Abstract: Systems and methods described herein include collapsible and deployable antenna structures. The antenna structures may include any combination of shape memory composites, inflatable envelopes, and/or degradable materials.

Abstract: A deformable mirror with variable curvature including: a plate having a reflective face and opposite hidden face and whose shape has a center (C) and radiuses (r), and at least one actuator intended to exert a force on the hidden face in order to deform the plate. The plate comprises a plurality of primary and secondary portions. The secondary portions being interposed between the primary portions, each of the primary portions extending locally substantially along and on either side of a respective radius (r?) among said radiuses (r), and having a stiffness different from the adjacent secondary portions. The deformable mirror is intended to the introduction or the correction of an optical aberration in a light beam.

Abstract: An influence system including open cell structures with one or more fractal reflective or resonating structures, wherein the fractal reflective or resonating structures are adapted to produce an emitted reflective or resonance signal that approximately matches a target electromagnetic signal reflection or resonance profile comprising a plurality of electromagnetic signal characteristics, said plurality of electromagnetic signal characteristics, a tow yoke coupled to one end of said blanket comprising a floatation chamber section, a tow cable adapted to tow said tow yoke and blanket, said tow cable comprising a low electromagnetic observable material or having a radar absorptive material coating.

Abstract: An ordered, 3-dimensional, micro-scale, open-cellular truss structure including interconnected hollow polymer tubes. The hollow micro-truss structure separates two fluid volumes which can be independently pressurized or depressurized to control flow, or materials properties, or both. Applications for this invention include deployable structures, inflatable structures, flow control, and vented padding.

Abstract: A solar collector system including solar elements connected to form an array for intercepting the sun's radiation, a compression element that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the array, and pairs of cables that run from opposite sides of the array to the compression element to mutually stabilize each portion of the array to which the pair of cables connects. A support structure is provided for securing the array to a fixed structure. A tracking system further provides the system with two degrees of freedom for tracking the array with the sun's movement.

Abstract: An inflatable dummy target fittable into a carrier missile capable of being released from the carrier missile during exo-atmospheric flight; upon release, the dummy target or portion thereof is capable of being inflated and manifest characteristics that resemble GTG missile characteristics, wherein the GTG missile characteristics include IR signature, RF signature and GTG missile

Abstract: A ship having identifiable radar hot spots along its length is protected against radar homing missile attack by a floating decoy, which may be towed. The decoy has a plurality of radar return signal generators spaced along its length, with the amplitudes and spacing of the generators emulating the amplitudes and spacing of the hot spots. The homing missile is seduced away from the ship and toward the decoy.

Abstract: A modular RCS (Radar Cross Section) and IR (Infra-Red) signal generation device includes: a plastic bag which is normally stored in a folded state, and inflated when gas is introduced into the bag as desired; a radar reflector received in the plastic bag, the radar reflector being configured in a multi-hedral reflector structure having a reflection characteristic similar to that of a naval vessel to be protected; hot air tubes formed through the plastic bag, hot air being capable of generating IR signals by flowing through the hot air tubes; and connection patches positioned on one of the surfaces of the plastic bag at the points where the ends of the hot air tubes intersect with the surfaces, respectively, the connection patches being adapted to be attached to those of adjacent modular RCS and IR signal generation devices, respectively, so as to interconnect the hot air tubes with those of the adjacent modular RCS and IR signal generation devices.

Abstract: A submarine warfare radar training system 10 includes an underwater vehicle 15 towing a float device 40 and a radar reflective target 45. The radar reflective target 45 is configured as a hollow tube-shaped element 50 having circular open leading and trailing open circular end to allow water to flow through the target as it is towed. The target 45 includes a positive buoyancy material layer 60 and is horizontally oriented during towing. The float device 40 is configured to support the radar reflective target 45 open leading end above the water surface 30 as the float device 40 and radar reflective target 45 are towed along the water surface to deliver air into the hollow cross-section. The radar reflective target 45 has an adjustable RCS which can be increased or decreased by lengthening or shortening the radar reflective target.

Abstract: A buoyant target comprises an inflatable structure with a drogue chute attached to the periphery of the bottom of the inflatable structure. The drogue chute is an open flexible structure with a bottom end weighted with ballast to deploy it, and with ports through its side to permit water to flow into and out of it. A radar reflector device is attached inside the inflatable structure. The radar reflector device comprises a plurality of mutually orthogonal radar reflective surfaces having central reflection vectors pointed at predetermined directions.

Abstract: A foldable reflect array may include a plurality of geometrically-flat reflect antennas. Each of the reflect antennas may include a respective plurality of antenna elements to receive and retransmit an incident wavefront, and each of the plurality of reflect antennas may be foldably coupled to at least one other of the plurality of reflect antennas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decoy for deceiving radar systems, especially Doppler radar systems. The decoy comprises a corner reflector, where at least one of the surfaces (1) is arranged to be able to obtain a varying reflectivity for radar radiation, especially with a modulation frequency which in the reflected radiation causes Doppler sidebands of an extent that is usual for the radar application.

Abstract: A radar reflector which can be deployed from an aircraft and is intended to fly freely after deployment, and which includes multiple reflector surfaces that are essentially plane in an operative state and which issue in pairs in opposite directions from an essentially plane base plane. The radar reflector before deployment can be stored compactly, packed up into the minimum possible volume. This facility for packing the radar reflector up has been achieved in that its reflecting main surfaces have each been divided up by means of specially aligned buckled folds into a plurality of parts which can be folded in towards one another when the reflector is to be folded up.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an RFID reader and active tag (RAT) includes: a first beam forming means for interrogating a plurality of RFID tags using at least a first set of two antennas coupled to a first fixed phase feed network, the beam forming means being configured to adjust gains in the first fixed phase feed network to scan with respect to the plurality of RFID tags; and a second beam forming means for uploading RFID data from the interrogated plurality of RFID tags to an external access point using at least a second set of two antennas coupled to a second fixed phase feed network, the beam forming means being configured to adjust gains in the second fixed phase feed network to direct its RF beam at the external access point.

Abstract: A phased array balloon antenna having an inner membrane coupled to an outer membrane and a phased array antenna connected to an inner membrane. The phased array antenna transmits an energy towards a reflective film on the outer membrane, reflecting the energy outwards and illuminating an area smaller than that illuminated by the phased array alone.

Abstract: The present invention involves an inflatable antenna system including an inflatable antenna and a mounting plate. The inflatable antenna includes an inflatable cone or cylinder and a plurality of conductors integrated therein. The mounting plate can be incorporated into a protective enclosure that holds and protects the inflatable antenna during transport, supports it during use, and provides a means for mounting it to a mast. The mounting plate serves as a mounting surface for the inflatable antenna, a radio frequency (RF) connector, an air intake valve, and an impedance matching network. Selected surfaces of the protective enclosure can be coated with conductive materials. An air intake valve allows for inflation and deflation of the inflatable antenna. Inflatable support members can be used in conjunction with a stabilizing portion comprised of a vertical member and attached weight, to allow the inflatable antenna system to be deployed in water.

Abstract: A large aperture lightweight antenna uses an inflatable spherical surface deployed within a lighter than air platform. Beam steering is accomplished by moving the RF feedpoint(s) with respect to the reflector. The antenna can use an inflatable collapsible transreflector.

Abstract: An inflatable, multifunction, multipurpose, parabolic reflector apparatus 10 having a plurality of manufactured parabolic mirrors 14, 16 made from a pressure-deformable reflective covering of an inflatable ring 12 for focusing electromagnetic energy from radio frequency radiation (RF) through the ultraviolet radiation (UV) and solar energy for (1) heating and cooking, for (2) electrical power generation, for (3) enhancing the transmission and reception of radio signals, for (4) enhancing vision in low-light environments, and for (5) projection of optical signals or images. The device also has non-electromagnetic uses, such as the collection of water. A first main embodiment utilizes two reflective membranes. A second main embodiment utilizes a reflective membrane and a transparent membrane. Portability is enhanced by complete collapsing of the inflatable device.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable camouflage device for concealing recognizable signatures of military objects, comprising a camouflage balloon (1) and a deployment and undeployment device, the latter being equipped with a housing (2) and a fan (3) for inflating the balloon (1) arranged on an opening (4) in the housing. According to the invention, the balloon can be pulled into the housing by means of pull lines (7) secured at one end to the inside of the balloon opposite the opening (4), and at the other end to a motor-driven winding device inside the housing (2). The balloon is thus pulled in in such a way that it is reversed inside the housing, from which state if can then be blown out unreversed as rapidly deployable camouflage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electromagnetic reflector comprising a deployable support frame carrying at least one sheet element designed to form a reflective surface when in the deployed state, wherein the support frame comprises a band that is suitable for being packaged in a folded state and that is suitable for returning to a deployed state in the absence of external constraint, the band being in the form of three rings that are orthogonal in pairs, and the reflector further comprising eight generally triangular panels of sheet material.

Abstract: Radar reflective rescue and safety devices comprise radar permeable coverings around a plurality of reflectors. The radar reflective material may be incorporated into inflatable life vests or foam filled life vests. Additionally, inflatable life rafts with radar reflective cells are able to help personnel lost at sea to be found by radar. The radar reflective cells may also be incorporated into an inflatable cylindrical tube as radar cross-section enhancer separate from other flotation devices. The reflectors are flexible metallic material that forms reflective cavities once the shell is inflated. The reflective cavities may appear as flat surfaces, tilted surfaces, corner reflectors or some combination thereof depending upon the orientation of the cavities to an incident radar wave.

Abstract: A Radar Counter Measure System (RCMS) and method for operating a decoy as a Radar Counter Measure (RCM) against incoming airborne threats, wherein the RCMS consists of an airborne vehicle (6) carrying a payload (8) launched from a platform (2) by a launcher (4). The payload contains one or more decoys. Each decoy includes a folded corner reflector construction (CRC) (14) which is released at a predetermined point on the vehicle's trajectory. The vehicle is launched by a gun (26), a mortar (20), a rocket (32) or another airborne device. Once released, the decoy is deployed and self-erected to become effective as a RCM. The self-erection mechanism (12) is mechanical, pneumatic, pyrotechnic or aerodynamic. The payload (8) may hold various kinds of counter measure devices.

Abstract: A Radar Counter Measure System (RCMS) and method for operating a decoy as a Radar Counter Measure (RCM) against incoming airborne threats, wherein the RCMS consists of an airborne vehicle (6) carrying a payload (8) launched from a platform (2) by a launcher (4). The payload contains one or more decoys. Each decoy includes a folded corner reflector construction (CRC) (14) which is released at a predetermined point on the vehicle's trajectory. The vehicle is launched by a gun (26), a mortar (20), a rocket (32) or another airborne device. Once released, the decoy is deployed and self-erected to become effective as a RCM. The self-erection mechanism (12) is mechanical, pneumatic, pyrotechnic or aerodynamic. The payload (8) may hold various kinds of counter measure devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device forming an electromagnetic reflector comprising a deployable support frame (100) carrying at least one cloth element (200) designed, in the deployed state, to form a reflective surface, the device being characterized by the fact that the deployable support frame (100) comprises at least one deployable arm (120) that is telescopic.

Abstract: There is provided a radar reflector apparatus that is mounted in a lifeboat or a small rescue boat or in a floating buoy used for salvage or search practice, or is used by itself independently, to serve as a radar wave reflector of a search radar. The radar reflector apparatus has a simple structure, and is folded when not in use, and when used, is unfolded automatically when dropped by a marine vessel or aircraft or the like.

Abstract: An inflatable antenna has a plurality of inflatable tori including a first toroidal member and a second toroidal member arranged one radially inward of the other. A front membrane having a reflective coating is attached to the plurality of tori to form a front reflective surface. A rear membrane is attached to the plurality of tori and provides a rear support surface. The inflatable reflector is lightweight and compact and can be easily inflated to a desired shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device forming an electromagnetic reflector comprising a deployable support frame (100) carrying at least one cloth element (200) designed, in the deployed state, to form a reflective surface, the device being characterized by the fact that the deployable support frame (100) comprises at least one deployable arm (120) that is telescopic.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electromagnetic reflector comprising a deployable support frame carrying at least one sheet element designed to form a reflective surface when in the deployed state, wherein the support frame comprises a band that is suitable for being packaged in a folded state and that is suitable for returning to a deployed state in the absence of external constraint, the band being in the form of three rings that are orthogonal in pairs, and the reflector further comprising eight generally triangular panels of sheet material.

Abstract: A radar detectable balloon includes an inflatable envelope with several planar radar-reflecting surfaces. Prior to inflation, the balloon may be collapsed into a compact flat configuration. When inflated, the radar reflective planar faces arranged in such a way that the largest angle formed by every line of sight and a normal to at least one planar face is less than 45°.

Abstract: An emergency passive radar locating device for use by missing persons or craft to enhance their survivability in a search and rescue operation. The emergency passive radar locating device comprises an array of eight radar corner reflectors. Each corner reflector of the emergency passive radar locating device has three radar signal reflective surfaces which are mutually perpendicular. When fully inflated the emergency passive radar locating device is spherical in shape with three mutually perpendicular toroidal flotation rings.

Abstract: A detection system for small water craft, such as a kayak. Radar reflective material is incorporated in the surface of the kayak or other water craft, and also is incorporated in surface areas of water craft accessories, such as cushion, life vest or paddle. When the smaller water craft is in the vicinity of a larger aircraft which may be radar equipped so that there is danger of a collision or where the water craft is in a position where it would want detection as part of a rescue effort or the like, the water craft is oriented so that the radar reflective surface would reflect radar back to the sending source, thus better enabling detection. Also, the paddle or other water craft accessory could be positioned so as to reflect the radar waves. Further, the paddle or other accessory could be oriented to reflect the radar waves back to the source, or do so intermittently, in the event that the radar system is programmed to ignore a constant reflective signal.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a apparatus that includes an inflatable antenna reflector assembly for generating electromagnetic plane waves. The apparatus can be used in a variety of applications in which plane waves are beneficial, such as in a compact range to simulate the long-range behavior of a radar system to test a target for its radar signature. The inflatable reflector assembly of the apparatus includes a base, an arched frame mounted to the base, and an envelope-like cover that fits over the frame. The cover's front side is transmissive to electromagnetic waves, and its rear side is reflective to such waves. The apparatus can include a point source antenna feed, in which case the cover's reflective portion is made to be parabolic, or the antenna feed can be a line source, in which case the cover's reflective portion is spherical. The base can be rested directly on the floor or ground for support.

Abstract: A crossed skirt antiradar screen structure for a space vehicle, such as an orbiting satellite vehicle, having members projecting laterally from the main vehicle body. The screen structure includes multiple primary and auxiliary radar screens having electrically conductive skirts at least partially enclosing the vehicle body and the projecting members in a manner such that the screens cooperate to control the radar cross-section and signature of the entire vehicle. According to an important feature of the invention, the several radar screens are so shaped and arranged that all interior corners defined by the screen skirts have oblique angles which preclude retroreflection of an illuminating radar beam from a ground based radar detection system.

Abstract: Three reflector plates comprising: a lateral reflector plate having two half plates each opposingly placed across a rotation supporting shaft introduced therebetween, a longitudinal reflector plate having two half plates each opposingly placed across the rotation supporting shaft therebetween, and a bottom reflector plate placed at the central portion of the rotation supporting shaft, wherein these three reflector plates are brought into mutual orthogonal intersection at their diameters, and the rotation supporting shaft is provided with an inclination supporting hole with an inclination of a "detection design angle", thereby enabling to maintain the detection design angle when in use and enabling to easily assemble into the shape for use even in case of emergency, and further enabling the reflector plates to be stacked flat one upon another and stored free from bulkiness when not in use.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a store covering for reducing the radar observability of an externally mounted store is provided with a non-rigid body covering. The body covering is provided with a radar reflective material. The body covering is formed to fit around a portion of the externally mounted store. The body covering is in slidable engagement and disengagement about at least a portion of the externally mounted store to allow repeated installation and removal.

Abstract: Inflatable radar reflectors comprising three mutually orthogonal radar reflective planes incorporated within the structure thereof can take the form of a teardrop, a cylindrical drogue or a set of three intersecting discs. A preferred embodiment includes three inflatable hollow toruses of flexible material which mutually intersect in a manner such that their planes are mutually orthogonal and each intersection provides a passage for air to pass between the intersecting sections thereof, inflation means for filling the three toruses simulataneously and collapsible circular panels of radar-reflective material covering each torus so that they form mutually orthogonal radar reflective planes. The preferred embodiment can be encased in a radar permeable balloon.

Abstract: A parachute apparatus with enhanced radar reflective profile by inclusion of multiple panels preferably arranged angularly with respect to one another which are radar reflective in order to enhance the radar cross section of a deployed parachute canopy while not affecting the controlled airborne descent of a load attached thereto.

Abstract: An improved omnidirectional radar retroreflector and marine personal locator incorporating same. One embodiment of the radar retroreflector includes first and second collapsible radar reflective disc portions biased in a substantially perpendicular open position with a plurality of radar reflecting web sections extending substantially perpendicularly therebetween creating eight sets of three mutually-perpendicular radar reflective surfaces forming an omnidirectional radar retroreflector. In a collapsed position, the first and second disc portions bend around a common axis of intersection in a non-destructive manner folding the web sections.

Abstract: A false target deployment system including an inflatable and collapsible decoy packaged in a munition for deploying the decoy in its collapsed state from an actual target at risk due to a potential threat. The decoy is rapidly inflated during deployment and the decoy includes coatings and/or other devices for emulating the infrared, radar and/or laser reflectivity characteristics of the actual target thereby providing a false target for the threat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing small size, high gain corner reflection of radio frequency signals for use in military and commercial applications. Conventional corner reflector practice is combined with electronic amplifying reflection devices such as the superregenerative amplifier to provide an array of antennas and amplifiers spread over each planar surface of a corner reflector. The specific antenna used may be selected from a plurality of various antenna types depending on the application. As in a conventional corner reflector, the amplified signal is reflected at the same angle and in the opposite direction of the incident signal.

Abstract: Distress signal kits comprise a parafoil for carrying aloft various emergency or distress signals such as radar reflective materials, lights, flares, distress flags or smoke signals. Preferably the parafoil itself is colored International orange and contains a U.S. Coast Guard-approved distress signal (BLACK SQUARE AND CIRCLE) on both top and bottom surfaces. The parafoil can be used to raise a spinnaker sail attached to a vessel or swimmer. The spinnaker can also carry radar reflective components and/or distress flags, and can be fitted for other survival uses.

Abstract: A device for the sensor signature reduction of cargo to be dropped from the air comprises a covering that essentially completely surrounds the cargo, which is made of a flexible material having a surface that reflects the expected radar radiation, wherein it is provided with openings for the inlet of ram air.

Abstract: Distress signal kits comprise a parafoil for carrying aloft various emergency or distress signals such as radar reflective materials, lights, flares, distress flags or smoke signals. Preferably the parafoil itself is colored International orange and contains a U.S. Coast Guard-approved distress signal (BLACK SQUARE AND CIRCLE) on both top and bottom surfaces. The parafoil can be used to raise a spinnaker sail attached to a vessel or swimmer. The spinnaker can also carry radar reflective components and/or distress flags, and can be fitted for other survival uses.

Abstract: A coating composition for the attenuation of the reflection electromagnetic radiation and particularly electromagnetic radiation have a wavelength of greater than 800 nm including the near infrared is described. The composition comprises a chromophore capable of absorbing up to about 95% of the electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength greater than 800 nm. Optionally, the composition may comprise microbeads that serve the purpose of also scattering the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A radar shield, in particular for an aircraft radar antenna, comprises a plurality of elongate triangular blinds 6 that may be stowed on individual rollers 7. To deploy the shield, the blinds are drawn from the rollers by wind-up spools to form a pyramidal shield within, for example, the aircraft radome assembly.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional decoy uses a non-combustible exterior to support a reive interior metal film in the form of a rapidly inflatable balloon to generate an infrared and radar signature to match the thermal and radar profiles of an intended target.

Abstract: The towed multi-band radar decoy or target is a collapsible, airstream-inflatable device intended to be used for providing gunnery practice or electronic countermeasure protection for aircraft against radars and radar-guided missiles by being towed on a line behind the aircraft and offering a more attractive radar target than the aircraft for the radar or radar guided missile to track and home on. The decoy or target is collapsible, so that many can be stored in a small space, and can be deployed while an aircraft is airborne. The decoy is comprised of a sleeve of radar-transparent fabric having a tapered cylindrical shape and an open mouth at a narrow end, and clusters of orthogonal trihedral corners formed from flat conductive surfaces fixed inside and to said sleeve which can be folded and collapsed into a small space, and once inflated, for providing a radar reflective signature which exceeds that of a towing aircraft over predetermined angular aspects.

Abstract: An aerial marker device includes a bracket to attach the device to an elevated structure such as a power line. A body is attached to the bracket and includes an outer envelope which is inflatable to provide the desired shape of the aerial marker device.

Abstract: An inflatable shield for suppressing the characteristic radiation signature of a satellite is described. The shield is conical-shaped and made from a thin synthetic polymer film material coated with a radiation reflecting material, such as gold or aluminum. At least one subliming agent is contained within the shield to inflate the shield when exposed to heat. An ultraviolet curable slurry coats the inner walls of the shield and permanently hardens the shield upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation from a self-contained source. The shield optionally may include absorbing and desiccant agents to absorb unwanted gas and water and prevent interference with the primary mission of the satellite. Additional means may be included for moving and positioning the shield with respect to the satellite.

Abstract: Radar reflector structure is disclosed including a plurality of reflector elements which in use are arranged in a non-planar configuration, the reflector elements include a thin flexible member extending between adjacent reflector elements substantially at or below the surface of the elements, the thin flexible member thereby providing a flexible hinge between the elements.