High altitude stripping for threat discrimination
US6877691B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S7/415
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A technique is provided that uses a dual mode seeker (IR and LADAR) for precise target dynamics measurement, which extends stripping to a much higher altitude than ground based radar. Initial results show that this approach works to altitudes in excess of 100 km. Stripping becomes a reliable way to discriminate lighter weight decoys from reentry vehicles at altitudes and ranges consistent with planned divert capabilities for terminal phase missile defense. It is a finding of this invention that the LADAR will improve the spatial resolution by a factor of five over typical missile defense IR seekers using a common aperture. The LADAR provides a 3D angle, angle, range (AAR) image for each laser pulse which is used to extract the precise target state vectors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.