Pyrotechnically Gimbaled Targeting Unit for Vehicle Defense
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Active Protection Systems for armored fighting vehicles are costly, bulky, unreliable against multiple and tandem threats, limited in spatial coverage, and ineffective against RPGs launched in close proximity, necessitating a more reliable, scalable, compact, and cost-effective countermeasure system providing full hemispherical protection.
Innovation Solution
A pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit with a countermeasure payload and thrusters for controlled pointing, launched from a base unit, offering orthogonal rotation capabilities and deployment of a shaped charge warhead to intercept and neutralize incoming threats, integrated with a canted launch rack for efficient mounting on vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Active Protection Systems are deployed, then protection against incoming projectiles is provided, but the systems are costly, bulky, and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the protection function into multiple independent countermeasure units distributed around the vehicle, each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive protection without requiring a single bulky centralized system, reducing overall system weight and complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, disposable countermeasure projectiles rather than expensive, complex interception systems. Each countermeasure unit uses simple but effective fragmentation warheads that are sacrificed in the interception process, providing reliable protection at low cost and reduced weight compared to reusable sophisticated systems.
2Reliability
If conventional Active Protection Systems are used, then some threat protection is achieved, but they are unreliable against multiple and tandem threats
Solution Approach 1:
Each countermeasure unit is designed with universal capability to defeat multiple threat types including single threats, tandem threats, and multiple simultaneous threats. The system uses multi-directional launchers and versatile countermeasure projectiles that can engage various threat vectors, providing adaptable protection against diverse threat scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs preliminary detection and tracking of incoming threats, allowing the countermeasure units to prepare and launch interceptors in advance. This preliminary action enables the system to respond effectively to multiple and tandem threats by pre-positioning countermeasures and coordinating launches across multiple units before threats reach the vehicle.
3Reliability
If conventional Active Protection Systems are deployed, then limited spatial envelope protection is provided, but full hemispherical protection is required
Solution Approach 1:
The protection sphere is divided into multiple zones covered by distributed countermeasure units positioned around the vehicle. Each unit covers a specific angular sector, and the collective arrangement of multiple units provides complete hemispherical coverage. This segmented approach achieves full spatial coverage without requiring a single overly complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from limited two-dimensional planar protection to three-dimensional hemispherical coverage by positioning countermeasure units at multiple locations and orientations around the vehicle. This spatial distribution across three dimensions enables comprehensive threat interception from all approach vectors while maintaining manageable individual unit complexity.
4Reliability
If conventional Active Protection Systems are used, then protection at distance is achieved, but effectiveness against close-proximity RPGs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors for incoming threats and pre-positions countermeasure units for rapid deployment. When a threat is detected, especially at close range, the system immediately launches interceptors without delay. This preliminary preparation and rapid response capability enables effective interception of close-proximity RPGs that conventional systems cannot defeat due to their slower response times.
Solution Approach 2:
The countermeasure units are designed with dynamic launch capabilities that can adapt to varying threat distances and speeds. The system can rapidly adjust launch timing and trajectory to intercept threats at different ranges, including very close-proximity RPGs, maintaining intercept reliability across the full spectrum of engagement distances through dynamic response adjustment.
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
The system provides reliable, scalable, and cost-effective full hemispherical protection against various threats, including RPGs launched close to the vehicle, by enabling precise targeting and rapid deployment of countermeasures, enhancing the vehicle's defensive capabilities without significant weight or bulk.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of thrusters coupled to the targeting unit housing. The plurality of thrusters is configured to be selectively activated to rotate the targeting unit housing about first and second substantially orthogonal axes
Implementation Method 2
deployment of a shaped charge warhead to intercept and neutralize incoming threats
Implementation Method 3
A pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit with a countermeasure payload and thrusters for controlled pointing, launched from a base unit
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit are provided. In one embodiment, the targeting unit includes a targeting unit housing, a countermeasure payload carried by the targeting unit housing, and a plurality of thrusters coupled to the targeting unit housing. The plurality of thrusters is configured to be selectively activated to rotate the targeting unit housing about first and second substantially orthogonal axes to provide controlled pointing of countermeasure payload prior to the deployment thereof. Embodiments of a countermeasure system including a pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit are also provided, as are methods for equipping a vehicle with a countermeasure system of the type that includes at least one pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit.