Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer readable media for designing an effective and efficient directed energy weapon system. A method for designing a directed energy weapons system may include modeling an environment and postulating a directed energy weapons system deployment. The capability of the postulated directed energy weapon system deployment to defend a target aircraft against a missile threat within the environment may then be simulated. The postulated directed energy weapon system deployment may be iteratively improved based on simulation results.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and method for defending a physical zone from airborne and ground-based threats are disclosed. In the various embodiments, an apparatus includes a detection component configured to detect and track a ground-based or airborne threat proximate to the physical zone, an integration component to receive data from the detection component and process the data to determine a threat assessment. A defensive component receives the determined threat assessment and disables the ground-based and airborne threat based upon the determined threat assessment. A method includes detecting an object proximate to the physical zone to be protected, identifying the object as a hostile threat, determining at least one of a path and a point-of-origin for the object, and actuating a defensive system in response to the hostile threat.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer readable media for designing an effective and efficient directed energy weapon system. A method for designing a directed energy weapons system may include modeling an environment and postulating a directed energy weapons system deployment. The capability of the postulated directed energy weapon system deployment to defend a target aircraft against a missile threat within the environment may then be simulated. The postulated directed energy weapon system deployment may be iteratively improved based on simulation results.

Abstract: The disclosed system, device, and method for diverting a guided missile generally includes a ground-based sensor array generating tracking data of a guided missile tracking a target. A control node in communication with the ground-based sensor array generates targeting data from the tracking data. A phased array directed-energy unit in communication with the control node radiates the guided missile with variable beam width microwave radiation based on the targeting data received from the control node, where the microwave radiation disrupts an electronic component of the guided missile such that the guided missile discontinues tracking the target.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and method for defending a physical zone from airborne and ground-based threats are disclosed. In the various embodiments, an apparatus includes a detection component configured to detect and track a ground-based or airborne threat proximate to the physical zone, an integration component to receive data from the detection component and process the data to determine a threat assessment. A defensive component receives the determined threat assessment and disables the ground-based and airborne threat based upon the determined threat assessment. A method includes detecting an object proximate to the physical zone to be protected, identifying the object as a hostile threat, determining at least one of a path and a point-of-origin for the object, and actuating a defensive system in response to the hostile threat.

Abstract: The disclosed system, device, and method for diverting a guided missile generally includes a ground-based sensor array generating tracking data of a guided missile tracking a target. A control node in communication with the ground-based sensor array generates targeting data from the tracking data. A phased array directed-energy unit in communication with the control node radiates the guided missile with variable beam width microwave radiation based on the targeting data received from the control node, where the microwave radiation disrupts an electronic component of the guided missile such that the guided missile discontinues tracking the target.

Abstract: Embodiments of a switchable high-power transmit module to selectively provide a high-power microwave signal in excess of one kilowatt to one of first and second output paths are disclosed herein. The module includes a switch to receive a lower-power microwave signal from a source, a first ninety-degree coupler for directing power from the switch to first and second paths, a first high-power amplifier disposed in the first path, a second high-power amplifier disposed in the second path, and a second ninety-degree coupler to receive output signals of the first and second amplifiers. The switch is configured to selectively couple the lower-power microwave signal between first and second input ports of the first ninety-degree coupler.

Abstract: A module having a first coupler for directing power from a source to first and second paths; a first amplifier disposed in the first path; a second amplifier disposed in the second path; and a second coupler for combining the outputs of the first and second amplifiers. In a more specific implementation, the module further includes a switch connected to the first coupler. The switch is a single-pole double throw switch. Each coupler is a 90-degree coupler that provides the combined energy output by each amplifier to a first or a second output port based on the position of the switch. The first coupler has first and second inputs, each input connected to a throw of the switch. The inclusion of a variable phase shifter allows for the module to be used to drive an element of a phased array antenna. For high power applications, multiple such inventive modules may be used to drive the elements of one or more phased arrays, pointed in different directions, to provide a desired coverage pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating surfactant depleted liquid from an at least partially stable foamed aqueous admixture of water, surfactant and air includes introducing the at least partially stable foamed admixture to a channel of preselected height, length, width and inclination at such a flow rate as the foamed admixture passes through the channel. A substantially translational motion of the foamed admixture is maintained through the bulk of the channel. As the foamed admixture translates through the channel, surfactant depleted liquid drains from the interstices thereof. The air content of the foamed admixture does not increase above the air content at which substantial overdrying begins to occur in the foamed admixture. Tranquil interface flow conditions are maintained in the flow of surfactant depleted liquid drained from the foamed admixture for so long as it is in contact with the admixture.