Battlefield laser detection equipment module and system comprising the same

Abstract

A battlefield laser detection equipment module and system comprising the same is provided. The battlefield laser detection equipment (BLaDE) module has a metal housing configured as a heat sink, and an optical sensor configured to provide an analogue signal of a Gray Code determination of incoming light having a wavelength in the range of about 500 nm to 1650 nm. Signals from the optical sensor are amplified to increase the range of the sensor.

Description

[0001] BATTLEFIELD LASER DETECTION EQUIPMENT MODULE AND SYSTEM COMPRISING THE SAME

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention pertains generally to laser warning systems and, more particularly to a battlefield laser detection equipment module and system comprising the same.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Laser emissions from laser range finders (LRFs), laser-designated weapons and laser beam riders are detectable by optical sensors and used in warning systems to detect, analyze, and locate the direction of laser emissions.

[0006] LRFs are generally high-energy near-IR pulsed lasers mainly used to assist artillery units or tank guns to enhance the precision of hit. Detecting emission from LRFs can be used to pinpoint enemy’s firing platforms.

[0007] Laser-Designated weapons use a very high peak power pulsed laser, a laser target designator (LTD), for illuminating the target while the weapon seeks the laser signal reflected by the target. The laser seeker used for guidance is located in the head of the weapon, looking forward. Typical laser designated weapons include bombs, missiles and artillery shells. Detection of LTD emissions can be used as a warning system and allow for deployment of appropriate counter measures.

[0008] Laser Beam Rider (LBR) missiles are laser guided weapons based on a low-intensity laser source illuminating the target. However, contrary to their laser designated counterparts and the laser detectors are located at the rear of the missile, looking backward. The missile receives guidance signals directly from the temporally or spatially coded laser source located in the launcher. Moreover, this laser guidance source features a variable divergence beam that is initially set wide open to capture the missile and is then progressively decreased to maintain a relatively constant power density on the missile’s laser detectors. Detection of LBR emissions can be used as a warning system and allow for deployment of appropriate counter measures.

[0009] In terms of laser detection, one of the main characteristics that differentiates a LBR from LRF and LTD is the level of power density these generate at the target. For the LRF and LTD, since they are high-peak power (a few MW) low-divergence (a fraction of mrad), low repetition rate (single shot up to a few tens of hertz) sources, they produce high power densities at target even if the latter is located several kilometers away. On the other hand, LBRs are built around high-repetition rate low-power (typically a few watts) sources coupled with large variable divergences (several mrads or tens of mrads) that leads to extremely low power densities at target (particularly at the beginning of the engagement where divergence is maximum).

[0010] Prior art detector systems only identify the threat by emitter spectrum.

[0011] There exists a need in the art for battlefield laser detection modules that can identify the threat based on spectrum signature emitted by the laser to facilitate appropriate response to the threat.

[0012] This background information is provided for the purpose of making known information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a battlefield laser detection equipment module and system comprising the same, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battlefield laser detection equipment (BLaDE) module comprising a housing configured as a heat sink, an optical sensor configured to provide an analogue signal of a Gray Code determination of incoming light having a wavelength in the range of about 500 nm to 1650 nm, an analogue to digital conversion circuit card assembly (CCA) configured to receive the analogue signal from the optical sensor and output an amplified digital signal to a digital CCA, the digital CCA configured to determine threat type from the amplified digital signal, and an external connector configured to output threat type.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram detailing components of the battlefield laser detection equipment (BLaDE) module. FIG. 2 are photographs of the BLaDE module.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates two BLaDE modules mounted in a T configuration.

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates signature recognition detailing individual pulse, pulse packet, pulse packet spaces and the pulse train.

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates various views of centralized configuration with three BLaDE modules located in one housing.

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates view of an embodiment of the present invention having centralized configuration with BLaDE modules with top cover removed.

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates view of an embodiment of the present invention having centralized configuration with BLaDE modules and top cover removed.

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative view of centralized configuration with BLaDE modules and top cover removed.

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates locating a laser emitter with two networked BLaDE modules.

[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates distributed BLaDE modules on an armored vehicle turret.

[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates mounting of two centralized configurations on a platform to provide 360 degree coverage.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] This invention provides a battlefield laser detection equipment (BLaDE) module and system comprising one or more of the same. The BLaDE module is a small, lightweight, network ready sensor module for detecting laser emissions in the spectrum of 500 nanometers to 1650 nanometers range and provides a precise bearing to the emitter. The BLaDE module is configured to locate and identify the emitter. Individual BLaDE modules have a field of view of + / - 45 degrees in the horizontal or vertical plain depending on orientation with a resolution of incoming emitter energy is + / - 0.8 degrees in one plain only.

[0029] Multiple BLaDE modules can be networked to provide a larger degree of coverage and / or coverage in both horizontal and vertical planes. In some embodiments, multiple BLaDEs can be networked to provide a 360 degree coverage of the platform they are mounted on.

[0030] The BLaDE module is configured to detect emitter spectrum bands, emitter bearing and emitter signature and enable the identification of emitter operators via laser intelligence. In some embodiments, the BLaDE module outputs the identification of the threat and the threat bearing.

[0031] In embodiments, where the BLaDE module is integrated with Battle Management Software (BMS) or Systems, threat information from the BLaDE module is disseminated by the BMS and optionally marked on maps within the BMS.

[0032] Optionally, if the BLaDE detects a previously unknown emitter or an emitter previously not observed in a specific combat zone or area of activity fighting, the BLaDE module is configured to provide an alert and optionally forward information to the BMS

[0033] In some embodiments, the BLaDE module is configured to be mounted on a vehicle including an armored vehicle, a non-armored vehicle, a light tactical vehicle such as a MRAZR, an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAS), an Unmanned Sea / Surface Vehicles (USV); a naval vessel; and infrastructure including buildings and bridges; and personal equipment including helmets and body armor.

[0034] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the BLaDE module is configured to be attached to a mountable housing. In some embodiments, the housing is for one or more BLaDE modules. The housing is configured for its specific application.

[0035] The BLaDE module provides an output of emitter spectrum bands, emitter bearing and emitter signature allowing for the identification of the source laser and thereby allows for identification of the threat.

[0036] The BLaDE module identifies the operational light spectrum of the laser emitter allowing for the identification of the type of associated threat. In some embodiments, the BLaDE module provides an associated threat indicator optionally in the form of a single digital discrete output associated with the threat type. Alternatively, or in addition to, the BLaDE module transmits the identification of the type of associated threat and information regarding the same to personal computing devices including handheld devices, helmet mounted displays, smart goggles / glasses, weapon mounted devices, end user devices and other battlefield communication devices.

[0037] In some embodiments, one or more BLaDE modules are configured to act as sensors in a Situational Awareness Battle Management Application. Optionally, in such embodiments, If the Situational Awareness Battle Management Application has a kinetic effect capability for example, cannon, remote grenade launch machine gun, remote machine gun, etc., the Kinetic Effector can be directed to the laser emitter threat and apply kinetic effects to suppress the emitter threat.

[0038] The output of emitter spectrum is via discrete electronic lines and the emitter bearing is output via off the shelf serial interface (i.e. Ethernet, RS-232, RS-422, CANBUS, etc.). The use of off the shelf interfaces allows simple integration into Battle Management Software to produce a Laser Emitter Intelligence Situational Awareness Picture. The Laser Emitter Intelligence can be used to associate the laser threat with a user profile.

[0039] The BLaDE identifies the Operational Light Spectrum of the laser emitter to identify the type of associated threat. The associated threat indicator is a single digital discrete output associated with the treat type. These discrete outputs make the BLaDE, Countermeasures System Ready, in that it can connect to Countermeasures System Dispensers for Rapid Application of Countermeasures.

[0040] The BLaDE module is configured to identify the threat type based on the emitter spectrum and energy in the emitter emission, to identify the location of the threat, and identify the specific laser signature thereby providing an Identification of friend or foe. In some embodiments, the BLaDE module is configured to receive up-to-date information regarding threat type based on the emitter signature. For example, if there is a concern that an emitter spectrum previously identified as “friend” is no longer operated by a “friend”, information associated with the emitter signature will be updated to reflect this concern optionally in the specific combat or active fighting zone.

[0041] In some embodiments, the BLaDE module is further configured to provide an assessment of threat lethality or effectiveness wherein a determination of threat lethality or effectiveness is based on the identification of the threat and the vulnerability of the target, wherein vulnerability of the target is the vulnerability of what the BLaDE module is mounted to. Optionally, assessed threat lethality or effectiveness is used to prioritize response to the threat. For example, the lethality of small arms fire to personnel is significantly greater than the lethality of small arms fire to an armored vehicle.

[0042] The BLaDE module is configured to determine the emitter spectrum and energy in the emitter emissions. The emitter spectrum (low, medium, high) and energy level is associated to a threat type, determine bearing angle of the emitter in optionally one-degree increments and determine the emitter signature.

[0043] The BLaDE module is further configured to detect the emitter signature wherein the module can detect the internal signals of the emitter pulse train. The BLaDE module circuitry allows the sensor to see individual pulses, pulse packets, pulse packet spacing and overall pulse train. This information is unique to individual models of laser emitters and therefore can be associated to a user of the emitter.

[0044] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, each BLaDE module comprises an optical sensor, an analogue to digital conversion circuit card assembly (CCA), a digital interface CCA, and an external connector within a housing. The housing acts as a heat sink. Optionally, the housing is a metal housing and may be manufactured from aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, copper alloys, or steel. In some embodiments, the metal housing is provided with fins to increase heat transfer efficiency.

[0045] In some embodiments, the housing is manufactured from alternative materials that are appropriate to function as a heat sink including ceramics, thermally-conductive plastics, polymer-based lightweight composites, intrinsic conductive polymers and filler-containing polymers. Appropriate polymer composites are known in the art and include metalcontaining composites.

[0046] In some embodiments, the filler-containing polymers comprise carbon filler include graphite, metal filler or ceramic filler.

[0047] Optionally, the housing is further configured to shield against electromagnetic interference.

[0048] In some embodiments, the housing is multi-layered. The optical sensor is configured to provide precise angle-of arrival information from direct and indirect scatter light by using a Gray Code determination of incoming Laser Energy bearing from a Laser Emitter in the frequency spectrum of 500 nano meters to 1650 nano meters. The sensor Gray Code provides an angular resolution of angle of arrival of the emitter of + / - 0.8 degrees. The sensor has a field of view of + / - 45 degrees in vertical and horizontal planes.

[0049] In some embodiments, the optical sensor comprises 9-element Si and InGaAs detector arrays in a sandwich configuration with light guides and a 6-bit digital Gray code mask. In some embodiments, the optical sensor further comprises means for determining baseline signal level determination.

[0050] Optionally, the optical sensor is an EXACTD-362 Module.

[0051] The sensor only resolves in one plane, either horizontal or vertical, depending on the mounting orientation of the sensor. Referring to FIG 3, in some embodiments, the two BLaDE modules are configured to be stacked in a T-configuration to provide both horizontal and vertical resolution. In such embodiments, the outer housing is provided with a means for physically conn Alternatively, a BLaDE module comprises two optical sensors, wherein the optical sensors are mounted in a T-configuration with the housing.

[0052] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the metal housing is configured to receive two optical sensors wherein one provides horizontal resolution and the other provides vertical resolution.

[0053] With one BLaDE sensor mounted in the horizontal position and the second BLaDE sensor mounted in the vertical position a bearing and elevation angle for the emitter is derived. From the emitter bearing and elevation angle, the host computer can plot the intersection with the terrain elevation data and determine the emitter position.

[0054] The analogue to digital conversion CCA includes an operational amplifier and is configured to receive the analogue signals from the optical sensor and amplify the signal to provide a reception capability that outperforms the range of the emitter. In some embodiments, the reception capabilities is about 1.5 times the range of the emitter.

[0055] The level amplification of the small electrical signals from the optical sensor creates excessive heat and the amplifiers are bonded to the metal housing to sink heat away from the circuitry. In some embodiments, the amplifiers are attached to the metal housing by thermal conductive tape or epoxy or other means known in the art. In some embodiments, the operational amplifier is a high-gain bandwidth, low-distortion, voltage-feedback operational amplifier. In some embodiments, the amplifier is OPA657 1.6-GHz, low-noise, FET-input operational amplifier from Texas Instruments®.

[0056] The digital interface CCA creates a serial interface signal of the optical sensor data and emitter signature and transmits this data, via the external connector, to a host computer. The serial interface is configurable as ethernet, RS-232, CANBUS, RS-422. The digital interface CCA also produces discrete outputs that represent the type of threat that is associated with the emitter. The discrete outputs optionally activate circuitry that initiates countermeasures including a smoke dispenser system.

[0057] In some embodiments, the digital interface CCA produces a health message to allow a host computer to read the health status of the BLaDE module. In alternative embodiment, the BLaDE module is provided with a status indicator, for example, a discretely located status light.

[0058] Locating a target using a BLaDE module will depend on how many modules are used and if the module is stationary or moving.

[0059] A single stationary module provides a bearing to the laser emitter. Using this bearing an operator can visually determine where the threat emitter is located by a visual terrain analysis. Optionally, the single stationary module is interfaced with battle management situational software. Target location of the emitter with a single stationary sensor is achieved by associating the received emitter angle with the terrain elevation data of a Battle Management Software suite and the intersection point of the emitter bearing with the terrain elevation data provides give a course emitter target position.

[0060] To target the location of the emitter with a single sensor on the move, the BLaDE module extrapolates the emitter position through integration of the consecutive emitter bearing readings. The emitter position will become more precise the longer the integration occurs.

[0061] Target location using two or more modules is achieved through a data network connecting the two BLaDE modules via a host computer that correlates the emitter bearing reading and where both BLaDE module emitter bearing lines intersect is the position of the emitter. To ensure the emitter bearing lines are from the same emitter, the host computer compares the emitter signature to verify the emitter is the same emitter seen by both BLaDE sensors.

[0062] Optionally, BLaDE modules can be configured in a distributed configuration or a centralized configuration.

[0063] Referring to FIG 10, in the distributed configuration the individual BLaDEs are distributed around the host platform and are directly interfaced to countermeasure dispensers and to an ethernet hub to culminate the data in a processor to display the threat emitter on a BMA display and then communicated onto the network for Situational Awareness.

[0064] Referring to FIGs 5-8, in the centralized configuration the individual BLaDEs are located into a single housing and are directly interfaced to an internal processor to culminate the data to display the threat emitter on a BMA display and then communicated onto the network for Situational Awareness.

[0065] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications as would be apparent to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A battlefield laser detection equipment (BLaDE) module comprising a metal housing configured as a heat sink, an optical sensor configured to provide an analogue signal of a Gray Code determination of incoming light having a wavelength in the range of about 500 nm to 1650 nm, an analogue to digital conversion circuit card assembly (CCA) configured to receive the analogue signal from the optical sensor and output an amplified digital signal to a digital CCA, the digital CCA configured to determine threat type from the amplified digital signal, and an external connector configured to output threat type.

2. The BLaDE module of claim 1 , wherein the optical sensor comprises 9-element Si detector array and InGaAs detector array in a sandwich configuration.

3. The BLaDE module of claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical sensor is an EXACTD-362 Module.

4. The BLaDE module of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the analogue to digital conversion CCA comprises a high-gain bandwidth, low-distortion, voltage-feedback operational amplifier.

5. The BLaDE module of claim 4, wherein the amplifier is bonded to the metal housing.

6. The BLaDE module of any one of claims 1 to 5, configured to interface with integration into Battle Management Software.

7. The BLaDE module of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the BLaDE module is configured to be stacked.

8. The BLaDE module of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the BLaDE module is configured to be mounted.

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