Abstract: A system and method for defending a vehicle against an approaching threat, is disclosed. A threat approaching the vehicle is identified. A rigid body is then deployed from the vehicle. Means associated with the body are provided for allowing controlled, guided propulsion of the body to position a reference axis of the body to a desired orientation relative to the threat and to translate the body substantially perpendicular to the reference axis, so as to eliminate the threat.

Abstract: An apparatus for defending a vehicle against an approaching threat is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a body deployable from the vehicle having at least one reference axis thereon. A plurality of spaced divert thruster means are associated with the body for translating the body relative to the threat upon deployment from the vehicle. A plurality of spaced attitude control thruster means are associated with the body for providing roll, pitch and yaw to orient the reference axis to a desired orientation relative to the threat. A guidance system, associated with the reference axis, is provided for communicating electronic signals to the attitude control thruster means and divert thruster means for controlling the position of the body relative to the threat to eliminate the threat. The guidance system preferably operates independently of the vehicle after deployment.