Optoelectronic laser slingshot with targeting identification system

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of laser technology, in particular to optoelectronics, and can be used for the remote destruction of small-sized objects, especially those in flight, by means of thermal impact from a laser beam. The invention consists of a portable device that includes a module generating a main high-power laser beam, which is emitted through a flexible optical channel towards a target. Target identification and aiming are carried out via a sighting channel that operates in parallel with the main beam. The technical result of the invention is reduction of the overall weight and size of the device, enhancing its operational efficiency and mobility, and improving aiming accuracy.

Description

[0001] Optoelectronic Laser Slingshot with Targeting Identification System

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The utility model relates to the field of laser technology, specifically to optoelectronics, based on the principle of heat generation by a laser source and intended for the remote destruction of small objects, particularly flying ones, by applying thermal impact through a laser beam.

[0004] It is known that by pumping external energy, atoms of the active medium in the emitter transition to an excited state. The excited atom can then emit the received energy in the form of a photon and return to its original unexcited state. The energy thus emitted by the laser beam source can be sufficient for the rapid thermal destruction of an object, especially a flying one.

[0005] Commonly known methods for engaging targets at a distance include using the kinetic energy of bullets fired from firearms. The disadvantage of such methods lies in the need for continuous correction due to the target’s motion, the bullet’s trajectory, wind influence, etc. Additionally, a major drawback is the almost 100% probability of missing the target with a single shot due to the relatively low bullet speed, which requires multiple shots. This leads to a high consumption of ammunition or necessitates the use of fragmenting munitions, which may still be ineffective due to the small size and discrete nature of the fragments. Another significant drawback is the immediate and obvious detection of the shooter or installation attempting to engage the target.

[0006] Other common methods include engaging targets using anti-aircraft rocket artillery. These methods require equipment and munitions that are limited in quantity due to their very high cost, making them highly inefficient when targeting relatively cheap and small objects.

[0007] No prototypes describing a method for engaging small, low-speed targets using portable autonomous optoelectronic devices with a targeting identification system have been identified by the author.

[0008] However, a known method and device for implementing target engagement using a combat airborne laser system exists (Article “Boeing YAL-1”, Internet, Wikipedia, [link]).

[0009] In this method, a megawatt-class combat laser is installed on an aircraft, and during flight, the laser is directed at the target. The laser is then activated, and the beam is used to engage the target, such as a ballistic missile.

[0010] On February 3, 2010, successful tests were conducted involving laser engagements with ballistic missiles. Further tests continued on February 11, 2010. The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) conducted trials of the airborne laser system engaging ballistic missile targets. According to the press release, the laser system was tested on two targets simulating ballistic missiles using solid and liquid fuels in the boost phase. The tests were conducted at the US Navy Point Mugu base in California. The ballistic missile with solid-fuel launch was deployed from a sea-based mobile platform. Engagement occurred in several stages. First, the target was detected using onboard sensors and tracked with a low-power laser (TILL). Then, a second laser (BELL) assessed atmospheric influence on targeting accuracy. Finally, a third megawatt-class high-power combat laser was fired to heat the missile to a critical temperature and destroy its structure.

[0011] The interception sequence occurred as follows:

[0012] The ABL system used infrared sensors for initial missile detection. After detection, three low-power tracking lasers calculated the missile’s course, speed, aiming point, and air turbulence. Air turbulence distorts the laser beam. ABL's adaptive optics used turbulence measurements to compensate for atmospheric errors. The main laser, located in a nose turret of the aircraft, was then fired for 3-5 seconds, causing the missile to disintegrate mid-flight near the launch area.

[0013] The disadvantage of this method and its implementation device is the inability to use them in light infantry groups, including during covert operations, or in mobile counter-drone defense teams.

[0014] Another disadvantage is that it is not intended for engaging small, low- speed targets at short distances. This limitation also stems from the extremely high cost and complexity of the onboard equipment and the aircraft carrier itself, which is designed to neutralize powerful ballistic missiles.

[0015] Additionally, the aircraft-carrier system is too vulnerable to enemy air defense systems to operate in combat zones.

[0016] The most significant justification for the need to create the proposed technical solution is practical experience, which confirms that modem threats are often posed by short- and medium-range enemy drone attacks. These drones are significantly smaller and slower than ballistic missiles.

[0017] Given these circumstances, the drawbacks of existing systems and the reality on the ground have defined the task of the proposed utility model — to improve existing target engagement technologies, particularly for small, low-speed flying objects, by developing and introducing portable laser-based target engagement devices.

[0018] Another goal of the proposed utility model is to create an effective means for engaging small, low-speed flying targets by an operator, while minimizing the influence of natural hand tremors on engagement effectiveness.

[0019] The model also aims to compensate for the slower human reaction time compared to an electronic beam activation system.

[0020] Another objective is to reduce the chance of the main laser beam missing the target. Lastly, the goal is to create a portable and simplified, cost-effective device for neutralizing small, low-speed aerial targets.

[0021] The essence of the proposed device lies in the fact that a portable module houses a main kilowatt-class laser beam, which is emitted via a flexible optical fiber channel connected to the module and directed toward the target through a transmitting optical channel, leading to thermal destruction of the target. Target identification and aiming are performed through a sighting channel that operates parallel to the main beam, and the target is illuminated by a low-power laser beam aligned with the same optical axis or a parallel one. The activation trigger for the main beam is the return of reflected energy into the device’s photoreceiving channel, whose optical axis is parallel to the optical axis of the main laser beam’s transmitting channel, the sighting channel, and the low-power laser beam’s transmitting channel.

[0022] The utility model is implemented as follows:

[0023] The portable module houses a fiber-optic laser radiation source, which directs the main laser beam through a flexible fiber-optic channel to the transmitting channel. A sighting device is positioned parallel to the transmitting channel of the main beam. The transmitting channel of the low- power laser beam and the photoreceiving channel are also arranged parallel to the sighting device.

[0024] The device is also equipped with control mode switches and status indicators.

[0025] The power supply of the device is located next to the fiber-optic laser source or separately and connected to the device’s power system

[0026] When a target requiring neutralization is detected, the operator activates the device and uses the sight to aim the low-power laser beam at the target. The reflected energy from the target enters the device’s photoreceiving channel and, through the electronic system, activates the main laser beam. The target hit by the main laser beam undergoes thermal destruction at the point of beam contact and is neutralized.

[0027] It is worth noting that target neutralization usually occurs on the first attempt, allowing the operator to quickly proceed to the next target, which is a significant advantage of the proposed solution.

[0028] Implementation Examples:

[0029] 1. A portable module containing a 3 kW fiber laser source is made in the form of a backpack module carried by the first operator on their back. It transmits the main laser beam through a flexible fiber optic cable to the transmitting channel, which is located on the body of the handheld part of the device. On the body of the handheld unit, aligned in parallel with the main beam's transmitting channel, are a sight, a low-power laser beam transmitting channel, and a photodetection channel. The handheld unit also features control mode switches and indicator lights. The main power source of the device is placed in a portable power module carried by the second operator and can be connected to the device via a flexible cable. The operational power source is installed in the backpack module of the first operator. W en a target that needs to be engaged is detected, the first operator switches the device to targeting identification mode, turns on the device, aligns the low-power laser beam to the target using the sight, and pulls the trigger. The reflected energy from the target enters the photodetection channel of the device and, through the electronic system, automatically activates the main laser beam. The target struck by the main laser beam undergoes thermal destruction at the point of beam contact and is neutralized. It should be noted that target neutralization occurs almost on the first attempt, allowing the operator to quickly proceed to engage the next target, which is an advantage of the proposed solution. The operator also has the option to connect the laser radiation source module to the main power source (located with the second operator) either to recharge the operational power source or to use only the main power source during targeting and engagement.

[0030] 2. A portable module housing a 6 kW fiber laser source is installed in the cargo compartment of a pickup truck. It transmits the main laser beam via a flexible fiber optic cable to the transmitting channel, which is located on the body of the handheld part of the device. The handheld part of the device itself is mounted on a tripod in the bed of the pickup truck. On the handheld part, arranged in parallel with the main laser beam's transmitting channel, are a spotlight, a sight, a low-power laser beam transmitting channel, and a photodetection channel. The device also includes control mode switches and status indicators. The main power source of the device is placed in a power module also located in the pickup and connected to the device. When a target to be neutralized is detected, the operator activates the device, aligns the low-power laser beam to the target using the sight, and pulls the trigger. The reflected energy from the target enters the photodetection channel and, through the electronic system, automatically activates the main laser beam. The target hit by the main laser beam experiences thermal destruction at the point of contact and is neutralized. Neutralization usually occurs almost on the first attempt, enabling the operator to quickly move on to the next target, which is a key advantage of the proposed solution.

[0031] It should also be noted that the main laser emission can be in the thermally efficient infrared range, which, together with the noiseless operation, complicates or even prevents detection of the operator’s location. Combined with the high effectiveness of target engagement, this constitutes an advantage of the proposed solution.

[0032] It should also be emphasized that the device does not require ammunition and can function as long as power is supplied. Therefore, the device can be connected to an alternative power source and may be installed on a mobile platform or stationary installation.

[0033] The examples presented above illustrate the implementation of the given technical solution and are for illustrative purposes only; they do not limit other possible embodiments.

[0034] It should also be additionally noted that, in accordance with the proposed technical solution, this description contains the information necessary and sufficient for a clear understanding of the essence of the proposed utility model. Information that is obvious to specialists in the relevant technical field and that does not contribute to a better understanding of the essence of the proposed utility model has not been included in this description.

[0035] The technical result of the proposed solution is that the application of the suggested device — designed for remote destruction of small objects, particularly flying ones, by means of thermal impact from a laser beam — saves human lives, increases the operational capabilities of infantry units, preserves the lives of operators, eliminates difficulties associated with effective target engagement, and makes the defense system against threatening targets more effective and mobile. This is especially true for small, low-speed flying objects. Furthermore, it shifts the cost balance between the destruction means and the target in favor of reducing destruction costs, enabling rapid target engagement and destruction with minimal collateral damage.

Claims

Optoelectronic Laser Slingshot with Targeting Identification System CLAIMS1. An optoelectronic laser slingshot with a targeting identification system, designed as a main power laser beam source connected via a flexible optical channel to a main transmitting optical channel through which the laser is emitted in the direction of the target, characterized in that the main power laser beam source is located in a portable module, while the main transmitting channel is located on a handheld module.

2. The optoelectronic laser slingshot according to claim 1, characterized in that the handheld module additionally includes a sighting device, the optical axis of which is parallel to the main transmitting optical channel.

3. The optoelectronic laser slingshot according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the handheld module additionally includes a photoreceiving channel, the optical field-of-view axis of which is parallel to the optical axis of the main laser beam transmitting channel and the sighting channel, and which is functionally connected to the activation module of the high-power laser beam emission.

4. The optoelectronic laser slingshot according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the handheld module additionally includes a separate transmitting channel for a low-power laser beam.

5. The optoelectronic laser slingshot according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that the handheld module additionally includes control mode switches for the device.

6. The optoelectronic laser slingshot according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that the main power laser beam source located in the portable module is configured for connection to an external power supply.