Military decoy element

Abstract

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a military decoy element (100) comprising at least two profiles (110, 120), which are elongated along an elongation dimension and are configured to be connected together into alignment in the elongation dimension and to be folded between an operational state and a folded state, each of which profiles (110, 120) comprises a plurality of profile panels (114, 115, 116, 117) hingedly attached together for forming a closed predetermined perimeter when in the operational state.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to decoy elements and decoys, particularly to foldable decoy elements and decoys for military purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] Military decoys can be fabricated to its shape by for example, using glass- or carbon-fibre composites with added elements providing spectral signature at number of electromagnetic radiation bands, such as thermal infrared and radar bands. With such a technique, the military decoys can resemble exactly to their original counterparts and produce a credible spectral fingerprint. However, transporting require a towing equipment, storing requires a lot of space, and they are very expensive.

[0003] Another well known decoy technology is to use inflatables. Such decoys are easy to transport, require a little space for storing, and can be equipped with spectral fingerprint producing elements. The problem related to these is that they are not credible under modern military surveillance technologies. They are producing rounded edges, which affect to their spectral signature and they are vulnerable against elements. In addition, compressed air is needed to produce the decoy.

[0004] Third option is to use a frame covered by a sheet or a web to create an object that resembles to an original military vehicle or other equipment. Such decoys have credible size and shape when observed over a far distance, they are cheap, lightweight and easy to transport. Further, spectral attributes can be produced with add-on elements. They also require a little space for storing. However, building up such a frame with required size is rather complicated and requires many parts and tools. Further, the spectral response may be limited, and it does not tolerate medium or close distance observation.

[0005] An object of the present invention is thus to mitigate at least some of the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present invention is to facilitate transport, assembly and disassembly of a decoy, ideally in a volumetrically efficient way.SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a military decoy element comprising at least two profiles, which are elongated along an elongation dimension and are configured to be connected together into alignment in the elongation dimension and to be folded between an operational state and a folded state, each of which profiles comprises a plurality of profile panels hingedly attached together for forming a closed predetermined perimeter when in the operational state.

[0007] Significant benefits are gained with aid of the present military decoy element. The military decoy element provides a simple and self-explanatory assembly and disassembly due to minimum number of parts, which need to be connected. No tools are required for assembly and disassembly. The military decoy element is easy to storage and transport.

[0008] One or more embodiments may comprise one or more features from the following itemized list:

[0009] the military decoy element further comprises a camouflage material cover on an outer surface of the military decoy element

[0010] the military decoy element further comprises a plurality of thermal elements, such as an add on foil or an electronic decal, for thermal signature control

[0011] the military decoy element further comprises a plurality of near infrared and short wave infrared bands reflective or emitting elements

[0012] the military decoy element further comprises a plurality of radar bans reflective or absorbing elements

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a military decoy comprising a plurality of the military decoy elements.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a missile launcher decoy comprising a plurality of the military decoy elements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a military decoy element in accordance with at least some embodiments;

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a profile of a military decoy element in accordance with at least some embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates plate for forming profile in accordance with at least some embodiments;

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a military decoy element comprising an inner structure in accordance with at least some embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates an inner structure during folding in accordance with at least some embodiments; and

[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a missile launcher decoy in accordance with at least some embodiments.EMBODIMENTS

[0021] In the present context, the term “military decoy” refers to an apparatus, which resemble its original counterpart used for military purposes, for example, a missile launcher, a tank, an artillery platform, a platform, a building or a container. The military decoy can be a training target.

[0022] In the present context, the term “operational state” refers to a state of parts in which they are used in a decoy usage, after an assembly.

[0023] In the present context, the term “folded state” refers to a state of parts in which they are collapsed for transport, for example.

[0024] In the present context, the term “hinge” refers to a joint or mechanism, which connects objects, such as panels, and allows an angle of rotation between the objects. The hinge can be a mechanical hinge made of for example, metal or plastic. Alternatively, the hinge can be a piece of tape connecting the objects. A first portion of the tape can be attached to a first panel and the second portion of the tape can be attached to a second panel next to the first panel thus forming a hinge, which connects the panels and allows an angle of rotation between the panels. The tape can be attached to the panels during the assembly of a decoy. Alternatively, the hinge can be formed by making a fold line or a groove on one surface of a panel, along which fold line or groove the panel can be folded. The decoy can comprise several different types of hinges.

[0025] In the present context, the expression “hingedly attached together” means that objects, such as panels, are connected together by at least one hinge as described above.

[0026] A modern military decoy ideally meets two general criteria. First of all, its size and shape and the spectral fingerprint from ultraviolet (UV) to radar frequencies preferably match to its original counterpart. Secondly, it is ideally mechanically feasible. The latter means that the decoy is preferably easy to transport without towing, and it is easy to assemble and disassemble in various field conditions (e.g. self-explanatory, minimum amount of parts, assembly and disassembly without tools, can be erected in wind, during raining and snowing, on uneven terrain). Preferably, the decoy is lightweight, tolerates high and low temperatures, is movable by hands when assembled, and is cheap (far below 1% of the price of its original counterpart). Preferably, the decoy requires a little space for storing and withstands the storing conditions.

[0027] A military decoy element 100 comprises at least two profiles 110, 120, which are elongated along an elongation dimension and are configured to be connected together into alignment in the elongation dimension and to be folded between an operational state and a folded state. Each of which profiles 110, 120 comprises a plurality of profile panels 114-117, 124-127 hingedly attached together for forming a closed predetermined perimeter when in the operational state.

[0028] The military decoy element provides a simple and self-explanatory assembly and disassembly due to minimum number of parts, which need to be connected. No tools are required for assembly and disassembly. The military decoy element is easy to storage and transport, even by hand in a forest.

[0029] The at least two profiles 110, 120 are be connected together into alignment in the elongation dimension. The at least two profiles can have a length in the elongation dimension and a width, which is perpendicular to the elongation dimension. The length can be larger than the width. The at least two profiles 110, 120 can be connected in a direction of the length. Thus, the at least two profiles 110, 120 can be connected one after the other.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a military decoy element 100. The military decoy element comprises two profiles 110, 120. The profiles 110, 120 are elongated along an elongation dimension and connected together into alignment in the elongation dimension. The profiles 110, 120 comprises a plurality of profile panels 114-117, 124-127 hingedly attached together for forming a closed predetermined perimeter.

[0031] A 3D-shape of the military decoy element 100 can be formed by folding the profile panels 114-117, 124-127 in the predetermined position and back to the folded state. The profile panels 114-117, 124-127 can be connected with each other so that they can be only constructed to produce the predetermined 3D-structure.

[0032] The profile 110, 120 can comprise at least three profile panels, preferably four profile panels 114-117, 124-127. Four profile panels enables of forming a profile having cuboid shape.

[0033] However, the profile 110, 120 can comprise more than four profile panels (not illustrated). The profile 110, 120 can comprise for example, 10-100 profile panels. This enables of forming a military decoy element having a polygon or substantially round cross-section.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the each of the profiles 110, 120 are configured to form a permanent closed predetermined perimeter, particularly when in the operational state. Thus, there no need for connecting the profile panels 114-117, 124-127 together, but the profile panels can be just folded to form the permanent closed predetermined perimeter. This this facilitates and speeds up the assembly.

[0035] Folding between the operational state and the folded state can be provided by the hinged attachments between the profile panels 114-117, 124-127. The profile panels can be relatively rigid, so the folding only occurs at the hinged attachments.

[0036] Alternatively, at least two of the profile panels 114-117, 124-127 can be configured to be connected together for forming the closed predetermined perimeter.

[0037] The hinged attachments of the profile panels 114-117, 124-127 can be cuts, grooves or pull fasteners. Preferably, the cuts or grooves are used. The cuts, grooves and pull fasteners provide a simple and low-cost way to form the hinged attachments. In addition, no tools are required for folding the profiles between the operational state and folded state by the cuts, grooves and pull fasteners.

[0038] The cuts or grooves can be formed on an outer surface of the profile 110, 120. The profile 110, 120 can be manufactured from a plate 119, which comprises the cuts or grooves 118 at predetermined distances from each other and extending in the same direction, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The cuts or grooves can extend along the elongation dimension of the profiles 110, 120. The profile 110, 120 can be folded by the cuts or grooves for forming the predetermined perimeter.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a plate 119 for forming a profile 110. The plate has three cuts 118, which are arranged at predetermined distances from each other. The cuts 118 extend along the elongation dimension of the profile 110. Thus, the cuts 118 divide the plate into four profile panels 114, 115, 116, 117. The distances between the cuts 118 is substantially same. Thus, the four profile panels 114, 115, 116, 117 has substantially same area. However, the profile panels can have different areas and shapes. The plate has two ends, namely a first end E1 and a second end E2. The first end E1 and the second end E2 are configured to be connected together for forming a profile having a closed perimeter.

[0040] The cuts or grooves can extend from the outer surface of the profile 110, 120 partially inside the profile 110, 120. Thus, the profile panels 114-117, 124-127 are formed between the cuts or grooves. The cuts or grooves hingedly connects the profile panels together. Thus, there is no need for additional hinges.

[0041] Optionally, the profile 110, 120 can comprise a reinforcing element, such as a tape, on an inner surface of the profile 110, 120 at a place of the cut or groove 118. This reinforces the profile at the place of the cut or groove 118 and prevent the profile panels for detaching from each other.

[0042] The pull fastener can connect two adjacent profile panels together. A first part of the pull fastener can be arranged on a first profile panel and a second part of the pull fastener can be arranged on an adjacent second profile panel. The first and second profile panels can be connected together by closing the pull fastener.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the each of which profiles comprises fold lines 111, 121 on inner surfaces of the plurality of the profile panels, which fold lines 111, 121 extend in the elongation dimension, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The fold lines enables folding the profiles to an even smaller package. Thus, the profiles are easier to handle by hands and transport.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the each of the profiles comprise the fold lines 111, 121 on the inner surfaces of two opposite panels of the closed perimeter. Thus, the fold lines are formed symmetrically on the closed perimeter, which enables easier folding of the panels to the folded state.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the fold lines 111, 121 are configured to connect two portions of the profile panel 114, 115, 116, 117 together so that outer surfaces of the two portions are configured to be folded facing each other. Then, a profile comprising four profile panels can be folded to the folded state so that it takes up space only the area of one panel. Thus, the fold lines enables folding the profiles to an even smaller package.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the fold lines 111, 121 are cuts, grooves or pull fasteners. Preferably, the cuts or grooves are used. The cuts, grooves and pull fasteners provide a simple and low-cost way to form the fold lines. In addition, no tools are required for folding the profiles between the operational state and folded state by the cuts, grooves and pull fasteners.

[0047] The profile 110, 120 can comprise the cuts or grooves of the fold lines on the inner surfaces of the profiles. The cuts or grooves of the fold lines can be arranged at predetermined distances from each other and extending in the same direction.

[0048] The cuts or grooves of the fold lines can extend from the inner surface of the profile 110, 120 partially inside the profile. Thus, the cuts or grooves of the fold lines connects two portions of the profile panels together and hingedly connects the two portions together. Thus, there is no need for additional hinges.

[0049] Optionally, the profile 110, 120 can comprise a reinforcing element, such a tape, on an inner surface of the profile 110, 120 at a place of the cut or groove 118 of the fold line 111, 121. This reinforces the profile at the place of the cut or groove 118, and prevent the profile panels for detaching from each other.

[0050] The pull fastener of the fold line 111, 121 can connect two parts of a profile panel together. A first part of the pull fastener can be arranged on a first part of the profile panel and a second part of the pull fastener can be arranged on a second part of the profile panel. The first part and second part can be connected together by closing the pull fastener.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the each of the profiles 110, 120 has a first end and a second end in the elongation dimensions, and the first end is open, as illustrated in FIG. 2. This enables easier connection of the profiles, because it is possible arrange a connecting structure inside the profiles during folding to the operational state. In addition, the first ends of the profiles can be arranged within each other, for example.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the second end comprises a hingedly attached cover 112, 122, as illustrated in FIG. 2. This enables forming of a military decoy element, which is closed on all sides, when the first ends of the profiles are connected together. In addition, the cover makes the profile rigid.

[0053] The cover 112, 122 can be attached to the profile 110, 120 by a hinge. The hinge can be for example, a piano hinge. Preferably, the hinge is attached to the profile 110, 120 during the manufacturing of the military decoy element 100 to facilitate the assembly, but can be alternatively connected to the military decoy element during folding to the operational state.

[0054] Optionally, the profile 110, 120 can be reinforced at an attachment area of the hinge to avoid detaching of the hinge.

[0055] The profiles 110, 120 can further comprise additional elements for moving the profiles 110, 120. The additional elements can be for example, an opening 113 or a handle. The opening or a handle facilitates moving of the military decoy element, especially in a terrain.

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a profile 110 of a military decoy element 100. The profile comprises four profile panels 114, 115, 116, 117 hingedly attached together and fold lines 111 on an inner surface of the profile 110, which fold lines 111 extend in the elongation dimension. The fold lines 111 are formed on inner surfaces of two opposite profile panels. The profile 110 has a first end and a second end. The first end is open and the second end comprises a hingedly attached cover 112, 122. The profile further comprises an opening 113 formed on a profile panel of the profile 100, which opening can be used for grapping the profile.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the at least two profiles 110, 120 are configured to be connected together by quick release fasteners or tension locks. The quick release fasteners or the tension locks can be arranged so that the first ends of the profiles 110, 120 can be connected together. The quick release fasteners or the tension locks facilitates connecting the profiles together, because no tools are required.

[0058] Alternatively or in addition, the at least two profiles 110, 120 are connected together by overlapping the respective first ends of the profiles 110, 120 with each other. Thus, the first ends of the profiles 110, 120 can be arranged partly one inside the other. Thus, a perimeter of a first profile can be smaller or larger than a perimeter of a second profile.

[0059] Alternatively or in addition, the at least two profiles 110, 120 are connected together by a connecting structure, such as a reinforcing profile or a cross bracing. The pipe profile or cross bracing can be placed inside the profiles 110, 120. The pipe profile or cross bracing support the profiles 110, 120 so that the military decoy element 100 becomes rigid.

[0060] The connecting structure can be an open profile beam. The open profile beam can be placed inside the profiles 110, 120. The open profile beam can extend perpendicularly to the elongation dimension, when the open profile beam is arranged inside the profiles 110, 120. The open profile beam support the profiles 110, 120 so that the military decoy element 100 becomes rigid.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the connecting structure is an inner structure 130, which is elongated along the elongation dimension and is arranged inside at least two profiles 110, 120. Due to the inner structure, the military decoy element is more rigid and thus easier to handle.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the inner structure 130 is configured to be folded between the operational state and the folded state, which inner structure comprises a plurality of inner structure panels 131, 132, 134, 135 hingedly attached together for forming a closed predetermined perimeter when in the operational state. Thus, the inner structure provides a simple and self-explanatory assembly and disassembly due to minimum number of parts, which need to be connected. No tools are required for assembly and disassembly. Thus, the inner structure is easy to storage and transport.

[0063] The inner structure 130 can be arranged inside the military decoy element 100 so that it extends inside the both profiles 110, 120 connected together into alignment in the elongation dimension. Thus, the inner structure 130 can be configured to support the first ends of the profiles.

[0064] FIG. 4 illustrates a military decoy element 100 comprising an inner structure 130. The military decoy element 100 comprises two profiles 110, 120, which are elongated along an elongation dimension and are connected together into alignment in the elongation dimension. The profiles 110, 120 are elongated along an elongation dimension and connected together into alignment in the elongation dimension. Both of the profiles 110, 120 comprise four profile panels hingedly attached together and fold lines 111, 121 on an inner surface of the profiles 110, 120, which fold lines 111, 121 extend in the elongation dimension. The profiles 110, 120 have first ends and second ends. The second ends comprises hingedly attached covers 112, 122. The inner structure is arranged inside the profiles 110, 120 so that it extends from the first ends of the profiles 110, 120 towards to the second ends of the profiles 110, 120.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the inner structure 130 comprises an inner structure panel 133 arranged inside the closed perimeter in a plane extending along the elongation dimension. This makes the inner structure rigid and thus prevents it for collapsing. In addition, the inner structure panel makes the whole military decoy element rigid, when the inner structure is arranged inside the military decoy element.

[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates an inner structure 130 during folding. A first inner structure panel 131 and a second inner structure panel 132 extend in a plane, which is perpendicularly to the elongation dimension. A third inner structure panel 133 extend between and perpendicularly to the first inner structure panel 131 and the second inner structure panel 132. The third inner structure panel 133 is hingedly attached to the first inner structure panel 131 and the second inner structure panel 132. A fourth inner structure panel 134 hingedly attached to the first inner structure panel 131, and a fifth inner structure panel 135 hingedly attached to the second inner structure panel132. The fourth inner structure panel 134 is configured to be connected to the second inners structure panel 132 and the fifth inner structure panel 135 is configured to be connected to the first structure panel 131 for forming a closed predetermined perimeter.

[0067] The inner structure 130 can be connected to the at least two profiles 110, 120 by quick release fasteners or tension locks. For example, the inner structure 130 can comprise at least one fastening part and each of the profiles 110, 120 can comprise at least one counterpart. The fastening part(s) and the counterpart(s) can be arranged so that they settle in alignment, when the inner structure 130 is arranged inside the profiles 110, 120. Preferably, the number of the fastening parts is the same than the number of the counterparts. The quick release fasteners or the tension locks facilitates connecting the profiles and the inner structure together, because no tools are required.

[0068] Alternatively, the inner surface of the profiles 110, 120 can comprise stoppers. The stoppers can be for example, protrusions formed or attached on the inner surface of the profiles 110, 120. The stoppers can be formed or attached at a predetermined distance from the first end of the profile 110, 120. The stoppers prevent the inner structure 130 from sliding too far inside the profiles and enable locking the inner structure at its place.

[0069] Alternatively, a fitting of the inner structure 130 can sufficient tight, so that it is possible to arrange the inner structure 130 inside the profiles 110, 120, but the inner structure cannot move inside the profiles 110, 120 after the assembly.

[0070] The profile panels 114-117, 124-127 and the inner structure panels 131-135 can be manufactured from lightweight but rigid material, for example, corrugated plastic or foam board, such as KAPAR or polyurethane. A thickness of the corrugated plastic can be for example, 3-10 mm, preferably about 5 mm, so that they can be folded to transport package and opened to form the required parts of the structures.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the military decoy element 100 further comprises a camouflage material cover on an outer surface of the decoy 100. The camouflage material can be, but is not limited to, a paint, a fabric, a textile, a fibre based product, or a fibre reinforced composite or a laminate, which is configured to be placed on the military decoy element after assembling the military decoy element. The camouflage material helps the military decoy element to blend in with its surroundings. On the other hand, it makes the military decoy element credible even for close range observation.

[0072] According to and embodiment, the military decoy element 100 further comprises a plurality of thermal elements, such as an add-on foil or an electronic decal, for thermal signature control. The thermal elements can be connected directly on the military decoy element, they can be separate elements, or they 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 element can be for example, a coating or an added component having different thermal emissivity than its surrounding. The active element can be for example, a resistive heater or a Peltier element. The thermal elements are used to provide an authentic thermal signature for the military decoy element.

[0073] The military decoy element 100 can comprise a thermal element, which is integrated to the military decoy element. At least one module 110, 120 or the connecting structure can comprise an electrical connector for the thermal element. The electrical connector can be used to supply the electric power to the heating element. The electrical connector can be attached to a panel of the module 110, 120 or the connecting structure. This makes it possible to avoid the use of wires, which may get tangled up, break down or grab surroundings.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the military decoy element 100 further comprises a plurality of near infrared (NIR) and short wave infrared (SWIR) bands reflective or emitting elements.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the military decoy element 100 further comprises a plurality of radar bands reflective or absorbing elements. The plurality of elements can reflect or absorb the radar bands at 1 GHz-20 GHz. The radar bands reflective element can be for example, an electrically conductive paint, a coating or aluminum foil. The radar bands reflective element makes the military decoy element visible with radar imaging. The radar bands absorbing element can be for example, a radar absorbing paint, coating or a foil or a semi-transparent, at radar band, coating placed for example λ / 4 apart of underlying surface. The radar bands absorbing elements decrease the radar cross-section area of the military decoy element and can be used to increase the authenticity of the military decoy element.

[0076] According to an 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 next to each other and / or over each other. Optionally, the military decoy elements 100 can be connected together. Thus, the military decoy elements enable forming larger assemblies from the military decoy elements. Further, individual military decoy elements 100 are easier to transport, assemble and disassemble than a larger decoy comprising larger panels.

[0077] According to an embodiment, a missile launcher decoy comprises a plurality of the military decoy elements 100 as described above. For example, the missile launcher decoy can comprise 1-16 military decoy elements 100. The missile launcher decoy can be formed by placing the military decoy elements 100 next to each other and / or top each other. For example, the missile launcher decoy can comprise a first set of military decoy elements 100 arranged next to each other in the elongation dimension and a second set of military decoy elements 100 arranged on top of the first set of the military decoy elements, so that the military decoy elements 100 form a missile launcher decoy having a cuboid shape. The first set and / or the second set can comprise for example, 2-8 military decoy elements 100. Preferably, a number of the military decoy elements on the first set and the second set is the same. Optionally, the military decoy elements 100 can be connected together. Thus, the military decoy elements enable forming larger assemblies from the military decoy elements. Individual military decoy elements 100 are easier to transport, assemble and disassemble than a larger missile launcher decoy comprising larger panels.

[0078] The missile launcher decoy 200 can comprise for example six military decoy elements 100. Three military decoy elements can be arranged next to each other in the elongation dimension and three military decoy elements 100 can be arranged on top of these military decoy elements, so that the military decoy elements 100 form a missile launcher decoy having a cuboid, prismatic or elongated cuboid shape. The military decoy elements 100 may be in contact with each other or there may be a space between the military decoy elements 100. Each of the military decoy elements can comprise two profiles 110, 120, which are elongated along an elongation dimension and are configured to be connected together into alignment in the elongation dimension and to be folded between an operational state and a folded state, each of which profiles 110, 120 comprises a plurality of profile panels 114-117, 124-127 hingedly attached together for forming a closed predetermined perimeter when in the operational state. The profiles 110, 120 can comprise fold lines 111, 121 on inner surfaces of the plurality of the profile panels 114-117, 124-127, which fold lines 111, 121 extend in the elongation dimension. Further, the military decoy elements 100 can comprise an inner structure 130, which is elongated along the elongation dimension and is arranged inside at least two profiles 110, 120. The inner structure 130 can be configured to be folded between the operational state and the folded state, which inner structure comprises a plurality of inner structure panels 131, 132, 134, 135 hingedly attached together for forming a closed predetermined perimeter when in the operational state. The inner structure 130 can comprise an inner structure panel 133 arranged inside the closed perimeter in a plane extending along the elongation dimension.

[0079] FIG. 6 illustrates a missile launcher decoy 200 in accordance with at least some embodiments. The missile launcher decoy 200 comprises six military decoy elements 100. Three military decoy elements 100 are arranged next to each other in the elongation dimension and three military decoy elements 100 are arranged on top of these military decoy elements, so that the military decoy elements 100 form the missile launcher decoy 200 having a cuboid, prismatic or elongated cuboid shape.

[0080] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0081] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention.

[0082] The verb “to comprise” is used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an”, i.e. a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST100military decoy element110profile111fold line112cover113opening114-117profile panel118cut or groove119plate120profile121fold line122cover124-127profile panel130inner structure131-135inner structure panel200missile launcher decoy

Claims

1. A military decoy element comprising at least two profiles, which are elongated along an elongation dimension and are configured to be connected together into alignment in the elongation dimension and to be folded between an operational state and a folded state, each of which profiles comprises a plurality of profile panels hingedly attached together for forming a closed predetermined perimeter when in the operational state,wherein the at least two profiles are connected together by a connecting structure.

2. The military decoy element of claim 1, wherein the each of the profiles are configured to form a permanent closed predetermined perimeter, particularly when in the operational state.

3. The military decoy element of claim 1, wherein each of which profiles comprises fold lines on inner surfaces of the plurality of the profile panels, which fold lines extend in the elongation dimension.

4. The military decoy element of claim 3, wherein the each of the profiles comprises the fold lines on the inner surfaces of two opposite panels of the closed perimeter.

5. The military decoy element of claim 3, wherein the fold lines are configured to connect two portions of the profile panel together so that outer surfaces of the two portions are configured to be folded facing each other.

6. The military decoy element of claim 3, wherein the fold lines are cuts, grooves or pull fasteners.

7. The military decoy element of claim 1, wherein the each of the profiles has a first end and a second end in the elongation dimension, and the first end is open.

8. The military decoy element of claim 7, wherein the second end comprises a hingedly attached cover.

9. The military decoy element of claim 1, wherein the at least two profiles are configured to be connected together by quick release fasteners or tension lock.

10. The military decoy element of claim 1, wherein the at least two profiles are connected together by overlapping the respective first ends of the profiles with each other.

11. The military decoy element of claim 1, wherein the at least two profiles are connected together by a reinforcing profile or a cross bracing.

12. The military decoy element of claim 11, wherein the connecting structure is an inner structure, which is elongated along the elongation dimension and is arranged inside at least two profiles.

13. The military decoy element of claim 12, wherein the inner structure is configured to be folded between the operational state and the folded state, which inner structure comprises a plurality of inner structure panels hingedly attached together for forming a closed predetermined perimeter when in the operational state.

14. The military decoy element of claim 13, wherein the inner structure further comprises an inner structure panel arranged inside the closed perimeter in a plane extending along the elongation dimension.

15. A military decoy comprising a plurality of military decoy elements according to claim 1.

16. A missile launcher decoy comprising a plurality of the military decoy elements according to claim 1.

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