Aeronautics and astronautics – Missile stabilization or trajectory control – Automatic guidance
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-02
2001-03-06
Gregory, Bernarr E. (Department: 3641)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Missile stabilization or trajectory control
Automatic guidance
C244S003150, C244S003160
Reexamination Certificate
active
06196497
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to an infrared seeker head for target seeking missiles, in which a field of view is imaged, by means of an imaging optical system, on a main detector which detects a target located in the field of view.
STATE OF THE ART
There are manifold prior art infrared seeker heads for missiles.
EP patent 0 538 671, for example, discloses an infrared seeker head for target seeking missiles. The seeker head consists of an optical system, which is mounted on an inner gimbal and an outer gimbal and is universally movable relative to a structure. The optical system generates an image of a field of view on a detector. Signals are obtained which cause the seeker to be directed at a target which is detected, by means of two gimbal servomotors.
German patent 3,925,942 discloses a gyro-stabilised, seeker. The seeker consists of an imaging optical system, by which a field of view is imaged on a detector. The detector generates target signals, from which direction signals are generated. Directing signal cause the rotational axes of a rotor to follow target. The detector is arranged in a Dewar vessel and is cooled.
To defend against attacking target seeking missile, measures are taken by an attacked aircraft for causing interference in the infrared seeker head.
Prior art infrared seeker heads for guided missiles usually have analog signal processing and use a reticle. To deceive the signal processing of such seeker heads, it is sufficient if a suitably modulated infrared radiation source, (infrared jammer) emits interfering radiation at the target site. This radiation source may be a laser with large beam divergence, or a plasma lamp, as a relatively small radiation level is sufficient to cause interference.
Modern picture processing infrared seeker heads are no longer as easily deceived. An interference could be achieved, in which the laser radiation is focused on the approaching missile. Then by dazzling and even destruction of the infrared detector, the guidance of the missile could be totally interrupted and the missile would miss the thus protected target.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to reduce the possibilities of disturbing the function of an infrared seeker head for missiles.
According to the invention this object is achieved in that the seeker head is provided with a device to eliminate interference generated by high intensity radiation emitted from the target towards the missile.
This device to eliminate interference from high intensity radiation—usually a laser beam aimed at the seeker head of the missile—may be of different types. Different solutions, which may be used individually or in suitable combination are the subject matter of the sub-claims.
An embodiment of the invention is described in detail hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3564257 (1971-02-01), Berry et al.
patent: 4192475 (1980-03-01), Heinrich
patent: 5062586 (1991-11-01), Hobson et al.
patent: 5077465 (1991-12-01), Wagner et al.
patent: 5376794 (1994-12-01), Gross et al.
patent: 39 25 942 C2 (1991-02-01), None
patent: 195 20 318 A1 (1996-12-01), None
patent: 0 538 671 B1 (1993-04-01), None
patent: 0 604 790 A2 (1994-07-01), None
patent: 2 740 638 A1 (1997-04-01), None
patent: 2 751 479 A1 (1998-01-01), None
patent: 2 301 662 (1996-12-01), None
Eckhardt Reiner
Gross Michael
Hoch Heinz
Lankes Simon
Bodenseewerk Geratetechnik GmbH
Gregory Bernarr E.
McDermott & Will & Emery
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