Aiming device with a reticle for a hpem effector

Abstract

A aiming device (6) for an HPEM effector (4) comprises an optical unit (16) having a central axis (18) and a surrounding cone of vision (20) such that at least a portion of a principal effective axis (10) of the effector (4) extends within the cone of vision (20), wherein the optical unit (16) optically reproduces the portion of the surroundings (14) lying within the cone of vision (20) in the form of a target image (26), and a reticle (28) for the target object (12) is represented in the target image (26). An effector device (2) comprises the aiming device (6) and the effector (4), wherein the optical unit (16) is oriented in an operating position (B) relative to the effector (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an HPEM (High Power Electromagnetics) effector. Such effectors are used to direct HPEM pulses, generated by the effector, towards target objects. Target objects containing electronics that are irradiated with the pulses can thus be disrupted or destroyed. For example, small drones can be used as target objects in this way.

[0002] ZB is known from DE 10 2015 008 296 A1 a defense drone for defending against a small drone, in particular a remotely controlled helicopter, comprising: at least one motor for driving at least one propeller, a fuselage connected to the motor and an HPEM device attached to the fuselage for generating a high-energy electromagnetic pulse.

[0003] From US 2019 / 0324260 A1, a viewing optic is known, in particular a viewing optic with an integrated display system, especially a viewing optic with an integrated display system for generating images that are projected into the first focal plane of an optical system.

[0004] From WO 2012 / 068423 A2 a sighting device for a firearm is known, comprising a video camera with a sufficient frame rate and resolution to track the trajectory of a first projectile when fired from the firearm and to record a video image of the trajectory, and a video display screen with which a user can aim at the target and aim with the firearm.

[0005] From "Kelvin Wong: 'China's SZMID highlights handheld C-UAV system', Jane's International Defence Review, Vol. 52, No. 2, 1 February 2019 (2019-02-01), Page 27, XP055659596, ISSN: 2514-2836" a portable jammer pistol is known that is intended for defense against commercial multi-rotor and small fixed-wing UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles).

[0006] From GB 2579045 A, an RF antenna platform is known which comprises a body with at least one RF antenna for transmitting and receiving RF signals and at least one component interface provided on the body for the interchangeable mounting of different types of stabilization components on the body. The platform is used in an electronic countermeasures system (ECM).

[0007] US patent 7,784,390 B1 discloses a non-lethal solid-state energy weapon comprising a solid-state source for generating a high-power millimeter-wave initial wavefront, a main reflector, and a subreflector for reflecting the initial wavefront back to the main reflector. The main reflector can direct the reflected wavefront toward a target. The wavefront directed by the main reflector can have a power density chosen to exert a non-lethal deterrent effect on the target.

[0008] The object of the invention is to propose improvements with regard to an HPEM effector.

[0009] The problem is solved by a targeting device according to claim 1. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention and of other invention categories will become apparent from the further claims, the following description and the accompanying figures.

[0010] The target device is one designed for a specific HPEM effector. "Designed for" means that the target device is structurally adapted to a specific effector or type and configured for use with that effector; e.g., it is designed to meet the resulting system requirements, etc. In other words, the specific effector is assumed to be known with regard to its properties, etc.

[0011] The effector is designed to emit an electromagnetic pulse during operation. The effector has a primary axis of action, and the pulse is emitted along this axis. The pulse is used to engage a target object within the effector's vicinity. To engage moving objects, such as small flying drones, the effector is movable, for example, mounted in a positioning system. The effector, along with its primary axis of action, can be adjusted, aligned with, or tracked by a target object so that the primary axis of action hits the target as closely as possible.

[0012] The aiming device contains an optical unit. The optical unit has a central axis. The optical unit has a field of view that surrounds the central axis. The optical unit serves to detect (starting from the optical unit) the area surrounding the aiming device. It detects the portion of the area that lies within the field of view.

[0013] The purpose of the optical unit is to detect not only itself but also the area surrounding the effector. Therefore, in its intended operating position, the optical unit can be aligned relative to the effector such that at least a portion of its main effective axis lies within the field of view. In other words, the aiming device is then in a mounting position relative to the effector. This portion of the main effective axis is the area in which target objects are to be engaged by the effector, i.e., the expected area for potential target objects. Specifically, the aiming device is fixed in its operating position relative to, and especially on, the HPEM effector, for example, on its pulse-emitting horn. In particular, the central axis in the operating position runs parallel to the main effective axis; in particular, both axes coincide or are so close to each other that, within permissible tolerances, the parallelism can be considered a "coincidence."

[0014] The optical unit is designed to optically reproduce the portion of the surroundings within the field of view as a target image during operation. In other words, the optical unit provides a visual representation of the contents of the field of view as seen from the optical unit itself, and thus from the effector. The main axis of action also runs within the field of view. Therefore, the target image depicts the main axis of action (not visible in itself) and its surrounding area.

[0015] The aiming device includes a reticle displayed in the target image during operation. This reticle is specifically centered on the central axis or the main effective axis, or its position within the target image, so that these lie at the center (e.g., crosshairs) of the reticle. The reticle serves—similarly to, for example, a rifle during hunting—to align the effector with its main effective axis as precisely as possible with a target or potential targets to be engaged. Using the reticle, the lateral distance of the target from the main effective axis can thus be at least estimated or minimized by tracking the effector together with the optical unit. This allows the potential effect of the HPEM on the target to be estimated. According to the invention, this results in a (long-range) optical device with a reticle for HPEM effectors.

[0016] In particular, the optical unit is designed like a telescopic sight. Specifically, the target image is viewed by the user of the aiming device looking into the telescopic sight and thus into the optical unit. The target image is therefore what a viewer sees when looking into the telescopic sight. A physical target image, for example in the form of image data or a display on a screen, is not present. This results in a particularly simple aiming device.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the reticle includes a center mark. This mark indicates, in particular, the position of the (image of the) main effective axis and / or the center axis in the target image. Thus, a viewer of the target image immediately gains an impression of the position of the corresponding axis within the target image and—if a target object is depicted—how the axis is positioned relative to the target object. This further improves the estimation of the effectiveness of HPEM irradiation with the current alignment of the effector to the object.

[0018] According to the invention, the reticle includes at least one distance marking.

[0019] This is correlated with a decrease in pulse power in the lateral direction relative to the main axis of action. At the distance marker, the power of the HPEM pulse—relative to the main axis of action—has therefore dropped to a specific partial value (e.g., 99%, 95%, ...). In other words, the reticle indicates a specific distance range around the main axis of action. For example, the distance marker indicates a drop to 99% of the power, which can be described as the effector's main lobe of action, surrounding the main axis of action. This allows, for example, an estimation of the object's position relative to the effector's main lobe of action, i.e., whether the object will actually be hit by it during irradiation. The area of ​​maximum effector effectiveness relative to the target object is thus displayed in the target image.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the distance marker in the target image is ring-shaped, particularly circular. In particular, the ring-shaped distance marker is concentric to the main effective axis or central axis. Specifically, the ring-shaped distance marker marks the aforementioned main lobe and thus an effective effective area of ​​the effector surrounding the central axis for the effective engagement of target objects.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of this design, the reticle includes two, in particular concentric, distance markings. The inner distance marking illustrates, for example, the aforementioned main lobe. The outer distance marking indicates a range that shows that engaging the target is only worthwhile up to this point. For target objects located outside the second distance marking, irradiation by triggering the HPEM effector is, for example, pointless, since HPEM pulses would not be expected to have any significant effect on the object in this area.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the targeting system includes an interface to a distance measurement unit. A value can be received, requested, or read via this interface. This value is correlated with the distance of a target object from the effector. The target object is located within the line of sight. In particular, the distance measurement unit is part of the targeting system. A corresponding interface can then be omitted or, for system integration purposes, degenerate. Thus, the distance of the object to the effector is known, and the effectiveness of HPEM pulses on targets can be estimated more accurately.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the aiming device is configured to adaptively adjust the distance marker to a given distance. This distance is the distance between a target object located within the field of view and the effector. The aforementioned interface to the distance measuring unit is particularly suitable for determining / maintaining this distance. Adjusting the distance marker can be achieved, for example, by making the circle smaller as the object moves further away from the effector. This is because the power of a pulse decreases with increasing distance. Therefore, it is necessary to align the HPEM effector more precisely with the target to effectively engage it. In other words, the minimum power required for engaging the object is already undershot at smaller lateral distances between the object and the main axis of action.If necessary, the adjustment can also consist of completely removing a marker / distance marker, or coloring a marker itself or an area enclosed by a marker differently in the target image. This can also indicate whether and in which area engaging a target still appears promising.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the reticle is a physically present optical element within the aiming device. This element, along with its surroundings, is then originally projected into the target image. This can, for example, be a structure in or on a lens within the aiming device. This makes the reticle particularly easy to integrate into the aiming device.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the optical unit includes a screen for displaying the target image and the reticle. In other words, an electronic device exists for displaying the target image and the reticle. This provides all image adjustment options.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the reticle is designed as an overlay for the target image. This is particularly suitable in conjunction with the aforementioned screen. Specifically, the target image originally generated by the optical unit does not contain the reticle; rather, the reticle is added to the target image as an additional element. The overlay is, in particular, a superimposed mask, especially a digitally superimposed reticle. In this embodiment, reticles that can be changed in size or color can also be implemented in order to transmit information as explained above (engagement no longer effective, optimal target area, main cone of action, etc.).

[0027] The object of the invention is also achieved by an effector device according to claim 10. This device comprises the aiming device according to the invention and the effector, as mentioned above in connection with the aiming device. The optical unit is aligned relative to the effector in its intended operating position; in other words, it is in the mounting position relative to or on the effector.

[0028] The effector device and at least some of its possible embodiments, as well as their respective advantages, have already been explained in the context of the targeting device according to the invention.

[0029] The invention is based on the following findings, observations, and considerations and further comprises the following preferred embodiments. These embodiments are sometimes referred to simply as "the invention." The embodiments may also include parts or combinations of the embodiments mentioned above, correspond to them, and / or may include previously unmentioned embodiments.

[0030] The invention is based on the idea of ​​developing a defense against small drones using ground-based HPEM technology. It was recognized that a capability gap exists in the system when combined with an HPEM source management system (effector) and an effector camera (optical unit).

[0031] While it would be conceivable to track the effector using a positioning system that receives the position data of the small drone via radar, the user can then visually verify (camera image) where the effector is aimed, but cannot see at a glance whether the drone to be combated is in the main effective axis of the effector.

[0032] The basic idea of ​​the invention is therefore to visually indicate to the user where the main beam of the effector lies in relation to the target object (lateral range of the pulse next to the main effective axis). A dot in the center (center marker) of the target image indicates the main effective axis. The first circle (inner distance marker) shows the corresponding offset, such that 99% of the field is still effective on the target object (drone). The second circle (outer distance marker) indicates where engaging the drone is no longer effective, as the field is too small here (95% field power). The visible markers (circles, dot) can either be integrated into the optical lens of the effector camera or the target optics (optical unit). Alternatively, a digital overlay can be displayed on the user's screen (of the optical unit). Distance measurement (range measuring unit: optical, laser rangefinder, radar, etc.) is used.) the size of the circles can be changed accordingly (depending on the determined distance of the target object from the effector).

[0033] According to the invention, this results in better aiming of the drone (target object), easier understanding by the end user of how and where the HPEM field (pulse) acts, and easy, user-friendly detection of the offset of the camera to the HPEM source (main effective axis to center axis).

[0034] The reticle is primarily displayed as a fixed overlay on the camera stream (original target image). The user (of the target / effector system), e.g., the crew in a C2 (Command and Control) vehicle, can use the overlay to estimate the effective lateral range of the effector (pulse power at the target's location relative to the main axis of action) at a specific distance (target to effector) and can then use fewer pulses to effectively intercept the drone using HPEM.

[0035] According to the invention, this results in particular in an effector unit (effector device) for defending against a small drone (target object), in particular a remotely controlled helicopter, comprising at least one HPEM effector, at least one actuator for moving this effector, at least one targeting device (optical unit), either as an optical system or opto-electrical, at least one rangefinder (distance measuring unit) for generating jamming signals (pulses).

[0036] The optical unit can be an optical aiming device. The rangefinder (range measuring unit) can be based on a second camera (stereo), radar technology, acoustic arrays, or laser measurement technology. The optical aiming device (optical unit) can display the effective range of the main lobe (of the pulse / effector) using a reticle. Image transmission (target image) can be streamed to the user at a mobile command station or operational vehicle. The reticle can be overlaid on the camera image. The reticle (its size / shape) can be calculated and its size varied using the aforementioned range measurement or other optical aids. The effector (effector device) can autonomously detect targets (target objects) using software, recognize that the target object's (drone's) position is within the main effective range (main effective lobe), and automatically trigger the effector (send out a pulse).

[0037] Further features, effects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the accompanying figures. These figures are shown in schematic diagrams: Figure 1 an effector device with a target object, Figure 2 an alternative target image with distance markings with target object on the main effective axis, Figure 2 in a first distance range, and Figure 2 in a second distance range.

[0038] Figure 1Figure 1 shows an effector device 2 with an effector 4 and a targeting device 6 for the effector. The effector 4 is an HPEM effector. It is designed to emit electromagnetic HPEM pulses 8 during operation, one of which is symbolized here by an arrow. The HPEM effector 4 has a main operating axis 10. The pulses 8 are emitted along this axis. The pulses 8 are not locally concentrated on the main operating axis 10. However, the highest power of the pulses 8 is present along this axis. The power of the HPEM pulses 8 decreases with increasing lateral distance LA from the main operating axis 10 and with increasing distance E from the effector 4.

[0039] Effector 4 is used to engage target objects 12, in this example a small drone, using Pulse 8. The target objects 12 are located within an environment 14 of Effector 4.

[0040] The aiming device 6 includes an optical unit 16. This unit has a central axis 18 and a cone of view 20 that surrounds the central axis 18. The cone of view 20 extends from the optical unit 16 and widens with increasing distance from it. The optical unit 16 serves to detect target objects 12 in the environment 14.

[0041] The optical unit 16 is in its intended operating position B relative to the effector 4. In operating position B, it is aligned relative to the effector 4 such that a section of the main effective axis 10 lies within the field of view 20. In this case, the central axis 18 is aligned parallel to the main effective axis 10. The fixed relative position between the optical unit 16 and the effector 4 is achieved by attaching the optical unit 16 to a horn 22 of the effector 4. Target objects 12, which are therefore located at least in the region of the main effective axis 10, can thus be detected by the field of view 20.

[0042] The optical unit 16 is configured to optically reproduce the part of the environment 14 lying within the field of view 20 (including any target objects 12 located therein) in the form of a target image 26. This is done here on a screen 36. The target image 26 can then be viewed by a person, i.e., an operator or user of the effector unit 2, in order to identify any target objects 12 within it.

[0043] The aiming device 6 also includes a reticle 28, here in the form of a crosshair, which is shown in the target image 26. Figure 1The reticle 28 contains a center mark 30, here in the form of the intersection of the two lines of the crosshairs. The reticle 28 is positioned in the target image 26 such that it indicates the position of the main axis of action 10 in the surrounding area 14 and thus at the center mark 30 in the target image 26. The reticle 28 serves to align the entire effector assembly 2 as centrally as possible with the target object 12, or to track it, so that the main axis of action 10 hits the target object 12 as precisely as possible. In the example, it can be seen that the target object 12 is located slightly to the side of the reticle 28 and is therefore not fully encompassed by the main axis of action 10. A viewer of the target image 26 is thus informed where the main axis of action 10 is currently located in relation to the target object 12.

[0044] The aiming device 6 has a distance measuring unit 32. This determines and provides a distance E of the target object 12 located in the field of view 20 from the effector 4. Figure 1 The reticle 28 is designed as a physically present optical element in the aiming device 6, namely (not shown) as an indentation in an optical lens of the optical unit 16.

[0045] Figure 2a Figure 26 shows an alternative target image with the target object 12, where the effector 4 is centrally aligned with the target object 12, which is why it is located on the main effective axis 10. The reticle 28 is shown here as an alternative to Figure 1 The design includes a circle as its central marker 30. This circle again represents the position of the main effective axis 10 in the environment 14 and relative to the target object 12.

[0046] The reticle 28 also includes a first distance marking 34a, which correlates with a decrease in the power of pulse 8 in the lateral direction (direction of the lateral distance LA perpendicular to the main effective axis 10) to a specific partial value WT. This partial value is 99% of the power of pulse 8 at the main effective axis 10. Therefore, if a target object 12 is located within the distance marking 34a, it will be irradiated with at least 99% of the power of pulse 8.

[0047] The distance marker 34a has the form of a circle and surrounds the center marker 30 and thus the main effective axis 10. The distance marker 34a therefore marks a main effective lobe of the effector 4, in which it develops its maximum power in relation to the target object 12.

[0048] Figure 2bFigure 28 shows a situation in which the target object 12 has moved. The reticle 28 contains a second distance marking 34b. Here, the partial value WT is equal to 95% of the pulse power at the main effective axis 10. This results in two concentric distance markings 34a,b concentric to the location of the main effective axis 10. The target object 12 is now located between the two distance markings 34a,b in the corresponding circular ring. In this area, the effector 4, or rather its pulses 8, is still effective against the target object 12, but due to the power of the pulses 8 being only 95-99%, longer firing or a higher number of pulses 8 are now required to counter the target object 12 than in the previous scenario. Figure 2a .

[0049] Thanks to the reticle 28, this is now easy for the operator of the effector device 2 to see, so that he can adjust his firing at the target object 12.

[0050] Figure 2cFigure 1 shows another situation in which the target object 12 is now located outside the second distance marker 34b. The partial value WT of the power of pulses 8 at this point has thus dropped below 95%. Effective engagement of the target object 12 is no longer possible at this power level. The operator must therefore no longer send (unnecessary) pulses 8 from the effector unit 2 until the effector 4 has been moved to follow the target object 12, so that the target object 12 is again located at least within the second distance marker 34b.

[0051] All situations described so far occur at a specific, constant distance E between the target object 12 and the effector 4.

[0052] Figure 2cThe dashed line indicates a case where the target object 12 moves further away from the effector 4. For this reason, the image of the target object 12a also becomes smaller. The power of the pulses 8 has decreased at the correspondingly greater distance. Therefore, the reticle 28 is adaptively adjusted to the changed distance E. For this purpose, the distance markings 34a,b are changed with respect to their radii according to the changed distance E. This indicates to the operator of the effector unit 2 that a more precise alignment of the effector 4 or main axis of action 10 with the target object 12 is required in order to keep it at least within the distance marking 34b and to irradiate it with the partial value WT of at least 95% of the available HPEM power and thus be able to successfully deflect it.

[0053] In the Figures 2a-cThe originally recorded target image 26, which forms the basis of the display on screen 36, contains no reticle 28. The reticle 28 is designed as an overlay for the target image 26 and is displayed on the monitor 36 together with the target image 26, independent of it. The screen 36 thus serves to display the target image 26 and also (independently of it) to display the reticle 28 in the form of an overlay. Reference symbol list

[0054] 2 Effector unit 4 Effector (HPEM) 6 Aiming unit 8 Pulse (HPEM) 10 Main axis of action 12 Target object 14 Environment 16 Optical unit 18 Center axis 20 Cone of view 22 Horn 26 Target image 28 Reticle 30 Center mark 32 Rangefinder 34a,b Distance mark 36 Screen LALateral distance EDistance BOperating position WTPartial value

Claims

1. Aiming device (6) for a HPEM effector (4) which is set up to emit an electromagnetic HPEM pulse (8) along a main axis of effect (10) during operation, in order to combat a target object (12) in an environment (14) of the effector (4), - having an optical unit (16) which has a central axis (18) and a vision cone (20) surrounding the central axis, in order to capture the environment (14) of the effector (4), - wherein the optical unit (16) can be aligned in an intended operating position (B) relative to the effector (4) in such a manner that at least a section of the main axis of effect (10) runs in the vision cone (20), - wherein the optical unit (16) is set up to optically reproduce that part of the environment (14) which is located in the vision cone (20) in the form of a target image (26), - having a sight (28) for the target object (12), which is displayed in the target image (26), characterized in that the sight (28) contains at least one distance marker (34a, b) which is correlated with a drop in the power of the pulse (8) in the direction lateral to the main axis of effect (10) to a certain partial value (WT).

2. Aiming device (6) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sight (28) contains a centre marker (30).

3. Aiming device (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance marker (34a, b) is formed in the target image in a ring-like manner.

4. Aiming device (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sight (28) contains two concentric distance markers (34a, b).

5. Aiming device (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aiming device (6) has an interface to a distance measuring unit (32) for a variable which is correlated with a distance (E) between a target object (12), which is located in the vision cone (20), and the effector (4).

6. Aiming device (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aiming device (6) is set up to adapt the distance markers (34a, b) adaptively to a distance (E) between a target object (12), which is located in the vision cone (20), and the effector (4).

7. Aiming device (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sight (28) is an optical element which is physically present in the aiming device.

8. Aiming device (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical unit (16) contains a screen (36) for displaying the target image (26) and the sight (28).

9. Aiming device (8) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sight (28) is in the form of an overlay for the target image (26).

10. Effector device (2) having the aiming device (6) according to one of the preceding claims and having the effector (4), wherein the optical unit (16) is aligned in the intended operating position (B) relative to the effector (4) in such a manner that at least a section of the main axis of effect (10) runs in the vision cone (20).

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