Military decoy elements

Abstract

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is provided a military decoy element (100) comprising at least two profiles (110, 120), the at least two profiles (110, 120) being elongated along an extended dimension, connected to one another so as to be aligned with the extended dimension, and configured to be folded between an operational state and a folded state, each of the profiles (110, 120) comprising a plurality of profile panels (114, 115, 116, 117) hingedly attached to one another to form a closed, predetermined perimeter when in the operational state.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to decoy elements and decoys, and in particular to foldable decoy elements and decoys for military purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] Military decoys can be shaped by using fiberglass or carbon fiber composites doped with elements that provide spectral signatures in several electromagnetic radiation bands, such as the thermal infrared and radar bands. Such techniques allow the military decoys to closely resemble their original counterparts and produce believable spectral fingerprints. However, they require towable equipment for transportation, take up a lot of space for storage, and are very expensive.

[0003] Another well-known technique is to use inflatable decoys. Such decoys are easy to transport, require little storage space, and can be equipped with spectral fingerprinting elements. The problem with such decoys is that they are not reliable under modern military reconnaissance techniques. They have rounded edges, which affect the spectral signature of the decoy, and they are vulnerable to bad weather. Also, compressed air is required to create the decoys.

[0004] A third option is to create an object resembling the original military vehicle or other equipment using a frame covered with a sheet or net. Such decoys have a believable size and shape when observed from a long distance, and are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to transport. Furthermore, spectral signatures can be generated by additional elements. The decoys also require less storage space. However, fabricating such frames of the required size is quite complex, requiring many parts and tools. Furthermore, the spectral response may be limited, and the decoys cannot withstand observation from medium or close distances. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to alleviate at least some of the above-mentioned problems. It is an object of the present invention to facilitate the transport, assembly and disassembly of decoys, ideally in a volumetrically efficient manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a military decoy element comprising at least two profiles, the at least two profiles being elongated along an extended dimension, connected to one another so as to be aligned with the extended dimension, and configured to be folded between an operational state and a folded state, each of the profiles comprising a plurality of profile panels hingedly attached to one another to form a closed predetermined perimeter when in the operational state.

[0007] The present military decoy element provides significant benefits: the military decoy element minimizes the number of parts that need to be connected, making assembly and disassembly simple and self-explanatory; no tools are required for assembly and disassembly; and the military decoy element is easy to store and transport.

[0008] One or more embodiments may include one or more features from the following bulleted list. - said military decoy element further comprises a camouflage material cover on the outer surface of said military decoy element; - The military decoy element further comprises a plurality of thermal elements, such as additional foils or electronic decals, for thermal signature control. The military decoy element further comprises elements that reflect or emit multiple near-infrared and short-wave infrared bands. - the military decoy element further comprises elements that reflect or absorb multiple radar bands;

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a military decoy comprising a plurality of said military decoy elements.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a missile launcher decoy comprising a plurality of said military decoy elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a military decoy element according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a profile of a military decoy element according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a plate for forming a profile according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a military decoy element with an internal structure according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates an internal structure during folding according to at least some embodiments. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a missile launcher decoy according to at least some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In the present context, the term "military decoy" refers to a device that resembles its original counterpart used for military purposes, such as a missile launcher, a tank, a gun emplacement, a platform, a structure, or a container. Said military decoy can be a training target.

[0013] In this context, the term "operational condition" refers to the condition of the components after assembly and in use when the decoy is in use.

[0014] In the present context, the term "folded state" refers to the state of the parts collapsed, for example for transport.

[0015] In this context, the term "hinge" refers to a joint or mechanism that connects objects, such as panels, and allows a rotational angle between the objects. The hinge can be a mechanical hinge, for example made of metal or plastic. Alternatively, the hinge can be a piece of tape that connects the objects. A first portion of the tape can be attached to a first panel, and a second portion of the tape can be attached to a second panel adjacent to the first panel, thereby forming a hinge that connects the panels and allows a rotational angle between the panels. The tape can be attached to the panels during assembly of the decoy. Alternatively, the hinge can be formed by creating a crease or groove in one surface of a panel along which the panel can fold. The decoy can include several different types of hinges.

[0016] In the present context, the expression "hinged to one another" means that objects such as panels, as described above, are connected to one another by at least one hinge.

[0017] A modern military decoy ideally satisfies two general criteria. First, the size and shape and spectral fingerprint, from ultraviolet (UV) frequencies to radar frequencies, of the modern military decoy preferably match those of its original counterpart. Second, the modern military decoy is ideally mechanically feasible. The latter means that the decoy is easy to transport, preferably without towing, and easy to assemble and disassemble in a variety of field conditions (e.g., tool-free assembly and disassembly, self-explanatory and minimal parts, assemble on uneven terrain in wind, rain, and snow). Preferably, the decoy is lightweight, resistant to high and low temperatures, can be moved by hand during assembly, and is inexpensive (significantly less than 1% of the price of its original counterpart). Preferably, the decoy requires little storage space and can withstand storage conditions.

[0018] The military decoy element 100 comprises at least two profiles 110, 120, elongated along an extended dimension, connected to one another so as to be aligned in the extended dimension, and configured to be folded between an operational state and a folded state, each of the profiles 110, 120 comprising a plurality of profile panels 114-117, 124-127 hingedly attached to one another to form a closed predetermined perimeter when in the operational state.

[0019] The military decoy elements are easy and self-explanatory to assemble and disassemble because they have a minimal number of parts that need to be connected. No tools are required for assembly and disassembly. The military decoy elements are easy to store and transport, even by hand in the forest.

[0020] The at least two profiles 110, 120 are connected to each other so as to be aligned along the elongated dimension. The at least two profiles may have a length in the elongated dimension and a width perpendicular to the elongated dimension. The length may be greater than the width. The at least two profiles 110, 120 may be connected to each other along the length. Thus, the at least two profiles 110, 120 may be connected alternately.

[0021] 1 shows a military decoy element 100. The military decoy element comprises two profiles 110, 120. The profiles 110, 120 are elongated along an elongated dimension and connected to one another so as to be aligned with the elongated dimension. The profiles 110, 120 comprise a plurality of profile panels 114-117, 124-127 hingedly attached to one another to form a closed, predetermined perimeter.

[0022] The three-dimensional shape of the military decoy element 100 can be formed by folding the profile panels 114-117, 124-127 into a predetermined position and returning them to the folded state. The profile panels 114-117, 124-127 can be connected to one another such that they can only be assembled to create a predetermined three-dimensional structure.

[0023] Said profile 110, 120 may comprise at least three profile panels, preferably four profile panels 114 to 117, 124 to 127. The four profile panels make it possible to form a profile having a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0024] However, the profile 110, 120 may also comprise four or more profile panels (not shown), for example, 10 to 100 profile panels, which makes it possible to form military decoy elements with polygonal or substantially round cross sections.

[0025] According to one embodiment, each of the profiles 110, 120 is configured to form a permanently closed predetermined perimeter, particularly when in the operational state, so that the profile panels 114 to 117, 124 to 127 do not need to be connected to one another, but can be simply folded to form the permanently closed predetermined perimeter, which facilitates and speeds up the assembly.

[0026] Folding between the operational state and the folded state is made possible by hinged attachments between the profile panels 114 to 117, 124 to 127. The profile panels can be relatively rigid so that folding occurs only at the hinged attachments.

[0027] Alternatively, at least two of said profile panels 114 to 117, 124 to 127 may be configured to be connected to one another to form said closed predetermined perimeter.

[0028] The hinged attachments of the profile panels 114 to 117, 124 to 127 can be cuts, grooves, or tension fasteners. Preferably, cuts or grooves are used. The cuts, grooves, and tension fasteners make the hinged attachments simple and inexpensive to form. Additionally, the cuts, grooves, and tension fasteners do not require tools to fold the profiles between the operational and folded states.

[0029] The cuts or grooves can be formed in the outer surface of the profiles 110, 120. The profiles 110, 120 can be manufactured from a plate 119, the plate 119 having the cuts or grooves 118 spaced a predetermined distance from each other and extending in the same direction, as shown in Figure 3. The cuts or grooves can extend along the elongated dimension of the profiles 110, 120. The profiles 110, 120 can be folded by the cuts or grooves to form the predetermined outer circumference.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a plate 119 for forming the profile 110. The plate has three notches 118, which are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance. The notches 118 extend along the elongated dimension of the profile 110. The notches 118 thus divide the plate into four profile panels 114, 115, 116, and 117. The distances between the notches 118 are substantially the same. Therefore, the four profile panels 114, 115, 116, and 117 have substantially the same area. However, the profile panels can also have different areas and shapes. The plate has two ends, a first end E1 and a second end E2. The first end E1 and the second end E2 are configured to be connected to each other to form a profile having a closed perimeter.

[0031] The cuts or grooves can extend from the outer surface of the profiles 110, 120 to partly inside the profiles 110, 120. The profile panels 114 to 117, 124 to 127 are thus formed between the cuts or grooves. The cuts or grooves connect the profile panels together in a hinged manner. Therefore, no additional hinges are required.

[0032] Optionally, the profiles 110, 120 may be provided with reinforcing elements, such as tape, on the inner surface of the profiles 110, 120 at the locations of the cuts or grooves 118. This reinforces the profiles at the locations of the cuts or grooves 118 and prevents the profile panels from separating from each other.

[0033] The tension fastener can connect two adjacent profile panels together. A first portion of the tension fastener can be disposed on a first profile panel and a second portion of the tension fastener can be disposed on an adjacent second profile panel. The first and second profile panels can be connected to each other by closing the tension fastener.

[0034] According to one embodiment, each of the profiles comprises folds 111, 121 on the inner surfaces of the plurality of profile panels, the folds 111, 121 extending in the extended dimension as shown in Figure 2. The folds allow the profile to be folded into a smaller package, and therefore the profile is easier to handle and transport manually.

[0035] According to one embodiment, each of the profiles comprises the folds 111, 121 on the inner surfaces of two opposing panels of the closed periphery, so that the folds are formed symmetrically around the closed periphery, which allows easier folding of the panels into the folded state.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the fold lines 111, 121 are configured to connect two portions of the profile panels 113, 115, 116, 117 to one another in such a way that the two portions are configured to be folded against one another. In that case, a profile comprising four profile panels can be folded in the folded state to occupy the space of only one panel. The fold lines therefore make it possible to fold the profile into an even smaller package.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the fold lines 111, 121 are cuts, grooves, or pull fasteners. Preferably, cuts or grooves are used. The cuts, grooves, and pull fasteners make the fold lines simple and inexpensive to form. Furthermore, the cuts, grooves, and pull fasteners do not require tools to fold the profile between the operational state and the folded state.

[0038] The profiles 110, 120 may have the fold notches or grooves on the inner surface of the profile, the fold notches or grooves being arranged at a predetermined distance from each other and extending in the same direction.

[0039] The crease cuts or grooves can extend from the inner surface of the profile 110, 120 partially into the interior of the profile, so that the crease cuts or grooves connect the two parts of the profile panel to each other and hinge the two parts together, so that no additional hinge is required.

[0040] Optionally, the profiles 110, 120 may be provided with reinforcing elements, such as tape, on the inner surface of the profiles 110, 120 at the locations of the cuts or grooves 118 in the folds 111, 121, thereby reinforcing the profiles at the locations of the cuts or grooves 118 and preventing the profile panels from separating from each other.

[0041] The tension fasteners at the fold lines 111, 121 can connect two parts of a profile panel together. A first part of the tension fastener can be arranged on a first part of the profile panel and a second part of the tension fastener can be arranged on a second part of the profile panel. The first and second parts can be connected to each other by closing the tension fasteners.

[0042] According to one embodiment, each of the profiles 110, 120 has a first end and a second end in the extended dimension, with the first end being open as shown in Figure 2. This allows for easier connection of the profiles, as connecting structures can be placed within the profile during folding into the operational state. Also, the first ends of the profiles can be placed, for example, inside each other.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the second ends are provided with hinged covers 112, 122, as shown in Figure 2, which allow the formation of a military decoy element that is closed on all sides when the first ends of the profiles are connected together, and which also makes the profile rigid.

[0044] The covers 112, 122 may be attached to the profiles 110, 120 by hinges, which may be, for example, piano hinges. Preferably, the hinges are attached to the profiles 110, 120 during manufacture of the military decoy element 100 to facilitate the assembly, but may alternatively be connected to the military decoy element during folding into the operational state.

[0045] Optionally, the profiles 110, 120 may be reinforced in the hinge attachment areas to avoid the hinges coming apart.

[0046] The profiles 110, 120 may further comprise additional elements for moving the profiles 110, 120. The additional elements may be, for example, openings 113 or handles, which facilitate movement of the military decoy elements, especially in terrain.

[0047] 2 shows a profile 110 of a military decoy element 100. The profile comprises four profile panels 114, 115, 116, 117 hinged to one another and a fold 111 on the inner surface of the profile 110, the fold 111 extending in the extended dimension. The fold 111 is formed on the inner surfaces of two opposing profile panels. The profile 110 has a first end and a second end. The first end is open, and the second end comprises hinged covers 112, 122. The profile further comprises an opening 113 formed in a profile panel of the profile 100, which can be used to grasp the profile.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the at least two profiles 110, 120 are configured to be connected to one another by quick release fasteners or tension locks, which may be arranged such that the first ends of the profiles 110, 120 can be connected to one another. The quick release fasteners or tension locks make it easy to connect the profiles to one another, as no tools are required.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the at least two profiles 110, 120 are connected to one another by overlapping the respective first ends of the profiles 110, 120. Thus, the first ends of the profiles 110, 120 can be arranged partially inside one another. Thus, the perimeter of the first profile can be smaller or larger than the perimeter of the second profile.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the at least two profiles 110, 120 are connected to each other by a connecting structure, such as a reinforcing profile or a diagonal member, which may be located inside the profiles 110, 120. The tubular profile or diagonal member supports the profiles 110, 120 so that the military decoy element 100 is rigid.

[0051] The connecting structure may be an open profile beam. The open profile beam may be installed inside the profiles 110, 120. When the open profile beam is placed inside the profiles 110, 120, the open profile beam may extend perpendicular to the elongated dimension. The open profile beam supports the profiles 110, 120 so that the military decoy element 100 is rigid.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the connecting structure is an internal structure 130 that is elongated along the elongated dimension and that is located inside the at least two profiles 110, 120. The internal structure makes the military decoy element more rigid and therefore easier to handle.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the inner structure 130 is configured to be foldable between the operational state and the folded state, and the inner structure comprises a plurality of inner structure panels 131, 132, 134, 135 that are hingedly attached to one another to form a closed, predetermined perimeter when in the operational state. Thus, the inner structure allows for simple and self-explanatory assembly and disassembly, as the number of parts that need to be connected is minimal. Assembly and disassembly do not require tools. Thus, the inner structure is easy to store and transport.

[0054] The internal structure 130 can be disposed inside the military decoy element 100 so as to extend inside both of the profiles 110, 120 connected to each other so as to align with the extended dimension. Thus, the internal structure 130 can be configured to support the first ends of the profiles.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a military decoy element 100 with an internal structure 130. The military decoy element 100 includes two profiles 110, 120, which are elongated along an elongated dimension and connected to one another in alignment with the elongated dimension. The profiles 110, 120 are elongated along an elongated dimension and connected to one another in alignment with the elongated dimension. Both profiles 110, 120 include four profile panels hingedly attached to one another and folds 111, 121 on the inner surfaces of the profiles 110, 120, which folds 111, 121 extend along the elongated dimension. The profiles 110, 120 have first and second ends. The second ends include hinged covers 112, 122. The internal structure is disposed inside the profiles 110,120 such that it extends from the first end of the profiles 110,120 towards the second end of the profiles 110,120.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the internal structure 130 includes an internal structural panel 133 disposed within the closed perimeter in a plane extending along the elongated dimension, which provides rigidity to the internal structure and thus prevents the internal structure from collapsing. The internal structural panel also provides rigidity to the entire military decoy element when the internal structure is disposed within the military decoy element.

[0057] FIG. 5 shows the interior structure 130 during folding. A first interior structural panel 131 and a second interior structural panel 132 extend in a plane perpendicular to the elongated dimension. A third interior structural panel 133 extends perpendicularly between the first interior structural panel 131 and the second interior structural panel 132. The third interior structural panel 133 is hingedly attached to the first interior structural panel 131 and the second interior structural panel 132. A fourth interior structural panel 134 is hingedly attached to the first interior structural panel 131, and a fifth interior structural panel 135 is hingedly attached to the second interior structural panel 132. The fourth interior structural panel 134 is configured to be connected to the second interior structural panel 132, and the fifth interior structural panel 135 is configured to be connected to the first structural panel 131 to form a closed, predetermined perimeter.

[0058] The internal structure 130 can be connected to the at least two profiles 110, 120 by quick-release fasteners or tension locks. For example, the internal structure 130 can include at least one fastening portion, and each of the profiles 110, 120 can include at least one fastening partner. The fastening portion(s) and the fastening partner(s) can be arranged to align when the internal structure 130 is placed inside the profiles 110, 120. Preferably, the number of fastening portions is the same as the number of fastening partners. The quick-release fasteners or tension locks make it easy to connect the profiles and the internal structure to each other, as no tools are required.

[0059] Alternatively, the inner surface of the profile 110, 120 may be provided with a stopper, which may be, for example, a protrusion formed on or attached to the inner surface of the profile 110, 120. The stopper may be formed on or attached at a predetermined distance from the first end of the profile 110, 120. The stopper prevents the internal structure 130 from sliding too far inside the profile and allows the internal structure to be locked in its predetermined position.

[0060] Alternatively, the internal structure 130 can be placed inside the profiles 110, 120, but the fit of the internal structure 130 can be tight enough so that the internal structure cannot move inside the profiles 110, 120 after assembly.

[0061] The profile panels 114 to 117, 124 to 127 and the internal structural panels 131 to 135 may be made from a lightweight but rigid material, for example corrugated plastic or foam board such as KAPA® or polyurethane. The thickness of the corrugated plastic may be, for example, 3 mm to 10 mm, preferably about 5 mm, so that it can be folded to transport the package and unfolded to form the required parts of the structure.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the military decoy element 100 further comprises a camouflage material cover on the outer surface of the decoy 100. The camouflage material may be, but is not limited to, paint, cloth, fabric, fiber-based products, or fiber-reinforced composites or laminates, and the camouflage material is configured to be placed on the military decoy element after assembly of the military decoy element. The camouflage material helps the military decoy element blend into its surroundings. Meanwhile, the camouflage material allows the military decoy element to be credible even when observed from a close distance.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the military decoy element 100 includes multiple thermal elements, such as additive foils or electronic decals, for thermal signature control. The thermal elements can be directly connected to the military decoy element, can be separate elements, or can be integrated with the camouflage material. The thermal elements can be passive or active, in which case they can be controlled individually or in groups containing at least two thermal elements. The passive elements can be, for example, coatings or additives with a thermal emissivity different from that of their surroundings. The active elements can be, for example, resistive heaters or Peltier devices. The thermal elements are used to provide the military decoy element with an authentic thermal signature.

[0064] The military decoy element 100 may include a thermal element integrated into the military decoy element. At least one of the modules 110, 120 or the connection structure may include an electrical connector for the thermal element. The electrical connector may be used to provide power to the thermal element. The electrical connector may be attached to a panel of the module 110, 120 or the connection structure. This avoids the use of electrical wires that may become tangled, break, or get caught on the surroundings.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the military decoy element 100 further comprises elements that reflect or emit radiation in multiple near infrared (NIR) and short wave infrared (SWIR) bands.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the military decoy element 100 further comprises a plurality of radar band reflective or absorbing elements. The plurality of elements can reflect or absorb the radar bands from 1 GHz to 20 GHz. The radar band reflective elements can be, for example, conductive paint, coating, or aluminum foil. The radar band reflective elements make the military decoy element visible in radar imaging. The radar band absorbing elements can be radar absorbing paint, coating, or foil, or a coating that is semi-transparent in the radar band and is located, for example, λ / 4 away from the underlying surface. The radar band absorbing elements reduce the radar cross section of the military decoy element and can be used to enhance the authenticity of the military decoy element.

[0067] According to one embodiment, a military decoy comprises a plurality of military decoy elements 100, as described above. The military decoy can be formed by placing the military decoy elements 100 adjacent to one another and / or on top of one another. Optionally, the military decoy elements 100 can be connected to one another. Thus, the military decoy elements allow for larger assemblies to be formed from the military decoy elements. Furthermore, individual military decoy elements 100 are easier to transport, assemble, and disassemble than larger decoys comprising larger panels.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the missile launcher decoy includes a plurality of the military decoy elements 100, as described above. For example, the missile launcher decoy can include 1 to 16 military decoy elements 100. The missile launcher decoy can be formed by placing the military decoy elements 100 adjacent to one another and / or on top of one another. For example, the missile launcher decoy can include a first set of military decoy elements 100 arranged adjacent to one another in the extended dimension and a second set of military decoy elements 100 arranged above the first set of military decoy elements, such that the military decoy elements 100 form a missile launcher decoy having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first set and / or the second set can include, for example, 2 to 8 military decoy elements 100. Preferably, the number of military decoy elements in the first set and the second set is the same. Optionally, the military decoy elements 100 can be connected to one another, thus allowing the military decoy elements to be formed into larger assemblies, where individual military decoy elements 100 are easier to transport, assemble, and disassemble than larger missile launcher decoys with larger panels.

[0069] The missile launcher decoy 200 may include, for example, six military decoy elements 100. Three military decoy elements may be positioned adjacent to one another in the elongated dimension, and three military decoy elements 100 may be positioned on top of the three military decoy elements, such that the military decoy elements 100 form a missile launcher decoy having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a prism shape, or an elongated rectangular parallelepiped shape. The military decoy elements 100 may be in contact with one another, or there may be spaces between the military decoy elements 100. Each of the military decoy elements may include two profiles 110, 120, elongated along an extended dimension, connected to one another in alignment with the extended dimension, and configured to be folded between an operational state and a folded state, each of the profiles 110, 120 including a plurality of profile panels 114-117, 124-127 hingedly attached to one another to form a closed, predetermined perimeter when in the operational state. The profiles 110, 120 may include folds 111, 121 on inner surfaces of the plurality of profile panels 114-117, 124-127, the folds 111, 121 extending along the extended dimension. Furthermore, the military decoy element 100 may include an interior structure 130, elongated along the extended dimension and disposed inwardly of at least two of the profiles 110, 120. The internal structure 130 can be configured to fold between the operational state and the folded state, and the internal structure can include a plurality of internal structural panels 131, 132, 134, 135 hinged to one another to form a closed, predetermined perimeter when in the operational state. The internal structure 130 can include an internal structural panel 133 positioned inside the closed perimeter in a plane extending along the elongated dimension.

[0070] 6 illustrates a missile launcher decoy 200 according to at least some embodiments, comprising six military decoy elements 100. Three military decoy elements 100 are positioned adjacent to one another in the extended dimension, and three military decoy elements 100 are positioned on top of the three military decoy elements, such that the military decoy elements 100 form a missile launcher decoy 200 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a prism shape, or an elongated rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0071] It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments of the invention are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but extend to equivalents thereof that will be recognized by those skilled in the art. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0072] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the foregoing description, numerous specific details, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

[0073] The verb "to comprise" is used in this document as an open-ended term that does not exclude or require the presence of unrecited features. Features recited in the dependent claims are mutually freely combinable unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of "a" or "an", i.e., the singular, should be understood throughout this document as not excluding the plural. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 100 Military Decoy Elements 110 Profile 111 folds 112 Cover 113 Aperture 114 to 117 Profile Panel 118 Notches or grooves 119 Plate 120 Profiles 121 folds 122 Cover 124 to 127 Profile Panel 130 Internal structure 131 to 135 Interior structural panels 200 Missile Launcher Decoy

Claims

1. A military decoy element (100) comprising at least two profiles (110, 120), the at least two profiles (110, 120) being elongated along an extended dimension, connected to one another in alignment with the extended dimension, and configured to be folded between an operational state and a folded state, each of the profiles (110, 120) comprising a plurality of profile panels (114, 115, 116, 117) hingedly attached to one another to form a closed, predetermined perimeter when in the operational state.

2. 2. The military decoy element (100) of claim 1, wherein each of said profiles (110, 120) is configured to form a permanently closed predetermined perimeter, particularly when in said operational state.

3. 3. The military decoy element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of said profiles comprises folds (111, 121) on the inner surface of a plurality of said profile panels (114, 115, 116, 117), said folds (111, 121) extending in said extended dimension.

4. 4. The military decoy element (100) according to claim 3, wherein each of said profiles comprises said folds (111, 121) on said inner surfaces of two opposing panels of said closed perimeter.

5. 5. The military decoy element (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the folds (111, 121) are configured to connect the two portions of the profile panel (114, 115, 116, 117) to each other such that the outer surfaces of the two portions are configured to be folded against each other.

6. The military decoy element (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said folds (111, 121) are notches, grooves or tension fasteners.

7. 7. The military decoy element (100) of claim 1, wherein each of said profiles (110, 120) has a first end and a second end in said extended dimension, said first end being open.

8. The military decoy element (100) of claim 7, wherein said second end comprises a hingedly attached cover (112, 122).

9. The military decoy element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said at least two profiles (110, 120) are configured to be connected to each other by quick release fasteners or tension locks.

10. 10. The military decoy element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least two profiles (110, 120) are connected to each other by overlapping the first ends of each of the profiles (110, 120) with each other.

11. The military decoy element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said at least two profiles (110, 120) are connected to each other by a connecting structure such as a stiffening profile or a diagonal bar.

12. 12. The military decoy element (100) of claim 11, wherein the connecting structure is an internal structure (130), the internal structure (130) being elongated along the elongated dimension and disposed inside at least two profiles (110, 120).

13. 13. The military decoy element (100) of claim 12, wherein the internal structure (130) is configured to be folded between the operational state and the folded state, the internal structure comprising a plurality of internal structure panels (131, 132, 134, 135) hingedly attached to one another to form a closed predetermined perimeter when in the operational state.

14. 14. The military decoy element (100) of claim 13, wherein said internal structure (130) comprises an internal structural panel (133) disposed inside said closed perimeter in a plane extending along said elongated dimension.

15. A military decoy comprising a plurality of military decoy elements (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A missile launcher decoy (200) comprising a plurality of military decoy elements (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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