Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward a central laser source based passive countermeasure system for use on an emission producing asset comprising at least one centrally located source disposed on the emission producing asset. The centrally located source is configured to produce optical energy in at least one band of infrared radiation. At least one first fiber optic wire is coupled to the centrally located source to transmit the optical energy. At least one modulator is coupled to the centrally located source via the first fiber optic wire and is configured to modulate a flow of the optical energy. At least one output lens assembly is coupled to the modulator via a second fiber optic wire and is configured to receive the optical energy and emit the optical energy.

Abstract: A method of detecting hazardous conditions to aircraft is disclosed. The hazardous conditions produce sound waves in the atmosphere. The method comprises directing a first laser beam from a first laser acoustic sensor to a mating first reflector; directing a second laser beam from a second laser acoustic sensor to a mating second reflector; and directing a third laser beam from a third laser acoustic sensor to a mating third reflector. The method further comprises aligning the first laser acoustic sensor to project a first beam pattern, the second laser acoustic sensor to project a second beam pattern, and the third laser acoustic sensor to project a third beam pattern. The method further comprises measuring an effect of the sound waves on the first beam pattern, the second beam pattern, and the third beam pattern. The effect is an indicator of the hazardous conditions.

Abstract: A method for generating visible light and a deceptive signature pattern for an emissions producing asset is disclosed. The method comprises illuminating at least one lighting assembly of the asset in a pattern. The pattern produces visible light synchronous with a signature of a wavelength in a substantially similar range as normal emissions of the asset. The method also comprises modulating a radiant intensity of the signature of the at least one lighting assembly between a minimum radiant intensity and a maximum radiant intensity in a repetitive cycle and operating a controller to regulate the pattern.

Abstract: A collision alerting and avoidance system for use in an aerial vehicle is presented herein. The system comprises a one low profile antenna array disposed on the aerial vehicle. A transmitter/receiver probe is coupled to the antenna array. The transmitter/receiver probe is configured to transmit electromagnetic waves and to receive an echo signal reflected from a threat obstacle. At least one transmitter/receiver module is coupled to the transmitter/receiver probe. The transmitter/receiver module is configured to produce electromagnetic waves for transmission and to receive the echo signal. A processor coupled to the plurality of transmitter/receiver modules controls the transmission of electromagnetic waves from the antenna array and processes the echo signal to provide an output signal containing information regarding the obstacle.

Abstract: A method for generating visible light and a deceptive signature pattern for an emissions producing asset is disclosed. The method comprises illuminating at least one lighting assembly of the asset in a pattern. The pattern produces visible light synchronous with a signature of a wavelength in a substantially similar range as normal emissions of the asset. The method also comprises modulating a radiant intensity of the signature of the at least one lighting assembly between a minimum radiant intensity and a maximum radiant intensity in a repetitive cycle and operating a controller to regulate the pattern.

Abstract: A collision alerting and avoidance system is presented herein. The system comprises at least one antenna array disposed on a structure on the ground and at least one transmitter/receiver probe coupled to the antenna array. The transmitter/receiver probe operates in a transmit mode to transmit electromagnetic waves and in a receive mode to receive an echo signal reflected from an obstacle in the area of an aerial vehicle. The system also comprises at least one transmitter/receiver module coupled to the transmitter/receiver probe. The transmitter/receiver module operates in a transmit mode to produce electromagnetic waves for transmission and in a receive mode to receive the echo signal. The system also comprises a processor coupled to the transmitter/receiver module. The processor controls transmission of the electromagnetic waves from the antenna array and processes the echo signal to provide an output signal containing information regarding the obstacle.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward a method for safely managing aircraft separation. The method comprises a data integration host configured for: receiving aircraft information from a first aircraft; receiving weather data from a weather monitoring system; combining the aircraft information of the first aircraft with the weather data; formulating a position prediction of a wake vortex located within a critical safety volume of a runway; receiving from a sensor real time wake vortex data in a path of the first aircraft; comparing the real time wake vortex data to the position prediction to validate the position prediction and to formulate a determination of whether the wake vortex is present in the critical safety volume; and utilizing the determination to transmit spacing data to air traffic control, wherein the spacing data is at least one of standard wake vortex spacing and minimum radar spacing.

Abstract: A collision alerting and avoidance system for use in an aerial vehicle is presented herein. The system comprises a one low profile antenna array disposed on the aerial vehicle. The array includes a plurality of horns; a polar horn, 45-degree horns, and equatorial horns. A transmitter/receiver probe is coupled to each horn. The transmitter/receiver probes are configured to transmit electromagnetic waves and to receive an echo signal reflected from a threat obstacle. A plurality of transmitter/receiver modules are coupled to each of the transmitter/receiver probes. The transmitter/receiver modules are configured to produce electromagnetic waves for transmission and to receive the echo signal. A processor coupled to the plurality of transmitter/receiver modules controls the transmission of electromagnetic waves from the horns and processes the echo signal to provide an output signal containing information regarding the obstacle.

Abstract: A collision alerting and avoidance system for use in an aerial vehicle is presented herein. The system comprises a one low profile antenna array disposed on the aerial vehicle. The array includes a plurality of horns; a polar horn, 45-degree horns, and equatorial horns. A transmitter/receiver probe is coupled to each horn. The transmitter/receiver probes are configured to transmit electromagnetic waves and to receive an echo signal reflected from a threat obstacle. A plurality of transmitter/receiver modules are coupled to each of the transmitter/receiver probes. The transmitter/receiver modules are configured to produce electromagnetic waves for transmission and to receive the echo signal. A processor coupled to the plurality of transmitter/receiver modules controls the transmission of electromagnetic waves from the horns and processes the echo signal to provide an output signal containing information regarding the obstacle.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system mountable on an aircraft for providing to the pilot of that aircraft an early warning of the presence of another nearby threat aircraft within the surrounding air space. The system operates autonomously from that aircraft and does not require the presence of any matched system on board the threat aircraft. The system includes an omni-directional L-band microwave antenna formed by a dielectric sphere cut into eight equal “orange wedge” sectors covering eight distinct beam patterns. Eight L-band microwave signals are transmitted simultaneously from all eight dielectric sectors to provide a sphere of detection around the aircraft. The sectors also act as receivers for detecting a microwave signal reflected back from the threat aircraft, and indicating means provides information to the pilot regarding the direction, closeness and rate of closure of the threat aircraft.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting conditions in the atmosphere which are hazardous to flying aircraft and providing early warning to pilots or ground personnel. The method includes using a laser beam and a coherent optical receiver to optically sense sound waves produced by those hazardous conditions and measuring the effect of those sound waves on the transmitted and received optical beams.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system mountable on an aircraft for providing to the pilot of that aircraft an early warning of the presence of another nearby threat aircraft within the surrounding air space. The system operates autonomously from that aircraft and does not require the presence of any matched system on board the threat aircraft. The system includes an omni-directional L-band microwave antenna formed by a dielectric sphere cut into eight equal “orange wedge” sectors covering eight distinct beam patterns. Eight L-band microwave signals are transmitted simultaneously from all eight dielectric sectors to provide a sphere of detection around the aircraft. The sectors also act as receivers for detecting a microwave signal reflected back from the threat aircraft, and indicating means provides information to the pilot regarding the direction, closeness and rate of closure of the threat aircraft.