Expanding countermeasure and launcher system

US8596178B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Eldon C. Rogers · Auburn, US
• Timothy L. Williams · Whittier, US
• Dennis Yee · Milford, US
• William J. Sweet · Seattle, US
• Charles G. Bloch · Federal Way, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 28, 2011
• Grant date: Dec 3, 2013
• Expiry date: Sep 21, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F41H11/02
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods described herein provide for the protection of personnel within vehicles and structures from handheld grenades and other threats. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a countermeasure system includes an expandable countermeasure having a flexible body with a number of weighted projectiles attached around a perimeter of the body. A threat detection and launch control system detects incoming threats and, in response, triggers a launch of the expandable countermeasure from the launcher to intercept and neutralize the threat.