Methods and apparatuses for aerial interception of aerial threats
US9551552B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T7/246
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments include active protection systems and methods for an aerial platform. An onboard system includes radar modules, detects aerial vehicles within a threat range of the aerial platform, and determines if any of the 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 alignment thrusters to rotate a longitudinal axis of the eject vehicle to substantially align with the intercept vector, a rocket motor to accelerate the eject vehicle along an intercept vector, divert thrusters to divert the eject vehicle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the intercept vector, and attitude control thrusters to make adjustments to the attitude of the eject vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.