Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in determining the range in a single time sample from a platform to a target are disclosed. The method includes receiving radiation emanating from the target at two points on the platform in a common time sample; detecting the received radiation and generating a signal representative thereof; and processing the signal. The signal is processed to determine a respective angle to target from two points on the platform by using a correlation between received signal amplitude and respective angle; and determine the range from the platform to the target from the respective angles and the separation distance between said two points in a single signal-to-noise sufficient sample. The apparatus includes a plurality of optical channels through which the apparatus can receive radiation emanating from the target, the optical channels and a plurality of electronics.

Abstract: A microwave imaging system suppresses sidelobes in a microwave image captured using a sparse antenna array using an illumination system that operates in two different illumination modes. The antenna array including subarrays of antenna elements arranged in a sparse geometry to form complementary subarray patterns. The illumination system operates in a first mode to transmit microwave illumination to both of the complementary subarray patterns of the antenna array and receive reflected microwave illumination from both of the complementary subarray patterns of the antenna array to produce a first receive signal. The illumination system further operates in a second mode to transmit microwave illumination to a first one of the complementary subarray patterns of the antenna array and receive reflected microwave illumination from a second one of the complementary subarray patterns of the antenna array to produce a second receive signal.

Abstract: If the maximum time width Lt of the intensity of received light of reflected waves from a vehicle ahead is smaller than a reference time width, it is judged that the vehicle ahead is positioned in proximity to the detection limit distance of an obstacle detection device for vehicle. Thus, there is no problem, for example, even if a cut-in vehicle is present in reality between the vehicle ahead and the vehicle of interest and nevertheless, the distance to the cut-in vehicle cannot be detected. It can be judged whether the vehicle ahead is positioned in proximity to the detection limit distance of the device by judging the magnitude relation between Lt and the reference time width. As a result, the detecting capability of the device can be judged with accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention is related a method and system for irradiating a target location or material with high-amplitude narrow pulses of electromagnetic (EM) energy at a periodic or quasi-periodic rate. The method and system comprises generating at least three electromagnetic signals simultaneously in space from at least three sources, each signal having the same repetition rate and a different frequency, and directing each signal to at least one predetermined target, and adjusting the phase of each signal, so that its peak field occurs at the same instant as the occurrence of the peak fields of all the signals at the target.

Abstract: A countermeasure system for jamming an attack unit is provided. The attack unit receives an infrared carrier signal for detection of a target under attack and is vulnerable to countermeasures from another infrared carrier signal modulated by a predetermined modulating signal. The countermeasure system includes a radio frequency source for generating a radio frequency carrier signal, a modulator for modulating the radio frequency carrier signal using the predetermined modulating signal, and a antenna for transmitting the modulated radio frequency signal towards the attack unit.

Abstract: A fast acting active protection system for military vehicles defeats RPG (rocket propelled grenade) threats fired from close ranges. The system minimizes the hazard to troops and civilians nearby. The system uses a plurality of passive sensors to locate the threat and initialize the system. A low cost radar or laser tracker is used as the means to determine range, velocity, and (if required) angular position of the threat. The countermunition used may be one of several choices, with the requisites being that the countermunition provides fast response with low inertia, and is able to damage or destroy the detected threat. A multi-barrel recoilless gun is the weapon of choice. A launching device is used to deploy and aim the countermunition and the tracking means. On board software and electronics are used to control the system.

Abstract: A dual-mode target seeking apparatus having a seeker dome defining an aperture and transmissive to microwave frequency energy of a first frequency and to light wave energy at a second frequency and at a third frequency. An optics system within the seeker dome is transmissive to the microwave frequency energy reflective to the light wave energy received via the aperture. A first detector receives the microwave frequency energy via the aperture, and a second detector images a target by the light wave energy of the second and third frequencies via the optics system.

Abstract: An image processing system to be mounted to a vehicle includes a radar adapted to measure distance and direction to an object based on reflected electromagnetic waves which are outputted to scan the exterior of the vehicle, an image-taking device such as a camera for obtaining an image, and an image processor for carrying out image processing on a specified image processing area in an image obtained by the image-taking device. The image processor is adapted to determine a center position of the image processing area according to a measurement point of an object detected by the radar and the size of the image processing area according to a beam profile of electromagnetic waves outputted from the radar.

Abstract: A weather radar signal path for an aircraft. The signal path has an antenna, a digital down-converter, a first transceiver, fiber optic cabling, a second transceiver and a processing unit. The antenna is adapted to, in a first mode, receive reflected radar signals from atmosphere ahead. The digital down-converter is adapted to convert the reflected radar signals received by the antenna into digital radar signals at a lower frequency. The first transceiver is adapted to, in the first mode, at least transmit the digital radar signals through said fiber optic cabling. The fiber optic cabling is adapted to, in the first mode, transfer the digital radar signals between the first and second transceivers. The second transceiver is adapted to, in the first mode, receive said digital radar signals from the fiber optic cabling. The processing unit is adapted to, in the first mode, process the digital radar signals to generate weather information based on predetermined algorithm.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting an object uses a composite evidence grid based on dual frequency sensing. A source transmits a laser transmission in a first zone. A detector receives a reflection of the laser transmission from an object in the first zone to determine laser observed data associated with points on the object. A transmitter transmits a radar transmission in a second zone that overlaps with the first zone. A receiver receives a reflection of the radar transmission from an object in the second zone to determine radar observed data associated with points on the object. The laser observed data is processed to form a laser occupancy grid for the first zone and the radar observed data is processed to form a radar occupancy grid for the second zone. An evaluator evaluates the radar occupancy grid and the laser occupancy grid to produce a composite evidence grid for at least an overlapping region defined by the first zone and the second zone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting, locating, and identifying microwave transmitters and receivers at distant locations are disclosed. First and second electromagnetic beams at first and second frequencies, respectively, are transmitted in first and second directions. The second frequency is offset from the first frequency to define an interference difference frequency. As such, the first and second electromagnetic beams interfere at a far field distance corresponding to an intersection of the first and second electromagnetic beams. In the far field the beams interfere with microwave devices that reradiate a return radiation at the difference frequency. The methods and apparatuses detect the return radiation at the difference frequency, such as by way of a receiver, and locate the interference zone to determine the location of the microwave device, such as by a processor.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an augmented reality system for traffic control combines data from a plurality of sensors to display, in real time, information about traffic control objects, such as airplanes. The sensors collect data, such as infrared, ultraviolet, and acoustic data. The collected data is weather-independent due to the combination of different sensors. The traffic control objects and their associated data are then displayed visually to the controller regardless of external viewing conditions. The system also responds to the controller's physical gestures or voice commands to select a particular traffic control object for close-up observation or to open a communication channel with the particular traffic control object.

Abstract: An interceptor device for protecting a platform against an incoming threat is provided. The interceptor device comprises a housing and a countermeasure device. At least one detonating charge is capable of deploying the countermeasure device. A controller device housed by the housing is capable of directing the detonating charge(s) to deploy the countermeasure device at least partially radially outward of the housing, corresponding to the threat trajectory. A sensor device is in communication with the controller device, and comprises a range-finding apparatus including one of a LADAR, a RADAR, and a LIDAR device, capable of sensing the threat and/or a range thereof, at least partially radially outward of the housing, and notifying the controller device if the threat is sensed, to cause the controller device to direct the detonating charge(s) to deploy the countermeasure device to impact the threat in the intercept zone. Associated systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Calibration of an acceleration detector is initiated by a user depressable button such as a button indicating a vehicle is at rest and/or by the detector reading an OBDII vehicle communication protocol to determine the condition of the vehicle. Calibration permits more accurate measurements in a vehicle performance test.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and system for determining accurately at least one coordinate of a sensor (or a transducer including a sensor) relative to a predetermined reference location, particularly where the sensor is part of a transducer for ground penetrating radar. A marker detector is positioned in a predetermined relationship with the sensor; a marker is detected with the marker detector and positional information associated with the marker is received, from which a position of the transducer or sensor is determined, based on the received positional information associated with the marker and the predetermined relationship between the marker detector and the sensor. The marker may, for example, be a bar code and the marker detector may be an optical scanner. The sensor may be a receiving antenna for a GPR signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a RF radar transmit waveform and for decoding RF return waveforms comprising: a RF-lightwave encoder and a decoding preprocessor to phase-encode the RF radar transmit waveform and partially decode the return signal, the encoder including switched optical delay lines for producing desired RF phase shifts, and the decoding preprocessor including a tapped optical delay line and optical delay lines that counteract the delays imposed by the delay lines of the encoder, wherein the RF-lightwave encoder and the decoders allow shorter compressed pulses and larger pulse-compression ratios to be achieved than can be obtained using conventional electronic approaches. Wideband transmit waveforms can be generated due to the use of the switched optical delay lines and, unlike prior art approaches, is not restricted to single-frequency waveforms. The taps can be weighted to accomplish objectives such as reduction of side lobes in the compressed pulse.

Abstract: An active protection system comprising an ultrawideband radar for threat detection, an optical tracker for precision threat position measurement, and a high powered laser for threat kill or mitigation. The uwb radar may use a sparse array antenna and may also utilize Doppler radar information. The high powered laser may be of the optically pumped solid state type and in one embodiment may share optics with the optical tracker. In one embodiment, the UWB radar is used to focus the high power laser. Alternative interceptor type kill mechanisms are disclosed. In a further embodiment, the kill mechanism may be directed to the source of the threat.

Abstract: Applicants' ATR system is weather-agile because it is comprised of a primary target sensing means that is capable of surveilling the target scene in foul or fair weather, and a secondary target sensing means that is also capable of sensing targets in various weather. The primary and secondary sensing means communicate through a control center so that ultimately, among several weapons available, the most strategically located and equipped weapon is activated for the destruction of a selected target, given the weather. The control center accomplishes the communication by receiving the sensed target signature from the primary sensing means, processing the signature using database already resident in the center and transmitting the processed target signature to the weapon possessing the greatest potential for successfully destroying the target.

Abstract: The present invention is related a method and system for irradiating a target location or material with high-amplitude narrow pulses of electromagnetic (EM) energy at a periodic or quasi-periodic rate. The method and system comprises generating at least three electromagnetic signals simultaneously in space from at least three sources, each signal having the same repetition rate and a different frequency, and directing each signal to at least one predetermined target, and adjusting the phase of each signal, so that its peak field occurs at the same instant as the occurrence of the peak fields of all the signals at the target.

Abstract: An object sensing apparatus for driver assistance systems in motor vehicles, including at least two sensor systems which measure data concerning the location and/or motion status of objects in the vicinity of the vehicle, and whose detection regions overlap one another, characterized by an error recognition device that checks the data measured by the sensor systems for absence of contradictions, and outputs an error signal upon detection of a contradiction.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an optical (visible-light or near IR) imaging system and a microwave imaging system. The optical imaging system captures an optical image of the object, produces optical image data representing the optical image and extracts optical image information from the optical image data. The microwave imaging system produces microwave image data representing a microwave image of the object in response to the optical image information.

Abstract: The system and method for standoff detection of human carried explosives (HCE) is a portable system that automatically detects HCE up to a range of 200 meters and within seconds alerts an operator to HCE threats. The system has radar only, or both radar and video sensors, a multi-sensor processor, an operator console, handheld displays, and a wideband wireless communications link. The processor receives radar and video feeds and automatically tracks and detects all humans in the field of view. Track data continuously cues the narrow beam radar to a subject of interest, the radar repeatedly interrogating cued objects, producing a multi-polarity radar range profile for each interrogation event. Range profiles and associated features are automatically fused over time until sufficient evidence is accrued to support a threat/non-threat declaration hypothesis. Once a determination is made, the system alerts operators through a handheld display and mitigates the threat if desired.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly determining the source of an incoming projectile applies controlled, active RF energy source(s) to illuminate a target area/projectile, and exploits Doppler induced frequency shifts from multiple receivers to develop a vector solution. The preferred solution applies continuous wave (CW) RF illuminators to flood a local region with a controlled source of radio frequency energy and one or more displaced receiver elements. The system operates multi-statically and as an incoming projectile enters the illuminated region, reflected energy from one or more illuminators is detected by one or more displaced RF receivers. Doppler shifts imparted on the reflected signals are detected by the receivers as the projectile moves through the region. Appropriate processing of the receiver outputs generates Doppler time-frequency profiles that are used to derive an estimate of the projectile flight vector in 3-space (x,y,z).

Abstract: A system and method of providing situational awareness and weapon targeting is presented. The method includes determining the location of one or more enemy sites and one or more friendly sites. A “Do Not Engage” (DNE) zone is determined around each of the friendly sites and an “Allowable Engagement” (AE) zone is established around each of the enemy sites, wherein none of the AE zones overlap any of the DNE zones. An engagement plan is then determined based on the AE zones and integrity bounds on candidate munitions. The system includes a processing and communications network and a sensor element in communication with the processing and communications network. The system also includes a command control element in communication with the processing and communications network and an operating elements section in communication with the processing and communications network.

Abstract: A radar and laser detection device for mounting upon a motorcycle is described which provides increased concealment, security, safety, ease of use and functionality specific to the needs of motorcycle drivers. A method of semi-permanently mounting the device is described which requires no permanent alterations to the vehicle while providing improved visibility of alarm signals, a simple display technique, and controls which do not require the operator to remove his/her hands from the vehicle handlebars.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a combined radar and laser detector that enables a driver to drive safely and, more particularly, to a combined radar and laser detector, in which a signal receiving module for receiving various kinds of signals including traffic information and an information display module for informing a driver of the signals are separated, the signal receiving module and information display module are constructed to communicate with each other using wireless communication, and the information display module is integrated with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver detecting GPS data related to the location and speed of a moving vehicle, so that the combined radar and laser detector can not only provide accurate traffic information to the driver, but also allow the installation thereof to be easy, the miniaturization thereof to be achieved, and power consumption to be minimized.

Abstract: The advantage of flexible multi-axis robot systems and robot cell-unit systems being further extended by providing electric and electronic E-POOL networks, consisting of multiblock individual computer units, central computers, board computers, satellite units, antenna units, open and contact protected under floor and upper floor current and communication supply lines.

Abstract: A system and a method for distance measurement utilizes a radio system. The distance is measured in coarse resolution, and in fine resolution that corresponds to distance attributes. The distance between first and second radio transceivers is determined from the coarse distance and the fine distance attributes.

Abstract: A proximity sensor for use with a guidance system of a smart bomb including a ranging radar proximity sensor configured for mounting on a smart bomb and a radome connected to the ranging radar proximity sensor. A laser radiation sensor system is attached to the proximity sensor, which is configured and arranged to detect laser radiation reflected from a target which passes through the radome and output the azimuth and elevation angles to the target to the guidance system.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for suppressing motion artifacts introduced by movement of a radar detection system. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a Doppler radar module configured to transmit a microwave signal directed towards an object and receive the reflected microwave signals from the object and a living subject positioned behind the object. Also, the system includes a reference module configured to transmit a reference signal towards the object and receive the reflected reference signal from the object. By comparing the two reflected signals from the Doppler radar module and the reference device, a signal processor suppresses motion artifacts generated by movement of the Doppler radar module to identify the presence of the living subject behind the object. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for administering a restricted flight zone using radar and lasers for detecting, tracking, warning and destroying airborne craft that enter restricted flight zones without authorization or that approach dangerously close to protected areas on the ground. The system comprises a support for positioning adjacent the surface of the Earth at a bottom of the zone, detecting and defending apparatus mounted on the support for detecting airborne objects in the zone and defending against the airborne objects in the zone, and controlling apparatus for controlling the detecting and defending means.

Abstract: An image sensor section and a millimeter-wave sensor section separately detect objects. A sensor matching section determines whether the objects detected by the image sensor section and the millimeter-wave sensor section are one and the same object. If the objects are one and the same object, the sensor matching section estimates a position of the obstacle after a certain period. A collision prediction section determined whether there is going to be a collision between the vehicle and the object 50 from the position estimated by the sensor matching section.

Abstract: If the maximum time width Lt of the intensity of received light of reflected waves from a vehicle ahead is smaller than a reference time width, it is judged that the vehicle ahead is positioned in proximity to the detection limit distance of an obstacle detection device for vehicle. Thus, there is no problem, for example, even if a cut-in vehicle is present in reality between the vehicle ahead and the vehicle of interest and nevertheless, the distance to the cut-in vehicle cannot be detected. It can be judged whether the vehicle ahead is positioned in proximity to the detection limit distance of the device by judging the magnitude relation between Lt and the reference time width. As a result, the detecting capability of the device can be judged with accuracy.

Abstract: A technique is provided that uses a dual mode seeker (IR and LADAR) for precise target dynamics measurement, which extends stripping to a much higher altitude than ground based radar. Initial results show that this approach works to altitudes in excess of 100 km. Stripping becomes a reliable way to discriminate lighter weight decoys from reentry vehicles at altitudes and ranges consistent with planned divert capabilities for terminal phase missile defense. It is a finding of this invention that the LADAR will improve the spatial resolution by a factor of five over typical missile defense IR seekers using a common aperture. The LADAR provides a 3D angle, angle, range (AAR) image for each laser pulse which is used to extract the precise target state vectors.

Abstract: A method of creating electromagnetic interference includes creating an electromagnetic (EM) field of a frequency at distant target by transmitting at least two electromagnetic beams. At the target, the beams may converge and interfere creating an interference difference frequency. In another method, the beams may be combined and the combined beams create an interference over a distance. An interference difference frequency is selected so that a desired electromagnetic frequency is established at the target creating interference. The interference difference frequency is established by the difference in the two electromagnetic beams. As each converges or is combined, the resultant frequency corresponds to the difference between each the frequencies of each beam. An apparatus for creating electromagnetic radiation includes at least two transmitters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for early detection and identification of a threat such as individuals carrying hidden explosive materials, land mines on roads, etc. are disclosed. Methods comprise transmitting radar signals in the direction of a potential threat, measuring the energy in reflected signals, dynamically generating a threat threshold value from signals received from multiple areas and comparing the energy in the reflected signals corresponding to different areas to the generated threat threshold value. The threat threshold value may be generated by averaging the weighted reflected energy measured from different areas during a single scan of a region including the different areas. The contribution to the threshold from different areas is weighted in some embodiments as a function of the distance from the transmitter and/or receiver to the particular area. Analysis of areas and treating different areas as segments facilitates accurate analysis and display of threat information.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for characterizing an overhead line. A radar signal is propagated in a region that includes at least a portion of the overhead line and a reference object, which may, for example, be a ground surface, growth over a ground surface, or another overhead line. A reflected radar signal is received from the overhead line and the reference object. A determination is made of a geometric relationship between the overhead line and the reference object, such as by determining a minimal separation between the overhead line and the reference object.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying harmful airborne biota, particularly insects, and including plant material, such as mold spores and pollen, and flying insects and birds and either killing ordisabling the harmful airborne biota is disclosed. Lasers, radar, and other types of radiation may be used to illuminate at least a perimeter around assets to be protected, with radiation returns detected and applied to a pattern classifier to determine whether the detected insects of interests are harmful, benign or beneficial. In the event the insects are determined to be harmful, a variety of measures responsive to the radiation returns may be taken to eliminate the harmful insects, these measures including firing pulses of beamed energy or radiation of a sufficient intensity to at least incapacitate them, or mechanical measures such as controlled drone aircraft to track and kill the pests.

Abstract: A radar device mounted to a vehicle includes a camera for obtaining images including the road surface in front of or behind the vehicle on which it is mounted, a sensor having for obtaining at least positional information on a target object of detection such as another vehicle in front or behind and a control unit for correcting the direction of the center axis of the sensor based on the image obtained by the camera. The control unit detects a line segment along a lane in which the vehicle is traveling, detects a vector indicative of the direction on a road-fixed coordinate system of the obtained line segment, and controls correction of horizontal and vertical directions of the center axis of the sensor so as to coincide with the direction of the detected vector.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a combined radar and laser detector that enables a driver to drive safely and, more particularly, to a combined radar and laser detector, in which a signal receiving module for receiving various kinds of signals including traffic information and an information display module for informing a driver of the signals are separated, the signal receiving module and information display module are constructed to communicate with each other using wireless communication, and the information display module is integrated with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver detecting GPS data related to the location and speed of a moving vehicle, so that the combined radar and laser detector can not only provide accurate traffic information to the driver, but also allow the installation thereof to be easy, the miniaturization thereof to be achieved, and power consumption to be minimized.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium are provided for creating a quantitative, three-dimensional representation of a surface of a human subject. Data representing a physical appearance of a human subject is gathered using inverse synthetic aperture radar. A source signal is directed toward the human subject as the target rotates through a range of motion and a return signal is collected. The returned signal is transformed into a quantitative representation of the surface data. The quantitative representation can be added to an archive or can be checked against an archive to determine if the human target is indexed in the archive.

Abstract: A road antenna apparatus includes a road antenna 104 which is mounted on a post 103 and at an elevated position on a road R and establishes radio communication with an on-vehicle radio device 102 mounted in a vehicle 101 which is traveling over the road; a controller controls a level of a transmission output signal of the antenna based on a receiving rate of the transmission output signal. A laser-beam emitting device 111 is mounted on the road antenna and radiates a laser beam onto the surface of the road. A laser-beam receiving device mounted on the road receives the laser beam emitted from the laser-beam emitting device. The controller stops the operation of the antenna when the laser-beam receiver device cannot receive the laser beam.

Abstract: An image sensor section and a millimeter-wave sensor section separately detect objects. A sensor matching section determines whether the objects detected by the image sensor section and the millimeter-wave sensor section are one and the same object. If the objects are one and the same object, the sensor matching section estimates a position of the obstacle after a certain period. A collision prediction section determined whether there is going to be a collision between the vehicle and the object 50 from the position estimated by the sensor matching section.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for early detection and identification of a threat such as individuals carrying hidden explosive materials, land mines on roads, etc. are disclosed. Methods comprise transmitting radar signals in the direction of a potential threat, measuring the energy in reflected signals, dynamically generating a threat threshold value from signals received from multiple areas and comparing the energy in the reflected signals corresponding to different areas to the generated threat threshold value. The threat threshold value may be generated by averaging the weighted reflected energy measured from different areas during a single scan of a region including the different areas. The contribution to the threshold from different areas is weighted in some embodiments as a function of the distance from the transmitter and/or receiver to the particular area. Analysis of areas and treating different areas as segments facilitates accurate analysis and display of threat information.

Abstract: An object location system for identifying the location of objects positioned in front of a host road vehicle (100), comprising: a first sensing means (101) such as a radar or lidar system which transmits a signal and receives reflected portions of the transmitted signal, obstacle detection means (103) adapted to identify the location of obstacles from information from the first sensing means (101); image acquisition means (102) such as a video camera adapted to capture a digital image of at least part of the road ahead of the host vehicle (100); image processing means (103) which processes a search portion of the captured digital image, the search portion including the location of obstacles indicated by the obstacle detection means (103) and being smaller than the captured digital image; and obstacle processing means which determine characteristics of detected obstacles. A method or using such a system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-sensor system includes multiple sensors that are integrated onto the same substrate forming a unitary multi-sensor platform that provides a known consistent physical relationship between the multiple sensors. A processor can also be integrated onto the substrate so that data from the multiple sensors can be processed locally by the multi-sensor system.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to obtain a coherent laser radar device that provides one system of a photo detector and eliminates a blind zone, including a pulsed laser that oscillates at a frequency which is identical with or close to an output light of a local light source as a single frequency; a transmission/reception optical system that irradiates a pulsed laser beam from the pulsed laser toward a target as a transmission light and receives a scattered light from the target as a reception light; a light coupling means that couples the output light from the local light source and the reception light; a photo detecting portion that conducts light coherent detection on a coupled light; and a signal processing device that calculates a speed and a distance of a target in accordance with an output of the detection, in which the photo detecting portion comprises: a photo detecting element that conducts the light coherent detection; a microwave switch that changes over a propagation path of an output from the ph

Abstract: Methods and Apparatus for early detection and identification of a threat, and alerting against detected threats, such as individuals wearing or carrying explosive materials and/or weapons, e.g., suicide bombers and other terrorists, at a great enough distance to limit loss of life and destruction of property are disclosed. The methods comprise transmitting a signal in the direction of a potential threat, measuring the detected reflected signal, and comparing the signal level with a threshold indicative of a threat. A monitor is employed to display the threat and attributes of the detected signals. The invention further illuminates the suspicious individual(s) with a Laser illuminator/designator and provides information about the distance to the suspicious individual(s).

Abstract: A system for the detection and determination of the success of interception of incoming missiles, used in conjunction with a defense weapon system capable of identifying and tracking incoming missiles and interceptors. The system comprises at least one of a plurality of sensing units. Each sensing unit comprises: an optical sensor for detecting optical signals within a predetermined range; tracking means coupled to the optical sensor for tracking an intercepting missile or an incoming missile; processing means for processing optical input detected by the optical sensor and analyzing the optical input to identify an optical signature and determine detonation of interceptor or incoming missile; communicating means for communicating data between the sensing unit and the defense weapon system; and control means for controlling the tracking means, the processing means and the communicating data.

Abstract: A method of tracking a target (2) moving in an airspace and a target tracking system (10) for performing the method are described. A search sensor (12) searches a search space at a first clock rate (2&pgr;/&Dgr;T1) and establishes target information in regard to a track (4) flown through by the target (2). Calculation means (16) extrapolate an expected flight path (6) from the target information established and provide flight path data, which describes the expected flight path (8), to a tracking sensor (14), which covers a tracking space (15), and provides this data at a second clock rate (2&agr;/&Dgr;T2), which is higher than the first clock rate (2&pgr;/&Dgr;T1). When the target (2) reaches the tracking space (15), the tracking sensor (14) is aimed at the expected flight path (6) on the basis of the flight path data provided, the target (2) is detected as soon as it is detectable by the tracking sensor (14), and the tracking sensor (14) is tracked on the target autonomously.