Methods and apparatuses for active protection from aerial threats

US10295312B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• David Sharpin · Simi Valley, US
• James Kolanek · Goleta, US
• Mark A. Cvetnic · Chaska, US
• Mike Hutchings · Newbury Park, US
• James Tennison · San Tan Valley, US
• Kent Carl Nelson · Simi Valley, US
• Harold Kregg Hunsberger · Simi Valley, US
• Behshad Baseghi · Lompoc, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 26, 2015
• Grant date: May 21, 2019
• Expiry date: Jul 21, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06T7/246
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Embodiments include active protection systems and methods for an aerial platform. An onboard system includes one or more radar modules, detects aerial vehicles within a threat range of the aerial platform, and determines if any of the plurality of aerial vehicles are an aerial threat. The onboard system also determines an intercept vector to the aerial threat, communicates the intercept vector to an eject vehicle, and causes the eject vehicle to be ejected from the aerial platform to intercept the aerial threat. The eject vehicle includes a rocket motor to accelerate the eject vehicle along an intercept vector, alignment thrusters to rotate a longitudinal axis of the eject vehicle to substantially align with the intercept vector, and divert thrusters to divert the eject vehicle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the intercept vector. The eject vehicle activates at least one of the alignment thrusters responsive to the intercept vector.