Electronic warfare systems and methods

Abstract

The subject of this disclosure is an electronic warfare system comprising (i) a radar warning receiver (RWR) configured to receive (a) at least one first signal which is a radar emission signal emitted by each radar-based system in a first frequency spectrum and (b) at least one second signal which is a non-radar emission signal in a second frequency spectrum and (ii) a processing circuit communicating with the RWR, the processing circuit configured to acquire the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal from the receiver, analyze the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal to determine a set of characteristics associated with each of the signals, and take action when the set of characteristics of at least one of the signals matches a predefined set of characteristics for each of the signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronic warfare systems and methods.

Background Art

[0002] Electronic warfare is any action involving the tactical and strategic use of the electromagnetic spectrum, or related thereto, against an enemy in a military conflict (e.g., while attacking an enemy, while preventing an enemy attack, etc.). Electronic warfare can be applied from air, sea, land, and / or space by manned and / or uncrewed systems and can target communications, radar, or other military and civilian assets.

[0003] Traditionally, electronic warfare has been divided into three important sub-categories: (i) electronic attack (EA), (ii) electronic protection (EP), and (iii) electronic support (ES). The electronic support (ES) sub-category involves actions aimed at detecting, jamming, identifying, locating the source of, and / or localizing the source of both intentionally and unintentionally radiated electromagnetic energy. The goal is to provide immediate awareness, prioritization, and targeting of threats.

[0004] A radar warning receiver (RWR) system is a relatively simple example of an ES system, which is designed to detect the radio wave emissions of a radar system and issue an alarm when a radar signal potentially threatening the platform on which the RWR is mounted is detected. An RWR system generally consists of a plurality of broadband antennas placed around the platform, which enables the receiver to scan periodically over a frequency band and determine various parameters of the received signal (e.g., signal frequency, shape, direction of arrival, pulse repetition frequency, etc.).

[0005] Despite the widespread use of RWR systems and their operational efficiency, these systems are limited to detecting only the radio wave emissions of radar systems and therefore require the installation of additional ES systems on the platform to enable the detection of other types of signals. Using several systems on the same platform can encounter practical difficulties, particularly in situations where the platform on which the systems are mounted is limited in its ability to accommodate a large number of systems, and can result in inconvenience and difficulties in operating the systems simultaneously, which can affect their proper operation. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, new electronic warfare systems and methods are needed in this field. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, an airborne electronic warfare system is provided, which is mounted on an aerial platform, and comprises a radar warning receiver (RWR) configured to receive (a) at least one first signal which is a radar emission signal emitted by a respective radar-based system in a first frequency spectrum, and (b) at least one second signal which is a non-radar emission signal in a second frequency spectrum, and a processing circuit communicating with the receiver, the processing circuit configured to acquire at least one first signal and at least one second signal from the receiver, analyze the at least one first signal and at least one second signal to determine a set of characteristics associated with each of the signals, and take action when the set of characteristics of at least one of the signals matches a predefined set of characteristics.

[0008] In some cases, (i) the airborne electronic warfare system may operate according to a mission regime consisting of multiple missions arranged in order of their execution; (ii) each of the above missions relates to an assigned slot in the frequency spectrum in which the mission should be performed; and (iii) each of the above missions relates to receiving either a first signal or a second signal, so that the receiver does not receive both signal types simultaneously.

[0009] In some cases, the mission regime is a dynamic mission regime in which the frequency of execution of each of multiple missions is modified according to the flight phase or state of the aircraft platform.

[0010] In some cases, the above flight stages or states are one of the following: landing, takeoff, flight, hovering, taxiing, or waiting.

[0011] In some cases, the mission regime is a dynamic mission regime in which multiple missions are arranged according to priority.

[0012] In some cases, the above priorities are determined either (i) automatically by the airborne electronic warfare system, (ii) manually by the user of the airborne system, or (iii) a combination thereof.

[0013] In some cases, the first frequency spectrum and the second frequency spectrum are equivalent.

[0014] In some cases, (i) the RWR is an existing system, and (ii) the RWR's ability to receive both the first and second signals is due to one or more upgrades to the RWR's firmware.

[0015] In some cases, (i) the airborne electronic warfare system includes one or more additional receivers, each configured to receive signals in a specific frequency spectrum, and (ii) the RWR and one or more additional receivers are configured to operate simultaneously.

[0016] In some cases, the RWR can (i) simultaneously receive different types of signals related to different frequency spectra, and (ii) simultaneously carry out one or more missions related to the aforementioned signals.

[0017] In some cases, at least one second signal is a data communication signal transmitted along a communication channel extending between any two parties.

[0018] In some cases, the two parties are at least one unmanned vehicle and a controller designed to allow an operator to communicate with at least one unmanned vehicle.

[0019] In some cases, at least one of the unmanned vehicles is an aerial unmanned vehicle.

[0020] In some cases, the airborne electronic warfare system further includes a transmitter configured to transmit at least one counter-signal when there is a match between at least one set of signal characteristics and each of a predefined set of characteristics, such that the counter-signal disrupts the operation of at least one of the parties.

[0021] In some cases, the above communication signal is a spread spectrum signal.

[0022] In some cases, at least one second signal is converted into a pseudo-radar emitted signal, and therefore the system relates to at least one second signal as the received first signal.

[0023] In some cases, (i) the set of characteristics relating to a data communication signal includes a first subset of distinct characteristics relating to a first party among the parties, and a second subset of distinct characteristics relating to a second party among the parties, and (ii) when either the first subset of characteristics, the second subset of characteristics, or both, fits into their respective predefined sets of characteristics, the system can independently perform actions relating to either the first party, the second party, or both.

[0024] In some cases, at least one second signal is a beacon signal emitted from at least one radiating device associated with at least one object whose location is to be determined.

[0025] In some cases, the beacon signal includes a distinct identifier associated with at least one emitting device that transmits the signal.

[0026] In some cases, at least one second signal is converted into a pseudo-radar emission signal, and thus the system is related to at least one second signal as the received first signal.

[0027] In some cases, the set of characteristics and each of the respective predefined sets of characteristics include at least one of range, power, frequency, time-based transmission, frequency modulation, time modulation, or direction.

[0028] In some cases, at least one first signal and at least one second signal are received by a receiver through a matched filter.

[0029] In some cases, the action is (i) to alert the user of the airborne electronic warfare system about an object associated with at least one signal, (ii) to provide the user of the system with the distance between the airborne electronic warfare system and the object, (iii) to provide the user of the system with the direction to the object, (iv) to provide the user of the system with the direction of movement of the object, (v) to provide the user of the system with the type of the object, (vi) to provide the user of the system with the type of communication that the object communicates, or one of any combination thereof.

[0030] In some cases, the aerial platform is a moving platform whose movement enables determination of the location of an object based on triangulation.

[0031] In some cases, triangulation is performed based on information received from multiple aerial platforms.

[0032] In some cases, triangulation is performed based on information received from multiple fixed platforms.

[0033] An electronic warfare method is provided, comprising: a processing circuit acquiring from a radar warning receiver (RWR) (a) at least one first signal which is a radar emitted signal in a first frequency spectrum and (b) at least one second signal which is a non-radar emitted signal in a second frequency spectrum; the processing circuit analyzing the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal to determine a set of characteristics associated with each of the signals; and the processing circuit taking action when the set of characteristics of at least one of the signals matches a predefined set of characteristics.

[0034] In some cases, (i) the method can operate according to a mission regime consisting of multiple missions arranged in order of execution; (ii) each of the missions relates to an assigned slot in the frequency spectrum in which the mission should be performed; and (iii) each of the missions relates to receiving either a first signal or a second signal, so that the RWR does not receive both signal types simultaneously.

[0035] In some cases, the mission regime is a dynamic mission regime in which the frequency of execution of each of multiple missions is modified according to the flight phase or state of the aircraft platform.

[0036] In some cases, the above flight stages or states are one of the following: landing, takeoff, flight, hovering, taxiing, or waiting.

[0037] In some cases, the mission regime is a dynamic mission regime in which multiple missions are arranged according to priority.

[0038] In some cases, the above priority is determined either (i) automatically by the processing circuit, (ii) manually by the user of this method, or (iii) a combination thereof.

[0039] In some cases, the first frequency spectrum and the second frequency spectrum are equivalent.

[0040] In some cases, (i) the RWR is an existing system, and (ii) the RWR's ability to receive both the first and second signals is due to one or more upgrades to the RWR's firmware.

[0041] In some cases, the RWR can (i) simultaneously receive different types of signals related to different frequency spectra, and (ii) simultaneously carry out one or more missions related to the aforementioned signals.

[0042] In some cases, at least one second signal is a data communication signal transmitted along a communication channel extending between any two parties.

[0043] In some cases, the two parties are at least one unmanned vehicle and a controller designed to allow an operator to communicate with at least one unmanned vehicle.

[0044] In some cases, at least one of the unmanned vehicles is an aerial unmanned vehicle.

[0045] In some cases, the above communication signal is a spread spectrum signal.

[0046] In some cases, at least one second signal is converted into a pseudo-radar emitted signal, and thus the above signal is considered to be the received first signal.

[0047] In some cases, at least one second signal is a beacon signal emitted from at least one radiating device associated with at least one object whose location is to be determined.

[0048] In some cases, the beacon signal includes a distinct identifier associated with at least one radiating device transmitting the signal.

[0049] In some cases, at least one second signal is converted into a pseudo-radar emitted signal, and thus the above signal is considered to be the received first signal.

[0050] In some cases, the set of characteristics and each predefined set of characteristics include at least one of range, power, frequency, transmission by time, frequency modulation, time modulation, or direction.

[0051] In some cases, at least one first signal and at least one second signal are received by the receiver through a matching filter.

[0052] In some cases, the action is one of the following: (i) alerting the user about an object associated with at least one signal; (ii) providing the user with the distance from the object; (iii) providing the user with the direction to the object; (iv) providing the user with the direction of movement of the object; (v) providing the user with the type of object; (vi) providing the user with the type of communication of the communication the object is communicating; or any combination thereof.

[0053] A third aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure provides a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code embodied therein, wherein the computer-readable program code is executable by at least one processor for carrying out an electronic warfare method, the method comprising: by a processing circuit acquiring from a radar warning receiver (RWR) (a) at least one first signal which is a radar emitted signal in a first frequency spectrum and (b) at least one second signal which is a non-radar emitted signal in a second frequency spectrum; by the processing circuit analyzing the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal to determine a set of characteristics associated with each of the signals; and by the processing circuit taking action when the set of characteristics of at least one of the signals matches a predefined set of characteristics for each of the signals.

[0054] To understand the subject matter of this disclosure and to see how it can be done in practice, the subject matter will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, merely as non-limiting examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0055] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the environment in which an electronic warfare system operates, as described in this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of a component of an electronic warfare system, as described in the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of a sequence of operations performed by an electronic warfare system, as described in the subject matter of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] The following detailed description includes numerous specific details to provide a complete understanding of the subject matter of this disclosure. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the subject matter of this disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components are not described in detail so as not to obscure the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0057] In the drawings and descriptions provided, the same reference numeral indicates components that are common to different embodiments or configurations.

[0058] Unless otherwise stated, as will be evident from the following description, the use of terms such as “obtaining,” “analyzing,” “performing,” “operating,” and “determining” throughout this specification will include computer actions and / or processes that manipulate and / or change data to other data that can be expressed as physical quantities, such as electron quantities, and / or represent physical objects. The terms “computer,” “processor,” “processing resource,” “processing circuit,” and “controller” should be interpreted broadly to cover any kind of electronic device with data processing capability, including, in non-limiting examples, personal desktop / laptop computers, servers, computing systems, communication devices, smartphones, tablet computers, smart televisions, processors (e.g., digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontrollers, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.), groups of multiple physical machines sharing the execution of various tasks, virtual servers residing together on a single physical machine, any other electronic computing devices, and / or any combination thereof.

[0059] The operations taught herein may be performed by a computer specifically constructed for the desired purpose, or by a general-purpose computer specifically configured for the desired purpose by a computer program stored on a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium. The term “non-temporary” is used herein to exclude temporary, propagating signals, but to include, in some cases, any volatile or non-volatile computer memory technology suitable for the application.

[0060] As used herein, the phrases “for example,” “such as,” and “for instance,” and their variations thereto, describe non-limiting embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. References herein to “one case,” “some cases,” “other cases,” or their variations thereto mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to one or more embodiments is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases “one case,” “some cases,” and “other cases,” or their variations thereto, does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0061] Unless otherwise specified, for clarity, it will be understood that some features of the subject matter described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for brevity, various features of the subject matter described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any preferred partial combination.

[0062] In embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure, fewer, more, and / or different steps may be performed than those shown in Figure 3. In embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure, one or more steps shown in Figure 3 may be performed in a different order, and / or one or more groups of steps may be performed simultaneously. Figure 1 shows a general schematic diagram of a system architecture according to one embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. Each module in Figure 2 may consist of any combination of software, hardware, and / or firmware that performs a function defined and described herein. The modules in Figure 2 may be centralized in one location or distributed across two or more locations. In other embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure, the system may comprise fewer, more, and / or different modules than those shown in Figure 2.

[0063] References to methods herein should be applied with necessary modifications to systems capable of performing the methods, and should be applied with necessary modifications to non-temporary computer-readable media that store instructions that, when executed by a computer, result in the execution of the methods.

[0064] References to systems in this specification should be applied with necessary modifications to the methods that can be performed by the systems, and should be applied with necessary modifications to non-temporary computer-readable media that store instructions that can be performed by the systems.

[0065] References to non-temporary computer-readable media in this specification should be applied with necessary modifications to systems capable of executing instructions stored in non-temporary computer-readable media, and should be applied with necessary modifications to the methods by which instructions stored in non-temporary computer-readable media can be executed by a computer reading them.

[0066] With this in mind, our attention now turns to Figure 1, which shows a schematic diagram of the environment in which an electronic warfare system (also interchangeably referred to herein as the “system”) operates, as described in the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0067] As shown in the schematic diagram, the environment 100 includes one or more emitters, indicated as 102a to 102n (where n is any number representing any possible integer), distributed therein, and a platform 104 which is either fixed or mobile.

[0068] First, attention is drawn to one or more emitters 102a-102n. Each of the emitters is located in a separate location within the environment 100, or it may travel along an orbit so that each emitter may move toward or away from the platform 104. Furthermore, each emitter may be configured to emit a particular type of signal and relate to (or be the object itself) an object associated with either an adversary that could threaten the platform 104, or a supporter that does not threaten the platform at all. For example, emitters 102a-102n or a subset thereof may be a radar-based system (such as an air defense system or a guided missile system) or a component thereof (e.g., detection and tracking radar, guided missile, etc.) configured to emit radar-emitting signals. Alternatively, emitters 102a-102n or a subset thereof may be non-radar-based systems (such as search and rescue systems, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, etc.) or components thereof (such as survivor devices, drones, etc.) that are configured to emit non-radar-emitting signals (e.g., communication signals (e.g., cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellite, etc.), beacon signals, etc.).

[0069] Next, we turn our attention to platform 104. Platform 104 (e.g., a mobile platform such as an aviation platform (e.g., an airplane, helicopter, etc.), a ground platform (e.g., a vehicle, a vessel, etc.)) may include (i) an electronic warfare system 106 mounted on platform 104, which includes a radar warning receiver (RWR) 108 (among the components detailed below with respect to Figure 2), and (ii) one or more antennas, indicated as 110a-110 (where n is any number representing any possible integer), distributed on platform 104. One or more antennas 110a-110n, which are generally broadband antennas, although other types may also be applicable, may be configured to allow the RWR 108 to periodically or sporadically scan across the frequency band in search of radiated signals.

[0070] The RWR108 can be configured to receive various types of radiated signals. In one example, the RWR108 may be configured to receive a first type of radiated signal, which is a radar radiated signal emitted by each radar-based system in a first frequency spectrum. In another example, as an alternative or addition to the above, the RWR108 may be configured to receive a second type of radiated signal, which is a non-radar radiated signal (e.g., communication signals, beacon signals, etc.) emitted by each non-radar-based system in a second frequency spectrum.

[0071] In some cases, the frequency spectra of both types of radiated signals are equivalent, and therefore the RWR108 can be configured to receive both types of radiated signals simultaneously (optionally through a matching filter). In other cases, the frequency spectra of both types of radiated signals are not equivalent, and therefore the RWR108 can be configured to receive each type of radiated signal separately (i.e., non-simultaneously).

[0072] As stated above, the ability of RWR108 to receive various types of radiated signals (either simultaneously or dissimilarly), also due to being part of the electronic warfare system 106 of the same system, may be due to one or more firmware upgrades of RWR108. Alternatively, the said capability of the electronic warfare system 106 may be due to the presence of additional receivers that are part of the system, and each receiver, including RWR108, may be configured to receive signals in a specific frequency spectrum and to operate simultaneously or dissimilarly with other receivers.

[0073] With respect to Figure 3, as will be explained in more detail below, during the operation of the electronic warfare system 106, the electronic warfare system 106 may operate according to a mission regime consisting of multiple missions arranged in order of their execution. Each of the multiple missions may be associated with an assigned slot in the frequency spectrum in which the mission is to be performed. Furthermore, each of the missions may be associated with receiving, for example, a first signal of the first type of radiated signal described above, or, for example, a second signal of the second type of radiated signal described above. For example, a mission regime consisting of three missions intended to be carried out by system 106, (i) a first mission relating to receiving a first signal of the first type described above, (ii) a second mission relating to receiving a second signal of the second type described above, and (iii) a third mission relating to receiving a third signal of the second type described above (different from the second type of the second signal), can be arranged along the electromagnetic spectrum such that each mission is clearly related to an assigned slot in the electromagnetic spectrum that correlates with the frequency of its respective signal (i.e., any of the first signal, the second signal, or the third signal), and is therefore carried out by system 106 only within said slot.

[0074] A mission regime can be a dynamic mission regime in which the frequency of execution of each of its multiple missions can be modified according to certain characteristics. In one example, the mission regime can be modified according to a priority determined, for example, by (i) automatically by the electronic warfare system 106, (ii) manually by the user of the electronic warfare system 106, or (iii) a combination thereof. In another example, the mission regime can be modified according to the stage or state of the platform.

[0075] Correlating with the latter example above, the platform could be an aviation platform, and the mission regime could be modified according to one or more flight phases or states of the aviation platform (e.g., landing, takeoff, flight, hovering, taxiing, waiting, etc.).

[0076] Given the above regarding the RWR108's ability to receive different types of radiated signals simultaneously or non-simultaneously, it should be noted that the RWR108 may perform two or more tasks of the mission regime simultaneously or each of them separately.

[0077] Next, let's turn our attention to the additional components of electronic warfare system 106.

[0078] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of an electronic warfare system 106 as described in the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0079] According to the subject matter of this disclosure, an electronic warfare system 106 (also interchangeably referred to herein as "System 100") may include a network interface 206. The network interface 206 (for example, a network card, a Wi-Fi client, a 3G / 4G client, or any other component) enables System 106 to communicate with external systems over a network and handles inbound and outbound communications from such systems. For example, System 106 may receive a mission regime through the network interface 206, consisting of multiple missions arranged in order of their execution.

[0080] System 106 may further include, or otherwise be associated with, a data repository 204 configured to store data (for example, a database, a storage system, a memory including read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), or any other type of memory). Some examples of data that may be stored in the data repository 204 include: • One or more first signals and / or second signals, • One or more first frequency spectra and / or second frequency spectra, • One or more sets of characteristics of one or more first signals and / or second signals, • One or more predefined sets of characteristics • One or more stages or states of the platform • One or more mission regimes, • One or more firmware upgrades, • One or more actions that have been taken or should be taken, etc.

[0081] The data repository 204 may be further configured to allow retrieval and / or updating and / or deletion of stored data. In some cases, the data repository 204 may be distributed, but it should be noted that system 106 has access to the information stored thereon via a wired or wireless network to which system 106 can connect (using its network interface 206).

[0082] System 106 further comprises a processing circuit 202. The processing circuit 202 may be one or more processing units (e.g., a central processing unit), a microprocessor, a microcontroller (e.g., a microcontroller unit (MCU)), or any other computing device or module, including multiple and / or parallel and / or distributed processing units, which are adapted to process data independently or collaboratively for controlling related system 100 resources and enabling operations related to the resources of system 106.

[0083] The processing circuit 202 includes an electronic warfare module 208 configured to carry out an electronic warfare process, as will be further described herein with reference to Figure 3 in particular.

[0084] Referring to Figure 3, a flowchart is shown illustrating an example of an operation performed by the electronic warfare system 106, as described in the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0085] Therefore, the electronic warfare system 106 (hereinafter also interchangeably referred to as "system 106") may be configured to carry out the electronic warfare process 300, for example, using the electronic warfare module 208.

[0086] To this end, system 106 obtains from its RWR108 components at least one first signal, which is a radar emission signal emitted by each radar-based system in a first frequency spectrum, and at least one second signal, which is a non-radar emission signal in a second frequency spectrum (block 302). In one example, the at least one second signal may be a data communication signal (e.g., a spread spectrum communication signal) transmitted (either directly or indirectly (e.g., by passing through several intermediate transmission points)) along a communication channel between a first party (e.g., at least one unmanned aerial vehicle (e.g., a drone, an unmanned aircraft, etc.), at least one unmanned ground vehicle (e.g., a military robot, etc.), at least one unmanned surface vehicle (e.g., a boat, etc.), at least one unmanned underwater vehicle (e.g., a submarine, etc.)) and a second party (e.g., a controller, etc., made to enable an operator to communicate with the first party). In another example, the at least one second signal could be a beacon signal (optionally including a distinct identifier intended to distinguish the signal from other signals of the same or different type) emitted from at least one radiating device associated with at least one object whose location is to be identified (e.g., survivors of a disaster event, pilots who abandoned an aircraft for whatever reason, or a certain type of cargo). In some cases, after acquisition, the at least one second signal may be converted into a pseudo-radar emitted signal, and thus the system relates to the at least one second signal as the received first signal.

[0087] As a non-limiting example (presented solely for the purpose of better understanding the subject matter being disclosed and not intended to limit its scope in any way), System 106 acquires at least one radar-emitting signal emitted by an enemy guided missile launched toward the aircraft platform on which the System is mounted, and at least one non-radar-emitting signal, which is a communication signal transmitted along a communication channel between the enemy drone and the respective controllers of the enemy drone controlled by the operator of the enemy drone.

[0088] Once acquired, system 106 analyzes at least one first signal and at least one second signal to determine a set of characteristics associated with each of the signals (block 304). When the set of characteristics of at least one of the signals matches a predefined set of characteristics, system 106 takes action (block 306).

[0089] With respect to the aforementioned sets of characteristics, each predefined set of characteristics and the set of characteristics associated with each of the signals may include, for example, one or more of range, power, frequency, pulse width, repetition rate, transmission by time, frequency modulation, time modulation, or direction. Furthermore, the set of characteristics associated with each of the signals may be used to determine other characteristics associated with the signal, such as classification.

[0090] With respect to the actions performed by System 106, the actions may include, for example, one or more of the following: (i) alerting the user of the airborne electronic warfare system about an object associated with the at least one signal; (ii) providing the user of the system with the distance between the airborne electronic warfare system and the object; (iii) providing the user of the system with the direction to the object; (iv) providing the user of the system with the direction of movement of the object; (v) providing the user of the system with the type of object; and (vi) providing the user of the system with the type of communication of the communication the object is communicating.

[0091] In this non-limiting example, system 106 analyzes at least one radar emission signal emitted by a launched guided missile and at least one communication signal emitted from an enemy drone to its operator, determining the range, power, frequency, pulse width, repetition, and direction for each. System 106 then compares the characteristics of each of the signals to a predetermined set of range, power, frequency, pulse width, repetition, and direction characteristics, and if only the set of characteristics related to the launched guided missile matches the predetermined set of characteristics, system 106 alerts the user about the launched missile.

[0092] If at least one second signal is a communication signal, the set of characteristics associated with the data communication signal may include (i) a first subset of distinct characteristics associated with a first party among the parties involved in the communication, and (ii) a second subset of distinct characteristics associated with a second party among the parties involved in the communication. In such a case, when any of the first subset of characteristics, the second subset of characteristics, or both, match the respective predefined sets of characteristics, the system 106 may independently perform actions associated with either or both of them. For example, the system 106 may further include a transmitter configured to transmit at least one counter-signal when there is a match between the set of characteristics of the at least one signal and the respective predefined sets of characteristics, such that the counter-signal disrupts the behavior of at least one of the parties.

[0093] If the action performed involves determining the location of an object, the location may be determined, for example, based on triangulation. In one example, system 106 may be mounted on a mobile aerial platform, and thus the triangulation may be performed based on information received from multiple aerial platforms observed around the mobile aerial platform. In another example, system 106 mounted on the mobile aerial platform may perform the triangulation based on information received from multiple fixed platforms observed around the mobile aerial platform.

[0094] Regarding Figure 3, note that some of the blocks may be combined into a single block, or broken down into several blocks, and / or other blocks may be added. Furthermore, note that some of the blocks are optional. The flowchart also describes the system elements that implement them, but this is not binding, and note that the blocks may be implemented by elements other than those described herein.

[0095] It should be understood that the subject matter of this disclosure is not limited in its application to the details described herein or shown in the drawings. Other embodiments of the subject matter are possible and can be practiced and carried out in various ways. Therefore, it should be understood that the expressions and terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that the concepts upon which this disclosure is based can be readily used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems to accomplish some of the purposes of the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0096] Furthermore, it will be understood that the system according to the subject matter of this disclosure can be implemented, at least in part, as a suitably programmed computer. Similarly, the subject matter of this disclosure contemplates a computer program that is computer-readable to perform the disclosed method. The subject matter of this disclosure further contemplates a machine-readable memory that tangibly embodies a program of machine-executable instructions to perform the disclosed method.

Claims

1. An airborne electronic warfare system mounted on an aircraft platform, wherein the airborne electronic warfare system is A radar warning receiver (RWR) configured to receive (a) at least one first signal which is a radar emission signal emitted by each radar-based system in a first frequency spectrum, and (b) at least one second signal which is a non-radar emission signal in a second frequency spectrum, A processing circuit that communicates with the receiver, wherein the processing circuit To obtain the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal from the receiver, Analyzing the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal in order to determine the set of characteristics associated with each of the signals, An action is taken when the set of characteristics of at least one of the aforementioned signals matches a predefined set of characteristics. A processing circuit configured to perform the following: An airborne electronic warfare system equipped with the necessary components.

2. (i) The airborne electronic warfare system is capable of operating in accordance with a mission regime comprising a plurality of missions arranged in order of execution thereof, (ii) each of the missions relates to an assigned slot in the frequency spectrum in which the mission is to be performed, and (iii) each of the missions relates to receiving either a first signal or a second signal, so that the receiver does not receive both signal types simultaneously, according to claim 1.

3. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 2, wherein the mission regime is a dynamic mission regime in which the frequency of execution of each of the plurality of missions is modified according to the flight stage or state of the air platform.

4. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 3, wherein the flight stage or state is one of landing, takeoff, flight, hovering, taxiing, or waiting.

5. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 2, wherein the mission regime is a dynamic mission regime in which the plurality of missions are arranged according to priority.

6. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 5, wherein the priority is determined by (i) automatically by the airborne electronic warfare system, (ii) manually by a user of the airborne system, or (iii) a combination thereof.

7. The aerial system according to claim 1, wherein the first frequency spectrum and the second frequency spectrum are equivalent.

8. (i) the RWR is an existing system, and (ii) the RWR's ability to receive both the first signal and the second signal is due to one or more upgrades of the RWR's firmware, according to claim 1.

9. (i) The airborne electronic warfare system includes one or more additional receivers, each configured to receive signals in a specific frequency spectrum, and (ii) the RWR and the one or more additional receivers are configured to operate simultaneously, according to claim 1.

10. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 1, wherein the RWR is capable of (i) simultaneously receiving different types of signals relating to different frequency spectra, and (ii) simultaneously carrying out one or more missions relating to the signals.

11. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second signal is a data communication signal transmitted along a communication channel extending between any two parties.

12. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 11, wherein the two parties are at least one unmanned vehicle and a controller configured to enable an operator to communicate with the at least one unmanned vehicle.

13. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 12, wherein the at least one unmanned vehicle is an aerial unmanned vehicle.

14. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 11, further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit at least one countersignal when there is a match between the set of characteristics of the at least one signal and the respective predefined sets of characteristics, such that the countersignal disrupts the operation of at least one of the parties.

15. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 11, wherein the communication signal is a spread spectrum signal.

16. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 11, wherein the at least one second signal is converted into a pseudo-radar emitted signal, and the system is therefore related to the at least one second signal as a received first signal.

17. (i) The set of characteristics relating to the data communication signal includes a first subset of distinct characteristics relating to a first party of the parties and a second subset of distinct characteristics relating to a second party of the parties, and (ii) When any of the first subset of characteristics, the second subset of characteristics, or both, fits into the respective predefined sets of characteristics, the system is capable of independently performing an action relating to the first party, the second party, or both, according to claim 11.

18. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second signal is a beacon signal emitted from at least one radiating device associated with at least one object whose location is to be identified.

19. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 16, wherein the beacon signal includes a distinct identifier associated with the at least one radiating device transmitting the signal.

20. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 16, wherein the at least one second signal is converted into a pseudo-radar emitted signal, and the system is therefore related to the at least one second signal as a received first signal.

21. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 1, wherein the set of characteristics and each of the predefined sets of characteristics include at least one of range, power, frequency, transmission by time, frequency modulation, time modulation, or direction.

22. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal are received by the receiver through a matching filter.

23. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 1, wherein the action is one of the following: (i) alerting the user of the airborne electronic warfare system about an object associated with the at least one signal; (ii) providing the user of the system with the distance between the airborne electronic warfare system and the object; (iii) providing the user of the system with the direction to the object; (iv) providing the user of the system with the direction of movement of the object; (v) providing the user of the system with the type of object; (vi) providing the user of the system with the type of communication of the communication the object is communicating; or any combination thereof.

24. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 21, wherein the airborne platform is a mobile platform whose movement enables the location of the object to be determined based on triangulation.

25. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 22, wherein the triangulation is performed based on information received from multiple airborne platforms.

26. The airborne electronic warfare system according to claim 22, wherein the triangulation is performed based on information received from a plurality of fixed platforms.

27. The processing circuit obtains from the radar warning receiver (RWR) (a) at least one first signal which is a radar emission signal in a first frequency spectrum and (b) at least one second signal which is a non-radar emission signal in a second frequency spectrum, The processing circuit analyzes the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal in order to determine a set of characteristics associated with each of the signals. The processing circuit performs an action when the set of characteristics of at least one of the aforementioned signals matches each of the predefined sets of characteristics. Electronic warfare methods, including those mentioned above.

28. (i) The method is operable according to a mission regime comprising a plurality of missions arranged in order of execution, (ii) each mission of the mission is related to an assigned slot in the frequency spectrum in which the mission is to be performed, and (iii) each mission of the mission is related to receiving either a first signal or a second signal, so that the RWR does not receive both signal types simultaneously, according to claim 27.

29. The electronic warfare method according to claim 28, wherein the mission regime is a dynamic mission regime in which the frequency of execution of each of the plurality of missions is modified according to the flight stage or state of the aircraft platform.

30. The electronic warfare method according to claim 29, wherein the flight stage or state is one of landing, takeoff, flight, hovering, taxiing, or waiting.

31. The electronic warfare method according to claim 28, wherein the mission regime is a dynamic mission regime in which the plurality of missions are arranged according to priority.

32. The electronic warfare method according to claim 31, wherein the priority is determined by (i) automatically by the processing circuit, (ii) manually by a user of the method, or (iii) a combination thereof.

33. The electronic warfare method according to claim 27, wherein the first frequency spectrum and the second frequency spectrum are equivalent.

34. (i) the RWR is an existing system, and (ii) the RWR's ability to receive both the first signal and the second signal is due to one or more upgrades of the RWR's firmware, according to claim 27.

35. The electronic warfare method according to claim 27, wherein the RWR is capable of (i) simultaneously receiving different types of signals relating to different frequency spectra, and (ii) simultaneously carrying out one or more missions relating to the signals.

36. The electronic warfare method according to claim 27, wherein the at least one second signal is a data communication signal transmitted along a communication channel extending between any two parties.

37. The electronic warfare method according to claim 36, wherein the two parties are at least one unmanned vehicle and a controller configured to enable an operator to communicate with the at least one unmanned vehicle.

38. The electronic warfare method according to claim 37, wherein the at least one unmanned vehicle is an aerial unmanned vehicle.

39. The electronic warfare method according to claim 36, wherein the communication signal is a spread spectrum signal.

40. The electronic warfare method according to claim 36, wherein the at least one second signal is converted into a pseudo-radar emitted signal, and the signal is therefore considered to be a received first signal.

41. The electronic warfare method according to claim 27, wherein the at least one second signal is a beacon signal emitted from at least one radiating device associated with at least one object whose location is to be identified.

42. The electronic warfare method according to claim 41, wherein the beacon signal includes a distinct identifier associated with the at least one radiating device transmitting the signal.

43. The electronic warfare method according to claim 41, wherein the at least one second signal is converted into a pseudo-radar emitted signal, and the signal is therefore considered to be a received first signal.

44. The electronic warfare method according to claim 27, wherein the set of characteristics and each of the predefined sets of characteristics include at least one of range, power, frequency, transmission by time, frequency modulation, time modulation, or direction.

45. The electronic warfare method according to claim 27, wherein the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal are received by the receiver through a matching filter.

46. The electronic warfare method according to claim 27, wherein the action is one of the following: (i) alerting the user about an object associated with the at least one signal; (ii) providing the user with the distance from the object; (iii) providing the user with the direction to the object; (iv) providing the user with the direction of movement of the object; (v) providing the user with the type of object; (vi) providing the user with the type of communication of the communication the object is communicating; or any combination thereof.

47. A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code, wherein the computer-readable program code is executable by at least one processor for carrying out an electronic warfare method, and the method is The processing circuit obtains from the radar warning receiver (RWR) (a) at least one first signal which is a radar emission signal in a first frequency spectrum and (b) at least one second signal which is a non-radar emission signal in a second frequency spectrum, The processing circuit analyzes the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal in order to determine a set of characteristics associated with each of the signals. The processing circuit performs an action when the set of characteristics of at least one of the aforementioned signals matches each of the predefined sets of characteristics. Non-temporary computer-readable storage media, including [specific type of storage medium].

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