Reentry vehicle interceptor with IR and variable FOV laser radar
US6741341B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 25, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S7/4813
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dual mode seeker for intercepting a reentry vehicle or other target is disclosed. In one embodiment, the seeker is configured with an onboard 3D ladar system coordinated with an onboard IR detection system, where both systems utilize a common aperture. The IR and ladar systems cooperate with a ground based reentry vehicle detection/tracking system for defining a primary target area coordinate and focusing the IR FOV thereon. The IR system obtains IR image data in the IR FOV. The ladar system initially transmits with a smaller laser FOV to illuminate possible targets, rapidly interrogating the IR FOV. The ladar system obtains data on each possible target to perform primary discrimination assessments. Data fusion is employed to resolve the possible targets as between decoys/clutter and a reentry vehicle. The laser FOV is expandable to the IR FOV. Robust and reliable discrimination is obtained at high altitudes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.