Active bait dispensable

Description

1 / 22 ACTIVE BAIT DISPENSABLE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. U.S. 63 / 470,682 filed June 2, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. FIELD

[0002] The technology contained in this document refers to methods and systems of electronic countermeasures for use on or with aircraft comprising an airborne RF and IR decoy, which is an independent and autonomous flying body that flies on its own, using its own aerodynamics, which is applied as protection against radio frequency (RF) and / or infrared (IR) threats. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

[0003] Decoys have long been used to confuse or thwart attacks. For example, it is said that in Ancient Rome, bridesmaids at a wedding dressed exactly alike not only to each other, but also exactly like the bride. This was not merely fashionable; the bridesmaids acted as decoys to protect the bride from evil spirits who could not distinguish the bride from her bridesmaids.

[0004] Throughout history, the military has used decoys in many different contexts. For example, mock-up aircraft have been used to lure the enemy into attacking painted cardboard instead of real planes. Modern aircraft, such as the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, are also known to launch countermeasure decoys to trick the enemy into attacking the decoy instead of the real aircraft.

[0005] Today, there are several types of lures. The mechanical type includes: Chaff and Flare, and the active lure type.

[0006] Chaff refers to inedible portions of grains, such as Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, p. 58 / 95 2 / 22 Wheat, which is often carried by the wind, but in the context of decoy means metal particles released into the air behind an aircraft to try to deceive anti-aircraft radar. The chaff type of decoy, when launched, can release several perforated metal sheets, such as aluminum, or numerous metallic particles, which aim to present a radar cross-section similar to that of the aircraft being tracked by enemy radar. See, for example, Letter of 4 / 12 / 1945 from Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal to Merwyn Bly. However, with the electronic countermeasures (ECCM) technologies currently incorporated into radars, this solution is no longer effective, as modern Doppler-shift sensitive radars have means of identifying these chaff launches, such as detecting low translational speeds very close to that of the wind and filtering out the radar signals reflected by the chaff.Since they do not generate heat, straw is not tracked by passive optical detectors and therefore cannot fool IR detection.

[0007] When deployed, a flare-type countermeasure releases decoys made of burning magnesium particles that glow in the air, reaching temperatures similar to the thermal radiation spectrum of aircraft engines. These flare-type countermeasures are designed to confuse passive optical (IR) detectors of the thermal and / or infrared type. However, modern optical sensors are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Because they do not generate a thermal spectrum identical to the (engine of the) aircraft being tracked, flare countermeasures cannot confuse the most modern optical sensors that compare the detected IR signals with data in an intelligence library of each aircraft's spectral "signature". This thermal radiation from a flare-type countermeasure is also not detected by radar and is therefore ineffective against radar.

[0008] There is also a joint solution that combines both chaff and MTV flare in the same cartridge, but they still have Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, p. 59 / 95 3 / 22 has the same limitations as each one individually, but with the added disadvantage of having a limited quantity of both chaff and MTV signal.

[0009] Most modern active decoys operate by “interfering” with the enemy’s detection system. For example, one type of active decoy uses DRFM (Digital Radio Frequency Memory) technology to receive the enemy radar signal, convert it into digital form, save it in memory to alter its delay, phase, and amplitude, and after a certain delay, retransmit it back to the enemy radar so that it appears to the enemy radar as close as possible to what the reflected signal from the real target aircraft would be. The system digitizes the received signal and stores a coherent altered copy in digital memory, replicating and retransmitting it when necessary. Because this is a coherent representation of the original signal, the adversary’s radar will not be able to distinguish it from other legitimate signals and will recognize it as a real target.DRFM can therefore be used to create false range targets both behind (reactive jamming) and in front of (predictive jamming) the aircraft it is protecting. See theaviationist.com / 2020 / 10 / 26 / lets-talk-about-the-digital-evolution-of-electronicwarfare / ; Davidson et al, Understanding Digital Radio Frequency Memory Performance in Countermeasure Design, Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(12), 4123;. doi.org / 10.3390 / app10124123.

[0010] DRFM technology has been deployed on a disposable, flight-stabilized body to create the illusion that the ghost aircraft is in a different spatial location from the target aircraft (nothing would be gained if enemy fire against the ghost hit the target aircraft). Due to the fact that they have a high vertical drop speed (there is no propulsion in a typical DRFM countermeasure), the operating time of such disposable body countermeasures makes them very limited. In addition, one of the current limitations of implementations of this technology is the narrow operating range (by Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 60 / 95 4 / 22 example, up to 20 GHz), which allows broadband radars to defeat them. See, for example, Britecloud Expendable Active Decoy (Leonardo Electronics 2022), electronics.leonardo.com / documents / 16277707 / 18333498 / BriteCloud+ECM++Datasheet+%28mm08222%29+HQ.pdf?t=1693491554944; and D'urso, A Deep Dive Into BriteCloud Advanced Expendable Active Decoy, The Aviationist (2021).

[0011] Because they do not generate heat, active-type decoys are not tracked by (and therefore do not work against) passive optical detectors. Therefore, there is a need for improved / new decoy technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Examples of non-limiting modalities include the following:

[0013] Figure 1 shows an example of a decoy deployed by a fighter jet.

[0014] Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an example of a non-limiting electronic countermeasures system for deployment by and use on / with aircraft.

[0015] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate, respectively, the folding / folded position (e.g., for storage in the aircraft compartment) and the unfolded / unfolded position of rotary blades or vanes (e.g., for deployment after being ejected from the aircraft).

[0016] Figure 2C shows an example of a conventional cartridge for storing and deploying bait.

[0017] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of the electronic countermeasures system and its interface with an external system, such as a laptop computer.

[0018] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example of a speed generator and controller (falling characteristic).

[0019] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example font. Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 61 / 95 5 / 22 power supply, which includes an interface for external induction power load.

[0020] Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of an example of an external communication block, which includes the external communication interface by induction.

[0021] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an example of a light generator block in the infrared and thermal range with the controller for the light-emitting diodes and the respective light-emitting diodes in the infrared and thermal range.

[0022] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an example radar interference block with controller and subbands with the respective receiving and transmitting antennas for different frequency bands.

[0023] Figure 9 is a flowchart of examples of active bait operations 10 after deployment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING OPTIONS

[0024] The aforementioned objectives, as well as others, are achieved by an Electronic Countermeasures System for use on Aircraft in the form of an airborne RF and IR decoy. The electronic countermeasure is a decoy with active RF, passive RF, and IR subsystems that aims to attract approaching missiles, thus keeping the crew and aircraft safe. Being an independent and autonomous flying body, the countermeasure flies on its own, using its own aerodynamics, and is applied as protection against radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) threats to aircraft other than the decoy.

[0025] Examples of embodiments provide an active lure comprising: an implantable body; at least one rotating paddle or vane disposed on the body; a power generator disposed on the body and coupled to receive rotational torque from at least one rotating paddle or vane, the generator Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 62 / 95 6 / 22 of power configured to generate electric current in response to rotational torque; and at least one of the following: (a) a radar spoofing circuit disposed in the body, the radar spoofing circuit responding to a received radar signal with a phantom radar signature corresponding to a phantom target; (b) corner RF reflectors arranged in the body, with corner reflectors generating strong radar reflections; and (c) an infrared emitter arranged in the body, with the infrared emitter emitting a phantom infrared signature corresponding to a phantom target heat signature.

[0026] The active lure may have a rotating paddle or vane that can be folded into or over the body and / or may additionally have at least one vertical angle-of-attack stabilizer configured to neutralize, at least in part, a rotational moment produced by the rotating paddle or vane.

[0027] A variable electric load selectively coupled to the power generator can be controlled by a circuit to select a counter-rotational torque that the power generator applies to affect the rotation of the body.

[0028] The body may comprise a rectangular prism or cuboid dimensioned to be one inch (25 mm) by two inches (51 mm) by eight inches (203 mm).

[0029] The infrared emitter comprises an array of infrared light-emitting diodes arranged on at least one external surface of the body.

[0030] A controller can be connected to animate the matrix. Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 63 / 95 7 / 22 with a demonstration of variable infrared light that emulates the heat signature of a phantom target.

[0031] An inertial sensor can detect an impact with the ground and, in response, erase the data stored in the body.

[0032] The radar spoofing circuit may include at least one delay line that delays a received radar signal before retransmission.

[0033] The radar spoofing circuit may also include a frequency shifter that shifts the frequency of the received radar signal to match a negative Doppler shift.

[0034] Corner RF reflectors can return a radar signal with a radar cross-section return signal close to that of a ghost target in low radar cross-section.

[0035] In another embodiment, an active decoy comprises an deployable housing; at least one rotating blade or vane disposed in the housing; a power generator disposed in the housing and coupled to receive rotational torque from at least one rotating blade or vane, the power generator configured to generate electric current in response to the rotational torque produced as the active decoy follows a ballistic trajectory through the air; and a spoofing emitter disposed in or on the housing, and the spoofing emitter emits a spoofing signature of a phantom target.

[0036] The spoofing transmitter comprises a radar spoofing circuit that responds to a received radar signal with a phantom radar signature and / or corner RF reflectors disposed in the housing, wherein the corner reflectors generate strong radar reflections and / or an infrared transmitter disposed in the housing, wherein the infrared transmitter emits a spoofed infrared signature corresponding to Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, pp. 64 / 95 8 / 22 a heat signature of the phantom target.

[0037] The housing may include a cuboid sized to fit a conventional countermeasures cartridge.

[0038] At least one controller can be configured to self-destruct the data stored on the host when it detects an impact on the host.

[0039] A control circuit can select a variable electrical load for the power generator in order to control the rate of rotation of the housing.

[0040] A charge storage device can be connected to the power generator and an inductive charging interface.

[0041] A navigation and communication device within the accommodation can be configured to wirelessly communicate position and / or orientation information. EXAMPLE OF NON-LIMITING SUBSYSTEMS (WHICH CAN BE INCLUDED IN ANY COMBINATION)

[0042] The active RF subsystem, called a radar jammer or spoofer, operates in the UHF to W band range, equivalent to NATO standard bands B to M, so that it captures the enemy radar signal, alters the amplitude, phase and delay, and transmits the signal back convincingly as a “phantom target” that cannot be distinguished from a legitimate signal reflected by the real target. The solution of the technique used is based on a delay line.

[0043] The Passive RF Subsystem, called the reflector array, is composed of corner reflectors that are added to the controlled rotation of the decoy, on its own geometric axis, caused by the blades / vanes and vertical stabilizers that interact with the air through which the falling decoy falls, and provides a reflection of the signal, which confuses enemy radar. The reflectors of Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, pages 65 / 95 9 / 22 corners generally consist of two or three electrically conductive surfaces mounted transversely (e.g., at an angle of exactly 90 degrees), which have the effect of backscattering incident electromagnetic waves by multiple reflections precisely in the direction from which the incident waves come. Thus, they provide strong reflections to radar that are disproportionate to their size, causing the reflected signature to appear to come from a much larger object (e.g., a fighter jet rather than a small decoy).

[0044] The IR-type LED subsystem, called an infrared and thermal light generator, consists of one or more light-emitting diode (LED) arrays that transmit a frequency spectrum similar to the heat radiation from the target's engine, thus confusing heat-seeking missile sensors. The IR subsystem can be programmed in some modes to almost exactly match the frequency spectral power distribution of the target aircraft's engines, making it difficult or impossible for the enemy detection system, which uses infrared frequency spectral analysis, to distinguish the IR emissions from the decoy from the IR emissions from the nozzle and exhaust of the target aircraft's engines. EXAMPLE OF DECOY FORM FACTOR

[0045] The decoy (Figure 1, 1A, item 10) is an airborne RF and IR decoy comprising an independent and autonomous flying body 12 that flies on its own, using its own aerodynamics and blades / valves 16. It provides protection against RF and IR threats.

[0046] As shown in Figure 1A, the bait 10 in one embodiment comprises an elongated housing 14 which may be approximately rectangular (rectangular prism or cuboid shape) and have a form factor that allows the bait to be launched by some types of conventional straw launching and / or signaling devices. Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, pp. 66 / 95 10 / 22 Different aerodynamic designs are possible, potentially including some with wings, airfoils, etc.

[0047] In one embodiment, the lure 10 includes foldable / unfoldable blades 16 and foldable / unfoldable navigation fins (angle of attack) 18 arranged at one end of the housing 14. The blades 16 (Figures 1, 2A, 2B) may be fixed pitch and counter-rotating according to the best application for the dedicated scenario. The blades 16 and the vertical navigation (angle of attack) stabilizers 18 may be folded (see Figure 2A) into aerodynamic slots or grooves defined in the housing 16 for compact storage of the lure, such as in an MJU-11 chaff / flare cartridge, as shown in Figure 2C, and unfolded (see Figure 2B) when the lure is deployed. An example of dimensions could be 203 mm in length and 25 mm x 51 mm in width / depth (i.e., 1 inch by 2 inches by 8 inches), but any desired dimension can be used.

[0048] As noted above, some variants of the decoy 10 have a form factor that makes them compatible with pre-existing (or newly designed) countermeasures launching magazines, as shown in Figure 2C, so that an aircraft can launch many decoys (possibly mixed with conventional flare and / or chaff deployments) in rapid succession to provide active phantom targets for missiles. In particular, Figure 2C shows a conventional cartridge that provides an array of chambers into which many active decoys 10 can be inserted. Conventional mechanisms can be used to automatically deploy the decoys from the cartridge to exit through a door in the aircraft fuselage. Each decoy can detect (e.g., based on internal inertial detection) that it has been deployed and can rapidly and automatically unfold and extend its blades / vanes 16 and vertical stabilizers 18. The aircraft crew can Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 67 / 95 11 / 22 These cartridges are used to launch many decoys together or in succession to provide continuous protection against missiles and other attacks. The mission ballistic trajectories of the different decoys are fully controlled by the crew of the aircraft that is evading the attack, and different decoys can therefore be programmed differently before being launched as countermeasures in a specific attack. EXAMPLE OF A BAIT BLOCK DIAGRAM

[0049] Figure 3 is an example of a schematic block diagram of the decoy 10. As shown in Figure 3, the decoy 10 may include a blade / generator array 200, a power supply 300, external communication and navigation 400, an active radar jamming array / circuit (active RF type subsystem) 600, an active IR LED matrix array (light generator in the infrared and thermal range) 500 and a reflector (passive RF type subsystem) 700.

[0050] In one embodiment, the power supply 300 and the external communication and navigation block 400 can wirelessly interact (e.g., via induction so that the bait housing can be hermetically sealed) with a laptop-type computer 21 by means of a laptop-type computer interface 20, which allows the laptop-type computer to be used to program bait functions. The inductive adapter (Figure 3 - 20) is a portable item that provides a means for the operator to easily access bait data (Figure 3 - 10) without the need to remove the payload (bait) from the cartridge, which can be reconfigured by the laptop-type computer (Figure 3 - 21) on the runway during pre-flight procedures.Laptop-type computer 21 can store configuration data, including, but not limited to, data that represents / controls radar and infrared signatures of a phantom aircraft in the internal memory device(s) of the decoy 10, in order to configure the decoy to generate such radar and infrared signatures. Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, pp. 68 / 95 12 / 22 when it is implemented. EXAMPLE OF A BAIT POWER GENERATION SYSTEM

[0051] The lure 10 is equipped with a generator (Figure 4 - 200) that converts the rotational movement of the fixed-pitch blades (Figure 4 200) into energy for the power supply (Figure 5 - 300). The generator (Figure 4 - 200) works in conjunction with the system that controls the lure's rotation during its fall (descent). The generator (Figure 4 - 250) is driven by the blades 16 to generate, for example, AC current, and supplies this AC current to the rectifier (Figure 5 - 310) which converts the generated current into DC current. The rotation controller (Figure 4 - 210) functions to maintain the descent rotation at a constant value, which can be zero (no rotation) or can be adjusted to a value of interest. A comparator (Figure 4 - 220) verifies the accelerometer data 350 coming through the internal network inside the lure 10 in relation to the desired rotation setting.This comparator 220 controls a bank of transistors (Figure 4 - 230) which, in turn, releases current to a bank of resistors (Figure 4 - 240). The blades or vanes 16 rotate to one side (direction) during descent, as the wind causes them to rotate, and the body tends to rotate to the other side due to the angle of attack of the fixed vertical stabilizers 18. The blades or vanes 16 and the vertical stabilizers 18 tend to cancel each other's rotational moments, so that the lure 10 can follow a ballistic trajectory without rotation or with a specific amount rotating in a specified direction (for example, if necessary for ghost target emulation).In one embodiment, the control is performed in such a way that the torque on the rotating shaft connecting the generator to the vanes / fins is sufficient to satisfy the rotation configuration of the lure (Figure 3 - 10), so as to dose the counter-torque of the generator shaft and keep the drop within the previously configured rotation parameters (in other words, the amount of current). Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, p. 69 / 95 13 / 22 The generator's withdrawal can, in turn, vary the amount of counter-torque that the generator applies to the shaft to control, thus, how much rotational force the blades / vanes 16 apply to the generator and, consequently, to the body of the lure 10). The balance between torque and counter-torque is maintained throughout the fall by adjusting the resistance of the resistor bank, making adjustments to the energy consumption of the resistance, added to the energy consumption of the embedded systems, of the generated energy. In one mode, the generator is therefore capable of generating more current than the active systems incorporated in the lure 10 need to operate, with the resistor bank described above providing an adjustable (programmable) load for the excess current in order to control the rotation rate of the lure body.

[0052] In one embodiment, the use of the blades or vanes 16 may be to power the generator 200 and thus ensure that the lure is powered throughout its free fall (ballistic trajectory) before hitting the ground. In such an embodiment, the blades or vanes 16 do not necessarily function as a “propeller of their own” to change the direction of the lure as it falls in free fall, but serve as an extra power generator. The wind resistance offered by the blades or vanes 16 may, however, aerodynamically decrease the rate of descent of the lure 10 so that it remains in the air for longer.

[0053] The power supply (Figure 5 - 300) provides electricity to all internal sub-assemblies of the Bait 10, including external communication and navigation (Figure 6 - 400), radars (Figure 8 - 600), and light-emitting diodes (Figure 7 - 500). As noted above, the power supply (Figure 5 - 300) has an interface with the outside world through the induction adapter (Figure 2 - 20) and can also be charged through this channel. The power supply block (Figure 5 - 300) has a charger rectifier (Figure 5 - 340) in which short-term battery charging (360) by electromagnetic induction (Figure 5 - 341) is possible. The battery of Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, pp. 70 / 95 14 / 22 short-duration (Figure 5 - 360) (which in some embodiments may be a capacitor or other charge storage device instead of a rechargeable battery) can also be charged with the excess energy generated by the blades / vanes 16 and generation system (Figure 4 - 200) during the operation of the lure. The short-duration battery (Figure 5 - 360) acts as a supplementary power source for the entire system, being responsible for supplying energy during the first moments of lure activation, as well as in case of failure of the primary energy generated by the generator (Figure 4 - 250). INERTIAL DETECTION SYSTEM

[0054] The accelerometer (Figure 5 - 350), upon detecting a sudden change in acceleration, characterized by the release of the bait (Figure 3 10; Figure 9, 1000), will send a pulse to the controller (Figure 5 - 320), and only then will the controller (Figure 5 - 320) activate the entire bait energy system (Figure 3 - 10; Figure 9, 1002), which remains at rest to conserve energy. The accelerometer (350) is also responsible for providing data to the controller (Figure 5 - 320) so that it can detect when there is no more acceleration after release and thus perform the procedure of erasing all data from the internal memory, also called "zeroing," so that it sends a pulse to erase all bait data (10) after it touches the ground when ejected (Figure 9, 1010). This zeroing process prevents an attacker from obtaining any useful information, for example, about phantom signature data when examining or reading the internal memory.In one type of lure, size 10 is not designed to be retrieved, but rather worn down and damaged or destroyed upon hitting the ground. EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM

[0055] The external communication and navigation interface (Figure 6 - 400) interfaces with the outside world through the induction adapter (Figure 3 - 20), and is capable of receiving programming data made in Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 71 / 95 15 / 22 dedicated software is installed on the laptop computer (Figure 3 - 21), and the connection between the induction adapter (Figure 3 - 20) and the laptop computer 21 (Figure 3 - 21) is made via a USB port or connection or other conventional communication. The communication and navigation interface 400 can wirelessly report the detected parameters of an inertial sensor 430, such as a gyroscope, accelerometer, etc., in a way that is not a signal to enemy detection systems. The external communication and navigation unit (Figure 6 - 400) has an external communication interface (Figure 6 - 420) via magnetic induction (Figure 6 - 421) through which it is possible to upload mission data from an external computer to the decoy (Figure 3 - 10). Its inertial unit (Figure 6 - 430) provides geolocation data and elevation and azimuth coordinates that are used by the controller (Figure 6 - 410) for greater effectiveness of the decoy (Figure 3 - 10) in suppressing threats.As noted above, the controller (Figure 6 - 410) (which can execute instructions that represent the flowchart in Figure 9) uses the data from the inertial unit to send the reset pulse to erase all data from the lure after it touches the ground upon ejection. PHANTOM INFRARED OPTICAL TARGET EMULATION

[0056] The 500 LED array provides an infrared signature that emulates the heat characteristics of the engine exhaust / engine nozzle and / or other heat characteristics of a predetermined or specified dummy target in order to confuse / distract an enemy (e.g., heat-seeking missile) into attacking the dummy target instead of a real target in the air, such as an aircraft that has deployed the decoy.

[0057] In one embodiment, the light-emitting diode array (Figure 7 - 500) operates in the IR wavelength range between 0.7 μm and 20 μm, which exhibits the same spectrum and thermal intensity caused by the engines of the phantom target aircraft. These items are customized in Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 72 / 95 16 / 22 programming (Figure 3 - 21) according to the specific phantom target aircraft, so that the IR spectral signature of the LEDs matches the IR spectral signature of the exhaust of the specific type of phantom target aircraft, such as the actual aircraft from which the decoy 10 is launched. The same decoy 10 launched from any different aircraft can thus be programmed in a customized way to emulate the thermal signature of the IR exhaust plume of the actual aircraft from which it is launched or of any other desired phantom target. See, for example, Haq et al, Parametric design and IR signature study of exhaust plume from elliptical-shaped exhaust nozzles of a low flying UAV using CFD approach, Engineering Volume 13, 100320 (March 2022), https: / / doi.org / 10.1016Zj.rineng.2021.100320; Liu et al, A Simulation Method of Aircraft Infrared Signature Measurement with Subscale Models, Procedia Computer Science 1472-16 1877- (2019) for more information on IR signatures of exhaust nozzles and plumes from different aircraft.

[0058] The infrared and thermal light generator (Figure 7 - 500) exhibits the same spectrum and intensity (i.e., heat signature) as the thermal radiation caused by the ghost aircraft engines. The infrared and thermal light generator 500 comprises a network of infrared light-emitting diodes or LEDs (Figure 7 - 520-1) (Figure 7 - 520-2) and (Figure 7 - 520n) operating in the thermal and infrared spectral region, with a network or array of such light-emitting diodes (Figure 7 - 520-1) (Figure 7 - 520-2) and (Figure 7 - 520-n) on each face of the decoy (Figure 3 - 10). In one embodiment, the network of light-emitting diodes is composed of tens to thousands of light-emitting diodes, depending on the type of ghost aircraft engine or engines. Each LED in the matrix can provide a pixel that can be individually controlled in IR color (wavelength) and intensity.Light-emitting diodes are tunable and controlled by current and voltage (and / or digital programming in some modes) via a processor. Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 73 / 95 17 / 22 controller (Figure 7 - 510). The processor and controller receive information about the spectral range and intensity of infrared and thermal generation for a phantom target through the decoy's internal network (Figure 3 - 10). Through current and voltage control, the frequency, phase, and transmission intensity of each light-emitting diode (Figure 7 - 520-1) (Figure 7 - 520-2) a (Figure 7 520-n) can be adjusted to provide an animated (variable) pattern that emulates the dynamic IR signature of the jet nozzle and plume of a phantom aircraft (which may correspond to the actual aircraft that the decoy is used to protect).

[0059] In one embodiment, phase adjustment of each light-emitting diode (Figure 7 - 520-1) (Figure 7 - 520-2) a (Figure 7 - 520-n) is provided to make it possible to control the elevation and azimuth direction of the main lobe of the light-emitting diode array -- for example, compensating for momentary rotation in the azimuth direction and change in inclination in the elevation direction (in polar coordinates) of the decoy (Figure 3 - 10) as detected by internal inertial sensor(s) described above. The processor and controller (Figure 7 - 510) can then independently adjust the frequency, elevation and azimuth angles, and intensity of the beam emitted by each face of the decoy system (Figure 3 - 10) in order to compensate for changes in the decoy's orientation as it falls in free fall. Passive radar reflectors

[0060] The reflector array (Figure 3 - 700) operates passively from 100 GHz - 1 THz, consisting of several corner reflectors. The arrangement of the reflectors (Figure 3 - 700) is such that each face of the decoy (Figure 3 - 10) has a corner reflector with an effective dimension proportional to the size of the respective face. The radar cross-section, RCS, of the corner reflector is known and equal to: RCS [m2]= (4*n*aA4) / (3*lambdaA2) , or σ = (4πα4) / (3λ2) Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, pp. 74 / 95 18 / 22

[0061] where a represents the length of the reflector corner, lambda or λ represents the RF wavelength in meters, and RCS or σ represents the radar cross-section in square meters. To not exceed the dimension of the decoy face “h”, “a” must always be smaller than “h”. The reflectors are therefore designed to return radar signals in the same way that a real target would.

[0062] Thus, in one mode, enemy radar will detect a target with an RCS ranging from 0.03 to 0.49 m2 at 100 GHz and from 3 to 49 m2 at 1 THz, which is close to that of a fighter jet in low radar cross-section. ACTIVE RADAR BLOCKER / FAKER

[0063] Meanwhile, decoy 10 provides radar interference / spoofing operating in the 400 MHz to 100 GHz band through the use of, for example, 5 subbands (Figure 8 - 610) (Figure 8 - 620) (Figure 8 - 630) (Figure 8 - 640) (Figure 8 - 650): Operating Band Number Operating Frequency Range: Band 1 (Figure 8 - 610) from 400 MHz to 1.2 GHz Band 2 (Figure 8 - 620) from 1.2 GHz to 3.6 GHz Band 3 (Figure 8 - 630) from 3.6 to 11 GHz Band 4 (Figure 8 - 640) from 11 GHz to 33 GHz Band 5 (Figure 8 - 650) from 33 GHz to 100 GHz

[0064] The 400 MHz to 100 GHz broadband can be covered by fewer than 5 or more than 5 subbands with respective operating frequency ranges different from those mentioned above. In one embodiment, the decoy can be programmed to selectively switch on and off different operating bands to provide any desired frequency coverage for a radar return signature.

[0065] The radar array (Figure 8 - 600) thus operates actively Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, pp. 75 / 95 19 / 22 from 400 MHz to 100 GHz, composed of several internal subsets segregated by operating band, with an associated multiplicity of antennas (one receiving antenna and one transmitting antenna for each band) and each internal subset operating independently. In one embodiment, the radar array provides radar return signature(s) corresponding to the radar signature(s) and characteristic(s) of a phantom target moving from an enemy radar transmitter.The circuit, therefore, is not necessarily "interfering" with the enemy radar to prevent it from functioning, but rather sends a (falsified) radar return signal to the enemy radar, which the enemy radar interprets as a legitimate return signal from a real target, while the signal is actually an artificially synthesized return signal designed to deceive or mislead the enemy radar (which may be airborne in one version), for example, to indicate that the phantom target has moved away while the real aircraft is still approaching the enemy radar's position.

[0066] In one example embodiment, the radar jammer is based on an analog RF circuit (and not a software-defined radio) that receives the radar signal and retransmits it, analogically delayed and with the frequency shifted proportionally to the desired emulated target speed Doppler frequency. In one example embodiment of each band circuit of the radar jammer, the enemy radar signal enters the RX antenna (Figure 8-618), is amplified by the low-noise LNA amplifier (Figure 8-616), passes through a multiplier / mixer (Figure 8-614) which reduces the carrier frequency of the signal to a frequency compatible with that of an analog delay line (Figure 8-611). The delay line delays the signal by a fixed or programmable delay. The delayed signal is optionally sent to the multiplier / mixer (Figure 8-615), which in turn converts the delayed signal to the same carrier frequency as the signal. Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, pp. 76 / 95 20 / 22 enemy radar input and then this signal is amplified (Figure 8 - 617) and connected to the TX transmission antenna (Figure 8 - 619) or emission.

[0067] The reference frequency used in the two multipliers / mixers is generated by an amplitude-controlled oscillator (Figure 8 - 613), VCO, which is excited by a sawtooth voltage (Figure 8 - 612) and thus also produces a monochromatic signal, but with the frequency varying over time also with a sawtooth history (Figure 8 - 612), i.e., in a time Delta_D the frequency changes in Delta_f, which after reaching a maximum frequency abruptly returns to the minimum frequency. Both the VCO voltage (Figure 8 - 613) and the programming of the optional delay of the delay line are controlled by a microcontroller (Figure 8 - 660), which receives the operating instructions through the bait network bus (Figure 3 - 10).In one embodiment, the delay line emulates a negative Doppler shift in the signal (that is, a decreasing frequency, such as what you might hear after a vehicle with a siren passes close to you and is now moving away from you), such that enemy radar will interpret that the phantom aircraft that the decoy emulates is moving away from it.

[0068] In modes with a programmable delay line, its delay can also have a sawtooth pattern (Figure 8 612), which emulates an increasing delay of the aircraft due to its distance. With the use of a constant delay line (Figure 8 - 611), the enemy radar will already have negative Doppler information and will already interpret this information as a distance from the aircraft, without realizing that the signal delay (i.e., the “flight time” from when the radar signal is emitted and when an “echo” of the emitted signal is returned after being reflected from a target) is not changing. This approximation can be valid in many scenarios, as the decoy's lifetime (Figure 3 - 10) once deployed is seconds. If emulation is necessary Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 77 / 95 21 / 22 perfect of the ghost aircraft, the programmable delay line (Figure 8 - 611) can be included, so that the enemy radar receives both the Doppler and also the increase in the “time of flight” delay of the return signal by encoding a decreasing distance between the radar transmitter and the ghost target, so as to perfectly emulate the departure of the aircraft moving away from the attacker.

[0069] In one example embodiment, five independent blocks (Figure 8 - 610) (6 Figure 8 - 20) (Figure 8 - 630) (Figure 8 - 640) (Figure 8 - 650), each covering a different frequency range, operate simultaneously in their respective frequency range. This provides a broadband response. The parameters for generating the sawtooth waveforms (Figure 8 - 612) (Figure 8 - 622) (Figure 8 - 632) (Figure 8 - 642) (Figure 8 - 652) of the VCO (Figure 8 - 613) (Figure 8 - 623) (Figure 8 - 633) (Figure 8 - 643) (Figure 8 - 653) and the delay line (611) (621) (631) (642) (651) are programmed externally by the controller (Figure 8 - 660) and can be adjusted to the characteristics of the ghost aircraft employed. This broadband radar array responds to radar signatures with a broadband radar response signature that represents a ghost of the target aircraft.

[0070] The RX (Figure 8 - 618) (Figure 8 - 628) (Figure 8 - 638) (Figure 8 - 648) (Figure 8 - 658) and TX (Figure 8 - 619) (Figure 8 - 629) (Figure 8 - 639) (Figure 8 - 649) (Figure 8 - 659) antennas may, for example, include flat stripline or microstrip antennas that are distributed on the four faces of the decoy (Figure 3 - 10). The resulting radiation pattern is omnidirectional in azimuth or horizontal and with a wide beam, more than 60 degrees, in elevation or vertical, so that the enemy radar can always illuminate and be illuminated by the decoy (Figure 3 - 10). Depending on the desired configuration, all or part of the subbands may be active or not, depending on the pre-flight programming. Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, pp. 78 / 95 22 / 22

[0071] The controllers mentioned above (Figure 4 - 210, Figure 5 - 320, Figure 6 - 420, Figure 7 - 510, Figure 8 - 660) can be physically grouped into a single processing unit, as well as partially grouped into two, three, four or more networked processors according to the best use of the constructive resources. OTHER MODALITIES

[0072] Not all embodiments must include all the components described above. For example, a first embodiment may include an active radar jamming circuit but no infrared emitter array, while a second embodiment may include an infrared emitter array but no active radar jamming circuit. The first or second embodiment may or may not include RF corner reflectors. A third embodiment, however, may include RF corner reflectors but no active IR emitter array and no active radar jamming circuit. The first, second, or third embodiment may or may not include the electric generator and associated blades or vanes. The first, second, or third embodiment may or may not include an internal inertial sensor and an associated navigation and communication interface to report position for tracking purposes.

[0073] All patents and publications cited in this document are incorporated in their entirety by reference.

[0074] Although the technology described in this document has been presented in connection with non-limiting exemplary illustrative embodiments, the invention should not be limited by the disclosure. The invention is intended to be defined by the claims and to encompass all corresponding and equivalent arrangements, whether or not specifically disclosed herein. Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, p. 79 / 95

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. An active decoy characterized in that it comprises: an implantable body; at least one rotating paddle or vane disposed on the body; a power generator disposed in the body and coupled to receive rotational torque from at least one rotating paddle or vane, the power generator configured to generate electric current in response to the rotational torque; and at least one of the following: (a) a radar spoofing circuit disposed in the body, wherein the radar spoofing circuit responds to a received radar signal with a phantom radar signature corresponding to a phantom target; (b) corner RF reflectors disposed in the body, wherein the corner reflectors generate strong radar reflections; and (c) an infrared emitter disposed in the body, wherein the infrared emitter emits a phantom infrared signature corresponding to a heat signature of the phantom target.

2. Active lure, according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating paddle or vane is foldable into or over the body.

3. Active lure, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally includes at least one vertical angle-of-attack stabilizer configured to neutralize, at least in part, a rotational moment produced by the rotating blade or vane.

4. Active lure, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally includes a variable electric load selectively coupled to the power generator and a circuit connected to control the variable electric load to select a counter-rotational torque that the power generator applies to affect the rotation of the body.

5. Active lure, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the body comprises a rectangular or cuboid prism dimensioned to be one inch (25 mm) by two inches (51 mm) by eight inches (203 mm).

6. Active lure, according to claim 1, characterized in that the infrared emitter comprises an array of infrared light-emitting diodes arranged on at least one external surface of the body.

7. Active decoy, according to claim 6, characterized in that it additionally includes a connected controller to animate the array with a variable infrared light show, so as to emulate a heat signature of a phantom target.

8. Active decoy, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally includes an inertial sensor that detects an impact on the ground and, in response thereto, erases the data stored in the body.

9. Active decoy, according to claim 1, characterized in that the radar spoofing circuit comprises at least one delay line that delays a received radar signal before retransmission.

10. Active decoy, according to claim 9, characterized in that the radar spoofing circuit further comprises a frequency shifter that shifts the frequency of the received radar signal to correspond to a negative Doppler shift.

11. Active decoy, according to claim 1, characterized in that the corner RF reflectors return a radar signal with a radar cross-section return signal close to that of a ghost target in low radar cross-section.

12. Active decoy characterized in that it comprises: an deployable housing; at least one rotating blade or vane disposed in the housing; Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, p. 81 / 95 3 / 4 a power generator disposed in the housing and coupled to receive rotational torque from at least one rotating blade or vane, the power generator configured to generate electric current in response to the rotational torque produced as the active decoy follows a ballistic trajectory through the air; and a spoofing emitter disposed within or on the housing, and the spoofing emitter emits a spoofing signature of a phantom target.

13. Active decoy, according to claim 12, characterized in that the spoofing transmitter comprises a radar spoofing circuit that responds to a received radar signal with a phantom radar signature.

14. Active decoy, according to claim 12, characterized in that the decoy emitter comprises corner RF reflectors arranged in the housing, wherein the corner reflectors generate strong radar reflections.

15. Active decoy, according to claim 12, characterized in that the spoofing emitter comprises an infrared emitter disposed in the housing, wherein the infrared emitter emits a phantom infrared signature corresponding to a heat signature of the phantom target.

16. Active decoy, according to claim 12, characterized in that the housing comprises a cuboid sized to fit into a conventional countermeasure cartridge.

17. Active bait, according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises at least one controller configured to self-destruct the data stored in the host upon detecting an impact on the host. Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, pp. 82 / 95 4 / 4 18. Active lure, according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises a control circuit that selects a variable electrical load for the power generator in order to control the rate of rotation of the housing.

19. Active decoy, according to claim 12, characterized in that it additionally includes a charge storage device connected to the power generator and an inductive charging interface.

20. Active decoy, according to claim 12, characterized in that it additionally includes a navigation and communication device within the housing, the navigation and communication device being configured to wirelessly communicate position and / or orientation information. Petition 870250083730, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, pp. 83 / 95

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