Flying object, mine clearance ladder device and system for clearing mine devices

Abstract

Flying object (1) for clearing mine devices (2), comprising a control unit (3) with a control program (4), at least one sensor unit (6) coupled to the control unit (3), and at least one mine countermeasure unit (5) coupled to the control unit (3), wherein the at least one sensor unit (6) is designed to determine an exact location of detected mine devices (2), so that a targeted clearance of detected mine devices (2) can be carried out subsequently or in real time by means of the at least one mine countermeasure unit (5).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a flying object for clearing mine devices, a mine clearance ladder device for clearing mine devices and a system for clearing mine devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] To protect certain areas from unwanted access, various forms of mine-laying devices are used, for example, in the form of commercially available landmines or similar devices. In active conflicts, conventional landmines are still an effective method for blocking access to certain areas or even sections or areas of areas.

[0003] Clearing such mined areas is often only possible with great effort and sometimes during prolonged disruption. Furthermore, there are situations in which clearing or destroying such mines proves virtually impossible.

[0004] Currently, mine-clearing tanks, infantry, or mine-clearing ladders are used to clear mines or so-called minefields. These latter mine-clearing ladders are also known by the abbreviation MCLC (mine-clearing line charge). Mine-clearing ladders, which are also known as mine-clearing cords, are often deployed in a straight line on the ground. Initial approaches to deploying them from the air are already known, but previous approaches allow little to no flexibility in use, meaning that the use of such mine-clearing ladders can sometimes be easily seen through and thus deliberately disrupted by the enemy. In particular, paths through a minefield that have only been cleared in a straight line often offer only a narrow corridor for any subsequent movement profiles of people and equipment.Due to their often straight-line nature, these cleared areas can easily be blocked or disrupted again by targeted actions.

[0005] The decisive disadvantage of systems that operate directly from the ground is that ground-based clearance equipment must move within a few meters of a mined area, for example in the form of a minefield or the like, or even have to penetrate this danger zone in order to ultimately clear the exclusion zone.

[0006] Conventional clearance systems are easy targets in this case. Launchers that transport and then deploy mine clearance ladders often only carry one load on board and must therefore retreat to reload before further action can take place. Furthermore, as already mentioned, mine clearance ladders operate in a straight line directly in front of the releasing system. Autonomous ground-based clearance devices are currently slow and can only search and clear small areas at a time.

[0007] Mine installations are cleared from the air, for example, using cruise missiles, glide bombs, or loiter munitions (also known as loitering weapons or in the form of kamikaze drones). Point-action weapons are also used. However, similar to the use of cluster munitions, which are predominantly deployed in an undirected manner, precise knowledge of the location and type of mine installations is often not immediately available. Electronic reconnaissance and warfare equipment are used only to a limited extent here and are often designed to detect moving objects or similar. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a flying object for clearing mine devices, a mine clearance ladder device for clearing mine devices and a system for clearing mine devices, each of which at least partially overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0009] This object is achieved by a flying object having the features of claim 1 and by a mine clearance ladder device having the features of claim 6 and by a system having the features of claim 14.

[0010] According to the invention, a flying object is provided for clearing mine devices. Such a flying object comprises a control unit with a control program, at least one sensor unit coupled to the control unit, and at least one mine-countermeasurement unit coupled to the control unit. The at least one sensor unit is designed to determine the precise location of detected mine devices, so that a targeted clearance of detected mine devices can be carried out subsequently or in real time using the at least one mine-countermeasurement unit.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the invention, a mine clearance ladder device for clearing mine devices is provided. Such a mine clearance ladder device comprises a plurality of active units connected to respective connection units with an active function. At least one of the active units comprises a control device with a control application, so that at least one of the active units and / or at least one connection unit with an active function can be controlled by means of the control device with a control application.

[0012] Furthermore, the invention provides a system for clearing mine devices. Such a system comprises at least one inventive flying object for clearing mine devices and at least one inventive mine clearance ladder device for clearing mine devices.

[0013] For example, the invention can be used in a method for clearing mine devices. Such a method can comprise: providing at least one flying object according to the invention for clearing mine devices or providing at least one mine clearance device according to the invention for clearing mine devices or providing at least one system according to the invention for clearing mine devices; activating the at least one flying object according to the invention or the at least one mine clearance device according to the invention or the at least one system according to the invention so that detected mine devices are cleared in a defined manner in a user-defined target area.

[0014] One idea of ​​the present invention is therefore to neutralize previously detected mine devices subsequently or almost in real time using the respective mine countermeasures. Information about the exact positions of the respective mine devices can be used in such a way that the respective mine countermeasures can be deployed particularly precisely and thus particularly effectively.

[0015] Overall, this advantageously enables more flexible clearance of previously or immediately detected mines. Instead of just clearing mines in a straight line, the ability to perform control activities now also allows for the clearance of curved paths or similar structures. This advantage can be supported by both the specific flight path of the aircraft and the flexibly deployable mine countermeasure unit.

[0016] In particular, the interaction of flexibly deployable flying objects, which can also be provided as semi-autonomous or highly automated, and the flexibly deployable mine countermeasure units, which can be controlled using the information determined by the at least one sensor unit and specifically aligned with the mine devices to be cleared, can not only bring about effective combating of mine devices, but at the same time effectively complicate any external interventions that may occur, since a prediction of clearance operations by means of the flying object according to the invention and its flexibly deployable mine countermeasure units is almost impossible.

[0017] In summary, the proposed flying object alone and / or in conjunction with the mine clearance device according to the invention allows a targeted and flexible clearance of previously detected mine devices.

[0018] Due to the interactions of functional components in conjunction with highly flexible combination options, unwanted external influences can be made considerably more difficult during an operation, so that a particularly effective and targeted clearance of desired areas or parts of such areas is possible even under difficult circumstances during dynamic operational missions.

[0019] The advantages mentioned above also apply, to the extent transferable, to the presented mine clearance ladder device and to the presented system.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the at least one sensor unit is selected from: radar detector device; infrared detector device; video detector device; multi-sensor device comprising at least two sensor units selected from: radar detector device; infrared detector device; video detector device.

[0021] Depending on the mine devices to be detected, the appropriate sensor units can be used either alone or in combination, so that effective combating of these detected and recognized mine devices can be achieved in a beneficial manner subsequently or even almost in real time.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the control unit with control program is designed to compare at least one piece of information determined from the at least one sensor unit with a database stored in the control unit with control program, so that by means of the comparison a defined clearance of detected mine devices can be carried out by means of the at least one mine countermeasure unit.

[0023] In this way, a suitable mine countermeasure unit can be advantageously targeted and deployed in an appropriately targeted manner. This enables the effective use of available assets, allowing a limited-capacity aircraft to eliminate as many mine-clearing units as possible during a single flight.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the precise location comprises georeferenced location processes.

[0025] In this way, a clear detection of mine devices to be cleared can be advantageously carried out, whereby an appropriate action for these clearance processes can be initiated subsequently, particularly specifically or almost in real time. Georeferenced positioning processes are understood to mean any actions in this context that link the determination of geopositions or the like with further actions. In this respect, further information can also be determined by determining coordinates or the like and linked to the position information, thus enabling a particularly effective deployment of the respective mine countermeasures units. This can also include distance information to neighboring mine devices, etc., so that a particularly suitable mine countermeasures unit located on board can be advantageously selected.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the mine countermeasure unit is selected from: controllable rapid-firing system; end-guided cluster munitions; loitering munitions device, glide bomb device; mine clearance ladder device.

[0027] Depending on the detected mines, the most suitable device can be deployed. Controllable rapid-firing systems, for example, can target exposed mines with a targeted salvo and detonate them. Terminally guided cluster munitions, for example, can be used advantageously when mines located close to one another need to be cleared. Information about the respective positions and their relationship to one another is particularly valuable in this case and can be processed using sensor units and subsequent processing in the control device with a control program, allowing particularly effective countermeasures against the mines, advantageously immediately or almost in real time.Mine clearance ladder devices, particularly within the meaning of the present invention, can be advantageously used when a specific section or a specific path within an area is to be cleared. The information determined by the at least one sensor device can help enable the best possible, i.e., effective, use of such a mine clearance ladder device, whereby multiple mine clearance ladder devices can also be used together and in combination.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that respective active units and / or connection units with active function of the mine clearance ladder device comprise flight aids, wherein the flight aids are each controllable by means of the control device with control application and / or wherein the one control device with control application comprises means for autonomous operation of the mine clearance ladder device and is designed to ensure autonomous control of the mine clearance ladder device.

[0029] In this way, a targeted placement of individual active units of the mine clearance device can advantageously be achieved, so that a particularly effective and, above all, targeted manner of clearing detected mine devices can be achieved. The flight aids can be used in any advantageous manner. For example, specially deployed or positioned flight aids can also be provided as a type of aerodynamic brake, in order to ultimately achieve a targeted positioning of the respective active units on the ground. The means for autonomous operation of the mine clearance device can, for example, comprise respective control programs or the like, which are designed or can at least partially contribute to ensuring autonomous control of the mine clearance device.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one active unit and / or at least one connecting unit with an active function of the mine clearance ladder device comprises rigid, non-controllable flight aids, or wherein at least one active unit and / or at least one connecting unit with an active function of the mine clearance ladder device comprises at least one rigid, non-controllable flight aid and at least one active unit and / or at least one connecting unit with an active function comprises a flight aid that can be controlled by means of the control device with a control application.

[0031] This allows for even better targeted positioning of the respective active units on the ground, while advantageously allowing for a certain degree of flexibility before the respective active units hit the ground, since the connections via the respective connecting units allow the respective flight maneuvers of the individual active units to affect other active units. The interplay of rigid and controllable flight aids thus advantageously results in particularly flexible handling of the mine clearance ladder device according to the invention.

[0032] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the respective controllable active units and / or respective controllable connection units with active function of the mine clearance control device are designed to be controllable by means of the control device with control application via at least one radio connection or via the respective connection units.

[0033] Radio connections advantageously facilitate particularly flexible handling of the mine clearance ladder device according to the invention, in particular during the deployment phase, for example during the deployment time in the air.

[0034] Connecting units, i.e., wired solutions, can be provided relatively easily and simply, thus advantageously resulting in a particularly reliable mine clearance ladder device according to the invention. Wired solutions are also immune to jamming, providing a further advantage.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one active unit and / or at least one connecting unit with active function of the mine clearance ladder device comprises ground anchoring means, so that the mine clearance ladder device can be firmly anchored to the ground at least in one area by means of the ground anchoring means.

[0036] The mine clearance ladder device to be deployed can thus be fixed at least at a specific point before, for example, the other active units gradually hit the ground. This offers the advantage that, starting from the desired fixation position, a specifically defined deployment of the mine clearance ladder device and its components can be planned.

[0037] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the active units connected by means of the respective connecting units and / or the respective connecting units with active function are held by the mine clearance device in or on a missile of the mine clearance device and can be deployed from the missile in a user-defined sequence during a flight maneuver of the missile.

[0038] The missile thus advantageously expands the possible uses of the mine clearance ladder device according to the invention. In this context, a user-defined sequence can be understood as any sequence that is expedient for the upcoming operation. In the simplest case, it can be a serial deployment sequence, so that an essentially straight-line deployment can be achieved. A central active unit can also be deployed first and then, simultaneously or staggered, further active units attached to the right and left. These can then be steered by the missile during the flight phase, for example, so that a defined end position on the ground can be achieved. Curved or step-like paths can also be achieved in this way, although non-straight-line paths in particular are difficult to predict for external observers.

[0039] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the mine clearance conductor device is designed to be deployed into a target field by a flying object according to the invention, wherein control of the respective active units and / or the respective connecting units with active function is provided by the mine clearance conductor device by means of the flying object or by means of the mine clearance conductor device, or wherein control of the respective active units and / or the respective connecting units with active function is provided by means of the flying object according to the invention and by means of the mine clearance conductor device, or wherein control of the respective active units and / or the respective connecting units with active function is provided by the mine clearance conductor device at least partially by means of the flying object according to the invention and at least partially by means of the mine clearance conductor device.

[0040] In this way, further flexible and advantageous application possibilities can be achieved in a wide variety of combinations of controls and so on.

[0041] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the active units and / or the connecting units with active function of the mine clearance device are selected from: blasting unit; weight unit, blasting unit with weight unit; blasting unit with weight unit; wherein the weight unit comprises at least one weight in an interval between 0.5 kg and 5 kg, preferably between 1 kg and 3 kg, preferably between 1.5 kg and 2.5 kg.

[0042] Weights can advantageously activate the respective detonators of mine devices, allowing the respective mine devices to be detonated in a targeted manner. If it is detected that the respective detonators provide safety precautions for certain weighting processes, the explosive units can advantageously be deployed to clear the mine devices through a destruction process. The explosive units can also be controlled and remotely manipulated using existing equipment. This allows control from the aircraft or the mine clearance control device, advantageously enabling additional options during the operation.

[0043] Depending on where a particular mine device has been located and detected on the ground, the controllability of the mine clearance device according to the invention allows the appropriate active unit to be directed to a suitable location, allowing particularly reliable and effective clearance of the mine devices. The weight units can also be provided in a modular manner, allowing the total weight of each active unit to be adjusted prior to deployment depending on the expected mine device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The invention is explained below with reference to the figures of the drawings. The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a flying object for clearing mine devices; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a mine clearance ladder device for clearing mine devices; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of another mine clearance ladder device for clearing mine devices; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of another mine clearance ladder device for clearing mine devices; Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system for clearing mine devices; Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a flow chart of an exemplary method for clearing mine devices.

[0045] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote identical or functionally identical components, unless otherwise stated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a flying object 1 for clearing mine devices 2. The flying object 1 is shown with a control unit 3 with a control program 4. In this simple exemplary embodiment, the flying object 1 is shown with a mine countermeasure unit 5 and a sensor unit 6, each of which is shown coupled to the control unit 3 with the control program 4. The sensor unit 6 is designed to determine the precise location of the detected mine devices 2, so that a targeted clearance of the detected mine devices 2 can be carried out subsequently or in real time using the mine countermeasure unit 5.

[0047] In an embodiment of the flying object 1 according to the invention (not shown in detail), it is conceivable that a plurality of mine countermeasure units 5 and a plurality of sensor units 6 are provided. In each embodiment, the sensor units 6 can be selected from: radar detector device; infrared detector device; video detector device; multi-sensor device comprising at least two sensor units selected from: radar detector device, infrared detector device; video detector device. The mine countermeasure units 5 can each be selected from: controllable rapid-firing system; end-guided cluster munitions; loitering munitions device; glide bomb device; and mine clearance ladder device.

[0048] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the mine countermeasure unit 5 and the sensor unit 6 are provided in a lower region of the flying object 1 relative to the image plane. Other positioning options are conceivable. If the flying object 1 flies in the direction of the illustrated block arrow 7, the mine devices 2 located in the ground area 8 can be detected by the sensor device 6, whereby a respective precise position of the respective mine devices 2 is recorded. The sensor device 6 is designed, for example, so that it can determine this information in a user-defined detection area 9 and then forward it to the control unit 3 with the control program 4.

[0049] The mine countermeasure unit 5, in turn, can be designed, for example, so that it can act on the previously detected mine device 2 along a depicted line of action 10, so that the respective mine device 2 is destroyed, i.e., cleared. This process can also be carried out in near real time.

[0050] The mine countermeasures unit 5 can, for example, be a controllable rapid-fire system that enables high-precision rapid firing of medium caliber, so that the respective mine device 2 is targeted. Situation-adapted ammunition (armor-piercing, shaped-charge projectile, explosive projectile) can also be used, whereby the rapid-fire system can be designed to use this respective ammunition.

[0051] The mine countermeasures unit 5 can, for example, also be designed as end-guided cluster munitions, wherein a corresponding carrying device (also called a carrier) can be provided, so that a targeted release over the minefield and in particular a targeted release over a special mine device 2 is possible. End-guided cluster munitions, for example designed as end-guided cluster bomblets, steer themselves to the target and detonate the mine device 2 there. In this respect, an initial targeted guidance is already possible by means of the flying object 1, wherein further targeting accuracy can then be achieved through the provided end-guided guidance, so that overall an even more reliable application can be advantageously achieved.

[0052] The flying object 1 according to the invention is in Fig. 1 is depicted as a substantially autonomous or at least partially autonomously flying drone device, with a flight propulsion unit 11 with a total of four rotor units 12 being depicted in the upper region of the image plane. Any other drone devices are conceivable in exemplary embodiments not shown in detail. For example, the flying object 1 can also be designed as a remote carrier (remote carrier = remotely controlled carrier system), which, in accordance with the multi-sensor concept with a sensor fusion of radar, IR, and TV, precisely locates mine devices 2 using air navigation applications and georeferences the exact position via GPS / initial guidance / landmarking or the like.

[0053] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a mine clearance ladder device 13 for clearing mine devices 2. The mine clearance ladder device 13 is shown with a total of three active units 14, which are connected to one another by means of respective connecting units 15 with active function.

[0054] The middle active unit 14 is shown with a control device 16 with a control application 17. At least one of the active units 14 shown can be controlled by this control device 16 with a control application 17. For example, this control can be designed for a triggering process on an active unit 14.

[0055] Relative to the image plane, the left-hand active unit 14 is shown with ground anchoring means 18, so that the mine clearance ladder device 13 can be firmly anchored to the ground at least in one area by means of the ground anchoring means 18. The ground anchoring means 18 are shown in a highly simplified form in the form of an arrow. In other embodiments not shown in detail, however, any other shapes are also conceivable that are suitable for ensuring appropriate hold in the ground, for example in the form of soil consisting of loose soil substrate or the like. For other soil substrates or even frozen soils, correspondingly different or adapted ground anchoring means 18 can be provided.

[0056] It is conceivable that the ground anchoring means 18 is pressed into the ground when this active unit 14 strikes the ground with a certain force, whereby an anchoring is effected so firmly that the remaining mine clearance ladder device 13 is then stretched over the ground from this point when the respective other active units 14 and respective connecting units 15 with active function strike the ground.

[0057] The Fig. The proportions of the respective active units 14 and the respective connecting units 15 with active function shown in Figure 2 are only examples and may vary accordingly in embodiments not shown in detail. For example, it is conceivable that the respective connecting units 15 with active function have larger dimensions, so that they are designed to accommodate additional components. The respective lengths of the respective connecting units 15 with active function may also vary, so that instead of a pearl necklace-shaped representation, as in Fig. 2, results in a consistently uniform design.

[0058] Since both the respective active units and the connecting units 15 with active function are designed to act on objects to be destroyed or the like, a continuous effect is achieved overall, so that the respective active units 14 with the respective connecting units 15, viewed together, represent a continuous means of action. Any variation of different combinations of effects is conceivable in embodiments not shown in detail. A substantially uniform, continuous effect is also conceivable. The proposed mine clearance ladder device 13 can thus be designed very flexibly and can be configured to exert a continuous effect, so that a continuous effect can be exerted along its established line, for example on the ground or generally in its target area.

[0059] The respective connecting units 15 with an active function can comprise additional elements, for example, ropes or the like, so that mechanical reinforcement can be achieved. For respective transmission tasks, the respective connecting units 15 with an active function can have any form of electrically conductive line elements, for example, simple cables or the like, so that energy and / or signal transmission can be ensured. The mine clearance conductor device 13 as a whole can thus be designed to have corresponding connection paths through all components, so that corresponding energy and / or signal transmission can be ensured through all components.

[0060] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of another mine clearance ladder device 13 for clearing mine devices 2. The mine clearance ladder device 13 is shown with a total of three active units 14, which are connected to one another by means of respective connecting units 15.

[0061] The middle active unit 14 is shown with a control device 16 with a control application 17. At least one of the active units 14 shown can be controlled by this control device 16 with a control application 17. For example, this control can be designed for a triggering process on an active unit 14.

[0062] The respective active units 14 shown are provided with respective flight aids 19, wherein the respective flight aids 19 are each controllable by means of the control device 16 with control application 17. In the Fig. In Figure 3, the flight aids 19 are each depicted in the form of small wing units (winglets). It is therefore conceivable that the control device 16 with the control application 17 could change the respective positions of these small wing units, resulting in a different behavior of the respective active unit 14 during the flight in the air.

[0063] For example, these flight aids 19 can be used as aerodynamic braking units, which can effect a defined deceleration of the descent of the respective active unit 14. It is also conceivable that respective adjustment processes on the respective small wing units (winglets) are coordinated together by the control device 16 with the control application 17, thus achieving a desired flight behavior of the entire mine clearance ladder device 13. For example, curved paths can thus be effected by the active units 14 on the ground when they finally impact the ground.

[0064] In this way, any user-defined clearance of mine devices 2 on the ground can advantageously be effected, so that this cleared area can then be used for safe and unpredictable access by advancing persons and equipment. Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of another mine clearance ladder device 13 for clearing mine devices 2.

[0065] The mine clearance ladder device 13 is shown with a total of three active units 14, which are connected to one another by means of respective connecting units 15.

[0066] The middle active unit 14 is shown with a control device 16 with a control application 17. At least one of the active units 14 shown can be controlled by this control device 16 with a control application 17. For example, this control can be designed for a triggering process on an active unit 14.

[0067] The respective active units 14 shown are provided with respective flight aids 19, wherein the respective flight aids 19 are each controllable by means of the control device 16 with control application 17. In the Fig. In Figure 4, the flight aids 19 are each depicted in the form of small wing units (winglets). It is therefore conceivable that the control device 16 with the control application 17 could change the respective positions of these small wing units, resulting in a different behavior of the active unit 14 during the flight in the air.

[0068] For example, these flight aids 19 can be used as aerodynamic braking units, which can effect a defined deceleration of the descent of the respective active unit 14. It is also conceivable that respective adjustment processes on the respective small wing units (winglets) are coordinated together by the control device 16 with the control application 17 of the mine clearance ladder device 13, thus achieving a desired flight behavior of the entire mine clearance ladder device 13. For example, curved paths can thus be effected by the active units 14 on the ground when they finally impact the ground.

[0069] In this way, any user-defined clearance of mine devices 2 on the ground can advantageously be effected, so that this cleared area can then be used for safe and unpredictable access by advancing persons and equipment.

[0070] The active units 14 connected by means of respective connecting units 15 are, before they are as in Fig. 4 are in the air, are held in or on a missile 20 of the mine clearance device 13 and can be deployed in a user-defined sequence from the missile 20 during a flight maneuver of the missile 20.

[0071] It is thus conceivable that the missile 20 of the mine clearance ladder device 13 gradually releases the respective active units 14, and during the release of further active units 14, the first released active unit 14 already impacts the ground and is fixed there by means of existing ground anchoring means 18. During the further flight of the missile 20, the mine clearance ladder device 13 is then tensioned. If further active units 14 (which can also be referred to as active means) are also equipped with ground anchoring means 18, a curved trajectory, for example, can ultimately determine the cleared area, since active units 14 impacting one after the other and thus one after the other can be tensioned in any desired course, so that, for example, curved courses can also be achieved.

[0072] An associated procedure could, for example, be provided as follows: First, a controlled active unit 14 with an aerodynamic brake, i.e., with controllable flight aids 19 with ground anchoring means 18, which can also be referred to as ground spikes, is ejected. The rear end of the mine clearance ladder device 13 is attached to this. This transports the beginning of the mine clearance ladder device 13 (which can also be referred to as MCLC = mine-clearing line charge) to its target.

[0073] The carrier system, i.e., the missile 20, continues to fly using residual kinetic energy. The second end of the mine clearance guide device 13 is attached to the missile 20, for example, a type of airframe or the like. Alternatively, this end is attached to a component with a large mass, such as the engine. This guides the missile to its target. In the event of a launch or a failure of the mine clearance guide device 13, the connecting units 15 (which, in the simplest form, can be provided by respective lines or cables) are automatically tensioned by the continued flight of these components.

[0074] Vast minefields can thus be cleared in seconds for a breakthrough without having to deploy ground personnel in the immediate vicinity / in the restricted area. When deploying the mine clearance ladder device 13 in low-level flight or when deploying multiple spikes, i.e., ground anchoring devices 18, along the mine clearance ladder device 13, the effective units 14, which can also be referred to as effective means, can also be deployed "around the curve." Intercepting such a measure is virtually impossible.

[0075] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a system 21 for clearing mine devices 2. The system 21 shown is depicted with a flying object 1 for clearing mine devices 2 and a mine clearance ladder device 13 for clearing mine devices 2, with the dashed lines illustrating the scope of the system 21. For example, it is conceivable that the flying object 1 has flown the mine clearance ladder device 13 to a specific area and subsequently released it into the air there, so that it is then slowly lowered to the ground area 8.

[0076] In this context, it is further conceivable that the mine clearance device 13 is designed to be deployed from the flying object 1 into a target field, wherein control of the respective active units (14) is provided by means of the flying object 1 or by means of the mine clearance device 13, or wherein control of the respective active units 14 is provided by means of the flying object 1 and by means of the mine clearance device 13, or wherein control of the respective active units 14 is provided at least partially by means of the flying object 1 and at least partially by means of the mine clearance device 13.

[0077] In this respect, in a further embodiment not shown in detail, it is conceivable that the control unit 3 of the flying object 1 and the control device 16 of the corresponding active unit 14 interact together, exchanging data and information, so that a particularly targeted clearance of mine devices 2 can be effected. For example, position data of mine devices 2, which are determined by the flying object 1 with the respective sensor units 6, can also be transmitted to the control device 16 of the active unit 14, so that the respective controllable flight aids 19 of all active units 14 can then be controlled in such a way that a targeted clearance of detected mine devices 2 can be carried out.

[0078] In further embodiments not shown in detail, it can be provided that such a system 21 also comprises a plurality of flying objects 1 for clearing mine devices 2 and a plurality of mine clearance ladder devices 13 for clearing mine devices 2.

[0079] It is also conceivable that the individual components of such a system 21 could be networked with each other, thus forming a kind of networked swarm for mine clearance. Such a system 21 could also be used for underground reconnaissance or for a remote-controlled counterattack.

[0080] For example, it can also be planned that a first wave primarily carries out reconnaissance work, forwards this information to other components of System 21, and only the second wave, in addition to additional reconnaissance work, then primarily pursues and implements a clearance activation. In other words, the data on precise positions is shared within System 21, so that a comparison can also be made between the determined positions of mine devices 2, thus advantageously enabling even more precise mine device clearance.

[0081] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a flow chart of a method M for clearing mine devices 2.

[0082] In a first method step M1, at least one flying object 1 according to the invention is provided for clearing mine devices 2 or at least one mine clearance ladder device 13 according to the invention is provided for clearing mine devices 2 or at least one system 21 according to the invention is provided for clearing mine devices 2.

[0083] In a second method step M2, the at least one flying object 1 or the at least one mine clearance device 13 or the at least one system 21 is activated so that detected mine devices 2 are cleared in a user-defined target area.

[0084] In further embodiments of method M not shown in detail, it is conceivable that at least two aircraft 1 are provided for clearing mine devices 2, with a first aircraft 1 carrying out reconnaissance work and the second aircraft 1 being provided for deployment activities. Multiple aircraft 1 can also be provided for reconnaissance, and correspondingly, multiple aircraft 1 can then be provided for deploying the mine clearance devices 13.

[0085] The use of at least two devices, i.e., missiles 1, one for reconnaissance and one for the staggered delivery of the agent, can be advantageous for the success of the procedure. It may turn out that the deployment of the mine clearance devices 13 can only be practically achieved this way due to the extent of the area of ​​impact. Due to sensor ranges, acquisition, and processing times, it would otherwise be necessary for a single device to turn around and fly back. Other scenarios may arise for smaller areas of impact or targeted, specialized operations. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 flying object 2 Mine device 3 Control unit 4 Control program 5 Mine Action Unit 6 Sensor unit 7 Block arrow 8 Floor area 9 Detection range 10 Line of action 11 Flight propulsion unit 12 Rotor unit 13 Mine clearance ladder device 14 active units 15 Connection unit 16 Control device 17 Control application 18 Ground anchoring devices 19 flight aids 20 missiles 21 System M procedure M1 first process step M2 second process step

Claims

[1] Flying object (1) for clearing mine devices (2), comprising a control unit (3) with a control program (4), at least one sensor unit (6) coupled to the control unit (3), and at least one mine-fighting unit (5) coupled to the control unit (3), wherein the at least one sensor unit (6) is designed to determine an exact location of detected mine devices (2), so that a targeted clearance of detected mine devices (2) can be carried out subsequently or in real time by means of the at least one mine-fighting unit (5). [2] Flying object (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor unit (6) is selected from: radar detector device; infrared detector device; video detector device; multi-sensor device comprising at least two sensor units (6) selected from: radar detector device; infrared detector device; video detector device. [3] Flying object (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (3) with control program (4) is designed to compare at least one piece of information determined from the at least one sensor unit (6) with a database stored in the control unit (3) with control program (4), so that by means of the comparison a defined clearance of detected mine devices (2) can be carried out by means of the at least one mine countermeasures unit (5). [4] Flying object (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the precise positioning comprises georeferenced positioning processes. [5] Flying object (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mine countermeasures unit (5) is selected from: controllable rapid-firing system; end-guided cluster munitions; loitering munitions device, glide bomb device; mine clearance ladder device (13). [6] Mine clearance ladder device (13) for clearing mine devices (2) comprising a plurality of active units (14) connected to respective connection units (15) with an active function, wherein at least one of the active units (14) comprises a control device (16) with a control application (17), so that at least one of the active units (14) and / or at least one connection unit (15) with an active function can be controlled by means of the control device (16) with a control application (17). [7] Mine clearance ladder device (13) according to claim 6, wherein respective active units (14) and / or connecting units (15) with active function of the mine clearance ladder device comprise flight aids (19), wherein the flight aids (19) are each controllable by means of the control device (16) with control application (17) and / or wherein the one control device (16) with control application comprises means for autonomous operation of the mine clearance ladder device (13) and is designed to ensure autonomous control of the mine clearance ladder device (13). [8] Mine clearance ladder device (13) according to one of claims 6 to 7, wherein at least one active unit (14) and / or at least one connecting unit (15) with an active function comprises rigid, non-controllable flight aids (19) or wherein at least one active unit (14) and / or at least one connecting unit (15) with an active function comprises at least one rigid, non-controllable flight aid (19) and at least one active unit (14) and / or at least one connecting unit (15) with an active function comprises a flight aid (19) controllable by means of the control device (16) with a control application (17). [9] Mine clearance ladder device (13) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the respective controllable active units (14) and / or respective controllable connecting units (15) with active function are designed to be controllable by means of the control device (16) with control application (17) via at least one radio connection or via the respective connecting units (15). [10] Mine clearance ladder device (13) according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein at least one active unit (14) and / or at least one connecting unit (15) with active function comprises ground anchoring means (18), so that the mine clearance ladder device (13) can be firmly anchored to the ground at least in one area by means of the ground anchoring means (18). [11] Mine clearance ladder device (13) according to one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the active units (14) connected by means of the respective connecting units (15) and / or the respective connecting units (15) with active function are kept in or on a missile (11) of the mine clearance ladder device (13) and can be deployed in a user-defined sequence from the missile (11) during a flight maneuver of the missile (11). [12] Mine clearance ladder device (13) according to one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the mine clearance ladder device (13) is designed to be deployed into a target field by a flying object (1) according to claims 1 to 5, wherein control of the respective active units (14) and / or the respective connecting units (15) with active function is provided by means of the flying object (1) or by means of the mine clearance ladder device (13), or wherein control of the respective active units (14) and / or the respective connecting units (15) with active function is provided by means of the flying object (1) and by means of the mine clearance ladder device (13), or wherein control of the respective active units (14) and / or the respective connecting units (15) with active function is provided at least partially by means of the flying object (1) and at least partially by means of the mine clearance ladder device (13). [13] Mine clearance ladder device (13) according to one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the active units (14) and / or the connecting units (15) with active function are selected from: blasting unit; weight unit, blasting unit with weight unit; blasting unit with weight unit; wherein the weight unit comprises at least one weight in an interval between 0.5 kg and 5 kg, preferably between 1 kg and 3 kg, preferably between 1.5 kg and 2.5 kg. [14] System (21) for clearing mine devices (2) comprising at least one flying object (1) for clearing mine devices (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and at least one mine clearance ladder device (13) for clearing mine devices (2) according to one of claims 6 to 13.

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