초록 ▼

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

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.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for detecting the presence and location of a high altitude reentry vehicle in the presence of decoys in which the decoys have associated flight characteristics different from those of the reentry vehicle, comprising the steps of:detecting by a plurality of radar returns the existence of

1. A method for detecting the presence and location of a high altitude reentry vehicle in the presence of decoys in which the decoys have associated flight characteristics different from those of the reentry vehicle, comprising the steps of:detecting by a plurality of radar returns the existence of a number of objects constituting a threat cloud, which are generally on a trajectory towards a point; launching an intercept vehicle constituting a kill vehicle in the direction of said threat cloud; determining from the intercept vehicle in a high altitude stripping operation in which characteristics of the objects are measured and analyzed as a result of infrared radiation from the objects a number of atmospheric drag characteristics of the objects lying along the trajectory of the threat cloud; responsive to the determined characteristics, identifying in the threat cloud the reentry vehicle as opposed to a decoy and the projected track thereof; and, guiding the intercept vehicle to intercept the identified reentry vehicle as it travels along its projected track. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the trajectory of the threat cloud is first determined by ground-based radar and wherein the stripping operation is made to commence when the intercept vehicle is within a predetermined range of the threat cloud, thus to implement a shoot-look-shoot strategy.3. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining step includes sensing LADAR and infrared radiation from the threat cloud.4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of sensing LADAR and infrared radiation includes utilization of a dual mode LADAR and infrared focal plane array.5. The method of claim 4, wherein the sensing step includes the use of LADAR and an infrared sensor which are co-boresighted.6. The method of claim 4, wherein the gain of the focal plane array is increased during the time interval that LADAR returns are expected.7. A system for detecting presence and track of a reentry vehicle in a threat cloud composed of radar returns from objects occupying a region of space comprising:a dual mode seeker in an intercept vehicle for detecting infrared and returned laser pulse radiation from objects in said threat cloud; an algorithm processing unit coupled to detected infrared and returned laser pulse radiation for identifying the types of objects in said threat cloud to identify decoy related flight characteristics thereof, thus to identify a reentry vehicle and its track by classifying the objects in said threat cloud; and, responsive to an identified reentry vehicle, an intercept vehicle controller for guiding said intercept vehicle to intercept the identified reentry vehicle. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein said multimode seeker has a common focal plane array for detecting both infrared and laser radiation.9. The system of claim 8, wherein the gain of said focal plane array is increased for detecting returned laser pulses.10. A method of for discrimination between high altitude objects comprising threat objects which are intended to inflict damage and decoy objects, wherein each of said objects has a ballistic coefficient, said method comprising the steps of:using a dual mode IR and LADAR seeker aboard an intercept vehicle launched toward the objects to obtain precise target dynamic measurements of the objects; and, then using said precise target dynamic measurements and the ballistic coefficient of each of the objects to separate said objects into threat objects and decoy objects. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the discrimination method is employed at altitudes exceeding 100 km.