Procedures and defense systems for combating targets and threats
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2016-11-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for defending against threats such as missiles and other objects are complex and inefficient, lacking a simple and effective means to detect and destroy these targets reliably.
A method that enhances the visibility of the target or threat by heating its surface using a laser weapon system, creating a distinct IR signature that can be detected and engaged by defensive measures, thereby improving targeting accuracy and enabling effective countermeasures.
The method allows for the reliable detection and destruction of threats by making them more visible and vulnerable to IR-based defensive systems, reducing the need for multiple countermeasures and enhancing the effectiveness of laser weapon systems in threat defense.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a method for defending against targets or threats, for defending against moving or stationary objects. These include missiles such as guided missiles, rockets, grenades, helicopters, aircraft, as well as vehicles, bunkers, and other structures. In particular, the method is aimed at the detection and destruction of threats using IR sensor-based defense systems, such as missiles, guided munitions, UAVs, etc. The invention also relates to a defense system for carrying out the method.
[0002] To protect against threats, objects to be protected can be camouflaged with pyrotechnic flares, while the object being protected can, for example, be moved out of the danger zone. Devices and methods such as those described in DE 10 2005 020 159 B4 or DE 10 2005 035 251 A1 have proven effective. DE 10 2011 009 154 A1 places the camouflage smoke directly in front of the attacker, as close as possible to the seeker head.
[0003] German patent DE 10 2011 120 929 A1 describes an active deception method for intelligent, radar-guided threats. This active deception is achieved through an antenna array mounted on or beneath the surface of a munition.
[0004] Another countermeasure involves the use of jamming devices. German patent DE 10 2013 014 192 A1 uses a laser unit with a modulation code to transmit modulated measurement radiation to the aircraft. This disrupts the target acquisition of the searchlight. Furthermore, the measurement radiation reflected by the aircraft is detected, correlated with the modulation code, and the distance to the aircraft is determined from this correlation. To shield against interference, German patent DE 10 2011 040 021 A1 proposes incorporating a shielding unit with a shielding element that partially surrounds the optical joint.
[0005] A method for intercepting a missile using defensive radiation, in which the missile is recognized and classified as such, is described in DE 10 2011 009 459 A1. The intercept strategy is determined based on the angle of incidence between the radiation direction and the missile's flight path. The underlying principle is to deposit as much radiation energy as possible in selected, functionally sensitive missile components to ensure their reliable destruction. Therefore, it is crucial to target the selected missile component at the correct angle of incidence. The associated technical effort is considerable.
[0006] For the self-defense of an aircraft against a missile with an IR seeker, the use of a laser source for a DIRCM laser weapon system is also proposed, as outlined in DE 10 2006 047 845 A1. DE 197 24 080 A1 also envisions destroying a missile with an infrared seeker using a directed laser beam of high-intensity radiation. This requires lasers or laser weapons with high power or radiation.
[0007] The invention aims to demonstrate a method that efficiently enables the simple detection of a threat and ensures its safe destruction.
[0008] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are contained in the dependent claims.
[0009] The invention is based on the idea of making a target or threat more visible for defensive purposes. In this context, the target or threat is to be imaged more intensely for the defensive measure. For more effective imaging, the target / threat emits a stronger IR signature, thus standing out sufficiently from the background for the defensive measure (IR sensor) to detect. This allows the target / threat to be detected more effectively by the defensive measure and successfully countered. The invention utilizes the property that concrete, metals, steel, plastics, and other materials absorb laser radiation and consequently heat up.
[0010] To implement this idea, a laser beam is used to heat the surface of the target / threat. This heating creates a larger heated (red) spot on the target's / threat's surface. This intensified electro-optical image of the target / threat can then be more easily detected by a missile equipped with an IR seeker as a defensive measure.
[0011] The stronger radiation is thus caused by heating a surface of the target / threat, which is preferably achieved by a laser weapon system that delivers the necessary laser radiation. The defensive measure can then detect this heating more effectively, as the heated area stands out more clearly from the background.
[0012] The laser weapon system is engaged with the target / threat, or a time-limited laser beam is emitted at the target / threat, after a target / potential threat has been detected by a detection device.
[0013] If the target / threat is a missile, with or without a seeker head, the seeker head or nose (ogive, hood) of the missile is preferentially heated. Furthermore, the fuselage, wings, and tail assembly can also be heated. If the missile, with or without a seeker head, has a plastic hood, it may be sufficient to destroy this hood to impair the missile's flight characteristics, causing it to miss the protected object and rendering the missile unusable.
[0014] According to the invention, a laser weapon system and a threat defense system are functionally combined. The primary function of the laser weapon system is not to destroy the target / threat itself. Rather, it increases the accuracy of the threat defense, so that the deployment of only one defensive measure is sufficient. Furthermore, the application of laser weapon systems is expanded, and the threat defense is supported by the laser weapon system.
[0015] Laser weapon systems are already known in practice. For example, DE 10 2012 0 150 074 B3 describes a laser weapon system comprising a beam direction unit, at least one laser generation unit, at least one output stage element, and one beam optics element. Another laser weapon system is also disclosed in WO 2010062399 A1.
[0016] The method is applicable to all missiles and is not limited to threatening IR or RF missiles. It can also be used for other targets / threats, including moving and / or stationary ones.
[0017] To carry out the procedure, at least one detection device for locating a threat, a laser weapon system (preferably a high-power laser weapon system), and a countermeasure (defensive device), such as a missile, a flying object with an IR seeker, or an IR drone, etc., are required. The use of an illumination laser within the defense system can also be included. A target search system for tracking is also advantageous. After the threat has been heated at least at one of its sensitive structural components, the countermeasure can be triggered and deployed.
[0018] In the case of multiple threats, at least one additional laser weapon system can be deployed. Having more than one laser weapon system offers the advantage that each can target only one threat at a time, thus increasing the window of opportunity for threat destruction, as the heating of sensitive structural components occurs more quickly. The laser beams are preferentially focused on the target.
[0019] The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment with a drawing.
[0020] It shows the only figure in block diagram representation of a defense system. 10 for threat defense. The threat 2 In the present embodiment, this is an incoming missile. For threat defense, in the present embodiment, a missile is used, which can be launched from a weapon (launching device) not shown in detail. 3 equipped with an IR search head.
[0021] The defense system 10includes at least one detection device 4 , which could be a radar or an electro-optical system. A laser 6 can be used as an illumination laser in the defense system 10 be integrated. With 7 is characterized as a laser weapon system that poses a threat 2 The laser weapon system is intended to be better characterized according to the invention. 7 This includes a high-performance laser. A fire control unit of the defense system. 10 This is not shown in detail, as it is known. Incoming signals, data, etc., e.g., from the detection device, are processed via this fire control system and forwarded as signals or data to the defense system. 10 integrated actuators, e.g., an unspecified weapon, the laser 6 or the laser weapon system 7 etc., issued.
[0022] The laser weapon system 7consists at least of a laser unit, a laser (high-power laser), such as a single resonator oscillator or master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA), and associated optics (not shown in detail).
[0023] Using the detection device 4 A space to be monitored is created around an object to be secured. 11 (stationary, mobile or moving) regularly searched for incoming missiles 2 monitored. Upon detection of the threat, the fire control system can initiate the deployment of the countermeasure and the missile. 3 against the missile 2 be sent in a known manner. The necessary launching device (not shown in detail) can also be located at a distance from the object. 11 However, it should be located in conjunction with the fire control system of the defense system. 10 be functionally connected. At the time of threat detection 2A target tracking system (not shown in detail) can also connect to this.
[0024] To ensure that a single shot hits the missile 2 Destroyed, it is intended that the missile 3 a clearly identifiable target, the missile 2 , opposite. This missile 2 It should stand out better from the background. At least some localized heating is necessary. In practice, a difference of approximately 2°C has proven sufficient. With an ambient temperature of 15°C, heating to 17°C would be achievable.
[0025] As soon as the detection device 4 the incoming missile 2 If the laser has detected something, there is a possibility that it is the illumination laser. 6 on the missile 2 switches on, directs its laser radiation at this 6.1 fixed. This fixed point 8 on the missile 2is preferably located in the visible area of the flying body 2 (generally the missile nose). The fixed point 8 This can affect sensitive structural parts of the missile 2 preferably on the nose (ogive, hood), tail assembly, etc. of the aircraft 2 lie. The fixed point 8 can be from the laser weapon system 7 to align its laser beam 7.1 on the missile 2 can be used.
[0026] Using the laser beam 7.1 will the missile 2 on its surface 9 , preferably in the area of the nose (ogive, hood), it is heated or warmed. This causes the aircraft to become 2 at this point it is warmer and forms a pattern for the IR seeker head of the missiles. 3 a clearly visible stain on the aircraft 2 off. The missile 3 can accurately target the missile 2 destroy.
[0027] The method can also be applied to stationary targets / threats. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] DE 102005020159 B4
[0002] DE 102005035251 A1
[0002] DE 102011009154 A1
[0002] DE 102011120929 A1
[0003] DE 102013014192 A1
[0004] DE 102011040021 A1
[0004] DE 102011009459 A1
[0005] DE 102006047845 A1
[0006] DE 19724080 A1
[0006] DE 1020120150074 B3
[0015] WO 2010062399 A1
[0015]
Claims
[1] Procedure for identifying a target / threat (2) comprising the following steps: ➢ Detection of the target / threat (2), ➢ Emitting a laser beam (7.1) from a laser weapon system (7) at the target / threat (2), ➢ Impact of the laser beam (7.1) on a surface (9) of the target / threat (2), wherein ➢ the laser beam (7.1) heats the surface (9) of the target / threat (2) at least at specific points, and ➢ the heating is detectable. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the marking on the target / threat (2) is made in the front area of the target / threat (2). [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by , that the front area may be a nose, ogive or hood of the target / threat (2). [4] Method for detecting an identified target / identified threat (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the heating is detected by an IR seeker head of a defensive measure (3). [5] Defense system (10) for protecting an object (8) against a target / threat (2) and for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by at least one detection device (4), at least one laser weapon (7) for heating the surface (9) of the target / threat (2), at least one weapon for deploying a defensive measure (3), and at least one fire control system. [6] Defense system (10) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the target / threat (2) is stationary or moving. [7] Defense system (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by , that the defensive measure (3) is a missile with an IR seeker head. [8] Defense system (10) according to claims 5 to 7, characterized by, that a laser (5) can be used for illumination. [9] Object (11) with a defense system (10) according to one of claims 5 to 8. [10] Object (11) according to claim 9, characterized by that the object (11) is stationary or is itself movable.