U.S. patent application number 12/198146 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-19 for method of intercepting incoming projectile.
Invention is credited to James M. Cook, James H. Dupont, Garrett L. Hall, Henri Y. Kim, Richard D. Loehr, William N. Patterson.
Application Number | 20120091253 12/198146 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42060352 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120091253 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patterson; William N. ; et
al. |
April 19, 2012 |
METHOD OF INTERCEPTING INCOMING PROJECTILE
Abstract
A method of defeating an incoming missile, such as a rocket
propelled grenade, includes soft launching an interceptor missile,
and then using pitch over motors of the interceptor missile to
alter course of the missile to a desired interception direction. By
launching at a relatively slow speed, such as a speed less than or
equal to 40 m/sec (130 ft/sec), the interceptor missile may reach
the desired interception direction within 250 milliseconds of
launch. The interceptor missile may be able to cover substantially
all interception directions over a hemisphere or greater extent
around a launch location. For example, the interceptor missile may
be launched vertically from a ground vehicle, and be capable of
altering course to any above-ground trajectory within 250
milliseconds.
Inventors: |
Patterson; William N.;
(Tucson, AZ) ; Dupont; James H.; (Bowie, AZ)
; Loehr; Richard D.; (Tucson, AZ) ; Kim; Henri
Y.; (Tucson, AZ) ; Hall; Garrett L.; (Tucson,
AZ) ; Cook; James M.; (Tucson, AZ) |
Family ID: |
42060352 |
Appl. No.: |
12/198146 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
244/3.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41F 3/073 20130101;
F42B 15/10 20130101; F42B 15/01 20130101; F41H 11/02 20130101; F42B
10/661 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
244/3.15 |
International
Class: |
F42B 15/01 20060101
F42B015/01 |
Claims
1. A method of intercepting a projectile, the method comprising:
determining an interception direction for an interceptor missile;
launching the missile in a given direction at a nonzero speed less
than or equal to 40 m/sec; and altering course of the missile,
accomplished within 250 milliseconds of launch, to the interception
direction for intercepting the projectile.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining includes
determining the interception direction from a range of possible
interception directions that includes substantially all directions
emanating from a launch location from which the missile is
launched.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the launching includes launching
the missiles at a speed less than or equal to 30 m/sec.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the launching includes launching
the missiles at a speed greater than or equal to 18 m/sec.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the launching includes launching
the missiles at a speed from 21 to 27 m/sec.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the altering includes selectively
firing pitch over motors of the missile.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the pitch over motors provide
thrust in a direction perpendicular to a missile axis of the
missile.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the missile pitch over motors
includes at least four motors.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least four motors include
two pairs of motors, wherein for each of the pairs the motors are
diametrically opposed to one another.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the launching the missile
includes launching the missile from a ground vehicle.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the launching includes
launching the missile in a substantially vertical upward
direction.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the launching the missile
includes launching the missile from an air vehicle.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the launching includes
launching the missile in a substantially vertical downward
direction.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the launching includes
non-explosively soft launching the missile.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising, after the soft
launching, firing a booster motor of the missile to accelerate the
missile.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the firing the booster motor
occurs after the altering course of the missile.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising detonating a warhead
of the missile, wherein the detonating occurs after the firing of
the booster motor.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the launching includes
launching the missile with an umbilical attaching the missile to
the launcher.
19. A method of intercepting a projectile, the method comprising:
launching a missile in a given direction at a nonzero speed less
than or equal to 40 m/sec; and altering course of the missile,
accomplished within 250 milliseconds of launch, to an interception
direction for intercepting the projectile.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention is in the field of devices and methods for
defending against incoming projectiles.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) are examples of a type of
projectile that poses a great threat to ground vehicles, aircraft,
and helicopters. RPGs are commonly used during close-in military
engagements, where the shooter and the target are close to one
another. Defending against such incoming projectiles presents a
difficult problem. From the foregoing it will be appreciated that
it may be desirable to have improved ways of dealing with incoming
projectiles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to an aspect of the invention, a method of
intercepting an incoming projectile includes soft launching an
interceptor missile, and altering course of the interceptor missile
within 250 milliseconds to an interception course for intercepting
the incoming projectile.
[0006] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
intercepting a projectile includes the steps of: determining a
desired interception direction for an interceptor missile;
launching the missile in a given direction at a speed less than or
equal to 40 m/sec (130 ft/sec); and altering course of the missile
to the desired interception direction for intercepting the
projectile, wherein the altering course is substantially
accomplished within 250 milliseconds of launch.
[0007] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the
invention comprises the features hereinafter fully described and
particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description
and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative
embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative,
however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles
of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and
novel features of the invention will become apparent from the
following detailed description of the invention when considered in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In the annexed drawings, which are not necessarily to
scale:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of an interceptor missile in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the interceptor missile
of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an oblique view illustrating a soft launching
process of the interceptor missile of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an oblique view of a ground vehicle having a
launcher attached for launching the interceptor missiles of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the launch and interception
process using the interceptor missile of FIG. 1; and
[0014] FIG. 6 is an oblique view of an air vehicle having a
launcher mounted there upon for launching interceptor missiles of
the type shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] A method of defeating an incoming missile, such as a rocket
propelled grenade, includes soft launching an interceptor missile,
and then using pitch over motors of the interceptor missile to
alter course of the missile to a desired interception direction. By
launching at a relatively slow speed, such as a speed less than or
equal to 40 m/sec (130 ft/sec), the interceptor missile may reach
the desired interception direction within 250 milliseconds of
launch. The interceptor missile may be able to cover substantially
all interception directions over a hemisphere or greater extent
around a launch location. For example, the interceptor missile may
be launched vertically from a ground vehicle, and be capable of
altering course to any above-ground trajectory within 250
milliseconds.
[0016] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, an interceptor missile
10 is used for intercepting an incoming projectile, such as a
rocket propelled grenade (RPG). As described in greater detail
below, the interceptor missile 10 is soft launched in a
predetermined orientation, such as vertically up or vertically
down. The course of the missile is then altered to a desired
interception direction. This altering of course may be
substantially accomplished over a wide range of possible
directions, such as a hemisphere of directions relative to the
launch direction, over a time of 250 milliseconds or less. The
interceptor missile 10 is then accelerated toward the incoming
missile or projectile.
[0017] At its front end the interceptor missile 10 includes a dome
12 which covers a warhead 14 and warhead fragments 16. The
interceptor missile 10 is configured to detonate the warhead 14 at
a predetermined time after launch. This propels the fragments 16
out the forward end of the missile 10, displacing the dome 12.
Warhead fragments 16 collide with the incoming missile or
projectile and damage the incoming missile or projectile,
preventing it from reaching its intended target.
[0018] The warhead 14 and the warhead fragments 16 are enclosed in
a tubular forward body 20. The body 20 is capped at its front end
by the dome 12. An igniter 22 in a middle body 24 is used to
detonate the warhead 14. It will be appreciated that the igniter 22
may be controlled by suitable control logic within the middle body
24. Control logic may include, for example, integrated circuits
that are used to control the timing of the firing of the igniter
22. Control logic may also be used to control the propulsion system
of the interceptor missile 10.
[0019] A propulsion system 28 of the interceptor missile 10 is
located in the aft half of the missile. The propulsion system 28
includes a solid rocket motor 30, with multiple propellant grains
31, which provide the main propulsion system for acceleration or
boost of the interceptor missile 10. The solid rocket motor 30 may
include conventional solid rocket fuel, configured so as to burn
quickly when ignited. The solid rocket motor 30 may be ignited by a
boost igniter 32. The boost igniter 32 is at an opposite end of the
middle body 24 from the warhead igniter 22. Pressurized gas
produced by combustion of the solid rocket motor 30 is directed
rearward through a main boost nozzle 36 at the aft end of the
interceptor missile 10.
[0020] The interceptor missile 10 also has a series of pitch over
motors 40 for altering the orientation and course of the
interceptor missile 10. In the illustrated embodiment the
interceptor missile 10 has four pitch over motors 40
axisymmetrically spaced around the back or aft end of the
circumferential perimeter of a back or aft body 44. The back or aft
body 44 includes not only the pitch over motors 40, but also the
solid rocket motor 30. The pitch over motors 40 each include pitch
over motor fuel 46, and a pitch over motor thrust chamber 48. The
pitch over motors 40 provide thrust substantially perpendicular to
an axis 49 of the interceptor missile 10. The pitch over motor fuel
46 may be a solid fuel that may be identical to the fuel used in
the solid rocket motor 30. It will be appreciated that a suitable
ignition device may be used for igniting the pitch over motor fuel
46 as necessary. Pressurized gases from the burning of the pitch
over motor fuel 46 are received through the pitch over motor thrust
chamber 48, and exit out through pitch over motor openings 50. The
pitch over motor openings 50 are circular or other suitable-shape
openings along a circumference or perimeter of the back or aft body
44.
[0021] The pitch over motors 50 may each have substantially the
same impulse, and each may be substantially identical. The control
of orientation of the missile 10 may be accomplished by controlling
the timing of the firing of the pitch over motors 50. For example,
a small rotation in a given axis may be obtained by closely spacing
in time the firings of a pitch over motor and its
diametrically-oppose counterpart. Greater rotation of the missile
about the axis may be obtained by increasing the time between
firings of diametrically-opposed motors. Since the
diametrically-opposed motors have substantially the same impulse,
there will be no residual rotation of the missile after both pitch
over motors have completed their burns. It will be appreciated that
use of the pitch over motors 50 such as described above
advantageously does not require any additional control of the
pressurized gasses (such as by a variable nozzle) other than by
control of the timing of the ignition of the pitch over motors
50.
[0022] The interceptor missile 10 also may have a series of
deployable fins 52 that deploy from slots 54 in the aft body 44.
The fins 52 stabilize the interceptor missile 10. The fins 52 may
be axisymmetrically deployed around the circumference of the aft
body 44 at substantially the same longitudinal location as the
pitch over motor openings 50. There may be the same number of fins
52 as pitch over motor openings 50. Alternatively, and especially
for short-range missiles, the fins may be omitted.
[0023] The interceptor missile 10 may weigh 5.7 kg (12.5 pounds),
may be 46 cm (18 inches) long, and may have a diameter of 8.9 cm
(3.5 inches). It will be appreciated that these are only values for
a single embodiment, and that the weight and dimensions of the
interceptor missile 10 may vary over a wide variety of values.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates the launching process for the interceptor
missile 10. The missile is soft launched from a launcher 80. "Soft
launch," as the phrase is used herein, refers to launching without
firing of a propulsion system of the interceptor missile 10. The
launcher 80 may use a pressurized gas launch system to soft launch
the missile 10, for example by using pressurized expanding gases,
from the missile or cannister from a separate system, to provide
lift to the missile. Soft launching allows for a smoother launch of
the interceptor missile 10, with less tip over relative to a hard
launch that involves emission of pressurized gases from the missile
while the missile is still in the launcher. An example of a system
for soft launching is the pressurized gas launcher described in
co-owned patent application Ser. No. 12/135,512, filed Jun. 6,
2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0025] The soft launch of the interceptor missile 10 enables a
faster and more predictable transition to a desired interception
course for intercepting an incoming missile or projectile. Using
the pitch over motors 40 (FIG. 2), the missile 10 is able to
quickly redeploy from a predetermined initial launch trajectory 82
(FIG. 3) to substantially any trajectory within at least a
hemisphere 84 (FIG. 3) about the launch trajectory 82. Even more
broadly, the interceptor missile 10 may be capable of redeploying
over more than merely the hemisphere 84. The interceptor missile 10
may be capable of deploying over substantially a full circle, to
any trajectory, even a downward trajectory vertically upward launch
shown in FIG. 3. While altering course over a hemisphere may be
sufficient for launching in a vertical trajectory from the ground
as shown in FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that it may be desirable
for other situations to be able to deploy about a full sphere. For
example it may be desirable for an air-launched interceptor missile
to be able to launch upward or downward and still be able to
quickly engage incoming targets fired from both lower and higher
altitudes.
[0026] The pitch over motors 40 may be such as to be able to deploy
interceptor missile 10 to a desired interceptor trajectory within
250 milliseconds of launch from the launcher 80. The pitch over
motors 40 may be strong enough to provide at least 2,000.degree.
per second of rotation to the interceptor missile 10. The pitch
over motors 40 may be sufficiently strong to provide at least
6,000.degree. or 7,000.degree. per second of rotation to the
interceptor missile 10.
[0027] The interceptor missile 10 may be coupled by an umbilical 90
(FIG. 3) to a launcher controller 92. This allows the interceptor
missile 10 to receive continuous updates regarding the position,
velocity, and/or other characteristics of incoming missiles or
projectiles. Such information may be utilized by internal control
logic of the interceptor missile 10 to aid in setting the course of
the interceptor missile 10, through use of the pitch over motors
40. The umbilical 90 may be a wire or cable that feeds out and
allows the interceptor missile 10 to be connected to the launcher
controller 92 during launch. It will be appreciated that further
details concerning umbilical connections or missiles in flight may
be found from descriptions of prior art wire-guided missiles. As
another alternative, the umbilical 90 may be omitted.
[0028] The launcher controller 92 may obtain information regarding
incoming missiles or projectiles from suitable sensors, or from
other equipment, such as radar devices. Information may be
communicated to the controller 92 by any of a variety of ways,
including radio signals. The launcher controller 92 may also
provide communication and power to the interceptor missile 10.
[0029] The interceptor missile 10 may be an unguided missile, in
that it has no control surfaces used for generating aerodynamic
forces to change the course of the missile. The term "unguided," as
used herein, is so defined. It will be appreciated that it is
necessary for a missile to have a certain minimum velocity in order
to allow for guidance with control systems. By operating in an
unguided mode, with its course altered through use of the pitch
over motors 40, the interceptor missile 10 is able to change course
quickly even when moving at small velocity. This allows it to
obtain its desired course or trajectory in a short distance. As a
result, the interceptor missile 10 is able to engage incoming
missiles or projectiles even when such incoming missiles or
projectiles are fired close to the launch location of the
interceptor missile 10.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows a ground vehicle 100 that has a launcher 80
attached to it. The launcher 80 is able to fire interceptor
missiles 10 (FIG. 1) for defending the ground vehicle 100 (and
possibly other nearby targets), against incoming missiles or
projectiles. The ground vehicle 100 may be any of a wide variety of
vehicles, including trucks, tanks, and personnel carriers.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates the process of the interception and
disabling of an incoming projectile or missile (such as an RPG)
120, fired at the ground vehicle 100. Once the projectile 120 is
detected the interceptor missile 10 is fired in a soft launch,
shown at reference number 122. The speed of the interceptor missile
10 when soft launched may be relatively small. If the missile 10 is
soft launched at a sufficiently slow speed, then the pitch over
motors 40 can provide sufficient thrust to get to any angle within
a desired time and distance. Upon launch the interceptor missile 10
may have a speed of 18-37 m/sec (60-120 ft/sec). More narrowly the
launch speed may be from 21 to 30 m/sec (70 to 100 ft/sec), from 21
to 27 m/sec (70 to 90 ft/sec), or about 24 m/sec (80 ft/sec). The
soft launching may occur at a speed less than or equal to 30 m/sec
(100 ft/sec). The soft launching may occur at a speed greater than
or equal to 18 m/sec (60 ft/sec).
[0032] After the soft launch, the fins 52 deploy as shown at step
124. The deployment of the fins 52 (if present) may be automatic
once the interceptor missile 10 leaves the launcher 80. The fins 50
may be spring loaded or otherwise configured to automatically
deploy.
[0033] The course alteration of the interceptor missile 10 is shown
at step 128. As discussed above, the course alteration is
accomplished by selectively firing of the pitch over motors 40, in
order to quickly and efficiently move the interceptor missile 10
onto its desired course for intercepting the projectile 120.
Information regarding the desired final course, or other
instructions or information, may be forwarded to the interceptor
missile 10 through the umbilical 90. As discussed above, the course
alteration shown at step 128 may be accomplished within 250
milliseconds.
[0034] After the desired orientation for the interceptor missile 10
has been achieved, the solid rocket motor 30 (FIG. 2) of the
interceptor missile 10 is fired. This results in the boost phase
shown at 130. In this phase the interceptor missile 10 greatly
accelerates, speeding toward its intersection with the incoming
projectile or missile 120. Velocity at motor burn out (the burn out
of the solid rocket motor 30, the main boost propellant system for
the interceptor missile 10) may be about 150 m/sec.
[0035] Finally, when the interceptor missile 10 is within a
predetermined distance of the incoming projectile or missile 120,
the missile warhead 14 (FIG. 2) detonates, as shown at 134. This
violently propels the warhead fragments 16 (FIG. 2) toward the
incoming projectile 120. Damage from the warhead fragments 16
disables the incoming projectile 120, preventing the projectile or
missile 120 from reaching its target, the ground vehicle 100. The
fragments may be of a heavy material, such as steel or
tungsten.
[0036] FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment in which the launcher
80 for launching interceptor missiles 10 (FIG. 1) is mounted on an
air vehicle 200. The illustrated air vehicle 200 is a helicopter.
However, it will be appreciated that launchers may be mounted on
other types of air vehicles to protect the air vehicles from
incoming missiles or projectiles. Examples of other types of air
vehicles include airplanes, gliders, drones, and balloons. The
launcher 80 may be configured to launch the interceptor missiles 10
in a vertically up direction, a vertically down direction, or some
other predetermined direction. As a further alternative, the
launcher may be mounted on a sea vehicle, or on a stationary
(though perhaps temporary or movable) structure.
[0037] Although the invention has been shown and described with
respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, it is
obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to
others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of
this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard
to the various functions performed by the above described elements
(components, assemblies, devices, compositions, etc.), the terms
(including a reference to a "means") used to describe such elements
are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any
element which performs the specified function of the described
element (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not
structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs
the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiment or
embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular
feature of the invention may have been described above with respect
to only one or more of several illustrated embodiments, such
feature may be combined with one or more other features of the
other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given
or particular application.
* * * * *