projectiles provide entangling elements. The satellite projectiles are configured to expand outward from the central projectile after firing to provide an entangling projectile system wherein any object or individual within the entangling zone of the projectile system can be ensnared and neutralized through the entangling action of the projectile system.

Abstract: A projectile cartridge that can be removably attached to a flying vehicle is disclosed. A system can include a first flying vehicle, a projectile attachment mechanism configured with the first flying vehicle, a projectile cartridge that contains a projectile, the projectile cartridge being removably attachable to the projectile attachment mechanism, a weight attached to the projectile, the weight being configured in a releasable configuration in the projectile cartridge and a drawstring configured with the projectile. After firing the projectile, when tension is applied to the drawstring as the projectile approaches or envelops a second flying vehicle, the tension can cause the drawstring to close the projectile down to secure the second flying vehicle.

Abstract: A drone disabling device includes a plurality of streamer launch tubes having at least one streamer device positioned therein. A barrel housing is configured to hold the plurality of launch tubes within streamer launch barrels. An ignition system is configured to ignite propellant within the launch tubes and launch the streamer devices from the barrel housing such that one or more propellers of a hostile drone will become entangled and disabled. A parachute connected to the streamer device is deployed as the drone descends to protect people and property on the ground and to preserve the drone for intelligence gathering after landing.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for intercepting a target UAV by releasing a plurality of countermeasure (CM) objects in a projected path thereof to form a 3D countermeasure cloud. Pieces of flexible materials configured to become ensnared in the propellers of the target UAV or otherwise interfere with their ability to provide lift and thrust capabilities to the UAV. A UAV interception control system may track the target UAV and compute a location probability volume therefor using a modified Kalman filter to decide on a projected interception location and time.

Abstract: A payload container for providing a horizontal dispersion pattern of sub-projectiles suitable for combatting surface targets is in the form of a cylinder and includes at least two sub-projectiles arranged in a core enclosed by a container wall, wherein the sub-projectiles are linearly disposed. In addition, a projectile and use of the same include at least one payload container or a plurality of sequentially arranged payload containers displaced by a displacement angle relative to each other. The displacement angle is predetermined in such way so that the sub-projectiles are vertically lined at the time when the mechanical force from the carrier shell disappears and the sub-projectiles are spread to the left and to the right, providing a horizontal dispersion pattern.

Abstract: A projectile entangling device, cartridge and method for entangling an object. The projectile entangling device comprises a bolt slidably engaging within a receiver. A barrel is coupled to the receiver and is adjacent to a chamber. A gas conduit couples a compressed gas container to the bolt. A valve is positioned within the gas conduit. A trigger activates the valve and dispensing a compressed gas from the compressed gas container, through the gas conduit and exits the bolt. A first projectile and a second projectile are positioned within the cartridge. A tether is coupled to the first projectile and the second projectile. The first projectile, the second projectile and the tether are propelled from the cartridge and expelled from the barrel upon the compressed gas exiting the bolt. The tether elongates for distancing the first projectile from the second projectile for defining an expanding projectile and entangling with the object.

Abstract: A projectile component that can be removably attached to a flying vehicle is disclosed. The projectile component includes a net configured in the projectile component, a receiving cavity configured in the projectile component, and a weight attached to the net via a string. The weight can be configured in the receiving cavity in preparation for firing the net from the projectile component. In order to entangle a target flying vehicle in the net, a cocklebur associated with the weight is included. Upon firing the net from the projectile component, and upon the net engaging with a target device, the cocklebur becomes entangled with the net to secure the target flying vehicle. A drawstring structure associated with the net can also be used to ensure that the net envelops and captures the target flying vehicle.

Abstract: A projectile cartridge that can be removably attached to a flying vehicle is disclosed. A system can include a first flying vehicle, a projectile attachment mechanism configured with the first flying vehicle, a projectile cartridge that contains a projectile, the projectile cartridge being removably attachable to the projectile attachment mechanism, a weight attached to the projectile, the weight being configured in a releasable configuration in the projectile cartridge and a drawstring configured with the projectile. After firing the projectile, when tension is applied to the drawstring as the projectile approaches or envelops a second flying vehicle, the tension can cause the drawstring to close the projectile down to secure the second flying vehicle.

Abstract: A projectile cartridge that can be removably attached to a flying vehicle is disclosed. A system can include a first flying vehicle, a projectile attachment mechanism configured with the first flying vehicle, a projectile cartridge that contains a projectile, the projectile cartridge being removably attachable to the projectile attachment mechanism, a weight attached to the projectile, the weight being configured in a releasable configuration in the projectile cartridge and a drawstring configured with the projectile. After firing the projectile, when tension is applied to the drawstring as the projectile approaches or envelops a second flying vehicle, the tension can cause the drawstring to close the projectile down to secure the second flying vehicle.

Abstract: A net for nonlethally incapacitating a human target. The net can have one or more conductive zones and be propelled toward a target. The net can then electrically energize the conductive zone or zones to further incapacitate the target. In this manner a human target can be safely captured and controlled.

Abstract: An entangling projectile for use with a projectile deployment system includes a pair of pellets. At least one of the pair of pellets has a head with a head outer diameter and a shank with a shank outer diameter, the shank outer diameter being less than the head outer diameter. A tether connects the pair of pellets. A centering shroud is carried by a shank of the at least one of the pair of pellets. The centering shroud has at least one tether opening formed therein to receive the tether. The tether is coupled to the pellet and extends along the shank of the pellet and through the at least one tether opening formed in the centering shroud.

Abstract: A 40 millimeter (mm) projectile is capable of deploying a payload out of the rear of the projectile. The projectile carries the payload an extended distance from the muzzle and then disperses the payload after a command is provided to the projectile. The projectile includes a proximity fuze which allows it to sense a target and disperse the payload at a given distance from the target. Alternatively, a time-based fuze or radio frequency (RF) based fuze may be employed instead. The payload may be used against a variety of targets, such as personnel, vehicle or aerial targets. In addition, the projectile could be used as a training device for proximity, preprogrammed or RF-controlled fuzed projectiles.

Abstract: An entangling projectile for use with a projectile deployment system includes a pair of pellets, at least one of the pair of pellets having a head with a head outer diameter and a shank with a shank outer diameter, the shank outer diameter being less than the head outer diameter. A tether connects the pair of pellets. A shroud is fitted about a shank of the at least one of the pair of pellets, the shroud having a tether opening formed therein to receive the tether, the tether being coupled to the pellet and extending along the shank of the pellet and through the tether opening formed in the shroud.

Abstract: An artillery shell is fired out of a gun towards a fire. A trigger releases a fire-retarding material from the artillery shell to retard the fire.

Abstract: A system and process for interfering with the flight of one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) includes aiming a deployment device in a direction of the one or more UAVs and deploying by the deployment device a package in the direction of the one or more UAVs. The package includes a fiber material consisting of multiple individual fibers formed of one or more biodegradable materials. When the fiber material is released from the package after deployment, it forms a cloud of multiple individual fibers and the cloud of multiple individual fibers physically interferes with a propeller system of the one or more UAVs, thus causing the one or more UAVs to lose the ability to remain aloft.

Abstract: A cannon projectile having an elongated body with a plurality of elongated and circumferentially spaced segments. At least one tether is attached to at least one end of the segments to hold the segments together. A deployment device, when activated, enables the segments to deploy radially outwardly into a pattern controlled at least in part by the at least one tether using aerodynamic and inertial forces only.

Abstract: A projectile deployment system includes an entangling projectile that includes a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets. A projectile casing includes a pair of sockets, each socket sized to carry one of the pair of pellets, each of the sockets including a longitudinal axis, the pair of sockets being positioned relative to one another such that the longitudinal sockets diverge horizontally away from one another while at least a portion of one of the sockets is arranged vertically higher than another of the sockets. A selectively activatable pressure source is capable of expelling the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward a subject. A launcher carries an activator operable to activate the pressure source to expel the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a multicopter-assisted launch and retrieval system generally including: (1) a multi-rotor modular multicopter attachable to (and detachable from) a fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; (2) a storage and launch system usable to store the modular multicopter and to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; and (3) an anchor system usable (along with the multicopter and a flexible capture member) to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from wing-borne flight.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lifesaving rope rescue apparatus, a life jacket and a water lifesaving device to increase the probability of rescuing the drowning victim and reduce the difficulty of water rescue. The lifesaving rope apparatus comprises a rope and an ejection apparatus used to eject the rope and is used by a rescuer to rescue the victim over water.

Abstract: A projectile deployment system includes an entangling projectile having a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets. A projectile casing carries the entangling projectile and has a pair of sockets, each socket sized to carry one of the pellets. Each of the sockets is substantially parallel with the horizontal plane and at least a portion of each of the sockets is held at differing vertical elevations when the projectile launcher is held in the firing orientation. The sockets are oriented at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the projectile casing such that the pellets travel apart from one another as they are expelled from the projectile casing. A launcher carries the projectile casing and a selectively activatable pressure source is operably coupled to the projectile casing and is capable of expelling the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward a subject.

Abstract: A spin launched unmanned aerial system projectile includes a net means for disabling a selected target. The net means includes deployment mechanism and weights attached thereto which are cast at said target through use of an ejection spring means. Centripetal forces on the still spinning petals/weights open the net means as it is cast at the target.

Abstract: A projectile deployment system includes an entangling projectile including a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets. A projectile casing includes a pair of sockets, each socket sized to carry one of the pair of pellets and a selectively activatable pressure source, carried by the projectile casing. The pressure source is capable of expelling the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward a subject. A launcher carries an activator operable to activate the pressure source to expel the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward the subject. The projectile casing is removably engageable with the launcher to allow removal of the projectile casing from the launcher after expulsion of the entangling projectile from the projectile casing.

Abstract: A projectile deployment system includes an entangling projectile having a pair of pellets and a tether connecting the pellets. A projectile casing includes a pair of sockets, each socket sized to carry one of the pellets, the sockets being oriented at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the projectile casing such that the pellets travel apart from one another as they are expelled from the projectile casing. A launcher carries the casing and includes a selectively activatable pressure source capable of expelling the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward a subject.

Abstract: FIG. 7 shows an air cannon system loaded with a launch canister containing a prop-fouler. A pressure vessel (28) contains an inlet including a poppet valve (100) that, upon command, can be selectively placed in either a one-way flow position to permit charging of the pressure vessel or otherwise opened to trigger rapid discharge through pressure equalization with the ambient environment. The air cannon may include multiple splayed barrels or a single barrel (158). A launch canister (202), realized in the form of a tube, has a driving plate (350) that closes an end of the launch tube. The driving plate is the first point loaded into the barrel. Within the launch canister (202) a first portion of a floating prop-fouling line is stored. The prop-fouling line, such as made from Dyneema®, has at its ends two drogues that, upon entry into the water, fill with water to produce drag resistance to movement of the prop-fouling line.

Abstract: A person-in-the-water rescue and retrieval system includes a net assembly having a pair of laterally spaced apart side ropes and a plurality of net portions, each net portion being constructed of a material that floats, extends laterally between the side ropes, and is spaced apart longitudinally from an adjacent net portion. The system includes a deployment capsule defining an interior space configured to selectively receive the net assembly therein. A launching device includes a framework configured to receive the deployment member. A first compressed air canister is in fluid communication with the launching device and the deployment member and configured to apply force to the deployment member when actuated that is sufficient to propel the deployment member from the launching device. The launching device may be boat mounted or configured as a handheld device such as in the form of a rifle.

Abstract: A container apparatus for exposing an article to an external environment, the apparatus including a sidewall with an interior having an inner surface, the sidewall terminating in a first margin and an opposing second margin. The container apparatus also includes a capsule having an outer periphery and an inner void holding the article, the outer periphery is slidably engaged to the sidewall inner surface, the capsule having a split boundary separating the capsule into a plurality of partial capsule elements. The capsule having a closed state with the partial capsule elements being adjacent at the boundary while slidably engaged to the sidewall with the void separated from the environment and the capsule being able to have an open state without the slidable engagement as the partial capsule elements are separated at the boundary with the void open to the environment, thus exposing the article to the environment.

Abstract: A line launcher (110) capable of firing a projectile (117) and an attached line (125) up to about 70 meters. It has a barrel (113) large enough for a resilient projectile attached to a line. It has a pre-charge chamber capable of storing a pressurized gas from a pressurized gas cartridge. A trigger mechanism vents the gases in this pre-charge chamber into the barrel to expel the projectile and line. Gas from the pressurized gas cartridge (e.g. a CO2 bulb) is released slowly enough to pressurize the pre-charge chamber but without the cartridge freezing as might occur if the gas was discharged directly from the cartridge into the barrel to directly propel the projectile.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which incorporates a projectile delivery launcher which may assume numerous forms and perform numerous functions, including launching a water rescue preservation device such as a life jacket, military supplies, survival supplies, fire extinguishing supplies, or the like. The device includes a unique barrel having a low friction chrome plated inner surface which provides maximum range deployment of a safety projectile. In one embodiment a unique clutch-type crank is mounted below the barrel and houses a thin stainless high strength steel ribbon to provide deployment of a projectile, and retrieval of a victim, supplies or the like. A CO2 cartridge system, which incorporates a novel explosive chamber is also used. In another embodiment a compressed gas tank is connected to the launcher for selective release of the gas to deploy the projectile.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide for the protection of personnel within vehicles and structures from rocket-propelled grenades and other incoming threats. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a countermeasure system includes an interceptor vehicle configured to stow and launch an expandable countermeasure. The countermeasure may have a flexible body with attached deployment mechanisms that expand the flexible body into the path of an incoming threat to capture the threat.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which incorporates a projectile delivery launcher which may assume numerous forms and perform numerous functions, including launching a water rescue preservation device such as a life jacket, military supplies, survival supplies, fire extinguishing supplies, or the like. The device includes a unique barrel having a low friction chrome plated inner surface which provides maximum range deployment of a safety projectile. In one embodiment a unique clutch-type crank is mounted below the barrel and houses a thin stainless high strength steel ribbon to provide deployment of a projectile, and retrieval of a victim, supplies or the like. A CO2 cartridge system, which incorporates a novel explosive chamber is also used. In another embodiment a compressed gas tank is connected to the launcher for selective release of the gas to deploy the projectile.

Abstract: A deployment unit for an electronic control device (ECD) used as a weapon provides a current from a signal generator of the ECD through tissue of a human or animal target. The deployment unit includes a housing, an interface, a filament, and an electrode. The interface couples the housing to the signal generator. The filament includes a first end coupled to the interface for receiving the current and comprises a second end. The filament conducts the current for inhibiting voluntary movement by the target. The electrode, stored in the housing prior to deployment, mechanically couples the filament to the target when deployed. The electrode includes an assembly of a first part and a second part that after assembly cooperate to bind the second end of the filament to the electrode.

Abstract: A compressed air launched munition comprises a projectile which after firing forms a multiplicity of elongated ropes held in a tubular configuration by a series of stiff spacers. The stiff spacers retain a rope tube diameter of at least about 8 inches. The ropes and stiff spacers have an essentially neutral specific gravity in water. The projectile is effective in entangling a boat propeller and stopping an uncooperative boat with little damage.

Abstract: An interceptor projectile includes a deployable net that deploys during flight and wraps around an incoming projectile, such as a rocket propelled grenade (RPG). The net is initially in a tubular body of the interceptor projectile. Weights are attached to ends of the net with metal cables. A propellant is used to deploy the net from the tubular body and to deploy the weights at acute angles to the longitudinal axis of the interceptor projectile. The weights move radially out from the interceptor projectile, expanding the net outward, and wrapping the net around an incoming projectile. The engagement of the net with the incoming projectile disables the incoming projectile, sending the incoming projectile off course.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for launching an effector according to various aspects of the present invention may include a fire control system. The fire control system may be responsive to a sensor, such as a radar, and may be connected to the effector, such as via a launcher. The file control system may be adapted to generate a fire control solution according to the data from the sensor, initiate a launch of the effector, and provide the fire control solution to the effector after initiating the launch.

Abstract: An interceptor projectile includes a deployable net that deploys during flight and wraps around an incoming projectile, such as a rocket propelled grenade (RPG). The net is initially in a tubular body of the interceptor projectile. A propellant is used to deploy the net from the body. Even after deployment the net remains attached to the body by an elastic tether. The engagement of the net with the incoming projectile disables the incoming projectile, with the momentum imparted by the interceptor projectile sending the incoming projectile off course. This successfully defends a target against the incoming projectile. Through the tether, substantially all of the parts of the interceptor projectile may be mechanically linked together even after deployment of the net. This mechanical linking provides more momentum for impacting the interceptor projectile, which may facilitate diverting the incoming projectile.

Abstract: Embodiments of entrapment systems and apparatuses are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In one embodiment, an entrapment apparatus is provided. This entrapment apparatus comprises a casing and a piece of multilayered fabric packed into the casing. The piece of multilayered fabric, when deployed, is configured to wrap around a person having an explosive device and configured to contain packed metal projectiles from an explosion of the explosive device.

Abstract: An electrical power disruption device including a projectile configured to be propelled upwardly from a hand-held launcher and receiving a plurality of electrically conductive streamers.

Abstract: A method of disrupting electrical power transmission including the steps of launching a projectile from a hand-held launcher, ejecting a plurality of electrically conductive members from the projectile, and bridging electrical contacts of power transmission equipment.

Abstract: A cartridge for launching from an electroshock weapon includes a housing adapted for operative connection with the electroshock weapon and having a chamber functioning as a barrel for a projectile unit. The projectile unit includes a conductive head member and an orderly packed wire assembly of electric wire connected with said head member and preferably in coil form. The head member includes a barbed needle for establishing an electrical connection with a target. The electric wire is connected at one end to the head member and at the other end to the housing whereby the wire is withdrawn from the coil as the projectile unit advances toward said target. The project unit is launched by a percussive cap at a rear end of said chamber ignited by the electroshock weapon. At the target an electrical connection is established through the wire to the weapon.

Abstract: An immobilization device and method of restraining vehicles, persons and animals uses tendrils attached to various devices to engage the target. The immobilization device, system and method includes a housing containing launchable tendrils that are launched from the housing by a propellant. The tendrils may be attached to straps or other elements carried by the immobilization device. The tendrils will engage the target and restrain it if it is a vehicle such as a car, truck, boat, submarine, or like vehicle. In stopping a person or animal the tendrils will deliver a marking package, a shocking package or a snare package to mark, shock or snare the target. Straps may be pulled off the housing leaving the housing near the point of deployment.

Abstract: A method of disrupting electrical power transmission including the steps of launching a projectile from a hand-held launcher, ejecting a plurality of electrically conductive members from the projectile, and bridging electrical contacts of power transmission equipment.

Abstract: An electrical power disruption device including a projectile configured to be propelled upwardly from a hand-held launcher and receiving a plurality of electrically conductive streamers.

Abstract: An electrical power disruption device including a plurality of electrical conductive members received within a chamber in a stored mode and ejected outwardly from the chamber in a streaming mode.

Abstract: An article for neutralizing an enemy weapon comprising an interceptor and a deployable net attached to the interceptor, said deployable net remaining attached to the interceptor upon deployment, is disclosed. A method of neutralizing an airborne enemy weapon comprising launching an interceptor, with a capture sock, towards the enemy weapon and deploying the capture sock just prior to the interceptor encountering the enemy weapon is also disclosed. The capture sock remains attached to the interceptor upon deployment.

Abstract: A projectile is utilized to introduce an item into a conduit which already has a cable therein. The projectile includes a body member having a longitudinal opening therethrough. The body member is longitudinally split so that the cable may be received in the opening. The item is attached to the body member. When the projectile with a portion of the cable received therein is put into a conduit and air under pressure is introduced into the conduit, the projectile is pushed along the cable and if the cable is undulating in the conduit, it is straightened and positioned out of the way of the item being introduced.

Abstract: A launchable package for establishing anchorage in inaccessible locations. The launchable package contains a clinging component capable of attaching to a target; and a line for connection to the clinging component. Clinging can be achieved by a penetrating nail or by glue. The launchable package can be launched manually or by a launcher.

Abstract: A disruptive media dispersal system for aircraft which absorbs and scatters directed energy weapon beams such as tracking lasers and high energy lasers (HELs) is disclosed. The system may include laser detectors, laser beam propagation disruptive media and a dispersal system. When attacked by a directed energy weapon such as a laser, the laser detector system or vehicle operator deploys the disruptive media. The disruptive media is released by a feeder and dispersal system into the air in the path of the tracking and/or HEL weapon. For example, the dispersal system may be located onboard the aircraft near the front of the fuselage.

Abstract: A warhead including a hit-to-kill vehicle and a hub about the hit-to-kill vehicle including, packaged therein, a net, thrusters for deploying the net, and a plurality of rods held in a spaced relationship by the net for destroying a target when the net is deployed in the vicinity of the target in case the hit-to-kill vehicle misses the target.

Abstract: An immobilization device and method of restraining vehicles, persons and animals uses tendrils attached to various devices to engage the target. The immobilization device, system and method includes a housing containing launchable tendrils that are launched from the housing by a propellant. The tendrils may be attached to straps or other elements carried by the immobilization device. The tendrils will engage the target and restrain it if it is a vehicle such as a car, truck, boat, submarine, or like vehicle. In stopping a person or animal the tendrils will deliver a marking package, a shocking package or a snare package to mark, shock or snare the target. Straps may be pulled off the housing leaving the housing near the point of deployment.

Abstract: FIG. 7 shows an air cannon system loaded with a launch canister containing a prop-fouler. A pressure vessel (28) contains an inlet including a poppet valve (100) that, upon command, can be selectively placed in either a one-way flow position to permit charging of the pressure vessel or otherwise opened to trigger rapid discharge through pressure equalization with the ambient environment. The air cannon may include multiple splayed barrels or a single barrel (158). A launch canister (202), realized in the form of a tube, has a driving plate (350) that closes an end of the launch tube. The driving plate is the first point loaded into the barrel. Within the launch canister (202) a first portion of a floating prop-fouling line is stored. The prop-fouling line, such as made from Dyneema®, has at its ends two drogues that, upon entry into the water, fill with water to produce drag resistance to movement of the prop-fouling line.