DE102013107364A1 - laser armor - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to laser armor for protecting an object (10), in particular a vehicle, against laser weapons with an armor element (2) which can be arranged on the object (10), wherein the armor element (2) is movably arranged relative to the object (10).

Description

The invention relates to a laser armor for protecting an object, in particular a vehicle, against laser weapons with an armor element which can be arranged on the object. Another object of the invention is a method for protecting an object from laser weapons by means of a laser armor with an armor element arranged on the object and also a vehicle, in particular a military vehicle, with a laser armor.

Increasingly, for example, in the field of air defense and also the control of mobile and immobile targets on land, various types of laser weapons are used, in which a high-energy laser beam is focused on a target to be attacked.

Due to the energy introduced via the laser beam, the target is strongly locally heated in the region of the irradiation point of the laser radiation, which can lead to impairments of the object even to its complete destruction even after short irradiation times.

As problematic in this context, for example, has proven in military land vehicles that the armor elements provided on these example, although against ballistic projectiles or explosives are able to develop a good protective effect, but in the case of a laser attack are largely ineffective. This is mainly due to the fact that large quantities of energy are applied to the locally limited space in the existing example of a steel armor armoring element over the laser beam, which can lead to destruction of the armor element after a short Einstrahldauer.

The object of the invention is to provide a laser armor, in which the protective effect against laser bombardment is significantly improved compared to conventional armor.

This problem is solved in a laser armor of the type mentioned above in that the armor element is arranged to be movable relative to the object.

Due to the movable arrangement of the armor element relative to the object, the armor element can also be moved relative to the laser beam incident on the object. As a result, a locally limited to a single Einstrahlpunkt energy input is avoided. The energy of the laser beam is coupled in accordance with the movement of the armor element not locally in only one Einstrahlpunkt, but along the path of movement of the armor element over a larger area distributed in the armor element. The risk of material failure due to the heat introduced by the laser radiation is significantly reduced.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the armor element is arranged in front of a surface to be protected of the object and arranged to be movable in a direction parallel and / or transversely to the surface to be protected. By moving in parallel, the energy input of the laser beam can be distributed over the surface. By moving transversely to the surface to be protected, the protective element can be moved out of the focal position of the laser beam, whereby the energy density in the Einstrahlpunkt can also be lowered.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the armor element is arranged to be movable in several directions. For example, the armor element can be moved in a substantially vertical and additionally in a substantially horizontal direction.

A further embodiment provides that the armor element is designed to be movable via a drive, in particular an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic drive. The drive allows defined movement sequences to be transferred to the armor element.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the armor element is resiliently mounted. Due to the resilient mounting of the armor element, this can move automatically when mounted on a military vehicle due to the forces occurring during driving, for example.

A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that a privacy shield is provided, through which the movements of the armor element are covered. By arranged in the beam path of the laser beam sight protection, the movements of the armor element for the attacker are not visible. The privacy screen is located on the threat side of the armor element. It is therefore not possible for the attacker to anticipate the movements and to try to track the laser beam to the movements of the armor element, in order to deliberately take a certain point of the armor element under continuous firing.

It is advantageous in this context if the privacy shield covers at least the edges of the armor element. Covering the edges of the armor element is sufficient in most cases, since the movement of a especially plate-shaped armor element can usually only recognize at the edges.

A structurally advantageous embodiment provides that the privacy shield is designed to be stationary and the armor element is movable in the visual shadow of the privacy screen.

Another structurally advantageous embodiment provides that the armor element is arranged in an intermediate region between an outer surface of the object to be protected and the privacy screen.

In a further embodiment, it is proposed that the privacy screen is designed to be optically transparent in a narrow-band wavelength range. The wavelength range in which the privacy screen is optically transparent may be adjusted according to the wavelength of the laser weapon. In this case, the screen is transparent to the laser beam, so that it is not affected by irradiation and the laser beam passes unhindered through the screen. This embodiment is particularly suitable for laser radiation in the UV or IR wavelength range, which lies outside of the visually perceptible by the human eye spectrum. In this case, the laser beam radiates unhindered through the privacy screen onto the armor element moving behind the privacy screen, which, however, can not be recognized by the attacker. The attacker sees the situation as if the laser beam were absorbed by the surface without any effect whatsoever.

For a planar protection even of larger-area objects, it is advantageous if the laser armor has a plurality of armor elements arranged movably, which are distributed in a tiling manner over the object to be protected. In this way, with armor elements designed essentially as identical parts, it is also possible to realize protection of larger objects. Should one of the armor elements, for example, be damaged by an enemy laser shot, this can be easily replaced with a new armor element. The armor elements may be designed as protection modules that attach to the object with a few simple steps or can be removed from this.

An advantageous for the protective effect of the laser armor embodiment provides that the armor elements are arranged in multiple layers. The result is a redundant arrangement of armor elements such that in case of failure of an outer layer of armor elements of the laser beam strikes a more inner layer.

In this context, it is advantageous if each layer has a plurality of armor elements, wherein the directions of movement of the armor elements are different in two adjacent layers.

Moreover, it has proven to be advantageous in connection with the laser armor if it has a sensor for detecting the laser radiation. In the case of laser beam detection by means of the sensor, the armor elements can be automatically set in motion. It is not necessary to constantly move the armor elements, but only in the case of a specific threat situation, which is reliably detected by the sensors.

A further advantageous embodiment of the laser armor provides that this has a cooling system for dissipating introduced by the laser weapons in the armor element heat. About the cooling system, the heat introduced by the impinging laser beam in the armor element heat can be derived from the Einstrahlpunkt the laser radiation. As a result, a heat input lying above the damage threshold of the material of the armor element in the region of the irradiation point can be avoided. The risk of material failure due to the heat introduced by the laser radiation is again significantly reduced.

An advantageous embodiment with regard to their cooling capacity provides that the cooling system has a cooling fluid. About the cooling fluid and larger amounts of heat can be removed easily.

It is advantageous in this context, when the cooling fluid circulates in a cooling circuit, which is guided by the armor element. The cooling circuit may be a closed circuit to which heat introduced via the laser radiation is supplied in the region of the armor element, which heat is then transported away via the cooling fluid and delivered to a delivery point. For discharging large amounts of heat, it has proved to be advantageous if the cooling circuit is a refrigerant circuit with a compressor, a throttle, a condenser and an evaporator. Because of the in such a refrigerant circuit of a constant phase transformation underlying, serving as a cooling fluid refrigerant comparatively large amounts of heat can be dissipated.

A structurally advantageous embodiment provides that the cooling fluid is passed from a reservoir coming through the armor element. In the reservoir can be a certain amount Coolant be stored. In the case of a laser shot, the cooling fluid can be removed from the reservoir and used to cool the armor element. When passing through the armor element, the cooling fluid can absorb heat and then heated flow out of the armor element, for example in the direction of the vehicle environment.

A further embodiment provides that the cooling fluid heated by the laser radiation is guided out of an outlet provided in the lower region of the armor element and that cooling fluid of lower temperature is guided via an inlet provided in the upper region of the armor element. Cooler cooling fluid can first be fed into the armor element via the inlet. By absorbing heat introduced via the laser radiation, the cooling fluid can flow through the armor element and subsequently leave the armor element heated over the outlet.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the cooling fluid is applied to the armor element via a spray device. About the sprayer, the cooling fluid can be applied in a feintropfig and targeted to the armor element in the manner of a spray.

In this context, an embodiment provides that the spray device is arranged on the threat side of the armor element, in the interior of the armor element or on the object side of the armor element.

According to a further embodiment, it is proposed that the armor element has a chamber in which the cooling fluid is circulated. The cooling fluid can enter the chamber via an inlet and exit via an outlet. In the region of the inlet, a spraying device can be arranged. There may be provided a closed circuit in which the cooling fluid is circulated. For this purpose, a circulation pump and a cooling fluid which removes heat from the heated cooling fluid can be provided.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that a victim plate filled with cooling fluid is arranged on the threat side of the armor element. When the laser radiation hits the sacrificial plate, it is first heated by the incident laser beam. In this case, the fluid arranged within the sacrificial plate also heats up. After a certain time, the sacrificial plate is destroyed and the cooling fluid provided within the sacrificial plate leaves the sacrificial plate via the irradiation point of the laser radiation. The cooling fluid flowing in from above under the influence of gravity further cools the irradiation area, which results in a certain cooling effect, before the laser beam strikes the actual armor plate after destruction of the sacrificial plate.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that a liquid gas, in particular cooled nitrogen, water, glycol, refrigerant, a Instand cooling fluid, a gel or a foam is used as cooling fluid.

In addition, it is proposed that the armor element comprise a plurality of interconnectable chambers, wherein in each chamber is a component of a multi-component fluid which produces a cooling effect after mixing due to a chemical reaction. The individual chambers can be connected to each other by the bombardment of the laser radiation by partition walls are designed and arranged such that they are destroyed by the incident laser radiation. Alternatively it can be provided between the individual chambers controllable via a controller device for connecting the respective chambers. For example, this may be provided between the chambers a valve.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that several armor elements are provided. In particular, a multiplicity of armor elements can be distributed over the object to be protected, for example in the manner of a tiling-like arrangement.

According to a further embodiment, the armor elements can be equipped with separate cooling systems. In the case of destruction of an armor element this can be easily replaced with the associated cooling system against a new armor element. A structurally advantageous because simple design provides that several armor elements have a common cooling system. The result is a comparatively simple structure, since not every armor element must be equipped separately, for example, with a cooling unit for cooling the cooling fluid.

As an alternative or in addition to the cooling fluid, the cooling system can also have an electrical coolant, in particular a Peltier element. The Peltier element may for example be attached to the object-side rear side of the armor element and unfold there by energizing a cooling effect.

An advantageous embodiment provides that a laser radiation detecting sensor is provided for triggering an armor element. When the laser radiation recognizing Sensors can be photosensitive sensors. Once they detect an incident laser radiation, the cooling system can be activated and derived the resulting heat and / or the movement of the armor element can be initiated.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the armor element has a plurality of optical active body to affect the irradiated laser radiation. By impairing the irradiated laser radiation by means of a plurality of optical active body results in an improved protective effect. High intensities of the laser radiation, which occur in an undisturbed laser beam in a locally limited space, are avoided. The risk of destructive overstressing of the material due to the heat introduced by the laser radiation is further reduced by the impairment of the radiation. Due to the large number of optical active bodies, the impairment can be largely independent of the angle of incidence of the laser radiation.

An advantageous embodiment provides in this context that the active bodies are designed to reflect the laser radiation as a reflection body. By reflecting the laser radiation, significant portions of the laser radiation from the object to be protected can be fended off.

In this context, it is advantageous if the reflection body has a reflective surface, in particular a mirror surface. The reflection body can be mirrored over the entire surface or only partially mirrored. The mirror surface may be provided with a highly reflective layer in accordance with the wavelength of the expected laser radiation.

Alternatively or additionally, it may further be provided that the active bodies are designed to break the laser radiation as a refractive body. Even by refraction of the laser radiation, this can be affected. For example, a laser beam can be widened by refraction effects, resulting in lower intensities in the Einstrahlpunkt.

In this context, it is advantageous if the refractive bodies consist of an optically transparent material. The refraction bodies themselves are therefore hardly affected by the laser radiation from the latter. The laser radiation penetrates the refractive bodies without heating them appreciably. By refraction at the edges of the refractive body there is a widening or scattering of the laser radiation, so that it impinges on the object lying behind it only with significantly lower intensity.

The refractive bodies advantageously have a curved surface for widening the laser radiation. The curved surface may be spherical, spherical or cylindrical, for example. Also, the active body or the refractive body may have a roughened surface to produce a scattering effect.

Alternatively or additionally, a further embodiment provides that the active bodies are designed to diffract the laser radiation as a diffraction body. Even by exploiting diffraction effects, the irradiated laser radiation can be impaired in such a way that lower intensities occur on the object to be protected.

A structurally advantageous embodiment provides in this context that the diffraction bodies have diffraction gaps. The diffraction gaps can be produced, for example, by a coating applied to the diffraction bodies, by material differences provided within the diffraction bodies or similar structures.

An advantageous embodiment which develops a particularly good protective effect provides that a plurality of active bodies are arranged one behind the other in the effective direction of the laser radiation. The result is a kind of stepped protection arrangement, in which after failure or after passing through a more active body located in front of the laser radiation then hits a further active body. Advantageously, the active bodies are arranged relative to one another in such a way that there is a stepwise impairment of the laser radiation associated with a stepwise reduced beam intensity.

In order to obtain a uniform protective effect against radiating from different directions laser radiation is proposed in a further embodiment of the invention that the active bodies are arranged as loose bulk material within a housing-like receptacle of the armor element. Due to the arrangement of the active body as loose bulk material, these have no preferred orientation, but are stochastically distributed within the corresponding receptacle. In that regard, certain active bodies are always optimally aligned to different directions of irradiation.

It is advantageous in this context if the recording is optically transparent at least on the threat side in the wavelength range of the laser weapons. In this way, the incoming laser beam initially passes unhindered through the receptacle before it then enters the optically active body arranged in the receptacle. A destruction of the recording by the incoming laser radiation and thus, for example, a leakage the arranged as a bulk active body is avoided.

An alternative or additional embodiment provides that the active bodies are arranged in the manner of a protective curtain. The active bodies can be arranged like a curtain around the object to be protected. The curtain can be opened or closed, depending on whether a laser threat is prevailing or not.

Another embodiment provides that the active bodies are embedded in a carrier material which can be applied to the threat side of the armor element. The carrier material may in particular be a pasty material in which the active bodies are embedded. Similar to a sunscreen, the carrier material together with the active bodies in the case of a recognized laser radiation can then be applied to threatened areas, for example via a nozzle.

A further embodiment provides that the active bodies have a plurality of mutually angled surfaces running. The mutually angled surfaces can be used for example as a reflection, refraction or diffraction surfaces.

Another embodiment provides that the active bodies are spherical. For example, reflection effects or refraction effects for impairing the laser radiation can be used on the spherical surfaces.

All of the above-described embodiments of armor elements with a plurality of optical active bodies can be implemented according to the invention also in the previously described embodiments of armor elements with a cooling system.

In addition, it is proposed to solve the above problem in a method of the type mentioned that the armor element is moved relative to the object. Again, there are the advantages already mentioned in connection with the laser armor.

Advantageously, the laser armor is designed to carry out the method according to one or more of the features described above.

An advantageous embodiment of the method further provides that the laser radiation detected by the sensor and the armor element is automatically set in motion when detected laser radiation. It is therefore not necessary to keep the armor element constantly in motion, but the armor element can be set in the event of a threat situation targeted in motion.

A further development of the method provides that the movements of the armor element are masked by a privacy so that they are not visible. In this way, an attacker is certainly not readily possible to track the laser beam the movements of the armor element in order to achieve in this way a local energy input.

Finally, to solve the above object, a vehicle is proposed, which is characterized by a laser armor of the type described above. Even with such a vehicle, the advantages mentioned in connection with the laser armor arise.

Further aspects, advantages and details of a laser armor according to the invention, a method for protecting an object from laser weapons as well as a vehicle equipped with a laser armor are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments. Show:

1 in a perspective, highly schematic view of an object to be protected with a laser armoring having several armor elements,

2 a detailed view of the laser armor according to 1 .

3 a side sectional view of an embodiment of the laser armor,

4 a side sectional view of another embodiment of the laser armor,

5 a schematic side view of a laser armor,

6 another lateral schematic view of a laser armor and

7 a further sectional side view of another embodiment of a laser armor.

8th - 13 in a schematic view of various embodiments of a laser armor, in which the armor elements are provided with a cooling system,

14 a laser armor with an additionally provided sacrificial plate,

15 - 18 schematic views of different versions of armor elements with optical active bodies.

1 shows in perspective view an object 10 , which has a laser armor 1 protected against shelling by laser weapons.

At the object 10 it may be an immobile object, such as a building, a bunker, or a mobile target, such as a military vehicle, and in particular a military land vehicle. The laser armor 1 serves to protect against laser weapons, which according to the invention are understood to mean all beam weapons operating by means of collimated radiation.

As already the representation in 1 reveals the laser armor exists 1 from several tiling arranged over the object arranged armor elements 2 , in front of a protected area 11 of the object 10 are arranged. While the presentation in 1 an education of the protection arrangement 1 reveals, in which the armor elements only on one side of the object 10 are arranged, it is understood that the laser armor 1 also armor elements 2 on the other sides of the object 10 which depends mainly on which side the threat is to be expected. In a military vehicle, it makes sense, all sides of the vehicle as well as the vehicle roof with armor elements 2 To provide and only the vehicle floor not against laser bombardment, since the bombardment by laser weapons is usually done from the side or from above.

Like the representation for example in 2 This illustrates the armor elements 2 opposite the object 10 movably arranged. This ensures that one on the object 10 or the laser armor 1 incident laser beam for a long time on one and the same point acts and unfolds there after a certain Einstrahlzeit possibly a destructive effect.

In the execution according to 2 is the armor element 2 in front of the surface to be protected 11 of the object 10 in the vertical direction R ₁ as well as in the horizontal direction R ₂ movable. By moving the armor element 2 opposite the object 10 also results in a relative movement with respect to the incident laser beam, which is why this does not hit for longer periods on one and the same point, whereby the local energy input is significantly reduced, so that destructions of the armor element 2 not to be afraid.

While the presentation in 2 two directions of movement of the armor element 2 in a plane parallel to the surface to be protected 11 of the object 10 shows, it is also conceivable, the armor element 2 additionally or alternatively also transversely to the direction of the surface to be protected 11 to move. By such a movement becomes the armor element 2 moved in the direction of the incident laser beam. Usually, the laser beam emanates from the laser beam directly into the surface of the object 10 into focus, since the intensity of the laser radiation in the focus is greatest. By a movement of the armor element 2 across the surface to be protected 11 of the object 10 can the armor element 2 be moved out of this focus position, whereby the intensity of the laser radiation is lowered into the Einstrahlpunkt. This also makes it possible to destroy the armor element 2 reduce by the incident laser radiation.

Like the illustration in 5 shows, the movements of the armor element 2 be initiated via a drive M. The drive M may be a motor drive, such as an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motor. About the drive M, the armor element 2 defined to be set in motion, for example via a kind of eccentric gear or similar devices. Since it is not necessary, the armor element 2 To keep moving constantly, also a sensor S for detecting the incident laser radiation is provided. These may be photosensitive sensors which detect the incident laser radiation. After detecting the laser radiation then the drive M can be controlled and the armor element 2 be set in motion.

Alternatively or additionally, the armor element 2 also be suspended resilient, as in 6 is shown. It can be seen that the armor element 2 over a spring 4 to the object to be protected 10 is coupled. Such a resilient suspension is particularly suitable for mobile objects 10 and especially in military land vehicles. Due to the forces occurring during driving the armor element 2 in these by deflecting the spring 4 constantly kept moving. Advantage of this suspension over springs 4 is also that the movement is purely stochastic, so that tracking the laser radiation according to the movements of the armor element 2 not possible.

To avoid a target tracking of the laser radiation is in accordance with the representations in the 3 and 4 also a privacy screen 3 which will be discussed in detail below.

Like the illustration in 3 initially reveals, there is the privacy 3 on the threat side of the armor elements 2 the laser armor 1 and at least partially covers them on their threat side. The armor elements 2 are located in an intermediate area between the opposite the object 10 fixedly arranged sight protection 3 and the object 10 , This results in a kind of gap in which the armor elements 2 can be moved. Purpose of the screen 3 it is the movements of the armor elements 2 invisible to the attacker.

According to the embodiment in 3 is the privacy screen 3 designed so that this the edges 2.1 the armor elements 2 covered in such a way that these in the visual shadow of the screen 3 lie, cf. also the representation in 2 , The overlapping of the edges 2.1 of the armor element 2 is chosen such that it even with maximum movement of the armor element 2 not out of the visual shadow of the privacy screen 3 stepping out. For the attacker is the movement of the otherwise planar armor element 2 therefore not visible and it is certainly not readily possible to track the laser beam these movements.

An alternative embodiment of the screen 3 is in 4 shown. During the privacy 3 in the 2 and 3 in each case only the edges of the armor element 2 Covered and otherwise has openings for the passage of the laser radiation, covers the screen 3 according to 4 the armor elements 2 the entire surface. The armor elements 2 are arranged tiled over the object in this arrangement and are completely in the visual shadow of the screen 3 , The privacy screen 3 is kept optically transparent in this embodiment in a narrow-band wavelength range, for example in the wavelength range of 1064 nm. The optically transparent wavelength range is matched to the wavelength of the expected laser gun, continuing the above wavelength example to an Nd: YAG laser. The effect achieved by this is the following:
Since the privacy 3 is optically transparent to the incident laser beam, this occurs almost unhindered by the privacy 3 through and hits the armor element 2 which faces the object 10 emotional. The movements of the armor element 2 however, are not visible to the attacker since the wavelength of the laser radiation is often outside the range visible to the human eye, or due to the narrow banding of the visual transparency of the privacy screen 3 at least difficult to recognize for the attacker. The attacker therefore has an image in which the laser beam is virtually in the privacy screen 3 disappears without causing a significant effect. Because even with destruction of one of the armor elements 2 This would be due to the privacy 3 for the attacker 2 not visible.

An improved in terms of their protective effect embodiment finally shows the illustration in 7 , In this are the protective elements 2 arranged in several layers L ₁ , L ₂ , whereby a redundant arrangement is such that in case of failure of one of the armor elements 2 an outer layer L _2, the laser radiation strikes in a next step on a further inner layer L ₁ . The movements of the protective elements 2 are in the layers L ₁ , L ₂ advantageously aligned differently.

In the embodiments according to the 1 to 7 exist the armor elements 2 made of armor steel and are formed on the type of ballistic effect armor plates. Alternatively, it can be at the armor elements 2 also act to composite armor plates, in which a plurality of ballistic effective active body is embedded for example of a ceramic material in a matrix material.

Subsequently, two further, particularly advantageous embodiments of the armor elements 2 which are used to improve the protective effect against laser radiation with a cooling system 13 and / or optical agents 23 . 24 . 25 are equipped.

First, based on the representations in the 8th to 14 on an embodiment of the armor elements 2 be received, which is characterized in that the armor elements 2 a cooling system 13 for deriving from the laser weapons in the armor element 2 have incorporated heat. Details of the movement of the armor elements 2 opposite the object 10 are in the 8th to 14 not shown for reasons of clarity.

In the cooling system 13 it is an active cooling system 13 which is supplied with energy for the purpose of cooling, for example for the operation of a refrigeration unit or for the operation of pumps P.

It can be several armor elements 2 via a common cooling system 13 or alternatively any armor element 2 with its own cooling system 13 be equipped, cf. for example 11 ,

The armor elements 2 each can be part of a cooling circuit 14 exhibit. The armor elements 2 can be scaly over an area of the object to be protected 10 arranged distributed and the cooling circuit 4 Meandering through several armor elements 2 be guided, taking care that the movements of the armor elements 2 opposite the object through the cooling circuit 14 not be affected.

The armor elements 2 each have pieces of pipe, with the corresponding pipe pieces of an adjacent armor element 2 be connected to each other movable, in order in this way a closed cooling circuit 14 to build. Inside the cooling circuit 14 a cooling fluid flows 18 , which passes through the armor elements 2 Absorbs heat and releases it elsewhere as waste heat.

The cooling circuit 4 For example, it may be connected to a waste heat circuit via a refrigerant circuit forming a type of refrigeration unit. Such refrigerant circuits conventionally consist of an evaporator, in which the cooling fluid heated by the laser radiation, with the release of heat, ensures vaporization of the refrigerant flowing within the refrigerant circuit. The vaporized refrigerant is passed through a compressor in a heat exchanger in which the refrigerant gives off its heat to the waste heat. In this case, the refrigerant liquefies in parts, after which it is then returned via a throttle in the evaporator, where it then evaporates with renewed absorption of energy introduced via the laser radiation. This results in an arrangement in which due to the intermediate refrigerant circuit large amounts of heat can be dissipated. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that of the cooling fluid 18 absorbed heat in another way and in particular without a refrigerant circuit dissipate.

While previously a laser armor 1 with a closed cooling circuit 14 has been described, embodiments are also conceivable in which the cooling fluid 18 not necessarily in a closed cooling circuit 14 circulated.

In the embodiments according to the 8th to 10 each is a spraying device 15 intended. About this is the cooling fluid 18 atomized under increased pressure and onto a surface of the armor element to be cooled 2 applied.

In the execution according to 8th are the sprayers 15 arranged such that the threat side of the armor elements 2 is sprayed. By continuous spraying takes the cooling fluid 18 at the bottom gutter heat and dissipates.

Of quite similar construction is the execution according to 10 in which the spray devices 15 not on the threat side, but on the object side of the armor elements 2 are arranged. The sprayers 15 are in a gap between the armor elements 2 and the object to be protected 10 so that they are not visible to an attacker from the outside.

In the execution according to 9 are the sprayers 15 inside the armor elements 2 arranged. The sprayers 15 be over an inlet 2.2 with cooling fluid 18 provided. About the sprayers 15 becomes the cooling fluid 18 so in the interior of the armor elements 2 sprayed that over a large area with cooling fluid 18 is wetted. The cooling fluid 18 flows down under the influence of gravity and leaves the armor element 2 finally over outlets 2.3 , Subsequently, the cooling fluid 18 either escape into the environment or in a cooling circuit 14 cooled and then again over the inlet 2.2 in the interior of the armor element 2 be guided.

11 shows an embodiment of an armor element 2 in which an armor element 2 with a separate cooling system 13 is provided. The armor element 2 is a separate cooling circuit 14 assigned. In the upper part of the armor element 2 is the inlet 2.2 , or in the execution according to 11 two inlets 2.2 , In the area of each inlet 2.2 is a spraying device 15 arranged over which the cooling fluid 18 in the interior of the armor element 2 is sprayed. The interior of the armor element 2 has a chamber 16 on. In the lower end of the armor element 2 collects the cooling fluid 18 inside the chamber 16 and leaves it via the outlet 2.3 , After leaving the armor element 2 becomes the cooling fluid 18 driven by a pump P after flowing through the cooling circuit 14 again the inlet 2.2 fed. In this case, the cooling fluid 18 before reaching the inlet 2.2 first undergo a cooling, for example, by heat to a refrigerant circuit, as already explained.

12 shows an embodiment similar to that of 11 in which several chambers connected in series 16 are provided, which contributes to a more uniform cooling effect. The individual chambers 16 are cascaded to each other. This is in a higher chamber 16 in the lower region collecting cooling fluid 18 is over one in the upper area of an underlying chamber 16 provided spray device 15 guided, so that the cooling fluid 18 successively several spray devices 15 passes. This results in a kind of cascade with good cooling effect.

13 shows an embodiment in which the armor element 2 completely with cooling fluid 18 is filled. About the inlet 2.2 occurs the cooling fluid 3 in the interior of the armor element 2 and leaves this via the outlet 2.3 taking along the laser radiation in the armor element 2 coupled heat. Again, a cascaded arrangement with multiple chambers 16 improve the cooling effect.

14 finally shows an embodiment in which the armor elements 2 the laser armor 1 a sacrificial plate 17 upstream. The sacrificial plate 17 is designed in the manner of a cooling fluid reservoir and acts as a kind of passive cooling system in which a certain cooling effect is generated even without the supply of external energy. When bombarded by laser radiation, this is in the sacrificial plate 17 provided cooling fluid 18 first heated, then before the sacrificial plate 17 is destroyed after a certain Einstrahlzeit. In the area of the destruction site, ie the irradiation point of the laser radiation, this occurs within the sacrificial plate 17 provided cooling fluid 18 under gravity then gradually from, where also heat is dissipated. Also, that may be from the sacrificial plate 17 outflowing cooling fluid 18 to a wetting of the underlying armor elements 2 also produce with application of a certain cooling effect.

Alternatively or in addition to the cooling system 13 can the armor elements 2 also optical active bodies 23 . 24 . 25 have to impair the irradiated laser radiation, as hereinafter with reference to the representations in the 15 to 18 will be received. Details of the movement of the armor elements 2 and the cooling system 13 are in the 15 to 18 not shown for reasons of clarity.

The armor elements 2 each have a plurality of optical active bodies 23 . 24 . 25 to the impairment of the irradiated laser radiation. As a result, a weakening of the intensity of the laser radiation and thus a reduction of the required cooling capacity of the cooling system 13 reached. It prevents laser beams with an above the damage threshold of the object to be protected 10 lying on this intensity.

In the execution according to 15 is a variety of different active bodies 23 intended. The active body 23 are as a reflection body 23 trained and are as loose bulk material in a box-shaped receptacle 2.4 of the armor element 2 , The optical active body 23 have a surface consisting of an optically reflecting layer 23.1 on. The reflective surface 23.1 can spread over the entire optical body 23 or only over partial areas of the active body 23 extend. The active body 23 according to the execution in 15 have several mutually angled extending surfaces 23.1 on, resulting in very different levels of reflection.

When a laser beam strikes, it will hit the corresponding surface 23.1 of the active body 23 reflected. After reflection has taken place, the laser beam then possibly hits another active body 23 and will be reflected again. With each reflection, the intensity of the object decreases 10 acting laser beam, so that this - if the armor element 2 should be irradiated at all, only with significantly reduced intensity on the object 10 meets. Significant portions of the laser beam are also from the object 10 steered away.

On another physical working principle is based in 16 illustrated armor element 2 ,

In this is also a variety of optical active body 24 provided by partly different geometry. About the active body 24 becomes an incident laser beam, such as one in 16 is shown by solid lines, affected by refraction, whereby the laser beam expands and thereby loses intensity. As the dotted lines illustrate this, the laser beam is not only by the refraction effects but also by reflections at the interfaces of the active body 24 impaired. The active body 24 are for breaking the laser radiation as optically transparent refractive body 24 designed. Upon impact of a laser beam on a surface of the refractive body 24 there is a refraction of light, which, after passing through a plurality of refractive bodies arranged one behind the other 24 a weakening of the laser beam results in such that this when leaving the protective element 2 has a much lower intensity. The danger of destruction of the object 10 is also due to this active body 24 is significantly reduced. The diameter of the on the threat side of the armor element 2 incident laser beam is by passing through the refractive body 24 expanded to a multiple, whereby the intensity of the laser radiation can be reduced to an uncritical level.

The active body 24 may have different geometries according to the schematic representation. It is important that these have mutually angled running surfaces or round surfaces on which then the refraction of the light takes place.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be in the active bodies 24 as shown in 16 also act as so-called. Steel divider, the parts of the laser radiation with a certain beam property and other parts of the laser radiation that do not have this beam property, reflect. For example, p- and s-polarized beam portions can be separated from each other, which also results in a significant reduction of the irradiated laser intensity. This can be done on the active bodies 24 For example, be provided polarizing filter.

On a further physical working principle is based in 17 shown active body 25 ,

Also this can according to the representations in the 15 respectively. 16 as loose bulk material in an armor element 2 be introduced. At the in 4 shown active body 25 it is a diffraction body 25 , This has several diffraction gaps 25.1 on which the incident laser light is diffracted. This results in diffraction patterns with less intense laser radiation on the surface of the object to be protected 10 ,

As shown in the 15 and 16 can the active body 23 . 24 . 25 as loose bulk material always within a box-like receptacle 2.4 of the armor element 2 to be ordered. Inside an armor element 2 can have different active bodies 23 . 24 . 25 be arranged mixed with reflective, refractive and diffractive properties, preferably as loose bulk material.

It is advantageous in this context when the recording 2.4 of box-shaped geometry and threat side is provided with an optically transparent cover in the manner of a lid. The cover may be formed in the region of the expected laser radiation in a narrow band wavelength range optically transparent. This results in that the incident laser beam passes through the cover unhindered and only through the underlying active body 23 . 24 . 25 is impaired. Destruction of the cover is avoided in this way. Another positive effect occurs in those covers that are optically transparent in a wavelength range that is perceivable by the human eye. Because in these occurs, for example, a laser beam in the IR region through the cover, behind which he then on the optical active body 23 . 24 . 25 is impaired. Since this is imperceptible to the human eye, the attacker can not easily recognize these effects.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that a plurality of active bodies 23 . 24 . 25 is embedded in a carrier material which is on the threat side of the armor element 2 can be applied. Similar to a sunscreen cream can within the carrier material a variety of smaller active body 23 . 24 . 25 be embedded. Upon detection of a laser attack then the carrier material and with this the active body 23 . 24 . 25 on the threatened side of the object to be protected 10 be applied specifically. For this purpose, for example, a corresponding conduit system with a plurality of outlet nozzles for applying the arranged in the carrier material active body 23 . 24 . 25 be provided on a threatened place of the object.

Another alternative arrangement of the active body 23 . 24 . 25 is in 18 shown. In this there are a variety of active bodies 23 . 24 . 25 in a kind of curtain arrangement. This type of curtain may be on the threat side of an object 10 to be ordered.

By impairing the irradiated laser radiation by means of a large number of optical active bodies 23 . 24 . 25 , The incident laser radiation can be affected by reflection, refraction or diffraction such that regardless of the direction of incidence of the incident laser beam attenuation of the intensity of the laser radiation takes place. The risk of material failure due to very intense radiation is significantly reduced.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

laser armor

2

armor panel

2.1

edge

2.2

inlet

2.3

outlet

2.4

admission

3

privacy

4

feather

10

object

11

area

13

cooling system

14

Cooling circuit

15

sprayer

16

chamber

17

sacrificial plate

18

cooling fluid

23

optical active body, reflection body

23.1

surface

24

optical active body, refractive body

25

optical active body, diffraction body

25.1

flexion gap

R ₁

direction

R ₂

direction

L ₁

location

L ₂

location

M

drive

S

sensors

P

pump

Claims (20)

Laser armor for protecting an object ( 10 ), in particular a vehicle, against laser weapons with one on the object ( 10 ) can be arranged armor element ( 2 ), characterized in that the armor element ( 2 ) against the object ( 10 ) is arranged movable. Laser armor according to claim 1, characterized in that the armor element ( 2 ) in front of a surface to be protected ( 11 ) of the object ( 10 ) and in a direction parallel or transverse to the surface to be protected ( 11 ) is arranged movable. Laser armor according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the armor element ( 2 ) is movably arranged in several directions (R ₁ , R ₂ ). Laser armor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armor element ( 2 ) via a drive (M), in particular an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic drive, is designed to be movable. Laser armor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armor element ( 2 ) is spring-mounted. Laser armor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a movement of the armor element ( 2 ) masking screen ( 3 ) having. Laser armor according to claim 6, characterized in that the screen ( 3 ) at least the edges ( 2.1 ) of the armor element ( 2 ) covers. Laser armor according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the screen ( 3 ) is stationary and the armor element ( 2 ) in the visual shadow of the privacy screen ( 3 ) is movable. Laser armor according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the armor element ( 2 ) in an intermediate region between an outer surface of the object to be protected ( 10 ) and the privacy screen ( 3 ) is arranged. Laser armor according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the screen ( 3 ) is formed optically transparent in a narrow band wavelength range. Laser armor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of armor elements ( 2 ) tiling over the object ( 1 ) are arranged distributed. Laser armor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by armor elements arranged in a plurality of layers (L ₁ , L ₂ ) ( 2 ). Laser armor according to claim 12, characterized in that each layer (L ₁ , L ₂ ) several armor elements ( 2 ), wherein the directions of movement of the armor elements ( 2 ) are different in two adjacent layers (L ₁ , L ₂ ). Laser armor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a sensor system (S) for detecting laser radiation. Laser armor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armor element ( 2 ) a cooling system ( 13 ) and / or a plurality of optical active bodies ( 23 . 24 . 25 ) having. Method of protecting an object from laser weapons by means of laser armoring ( 1 ) with one on the object ( 10 ) arranged armor element ( 2 ), characterized in that the armor element ( 2 ) against the object ( 10 ) is moved. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the laser armor ( 1 ) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 15. A method according to claim 16 or claim 17, characterized in that the laser radiation detected by the sensor (S) and the armor element ( 2 ) is automatically set in motion when detected laser radiation. Method according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the movements of the armor element ( 2 ) are hidden by a screen so that they are not visible. Vehicle, in particular military vehicle, characterized by a laser armor according to one of claims 1 to 15.

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