Active Protection System Countermeasure Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active protection systems are limited in their ability to effectively intercept a wide variety of incoming threats due to reliance on a single countermeasure arrangement, leading to increased collateral damage, higher costs, and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
An active protection system comprising a detection system, a first countermeasure arrangement for far interception, a second countermeasure arrangement for near interception, and a controlling unit that selects the appropriate countermeasure based on threat analysis, utilizing RF and radar systems for threat detection and tracking, and applying pattern recognition techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single countermeasure arrangement is used in an active protection system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to intercept a wide variety of incoming threats and the reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The active protection system is segmented into multiple independent countermeasure arrangements, each capable of intercepting threats at different stages. The system divides the protection function into separate modules that can be independently selected and activated based on threat characteristics, thereby maintaining reliability while allowing flexible configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which countermeasure arrangement to activate based on real-time threat analysis. The controlling unit evaluates incoming threat parameters and dynamically switches between different countermeasure arrangements (e.g., soft kill vs. hard kill, far interception vs. near interception) to optimize interception effectiveness for each specific threat scenario.
2Ease of operation
If a single countermeasure arrangement is used, then the system is simpler to operate, but the adaptability to different threat types and interception accuracy are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The active protection system incorporates multiple countermeasure arrangements that can handle different threat types and interception scenarios. Each countermeasure arrangement is designed to address specific threat characteristics, and the controlling unit selects the appropriate arrangement based on threat analysis, enabling the system to adapt to a wide variety of incoming threats while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlling unit continuously receives feedback from the detection system about incoming threat parameters and uses this information to automatically select the most appropriate countermeasure arrangement. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to different threat types without requiring manual intervention, maintaining ease of operation while enhancing versatility.
3Reliability
If far interception is used, then the killing probability is improved, but the collateral damage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the interception distance based on threat characteristics. For high-value threats requiring high killing probability, the system selects far interception arrangements. For lower-value threats or when precision is critical, the system switches to near interception arrangements that minimize collateral damage. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between killing probability and collateral damage for each specific threat scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
Different countermeasure arrangements are optimized for different interception scenarios. Far interception arrangements are designed with characteristics suited for engaging threats at distance (higher killing probability), while near interception arrangements are optimized for precision and minimal collateral damage. The controlling unit selects the arrangement with the appropriate local qualities for each specific threat situation.
4Reliability
If expensive countermeasures are used for all threats, then the killing probability and reliability are improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters of the countermeasure arrangement based on threat parameters. The controlling unit analyzes incoming threat characteristics (type, speed, trajectory, value) and selects countermeasure arrangements with appropriate parameters for each threat. This parameter-matching approach ensures that expensive countermeasures are used only when necessary, while cheaper alternatives are used for less critical threats, maintaining reliability while reducing overall cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a hierarchy of countermeasure arrangements ranging from expensive high-reliability options to cheaper alternatives. For threats where the highest killing probability is critical, expensive countermeasures are deployed. For less critical threats, cheaper countermeasure arrangements are used, accepting that they may be single-use or have lower reliability, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining adequate protection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system achieves more accurate interceptions, reduces collateral damage, enhances reliability, and lowers costs by allowing the selection of the most suitable countermeasure for the threat, providing effective protection in various combat scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The output data from the RF system comprises data related to electromagnetic pulse associated with the engine ignition of the incoming threat
Implementation Method 2
a radar system configured for providing an output data associated with the incoming threat, being used at least for tracking the incoming threat
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An active protection system (120) for protecting a platform (102) from an incoming threat (105). The system comprises: a detection system (150, 160)configured for providing an output data associated with the incoming threat (105); a first countermeasure arrangement (120) mountable on the platform (102) and configured to intercept said incoming threat at a far interception point (114); a second countermeasure arrangement (130) mountable on the platform (102) and configured to intercept the incoming threat (105) at a near interception point (115); and a controlling unit (140), in communication with the detection system (150,160) and with the first and second countermeasure arrangements (120, 130), configured for receiving said output data and selecting a preferred countermeasure arrangement from said first and second countermeasure arrangements (120, 130), with which the incoming threat (105) is to be intercepted.