Abstract: A projectile's payload is oriented (independently or by orientation of the projectile itself) toward a target just prior to firing (e.g., detonation of the payload), e.g., for munitions providing an increased kill and casualty area and a fire “in defilade” (left, right, backwards or at any angle) capability.

Abstract: Sensor(s) may be used to detect threat data. A processing system and/or a method may be used to fuse the detected threat data over time. Threat data may comprise information on a munition, missile, rocket, or nuclear/biological/chemical (NBC) projectile or delivery system. Detected threat data may be processed to create a target track-lethality list comprising the locations of any target(s) and a ranking of their lethality in comparison to decoys or chaff. The target track-lethality list may be used to create a target engagement-track list that matches available threat elimination resources (e.g. interceptors) to targets with a weapon-to-target assignment module.

Abstract: A method and a device for launching an underwater moving body. In order to reduce the expenses arising from furnishing watercraft, a land supported deployment of underwater moving bodies in coastal waters using a launching device is provided with a land-based carrier system for transporting the underwater moving body and a corresponding land-based deploying system.

Abstract: A guided projectile may include a projectile body, an inertial measurement unit disposed within the projectile body, one or more control surfaces extendable from the projectile body, and a controller which controls the one or more control surfaces in response, at least in part, to measurement data received from the inertial measurement unit. The inertial measurement unit may include sensors to measure motion parameters relative to first, second, and third mutually orthogonal axes, wherein each of the first, second and third mutually orthogonal axes is oblique to a longitudinal axis of the projectile body.

Abstract: A system for reducing the operational efficiency of a watercraft's propulsion system includes a self-propelled and variable-speed unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) that has at least one homing device adapted to direct the UUV towards an origin of a targeted watercraft's propulsion wake. At least one rod is coupled to a forward end of the UUV and extends forward therefrom at least when the UUV is in proximity to the origin of the targeted watercraft's propulsion wake. At this point, the UUV is directed and accelerated to drive the rod into the targeted watercraft's propulsor.

Abstract: A system and method capable of providing a cooperative network for applying countermeasures to airborne threats is provided. The system contains at least one aircraft having an airborne countermeasures system (ACS) capable of controlling deployment of countermeasures located on the aircraft. The system also contains a central countermeasures management system (CCMS) capable of communicating with the ACS to control the ACS in deployment of the countermeasures located on the aircraft. The aircraft may be one of a series of aircrafts, where each aircraft within the series of aircrafts has a separate ACS thereon, and where each separate ACS is capable of controlling deployment of countermeasures located on an aircraft within the series of aircrafts on which the separate ACS is located. When multiple aircrafts are within the network, the CCMS is capable of communicating with each separate ACS in response to the airborne threat, to control deployment of the countermeasures.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, an apparatus and method for operating an unmanned and autonomous vehicle includes a sensor management module configured to direct sensors as to what function they are to provide; a mission management module configured to provide execute function capabilities; an effects management module configured to provide launching and directing weapons to their target capabilities; a vehicle management module; a situation awareness management module configured to provide correlate sensor data of objects, threats, targets, geographic points of interest that the pilot requires in the immediate environment; a communications management module; an information management module configured to provide a database of intelligence-related data; a middleware module configured to interface with the sensor management module, the mission management module, the effects management module, the vehicle management module, the situation awareness management module, the communications management module, and the inf

Abstract: A system and method for rapid aiming and firing of weapons and defensive countermeasures against rocket-propelled grenades or other ballistic devices suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships.

Abstract: A vehicle for launching from a gas gun having a housing; preferably incorporating a precessional attitude control system; and utilizing a flared base, fins, or active use of the attitude control system during passage through the atmosphere. Subtly canting the fins can produce desired spinning of the vehicle. The propulsion system can employ liquid, hybrid, or solid fuel. A removable aero-shell assists atmospheric flight with thermal protection being provided by anticipated ablation, an ablative aero-spike, or transpirational cooling. And a releasable sabot enhances the effectiveness of the launch.

Abstract: A weapon system comprising a weapon for firing ammunition bodies, and at least one scanner for examining the structure of one of the ammunition bodies. A method for firing ammunition bodies by means of a weapon includes the step of scanning one of the ammunition bodies prior to firing thereof. A method of detecting ammunition bodies includes the step of scanning the structure of one of the ammunition bodies.

Abstract: A method for providing fire support command and control for small unit operations. The method involves displaying a geographical representation of a battle space using a map. One or more strike asset icons are displayed on the map, each representing strike assets which are geographically dispersed within the battle space. At least one target icon is also displayed on the map to represent a target within the battle space. In response to a user input identifying a desired effect upon the target, the system graphically conveys fire mission planning information to the user during an interactive mission planning process.

Abstract: A system for mitigating the effects of an unexpected explosion against a surface is described and claimed. This invention comprises at least one containment vessel containing explosive material fitted with a detonator; and at least one sensing device that can ignite the detonator; or, in another embodiment, a computer interposed between sensing devices and a plurality of detonators to optimize the response. Because transient voltages from a high-voltage firing system can accidentally ignite the detonators, a safety switch driven by an EBW detonator is interposed between the firing system and the counter-explosive devices. The explosive force generated by the current invention attenuates the shockwave and deflects the shrapnel from the unexpected explosion. In various embodiments, this counter-explosive device can be adapted to protect a multiplicity of surface types including exterior vehicle surfaces, building facades, bridges, embassies and military checkpoints and guard stations.

Abstract: Guided airborne weapons fired in a salvo against multiple targets are deconflicted by performing a scene correlation of multiple cued targets to TLOs acquired by the seeker's imaging sensor to track a target package. If the weapon is provided with a multimode seeker, target cues for a common designated target and a common SAL code are provided to each weapon. Each weapon uses its SAL sensor to detect and process a SAL return to verify the common SAL code and augment their scene correlations by fixing the TLO track file of the common designated target to the cued track file associated with the designated target. At terminal, each weapon commits to a particular target by referencing its assigned target to the tracked target package. Correlation to multiple targets in the target package makes the acquisition and tracking process more robust and reduces targeting ambiguity. Furthermore, a single SAL designation can improve the tracking of all the weapons to their respective targets.

Abstract: A projectile system for impeding vessel movement is provided. The system includes a projectile device that contains a superoxide material for generating an exothermic reaction when exposed to water. At termination of flight, the projectile releases the superoxide material into the surrounding water. A delay can be set to enable the projectile to release its payload underneath the water surface, creating both a disturbance in the water and large gas bubbles to affect the trajectory of the target surface vessel.

Abstract: An active denial apparatus for use in non-lethal weaponry includes at least one focusing element configured to focus millimeter-wave energy along an axis of propagation. The at least one focusing element includes an astigmatic or dual axis focusing system configured to direct a focused beam that allows the active denial apparatus to accurately immobilize targets at both close and long range within acceptable limits of intensity.

Abstract: There is proposed a system for managing fire of snipers, including a central station (CS) and a plurality of N individual kits (IK), each operated by one sniper. Preferably, the IK includes: --a rifle, --an optical sight (OS) mounted on the rifle with a mechanism for correction of the OS, --equipment including devices activating the rifle's firing pin; --a laser target designator having an axis coinciding with the OS axis, satellite navigation receiver (SNR), video-camera, symbol generator, adding device summarizing output signals, readiness sensor installed on the rifle's trigger, command decoder; zoom-lens actuator; electronic switches controlling the zoom-lens actuator, laser rangefinder; commutator receiving output signals from the laser rangefinder and SNR, and radio-modem module (IK-RM) provided with a two-way communication with the CS furnished with certain devices specified therein.

Abstract: A launchable unit including a warhead for generating non-nuclear electro magnetic pulses and a thermobaric warhead without dangerous fragments. The warheads in combination are arranged to operate in different modes dependent on target types and/or objectives with engagement controlled by the aiming and setting of the weapon by a gunner.

Abstract: In this invention, there is provided a method and device for shielding and deflecting unguided missiles, mortars and other projectiles and ordnance. A plurality of lighter-than-air balloons are tethered from a plurality of ground anchors so that the balloons are positioned spaced apart, adjacent to, along and buoyed above the border to be defended between the launch area and the target area. A defense shield is suspended from the plurality of tethered lighter-than-air balloons, extending generally vertically covering a range of heights for engaging and deflecting missiles launched along the expected trajectories.

Abstract: An active IR signature target simulation system which includes: a platform having a known temperature profile and a preplanned flight trajectory; a heat source carried onboard the platform, capable of producing heat following a controlled heating plan; and a control unit connected to the heat source and configured for initiating the heat source, thereby modifying the known temperature profile and generating a desired temperature profile required for sensing a simulated target IR signature during a simulation time window at a desired line of sight from the platform to an observing sensor, wherein the platform is an exo-atmospheric missile which includes an inner shell and a perforated outer shell, and wherein the heat source is a thermally active material disposed between at least a part of the inner shell and a part of the outer shell.

Abstract: A system providing a physical-barrier defense against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) that is suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles and ships. The system includes a propulsion device (for example, a rocket) and a barrier that is attached to the propulsion device by one or more tethers. The barrier includes an inflatable frame. When the propulsion device is launched, an inflator inflates the frame to assume an open state, and the propulsion device pulls the tether and the barrier along a trajectory for intercepting an RPG.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catch and snare system for an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising: (a) a detection system, (b) a deployment system in communication with the detection system, (c) a capture system placed at an interference position by the deployment system, wherein the capture system comprises a net, a plurality of foam deploying canisters attached to the net for deploying foam, and at least one canister for deploying a decelerating parachute attached to the net, wherein the foam prevents the release of chemical or biological agents from the captured unmanned aerial vehicle, and (d) a descent system to bring the capture system and a captured unmanned aerial vehicle back to earth.

Abstract: An apparatus for weaponizing a mobile robotic platform with a mechanically triggered weapon and a firing circuit provides a weaponized mobile robotic platform, in which the mechanically triggered weapon can be fired in a safe, secure, and controlled manner in response to a single electrical pulse from the firing circuit.

Abstract: An optical impact system controls munitions termination through sensing proximity to a target and preventing effects of countermeasures on false munitions termination. Embodiments can be implemented on in a variety of munitions such as small and mid caliber that can be applicable in non-lethal weapons and in weapons of high lethality with airburst capability for example and in guided air-to-ground and cruise missiles. Embodiments can improve accuracy, reliability and lethality of munitions depending on its designation without modification in a weapon itself and make the weapon resistant to optical countermeasures.

Abstract: An integrated sensor and self defense system for large aircraft incorporates a forward looking missile warning sensor (MWS) mounted in a replacement panel for mounting in an un-pressurized aft compartment, an aft looking MWS mounted in the panel substantially adjacent the forward looking MWS, and a laser system for engaging a missile detected by an MWS mounted proximate the forward and aft looking MWS. A processor and electronics for controlling said MWS and laser systems are mounted adjacent the active components with indicators and operator control systems mounted in the aircraft cockpit.

Abstract: A projector of multiple skewed light planes or sheets is located adjacent a vehicle to be protected and detectors are arranged to defect the penetration of the light sheets by an incoming object, with the time intervals between the piercing of the planes defining the path of the incoming object and its expected impact time. An array of bullet-firing barrels is arranged to project bullets in ah iron curtain under control of a fire control module that fires a round in a barrel above the projected flight path such that the round impacts the nose of the object and disables it. It is thus the piercing of the skewed light sheets mat provides information as to the impact point of the object as well as its time of arrival so that a round can be fired to intercept the object as it arrives at the iron curtain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for increasing the effectiveness of destroying selected objects in a target cloud by prioritizing the objects detected in a large aperture IR detector aboard a carrier vehicle and sequentially illuminating the detected targets with coded laser radiation, followed by the launching of multiple miniature kill vehicles from the carrier vehicle, with each kill vehicle assigned to a differently-coded object in the target cloud due to the reflection back of the coded returns, thus to permit directing of individual miniature kill vehicles to a specific object in the target cloud prior to a handoff to an IR heat seeker in the miniature kill vehicle, actuated to guide the kill vehicle for a final kill.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods to temporarily alter visual acuity of a subject. An example system includes a first light source configured to produce infrared light in an infrared wavelength spectrum for transient propagation into an eye of the subject and a second light source configured to produce visible light in a visible wavelength spectrum for transient propagation into the eye of the subject. The system further includes a transmission unit configured to propagate the infrared light and the visible light into the eye, wherein the light propagated into the eye temporarily alters visual acuity of the subject.

Abstract: A device provides a radiant electromagnetic energy output. During standby operation of the device, the output is provided at one or more frequencies selected to dissipate excess power through atmospheric absorption. Circuitry is included to tune the output of the device to a second frequency different than the first frequency for various directed energy applications that make use of the excess power. The circuitry can be arranged to further utilize frequency agility for power dissipation, to provide different operating modes involving a radiant output, or the like.

Abstract: A hostile missile is identified as being of a type which maneuvers aerodynamically within the atmosphere when it performs an exoatmospheric maneuver which significantly changes its specific energy. When the determination is made that the hostile missile is an atmospheric maneuvering missile, the hostile missile is engaged with an interceptor which is guided toward a predicted intercept point (PIP) assuming horizontal hostile missile flight at an altitude above a specified minimum altitude.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system are disclosed for defeating enemy missiles and rockets by the use of a non-lethal cloud of pellets that collide with the missile a certain distance away from the target causing premature detonation of the missile, and/or possible severe damage to the missile, and/or deflection of the missile, and/or a deformation to the ogive cones to cause a short in the fuze circuit, and/or deposition of conductive material to cause a short in the fuze circuit.

Abstract: Flare munition for battlefield illumination is provided that includes: (a) at least one electrical flare body; (b) an electrical energy source connectable with the flare body; and (c) an electrical or electronic control device for connecting the electrical flare body with the source of energy during a specified time interval. The flare munition can be fired from a weapon or can be launched as a bomb and allows safe and simple subsequent recovery of the corresponding flare body because no pyrotechnic flare charge is used. Instead, an electrical flare body is used that emits light in the visible and/or infrared wavelength range depending on its intended purpose.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multiplatform system and method for ranging correction use spread-spectrum ranging waveforms over a netted data link. Each node may have a trajectory toward a target and may have a navigational error with respect to the trajectory. The nodes may transmit coded waveforms at one or more scheduled times for receipt by one or more of the other nodes during unused time slots on the netted data link. The nodes may correlate coded waveforms received from the other nodes to estimate a range to at least some of the other nodes. Each node may reset its navigational error and revise its trajectory based on the range estimates to the other nodes to avoid a possible collision with one or more of the other nodes.

Abstract: A method for commanding an attitude change of a boosting missile to tend to maintain good communication link quality includes the step of precalculating attenuation of a link between the boosting missile and a ground station in the presence and absence of multiple missile plumes. If the actual link attenuation is less than the precalculated attenuation in the absence of multiple missile plumes, no attitude change is commanded. If the actual link attenuation exceeds the precalculated value, the actual link attenuation is compared with the calculated attenuation in the presence of multiple missile plumes. If the calculated multiple plume RF attenuation is less than the actual link attenuation, the attenuation is deemed to be caused by some factor other than multiple plume attenuation, and produces a flag for commanding a change in attitude.

Abstract: A remote weapon system (10) includes: a fire control unit (12); and a mechanical support (14) to which a weapon (18) capable of firing airburst ammunition is mountable, the mechanical support being adapted to move the weapon in azimuth and elevation directions. The fire control unit is adapted to receive input parameters including at least one area parameter related to a geographical area to be covered by the airburst ammunition from the weapon. Further, the fire control unit is configured to automatically calculate a number of shots of the weapon as well as azimuth and elevation directions of the mechanical support for each shot based on the input parameters such that substantially the entire geographical area is covered by the airburst ammunition when the weapon is fired.

Abstract: A method for engaging a target missile includes sensing the position of the target and of an interceptor missile, and determining time-to-go to intercept and direction of thrust of the interceptor. A one-step intercept solution is determined based on position estimates of the target and the interceptor and is used to iteratively estimate at least two components of a three-dimensional unit thrust vector, and apply updated guidance commands to the interceptor. A system for thrust vector control of an interceptor against a target missile includes a processor for receiving sensed target signals, determining a one-step initial solution to produce time-to-go and current direction of thrust of the interceptor, iteratively estimating at least two components of a three-dimensional unit thrust vector, and producing a guidance vector for application to the interceptor.

Abstract: An air-based vertical launch system is described by means of which ballistic missile defense can be achieved effectively from a large aircraft. A method for ensuring safe missile egress is proposed. A method for ensuring that the missile strikes the ballistic missile payload section is also proposed. Together, the air basing method employing vertical (or near-vertical) launch and semi-active laser guidance yield an affordable and operationally effective missile defense against both tactical and long-range ballistic missiles. The affordability of missile defense is enhanced by the ability of an aircraft equipped with a vertical launcher to simultaneously carry out several defensive and offensive missions and to provide other capabilities such as satellite launch at other times.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to missile training systems, especially to those relating to the provision of a mechanism that allows missiles and similar devices to be fired at a target in a realistic, but safe, manner. The use of live fire exercises, in which army or other armed forces personnel use fully functioning weapons systems is well established. Live fire exercises can be used to provide realistic training scenarios, but also present obvious dangers. The present invention provides a module for attachment to an object (such as a missile), the object being adapted to be directed towards a target (such as a ship), the module comprising a control system providing an output signal indicative of whether or not said object is to be destroyed.

Abstract: A system that guides an airborne weapon toward a target, in order for the weapon to fuze at the target, so as to increase the probability of kill of the target. The system uses a lethality database that lists the various vulnerabilities for each target so that the weapon may fuze at a point that achieves maximum exploitation of the vulnerabilities. The system continually updates during weapon fly out in order to continually update the best achievable aim point for the weapon based on the changing encounter geometry between weapon and target.

Abstract: A system and method for disabling a small boat comprises at least two hulls and an entanglement device disposed therebetween. In the illustrative embodiment, each hull is an unmanned underwater vehicle. The system is launched from a vessel to intercept the small boat. When close to the small boat, the separating distance between the two hulls is increased, thereby deploying the entanglement device and causing it to become entangled with the small boat (e.g., the small boat's propulsion system, etc.).

Abstract: A system and/or method for securing areas (e.g. airport terminals, courtrooms, embassies, borders, property surrounding critical infrastructure, areas within cities/towns, etc.) against terrorists is provided. In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method is provided wherein individuals pass (e.g. walk, drive, etc.) through a gateway before gaining access to a secured area. Signals capable of detonating certain explosives that might be carried by the individuals passing through the gateway are emitted in or proximate the gateway. The gateway may be shielded to minimize damage to the surrounding areas. In certain example embodiments, arc currents are generated to trigger the detonation of explosives. In certain example embodiments, explosives may be detonated using cellular signals.

Abstract: A system is provided for guarding a perimeter, including a control center, a launch system, a controller and a communication system. The control center is configured for generating a control signal responsive to receiving infiltration information of an actual or suspected infiltration at a target zone associated with the perimeter by one or more infiltration agents. The launch system is configured for deploying one or more ready-to-launch UAV's to the target zone responsive to receiving the control signal from the control center. The controller is configured for operating the launched UAV(s) to home onto at least one such infiltration agent. The controller is also configured for identifying the nature of the infiltration agent or the nature of infiltration; and/or for tracking the infiltration agent via the UAV(s).

Abstract: An air-based vertical launch system is described by means of which ballistic missile defense can be achieved effectively from a large aircraft. A method for ensuring safe missile egress is proposed. A method for ensuring that the missile strikes the ballistic missile payload section is also proposed. Together, the air basing method employing vertical (or near-vertical) launch and semi-active laser guidance yield an affordable and operationally effective missile defense against both tactical and long-range ballistic missiles. The affordability of missile defense is enhanced by the ability of an aircraft equipped with a vertical launcher to simultaneously carry out several defensive and offensive missions and to provide other capabilities such as satellite launch at other times.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for monitoring a location having a plurality of audio sensors and video sensors are disclosed. In an embodiment, this comprises receiving auditory data, comparing a portion of the auditory data to a lexicon comprising a plurality of keywords to determine if there is a match to a keyword from the lexicon, and if a match is found, selecting at least one video sensor to monitor an area to be monitored. Video data from the video sensor is archived with the auditory data and metadata. The video sensor is selected by determining video sensors associated with the areas to be monitored. A lookup table is used to determine the association. Cartesian coordinates may be used to determine positions of components and their areas of coverage.

Abstract: A laser lead designator for guiding a laser guided weapon (LGW) to strike a moving target includes a laser source for providing a laser beam and a controller coupled to receive a position and a velocity of the moving target. The controller provides a control signal for pointing the laser beam a specified lead distance ahead of the position of the moving target to position a laser spot on a ground location ahead of the moving target. The lead distance compensates for an impact shortfall value that is a function of at least one shortfall parameter including a speed of the moving target so that the LGW shortfalls the laser spot on the moving target. The laser designator is separate from the LGW.

Abstract: The invention proposes to provide distraction spoofing even on modern infrared, radar and dual-mode guided missiles (4) by production of a decoy chain (20). The chain (20) is formed by a plurality of apparent targets which are switched successively, for example by firing of individual chaff submunitions (2.1-2.5). The deployment takes place before or during the search phase of the missile and can in this case, for example, be carried out using the reverse walk-off principle or at the same time simultaneously or successively and in the form of a pattern. This ensures that the decoys (2.1-2.5) act initially in the greatest selected range zone away from the target (3). The spoofing chain (20) created in this way results in the missile (4) having to carry out a series of time-consuming analysis processes on its way to the target (3).

Abstract: An integrated weapons pod includes a plurality of pod components such as a targeting system, a weapons bay, a central processing unit (“CPU”), a wireless data link, and an external shell. The external shell houses the targeting system, the weapons bay, the CPU, and the wireless data link in a single freestanding unit. The weapons bay is configured to house one or more weapons and deploy the one or more weapons at a target. The CPU is operable to control operation of the targeting system, the weapons bay, and the wireless data link. The targeting system is operable to provide to the one or more weapons location information identifying a location of the target, and the wireless data link is operable to exchange data with a remote operator.

Abstract: Embodiments of a target tracking system and method with jitter reduction suitable for directed energy systems are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the directed energy system includes a target tracking system to track one or more track points on a moving target, and a beam transmission unit to maintain a directed energy beam on a selected one of the track points in response to tracking control signals provided by the target tracking system. The track points may be smaller than a spot size of the directed energy beam maintained on the target.

Abstract: A method, comprising: characterizing an electromagnetic radiation path based on at least a scattered electromagnetic radiation pattern resulting from propagation of electromagnetic radiation through the path; receiving a plurality of scattered portions of a modulated electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of receiver antennas; and processing, at a receiver, the plurality of scattered portions, in conjunction with the characterized electromagnetic radiation path, to determine a change in the electromagnetic radiation path over time. An apparatus comprises a transmitter which transmits modulated electromagnetic radiation along an electromagnetic radiation path subject to electromagnetic radiation scattering; a plurality of receiver antennas which receive scattered portions of modulated electromagnetic radiation; and a processor which analyzes respective scattered portions, to characterize the electromagnetic radiation path, and to determine a change in the scattered electromagnetic radiation path over time.

Abstract: A method of defeating an incoming missile, such as a rocket propelled grenade, includes soft launching an interceptor missile, and then using pitch over motors of the interceptor missile to alter course of the missile to a desired interception direction. By launching at a relatively slow speed, such as a speed less than or equal to 40 m/sec (130 ft/sec), the interceptor missile may reach the desired interception direction within 250 milliseconds of launch. The interceptor missile may be able to cover substantially all interception directions over a hemisphere or greater extent around a launch location. For example, the interceptor missile may be launched vertically from a ground vehicle, and be capable of altering course to any above-ground trajectory within 250 milliseconds.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to radiant energy systems and more particularly to systems exhibiting the retroreflection principle wherein the system comprises a focusing means and a surface exhibiting some degree of reflectivity positioned near the focal plane of the device, and wherein incident radiation falling within the field-of-view of said system is reflected back in a direction which is parallel to the incident radiation. The present invention has great applicability in military optical system applications for detecting the presence of an enemy employing surveillance equipment and for neutralizing this surveillance capability.