Naval surface drone counter training system

Abstract

The invention relates to a training system (1) for combating naval surface drones, this training system comprising: a remote operation system (2), a telecommunications system (3), one or more naval surface drones (5) which are configured to be operated simultaneously by the remote operation system (2), via the telecommunications system (3), to simulate an attack mission against one or more target ships (50), the number of naval surface drones (5) being in particular between 1 and 15, in particular between 3 and 10. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Training system for combating naval surface drones

[0001] The field of the present invention is that of training systems for combating naval surface drones.

[0002] In the current geopolitical context, there are risks of aggression against ships using naval surface drones. These naval surface drones can be autonomous, meaning they can operate independently, without direct human intervention, using intelligent onboard systems. Generally speaking, ships, whether military or civilian, must be prepared to counter such attacks.

[0003] The present invention aims in particular to meet this need.

[0004] The invention thus relates to a training system for combating naval surface drones, this training system comprising: - a teleoperation system, - a telecommunications system, - one or more naval surface drones that are configured to be operated simultaneously by the tele-operation system, via the telecommunications system, to simulate an attack mission against one or more target ships.

[0005] Thus, the present invention proposes a training system capable of simulating a naval surface drone attack, an attack carried out according to a mission selected by a human operator via the remote operation system. In such a mission, the naval surface drones receive instructions to approach as closely as possible to the target ship(s), whether stationary or moving.

[0006] In the rest of the description, the term "drone" refers to a naval surface drone.

[0007] The number of naval surface drones can be between 1 and 15, in particular between 3 and 10. This number can be greater than 15, or even 20. These drones can be grouped into a single pack, into several packs, or into separate units attacking from different angles, and moving independently of each other.

[0008] The present invention makes it possible to simulate a multiple attack to saturate the detection and defense action of the target ship.

[0009] Preferably, the teleoperation system is configured to remotely operate the drones according to a plurality of predetermined missions, in particular those that are recorded, each mission being defined, for example, with attack behaviors (or attack logic) of the drones. These missions are, for example, attack missions of saturation or encirclement. Advantageously, the teleoperation system is configured to create, manage and / or reconfigure missions in real time to meet the needs of military exercises in a moving theater.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the tele-operation system is configured to control naval surface drones in their trajectories, in particular so that they perform erratic trajectories, especially when approaching the target ship.

[0011] For example, drones move in a zigzag pattern when they are within a certain distance of the target ship. This makes it more difficult to neutralize them, for example using a weapon system.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the tele-operation system is configured to simultaneously control naval surface drones following trajectories in single file, in various formations or even while drifting.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the teleoperation system includes a human-machine interface (for example a keyboard or a touch screen) configured to allow a human operator to choose the type of mission.

[0014] The drones are not piloted in real time by the human operator, but are automatically remotely operated by the teleoperation system according to parameters previously entered by the human operator, and in particular the type of mission chosen. The drones are thus autonomously piloted.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the tele-operation system memorizes a plurality of different missions, from which the human operator chooses.

[0016] Each mission represents a way to attack one or more target ships.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, naval surface drones can, where appropriate, be equipped with a visual anti-detection device, for example a camouflage envelope.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, one or more naval surface drones may, where appropriate, be equipped with a detection facilitating device, in particular a radar reflector to amplify its radar detectability.

[0019] This makes it highly detectable, which makes it possible to attract the attention of people trained on this particular drone, and to disrupt the detection of other drones which, in comparison with this highly detectable drone, remain difficult to detect (decoy effect).

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the remote operation system is configured to direct drones to a holding area or several holding areas. This allows the drones to be positioned for the start of training, and to form a swarm of drones or several swarms of drones, in particular to attack the target ship(s) separately, and, among other things, to create a holding point for recovery.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the tele-operation system is configured to allocate a specific mission to each swarm of drones.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the teleoperation system comprises a control console equipped with a human-machine interface allowing a human operator to enter parameters for a training session, in particular enabling them to select a predetermined mission and, if necessary, adapt the missions according to changes in the training context. In other words, the control console allows the human operator to build the training order and reconfigure it in real time.

[0023] For example, the parameters that the operator can enter are chosen from: - identification data of the target vessel, - data on a safety distance from the target vessel beyond which drones cannot approach, - a type of mission chosen from a plurality of predetermined missions available.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the tele-operation system is configured to send drones data regarding target ships (including speed, route, position).

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the trajectories are continuously recalculated based on the trajectory of the target ship.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the drones each include a positioning device, in particular of the GNSS type, and are configured to send position coordinates to the tele-operation system.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the control console allows the human operator to simply be in supervision mode once he has entered the drive parameters.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the piloting console includes a screen configured to show the real-time movements of the drones and the target vessel.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the piloting console is configured to allow the mission to be interrupted, if necessary.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the teleoperation system can be placed on a maritime platform which is distant from the target ship, or on a land base.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the telecommunications system is configured to send piloting data to drones, particularly in a closed network. For example, the telecommunications system uses radio waves.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the drone can be built on the base of a jet ski, a semi-rigid boat or any suitable platform.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the drone includes an internal piloting system capable of receiving orders from the tele-operation system and executing these orders to pilot the drone, in particular along a trajectory or a target provided by the tele-operation system.

[0034] In the invention, the drones are not remotely controlled by a human operator, but are piloted automatically according to a mission order entered by the human operator.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, one or more drones may be equipped with an infrared protection device configured to make the drone undetectable or difficult to detect by infrared rays.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, one or more drones may be provided with a camouflage skin.

[0037] The camouflage skin makes it possible to make drones difficult to detect on the surface of the sea.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, this camouflage skin comprises a canvas or tarpaulin covering the drone, limiting its visibility. This camouflage skin is notably blue, and / or black, and / or gray in color.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the drone includes a launching and recovery device so that it can be operated from a ship.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the drone is configured to be able to navigate relatively low on the water, so as to be barely visible.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, one or more drones can be equipped with a mannequin imitating a human.

[0042] This allows trainees to be placed in a disruptive / uncertain context in which a person appears to be present in the training scene, aboard one of the drones. This creates a more complex decision-making situation for the trainees, thereby increasing the complexity of the training.

[0043] During training, the objective is to neutralize drones attacking the target vessel. For example, the target vessel may be equipped with weapons capable of destroying drones. Thus, the drones may be lost.

[0044] The training enables personnel to detect a swarm of drones, or even an asymmetric drone attack, approaching the target vessel. After detection, there is a phase of classification and identification of the drones, for example, to identify the type of drones, their level of danger, etc.

[0045] Then after detection and identification comes the neutralization phase, in particular by destruction of the drones, for example using weapons on the target ship.

[0046] The choice of erratic drone movements makes it possible to complicate the detection phase, the identification phase and the neutralization phase.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the drone is configured to navigate at a speed of up to 10 knots, 20 knots, 30 knots, 40 knots, or even more, depending on sea conditions and training requirements.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, one or more drones may be equipped with a recorder such as a camera, configured to record the training scene.

[0049] This allows viewing and debriefing of the training exercise, as seen by one or more of the drones.

[0050] The invention also relates to a method for training in combat against naval surface drones, using a training system as described above, and the method comprising the following steps: - enter a mission type into the teleoperation system, - allow the teleoperation system to control the naval surface drones which are configured to be operated simultaneously by the teleoperation system, via the telecommunications system, to carry out the training mission, advantageously in a coherent and coordinated manner.

[0051] The training system can thus employ a swarm of naval surface training drones, composed of 1 to 15 naval surface drones, which can carry out coordinated training attacks against civilian or military vessels.

[0052] These naval surface drones, equipped with telecommunication systems and GNSS navigation, are capable of complex maneuvers such as saturation or encirclement attacks.

[0053] The attack scenarios are configurable and can be modified in real time, allowing naval surface drones to react dynamically to target movements for realistic training.

[0054] By mimicking hostile behavior, these drones allow naval forces to test and strengthen their defense strategies against rapid and unpredictable threats. They aim to identify ship vulnerabilities, optimize crew reactions, and improve overall resilience against asymmetric maritime attacks.

[0055] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and an example of an embodiment given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0056] [Fig.1] Fig.1 is a schematic representation of a training system for combating naval surface drones according to an example of the invention;

[0057] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] illustrates a first attack scenario according to a first mission implemented by the training system of the [Fig.1];

[0058] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] illustrates a second attack scenario according to a second mission implemented by the training system of the [Fig.1];

[0059] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a diagram of a drone used in the system of the [Fig.1].

[0060] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0061] Figure 1 shows a training system 1 for combating naval surface drones, this training system 1 comprising: - a teleoperation system 2, - a telecommunications system 3, - several naval surface drones 5 which are configured to be operated simultaneously by the tele-operation system 2, via the telecommunication system 3, to simulate an attack mission against one or more target ships 50.

[0062] The training system 1 is capable of simulating an attack by naval surface drones 5, an attack which is carried out according to a mission chosen by a human operator via the tele-operation system 2. In such a mission, the naval surface drones 5 receive instructions to approach as closely as possible the target ship(s) 50, whether stationary or moving.

[0063] The number of naval surface drones 5 can be between 1 and 15, in particular between 3 and 10. These examples of values ​​are not limiting and it is possible to foresee a number of naval surface drones greater than 15 or 20. These drones can be grouped into a single pack, into several packs, or into separate units attacking via different angles, and moving independently of each other.

[0064] The present invention makes it possible to simulate a multiple attack to saturate the detection and defense action of the target ship 50.

[0065] The teleoperation system 2 is configured to teleoperate the drones 5 according to a plurality of predetermined missions M1, M2..., which are recorded, each mission being defined with attack behaviors (or attack logic) of the drones 5. These missions include, for example, saturation attack or encirclement missions. Advantageously, the teleoperation system 2 is configured to create, manage, and / or reconfigure missions in real time to meet the needs of military exercises in a dynamic theater of operations.

[0066] For example, as illustrated in [Fig.2], in a single-file saturation attack mission M1 which is pre-recorded in the tele-operation system 2, this tele-operation system 2 is configured to control the naval surface drones 5 (for example, 5 in number) so that they follow erratic trajectories J, in a zigzag pattern, as they approach the target ship 50. In the example of mission M1, the naval surface drones 5 make a single-file approach, and the trajectories followed by the drones intersect.

[0067] The drones 5 move in a zigzag pattern when they are within a certain distance of the target ship 50. This makes it more difficult to neutralize them, for example using a weapon system.

[0068] In another M2 attack mission with a comb approach to one side of the target ship 50, as illustrated in [Fig.3], the teleoperation system 2 is configured to control the naval surface drones 5 so that they follow erratic, zigzag trajectories J as they approach the target ship 50, while remaining on an elongated front facing one side of the target ship 50. In the M2 mission example, the trajectories followed by the drones 5 remain separated from each other as they approach the target ship 50.

[0069] In general, the teleoperation system 2 is configured to simultaneously control naval surface drones 5 following trajectories in single file, in various formations or even drifting, depending on the mission selected.

[0070] The teleoperation system 2 includes a control console 15 with a human-machine interface 11, for example a keyboard or a touch screen, configured to allow a human operator to choose the type of mission.

[0071] The control console 15 allows the human operator to build the training order and reconfigure it in real time.

[0072] For example, the parameters that the operator can enter are chosen from: - identification data of the target vessel 50, - data on a safety distance of 50 meters beyond the target vessel which drones 5 cannot approach, - a type of mission chosen from a plurality of predetermined missions available (M1, M2 ...).

[0073] The control console 15 allows the human operator to simply be in supervision mode once he has entered the training parameters.

[0074] The piloting console 15 includes a screen configured to show the real-time movements of the drones 5 and the target ship 50.

[0075] The control console 15 is configured to allow the mission to be interrupted, if necessary.

[0076] The teleoperation system 2 can be placed on a maritime platform such as a ship 70 which is distant from the target ship 50, or on a land base.

[0077] The telecommunications system 3 is configured to send piloting data to the drones 5, particularly in a closed network. For example, the telecommunications system 3 uses radio waves.

[0078] The vessel 70 can be equipped with a targeting device 75 configured to detect, track and target the target vessel 50.

[0079] The drones 5 are not piloted in real time by the human operator, but are automatically teleoperated by the tele-operation system 2 according to parameters previously entered by the human operator, including the type of mission chosen (for example one of the missions M1 or M2).

[0080] The tele-operation system 2 is configured to direct the drones 5 to a waiting area 12. This allows the drones 5 to be positioned for the start of training, and to form a swarm of drones 5.

[0081] The teleoperation system 2 is configured to send data to the drones 5 regarding the target ships 50 (including speed, course, position).

[0082] The trajectories are constantly recalculated based on the trajectory of the target ship 50.

[0083] We will now describe, in relation to [Fig.4], drones 5 in more detail.

[0084] The drone 5 can be built on the basis of a jet ski as in the example described, or, alternatively, on the basis of a semi-rigid boat or any suitable platform.

[0085] The drone 5 includes an internal piloting system 29 capable of receiving orders from the tele-operation system 2 and executing these orders to pilot the drone, in particular along a trajectory or a target provided by the tele-operation system 2.

[0086] The drones 5 each include a positioning device 17, in particular of the GNSS type (for "Global Navigation Satellite System" in English, or Global Navigation Satellite System), and are configured to send position coordinates, via a radio antenna 22 of the drone 5 to the telecommunications system 3, which are processed in the tele-operation system 2.

[0087] One or more naval surface drones 5 may, where appropriate, be equipped with a detection-enabling device, in particular a radar reflector to amplify its radar detectability.

[0088] This makes it highly detectable, which makes it possible to attract the attention of people trained on this particular drone, and to disrupt the detection of other drones 5 which, in comparison with this highly detectable drone, remain difficult to detect (decoy effect).

[0089] In the invention, the drones 5 are not remotely controlled by a human operator, but are piloted automatically according to a mission order entered by the human operator.

[0090] One or more drones 5 may be equipped with an infrared protection device configured to make the drone undetectable or difficult to detect by infrared rays.

[0091] One or more drones 5 may be fitted with a camouflage skin 19.

[0092] Camouflage skin 19 makes drone 5 difficult to detect on the surface of the sea.

[0093] This camouflage skin 19 comprises a canvas or tarpaulin covering the drone, limiting its visibility. This camouflage skin is notably blue, and / or black, and / or grey in color.

[0094] Each drone 5 includes a launching and recovery device so that it can be operated from a ship 70 via a crane 71 on the ship 70.

[0095] Drone 5 is configured to be able to navigate relatively low on the water, so as to be barely visible.

[0096] If required, one or more drones 5 may be equipped with a mannequin imitating a human.

[0097] This allows the trainees to be placed in a disturbed / doubtful context in which a person appears to be present in the training scene, on board one of the drones 5. This creates a more complex decision-making situation for the trainees, increasing the complexity of the training.

[0098] During training, the objective is to neutralize the drones 5 that attack the target ship 50. For example, the target ship 50 has weapons capable of destroying the drones 5. Thus, the drones 5 may be lost.

[0099] The training enables people to detect a swarm of drones 5, or an asymmetric attack by drones 5, which approaches the target ship 50. After detection, there is a phase of classification and identification of the drones 5, for example to identify the nature of the drones 5, their danger....

[0100] Then after detection and identification comes the neutralization phase, in particular by destruction of the drones 5, for example using weapons on the target ship 50.

[0101] The choice of erratic movements of drones 5 makes it possible to complicate the detection phase, the identification phase and the neutralization phase.

[0102] One or more drones 5 may be equipped with a recorder 21 such as a camera, configured to record the training scene.

[0103] This allows viewing and debriefing of the training exercise, as seen by one or more of the drones 5.

[0104] The invention further relates to a method for training in combat against naval surface drones 5, using a training system 1 as described above, and the method comprising the following steps: - enter a mission type in the teleoperation system 2, - allow the teleoperation system 2 to control the naval surface drones 5 which are configured to be operated simultaneously by the teleoperation system 2, via the telecommunications system 3, to carry out the training mission, advantageously in a coherent and coordinated manner.

Claims

Demands

1. Training system (1) for combating naval surface drones, this training system comprising: - a remote operation system (2), - a telecommunications system (3), - one or more naval surface drones (5) which are configured to be operated simultaneously by the remote operation system (2), via the telecommunications system (3), to simulate an attack mission against one or more target ships (50), the number of naval surface drones (5) being in particular between 1 and 15, in particular between 3 and 10.

2. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the teleoperation system (2) is configured to teleoperate drones (5) according to a plurality of predetermined missions, in particular which are recorded, each mission being for example defined with attack behaviors of the drones (5), these missions are for example saturation attack or encirclement missions.

3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tele-operation system (2) is configured to create, manage and / or reconfigure missions in real time to meet the need for military exercises in a moving theater.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tele-operation system (2) is configured to control naval surface drones (5) in their trajectories, in particular so that they may perform erratic trajectories, in particular when approaching the target ship.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the teleoperation system (2) includes a human-machine interface (11), for example a keyboard or a touch screen, configured to allow a human operator to select the type of mission.

6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more naval surface drones (5) are equipped with a detection-enabling device, in particular a radar reflector enabling its radar detectability to be amplified.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trajectories are continuously recalculated based on the trajectory of the target vessel (50).

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drone (5) is on the basis of a jet ski, a rigid inflatable boat or any suitable platform.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drone (5) includes an internal piloting system capable of receiving commands from the teleoperation system (2) and executing such commands to pilot the drone (5), in particular along a trajectory or target provided by the teleoperation system (2).

10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more drones (5) are provided with an infrared protection device configured to render the drone undetectable or barely detectable by infrared rays.

11. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more drones (5) are provided with a camouflage skin, this camouflage skin (19) including in particular a canvas or tarpaulin covering the drone limiting its visibility.

12. Method for training in the fight against naval surface drones (5), using a training system according to any one of the preceding claims, and the method comprising the following steps: - entering a type of mission into the teleoperation system (2), - allowing the teleoperation system (2) to control the naval surface drones (5) which are configured to be operated simultaneously by the teleoperation system (2), via the telecommunications system (3), to carry out the training mission, advantageously in a coherent and coordinated manner.

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