SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING AN OBJECT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system comprising at least one decoy target and a carrier system consisting of at least one unmanned aircraft or at least one parachute.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for protecting moving objects by means of a decoy target.

[0003] Today, a major threat comes from modern, autonomously operating missiles equipped with state-of-the-art homing systems. The targeting subsystems of such missiles operate primarily in the radar (radio frequency) range. They use the radar backscatter behavior of targets such as ships, aircraft, tanks, and buildings for target detection and tracking.

[0004] To counter such missiles, standard decoys such as chaff or a combination of chaff with IR flares are typically used as decoys. Such standard decoys are known, for example, from DE 10 2005 035 251 A1, DE 100 21 99 A, DE 196 17 701 A1, DE 10 2015 002 737 A1, DE 199 51 767 C2, or DE 39 05 748 A1.

[0005] However, chaff has a backscattering power approximately four times higher under horizontal polarization than under vertical polarization. Modern missile seekers can therefore detect such decoys and ignore them. This capability of modern seekers is also known as chaff discrimination.

[0006] In order to counteract this chaff discrimination, the use of individual folded corner reflectors was proposed in the past, as known, for example, from DE103 46 001 A1 or DE 199 43 396 B3.

[0007] From WO 90 / 04750 A1 a decoy is known which comprises several corner reflectors, after firing a cartridge these are scattered by an explosive charge in such a way that they form a decoy target on the ground.

[0008] From EP 1 371 935 A1 a munition is known which has chaff and several deployable reflectors which are dispersed after being ejected from a casing of the decoy.

[0009] US 8,816,894 B1 shows a decoy target which is towed behind a ship in the form of several corner reflectors arranged linearly one behind the other.

[0010] JP 2013-213726 discloses a decoy falling freely via a parachute, which is formed from corner reflectors arranged linearly one above the other and suspended from the parachute. It is expressly stated that the reflectors should be suspended one above the other in the same straight line.

[0011] DE 41 22 354 C1 comprises an arrangement of ground-based corner reflectors, each associated with a heatable body for emitting IR radiation. Two corner reflectors are arranged one above the other at a distance from the ground to simulate, for example, the turret and hull of a tank or howitzer.

[0012] AT E37463 B shows a generic system for protecting a surface vessel. The system can be compactly housed in an ammunition unit for firing using a launching device. The decoy formed consists of a series of modules connected by a traction device. Each module comprises a tethered balloon, a floating anchor, and a reflector formed from a plate folded upon itself with angled reflectors protruding on both sides.

[0013] Based on this, the invention is based on the object of creating an improved decoy target that provides effective protection against modern missiles.

[0014] This object is achieved by a system having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the respective subclaims.

[0015] According to the invention, the corner reflectors are arranged in a deployed state in a reflector matrix with predetermined height, lateral and depth staggering corresponding to a target to be simulated.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention proposes a method for protecting moving objects by means of a decoy target having the features of claim 8.

[0017] Corner reflectors are radar reflectors that comprise multiple corner reflectors. In particular, they can be designed as an octahedral radar reflector with eight triangular corner reflectors. However, other configurations comprising multiple corner reflectors are also conceivable. Corner reflectors can effectively reflect radiation in the millimeter-wave range (radar radiation) over a wide angular range. The surfaces of the corner reflector are made of a reflective material, such as metal or a metal-coated material.

[0018] The corner reflectors formed in the decoy according to the invention can have different backscattering behavior, so that the radar signature generated by the individual corner reflectors differs from one another in order to simulate the target to be simulated as accurately as possible.

[0019] It is also possible to reproduce the radar signature of a target with a reduced radar signature by using appropriate corner reflectors so precisely that the seeker head of an approaching missile can be deceived and / or deflected.

[0020] Corner reflectors with the same backscattering behavior can also be used.

[0021] The reflector matrix comprises a plurality of corner reflectors arranged with a defined height, lateral and depth stagger to correspond to a target to be simulated. Radar signatures of the missile's infrastructure, fleet or vehicles are known and / or can be determined. The reflector matrix is ​​designed to match these known radar signatures in order to accordingly simulate the missile's own vehicle (e.g. land vehicle, ship or aircraft) or object. Furthermore, the reflector matrix can be adapted to the type of missile in order to accordingly simulate the target to be simulated. In particular, the radar signature of a target is simulated by the reflector matrix and the corresponding arrangement of the corner reflectors. Corner reflectors can be arranged accordingly in the reflector matrix to simulate the radar signature of a target to be simulated as accurately as possible.Furthermore, it can be provided that if a missile that is easy to deceive or deflect is detected, only a small number of reflectors adapted to this will be deployed, which are sufficient to repel the missile.

[0022] The decoy target according to the invention is chaff-free or chaff-free.

[0023] To form a decoy according to the invention, sixteen, twenty-four, thirty-two, or sixty-four corner reflectors can be provided in the form of a reflector matrix. Although it is possible to create a decoy not according to the invention with at least two corner reflectors, it has been found that an increased or higher number is advantageous.

[0024] The invention ensures that the seeker of an approaching missile can be reliably deceived. This occurs when the missile's seeker locks on to the decoy as a target, causing the missile to be deflected away from the object to be protected or to lock entirely onto the decoy, since the decoy's radar signature is correspondingly more prominent than the radar signature of the object to be protected.

[0025] By deploying the corner reflectors in a spatial reflector matrix, the reflector properties are enhanced compared to individual corner reflectors due to this spatial arrangement. Due to the reflective properties of a corner reflector, these decoys cannot be distinguished from the actual target by the seeker of an attacking missile. The tactical use of the decoys according to the invention envisages, for example, a small number of corner reflectors being mounted geometrically positioned as a reflector matrix, depending on the threat.

[0026] In the design of the decoy, it can be provided that the corner reflectors are connected to one another via at least one connecting element to form the reflector matrix, wherein the predetermined height, lateral and depth staggering is predetermined by the at least one connecting element.

[0027] The connection through the connecting elements can be permanent or temporary.

[0028] In a further development of the decoy, it can be provided that the height, lateral and depth staggering of the individual corner reflectors of the reflector matrix is ​​constant over a certain period of time, in particular the final phase of a missile attack.

[0029] The final phase of a missile attack is understood to be the period during which the seeker has locked onto the target or decoy. According to the invention, the vertical, lateral, and depth stratification of the individual corner reflectors in the reflector matrix remains constant during this period, so that the attacking missile attacks the decoy and not the actual target. In other words, the distribution of the corner reflectors in the reflector matrix is ​​constant. Depending on the speed and the different seekers of the missiles, the duration of the final phase of a missile attack can vary.

[0030] In one embodiment, the connecting element is designed with a correspondingly strong or thick-walled construction to maintain the vertical, lateral, and depth staggering of the individual corner reflectors of the reflector matrix constant over a certain period of time, particularly during the final phase of a missile attack. For this purpose, the connecting element has a corresponding thickness or density.

[0031] Furthermore, in the design of the decoy, it can be provided that the at least one connecting element comprises at least one net, at least one wire, at least one cord, at least one line, at least one rope and / or at least one hose, etc.

[0032] This makes it possible to connect the individual corner reflectors temporarily, particularly for the final phase of a missile attack, or permanently and to arrange them in the desired height, lateral and / or depth stagger.

[0033] In further development of the decoy target, the corner reflectors can be deployable or inflatable corner reflectors.

[0034] Preferably, the decoy target can be designed to be fireable, in particular from a launcher or a launcher system.

[0035] It can further be provided that the plurality of corner reflectors are connected to the aircraft or the parachute in a suspended manner via the at least one connecting element.

[0036] In a further development, the method may provide that the defined height, lateral and depth staggering of the individual corner reflectors of the reflector matrix is ​​kept constant over a certain period of time, in particular the final phase of a missile attack.

[0037] In a further development of the method, the decoy target may be fired. The firing may be carried out, in particular, from a launcher or a launching system using mechanical, pyrotechnic, or pneumatic means.

[0038] The invention will be explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0039] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a decoy according to the invention in accordance with a first embodiment; Fig. 2a is a schematic representation of a decoy according to a second embodiment, but not according to the invention; Fig. 2b is a schematic representation of a decoy according to the invention in accordance with a third embodiment; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a decoy according to the invention in accordance with a fourth embodiment; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a decoy according to the invention in accordance with a fifth embodiment; Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a decoy according to the invention in accordance with a sixth embodiment; Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a decoy according to the invention in accordance with a seventh embodiment; and Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a decoy according to the invention in accordance with an eighth embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a decoy target 2 according to the invention according to a first embodiment in a deployed state.

[0041] The corner reflectors 11 of the decoy 2 are arranged in a reflector matrix with a predetermined height, lateral and depth staggering corresponding to a target to be simulated.

[0042] The corner reflectors 11 are deployable or inflatable corner reflectors 11.

[0043] According to Fig. 1 The decoy 2 has a plurality of, e.g., twenty, corner reflectors 11, which form the reflector matrix 10 and provide a spatial height, side, and depth gradation for simulating a target. It is also possible for the decoy 2 to have fewer corner reflectors 11 than shown, in particular sixteen, twenty-four, thirty-two, or sixty-four, with at least four corner reflectors 11 being required to form a spatial height, side, and / or depth gradation.

[0044] However, it is also possible for the decoy 2 according to the invention to provide a reflector matrix 10 with a linear height, lateral and depth gradation for simulating a target.

[0045] Likewise, it is possible for the decoy 2 to comprise three corner reflectors 11, and for the reflector matrix 10 to provide a flat or planar height, lateral, and / or depth gradation (not according to the invention) for simulating a target. At least three corner reflectors 11 are configured for this purpose.

[0046] The apparent target 2 according to Fig. 1 is designed to be fireable, so that it can be fired from a launcher or launcher system, for example.

[0047] The apparent target 2 according to Fig. 1 is designed to fall freely.

[0048] Fig. 2a bis Fig. 7 each show embodiments of decoys 2, in which the decoy 2 has at least one connecting element 13, by means of which the corner reflectors 11 are connected to one another to form the reflector matrix 10.

[0049] The embodiments according to Fig. 2a bis 7 are based on the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and the differences are explained below.

[0050] The decoys 2 are part of a system 1, which, in addition to the at least one decoy 2, has at least one carrier system 20, 20', 30, 40. The at least one carrier system 20, 20', 30, 40 is each designed to carry the decoy 2 in the air or to decelerate it, so that the decoys 2 are in accordance with Fig. 2a bis 7 are airborne decoys 2.

[0051] Carrier system(s) 20, 20', 30, 40 and decoy 2 together form the system 1 according to the invention.

[0052] The at least one connecting element 13 is designed such that the height, lateral and depth staggering of the individual corner reflectors 11 of the reflector matrix 1O is constant over a certain period of time, in particular the final phase of a missile attack.

[0053] According to the embodiments shown, the at least one connecting element 13 comprises at least one wire, at least one cord, at least one line, at least one rope and / or at least one hose.

[0054] However, the connecting element 13 can also be designed as a net.

[0055] Fig. 2a shows a schematic representation of a decoy target 2 in deployed state. According to Fig. 2a the decoy 2 has a reflector matrix 10 with a linear height gradation for simulating a target (not according to the invention). According to Fig. 2a the carrier system is at least one unmanned aerial vehicle 20 and the decoy 2 is connected to it.

[0056] According to Fig. 2a The plurality of corner reflectors 11 are connected to the aircraft 20 in a suspended manner via the at least one connecting element 13. The aircraft 20 is, according to Fig. 2a a drone with multiple propellers.

[0057] Fig. 2b shows a third embodiment of a decoy 2 according to the invention in deployed state, on Fig. 2a based. Deviating from Fig. 2a The decoy target 2 has a spatial height gradation to simulate a target.

[0058] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a decoy 2 according to the invention according to a third embodiment in the deployed state. The decoy 2 has at least four corner reflectors 11, so that the reflector matrix 10 has a spatial height, lateral, and depth staggering.

[0059] Each of the two decoys 3 is carried by an aircraft 20, in particular a drone.

[0060] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a decoy 2 according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment in deployed state. The embodiment according to Fig. 4 based on the embodiment according to Fig. 2a , with the difference that several aircraft 20, preferably two aircraft 20, in particular two drones 20, carry the decoy 2 together.

[0061] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a decoy 2 according to the invention according to a sixth embodiment in deployed state. The embodiment according to Fig. 5 based on the embodiment according to Fig. 2a , with the difference that according to Fig. 5 the decoy 2 is carried by a 20' aircraft in the form of a balloon.

[0062] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a decoy 2 according to the invention according to a sixth embodiment in deployed state. The embodiment according to Fig. 6 based on the embodiment according to Fig. 2a , with the difference that according to Fig. 6 Instead of an aircraft, a parachute 30 is designed as the carrier system, with which the plurality of corner reflectors 11 are connected to the parachute 30 in a suspended manner via the at least one connecting element 13. The parachute 30 slows the fall of the system in order to achieve a sufficient dwell time of the decoy 2 in order to ward off a terminally guided missile.

[0063] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a decoy 2 according to the invention according to a seventh embodiment in deployed state. The embodiment according to Fig. 7 based on the embodiment according to Fig. 2a , with the difference that according to Fig. 6 instead of the parachute 30, a braking device 40 is provided. Bezugszeichenliste

[0064] 1System 2Decoy target 10Reflector matrix 11Corner reflectors 13Connecting element 20, 20'unmanned aerial vehicle 30Parachute 40Braking device

Claims

1. System (1) comprising at least one decoy target (2) and a carrier system (20, 20', 30, 40) consisting of at least one unmanned aircraft (20, 20') or at least one parachute (30),characterized in that the decoy target (2) has at least four and preferably a plurality of corner reflectors (11) and in that the corner reflectors (11) are arranged in a reflector matrix (10) so as to have a predetermined spatial height graduation, side graduation and depth graduation in order to simulate a target.

2. System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of corner reflectors (11) are connected in a suspended manner to the aircraft (20, 20'), to the parachute (30) or to the braking device (40) via at least one connecting element (13).

3. System according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the height graduation, side graduation and depth graduation of the individual corner reflectors (11) of the reflector matrix (10) is constant over a specified time period, in particular the final phase of a missile attack.

4. System according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the connecting element (13) is designed such that the height graduation, side graduation and depth graduation of the individual corner reflectors (11) of the reflector matrix (10) is constant over the specified time period, in particular the final phase of a missile attack.

5. System according to any of claims 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the at least one connecting element (13) comprises at least one net, at least one wire, at least one cord, at least one line, at least one rope and / or at least one hose.

6. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the corner reflectors (11) are unfoldable or inflatable corner reflectors (11).

7. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decoy target (2) is designed to be fireable, in particular from a launcher or from a launcher installation.

8. System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decoy target (2) is designed to be free-falling.

9. Method for protecting moving objects by means of a system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by simulating a target by arranging at least four corner reflectors (11) in a spatial reflector matrix (10) so as to have predetermined height graduation, side graduation and depth graduation, the decoy target (2) being fired, in particular from a launcher or from a launcher installation, and the plurality of corner reflectors (11) being connected in a suspended manner to an unmanned aircraft (20, 20') or to a parachute (30).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the height graduation, side graduation and depth graduation of the individual corner reflectors (11) of the reflector matrix (10) is kept constant over a specified time period, in particular the final phase of a missile attack.