Patent classifications
F41G7/001
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING MULTIPLE FRAGMENTS IN A TARGET MISSILE
A system and method is provided for detecting the trajectory of multiple fragments through a conic or cylindrical section, such as the body of a missile. Three or more sensors are placed on the on the body of the object. Each of the sensors is constructed and arranged to measure signals to the sensor at from impacts on one or more locations on the body. The sensor then transmits a signal commiserate with the impact of a fragment thereon. A computer system is also provided to perform necessary calculations and, potentially, record the impact times and locations. When the body of the object is hit by fragments or shrapnel, a signal from one or more of the sensors is sent to the computer system. This operation is performed and constantly updated for all locations where a fragment is detected by one or more of the sensors. Waveforms of the impacts are recorded, but because multiple hits can occur, there can be superposition (or destruction) of the resulting waveform sent to the computer system. The computer system can interpret which superposition or destruction is indicative of another fragment strike, and filter out those additions or subtractions to the waveforms that could not possibly be from another fragment.
Autonomous Flight Termination System and Method
An autonomous flight termination system for terminating vehicle flight after the vehicle is launched from an aircraft includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver; a termination unit selected from a cut-off switch connected to terminate vehicle flight when actuated, and a switch connected to detonate an explosive on the vehicle; a system controller for receiving a first signal indicating separation of the vehicle from the aircraft and a second signal from the GPS receiver to calculate an actual vehicle trajectory, and for sending a third signal to actuate the termination unit to terminate the flight of the vehicle when the actual vehicle trajectory is determined to be outside the safety bounds of a mission-planned flight trajectory; and a failsafe controller connected to receive operational data of the system controller, and to actuate the termination unit when the operational data indicates that the system is in an error state.
Small smart weapon and weapon system employing the same
A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a seeker configured to guide the weapon to a target. The seeker includes a detector configured to receive a distorted signal impinging on an objective lens from the target, memory configured to store target criteria and a correction map, and a processor configured to provide a correction signal based on the distorted signal, the target criteria and the correction map to guide the weapon to the target.
Stationary and mobile test device for missiles
A stationary test device for a missile includes a retaining device for an avionics testpiece of the missile, where the retaining device enables a movement of the avionics testpiece in three rotational degrees of freedom, and a display device configured to display information on the missile surroundings, where the display device is configured to be moved inside a virtual plane by a translational carriage system. The display device can be detected by the avionics testpiece if the avionics testpiece is disposed on the retaining device. A mobile test device for the missile includes a flight platform, a carrier device mounted on the flight platform, for an avionics testpiece of the missile, wherein the carrier device enables a movement of the avionics testpiece in three rotational degrees of freedom, and a control module, where the control module is configured to control the flight platform for taking off on a specified reference trajectory, control the carrier device for orientation of the avionics testpiece, and store navigation data generated by the avionics testpiece. Finally, a test system for the missile includes the stationary test device and the mobile test device.
Methods of connecting testing equipment to a missile system
A missile system includes a plurality of components, and a testing instrumentation platform secured within at least one of the plurality of components. The testing instrumentation platform is secured within the component(s) through at least one platform supporting adapter assembly. The platform supporting adapter assembly may include an adapter having a planar panel that supports one or more fasteners. The fastener(s) are configured to securely connect to a portion of a base of the testing instrumentation platform. At least one through-hole may be formed through a portion of the adapter. At least one tapered bolt is configured to be securely retained within the through-hole(s). The tapered bolt(s) securely connects the adapter to the component(s).
SMALL SMART WEAPON AND WEAPON SYSTEM EMPLOYING THE SAME
A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a seeker configured to guide the weapon to a target. The seeker includes a detector configured to receive a distorted signal impinging on an objective lens from the target, memory configured to store target criteria and a correction map, and a processor configured to provide a correction signal based on the distorted signal, the target criteria and the correction map to guide the weapon to the target.
METHODS OF CONNECTING TESTING EQUIPMENT TO A MISSILE SYSTEM
A missile system includes a plurality of components, and a testing instrumentation platform secured within at least one of the plurality of components. The testing instrumentation platform is secured within the component(s) through at least one platform supporting adapter assembly. The platform supporting adapter assembly may include an adapter having a planar panel that supports one or more fasteners. The fastener(s) are configured to securely connect to a portion of a base of the testing instrumentation platform. At least one through-hole may be formed through a portion of the adapter. At least one tapered bolt is configured to be securely retained within the through-hole(s). The tapered bolt(s) securely connects the adapter to the component(s).
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO LASER DESIGNATOR PODS (LDP)
A Laser Designator Pod (LDP) protective system, the LDP protective system comprising: a protective hood a laser detector arranged within the protective hood to generate a signal when exposed to laser radiation within a predefined range of wavelengths; and a computing device to record the generated signal.
AUTOMATED VISION-BASED ORIENTATION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE
A calibration assembly for a guided vehicle. The calibration assembly includes an orientation marker that operably engages with a first guidance apparatus of the guided vehicle. The calibration assembly also includes an imaging assembly that operably engages with and is in electrical communication with a second guidance apparatus of the guided vehicle. When the imaging assembly captures the orientation marker at a translated position for at least one cycle, the imaging assembly calibrates a rotational displacement between a first guidance direction of the first guidance apparatus and a second guidance direction of the second guidance apparatus based on an angular displacement of the orientation marker measured between a zeroed position denoting the first guidance direction and the translated position.
Automated vision-based orientation measurement system and method of use
A calibration assembly for a guided vehicle. The calibration assembly includes an orientation marker that operably engages with a first guidance apparatus of the guided vehicle. The calibration assembly also includes an imaging assembly that operably engages with and is in electrical communication with a second guidance apparatus of the guided vehicle. When the imaging assembly captures the orientation marker at a translated position for at least one cycle, the imaging assembly calibrates a rotational displacement between a first guidance direction of the first guidance apparatus and a second guidance direction of the second guidance apparatus based on an angular displacement of the orientation marker measured between a zeroed position denoting the first guidance direction and the translated position.