DE102016219457A1 - Method and system for the defense against threat missiles in the form of controllable unmanned small aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (M) for the defense against threat missiles (10) in the form of controllable unmanned light vehicles, using a defined threat level describing the likely threat threat posed by the threat missile (10) to a protected area (1), and Based on a specified hazard level indicating whether an uncontrolled crash of the threat missile (10) within a defensive area (2) can be tolerated or not, a sequence of control measures of increasing control severity is selected and directed against the threat missile (10). Furthermore, a system for the defense of threat missiles (10) is described in the form of controllable unmanned small vehicles.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a system for the defense of threat missiles in the form of controllable unmanned small aircraft.

Unmanned small vehicles, also called small UAVs, for example in the form of so-called small drones, are now widely used. "UAV" stands here as an abbreviation for the English term "Unmanned Aerial Vehicle". Small UAVs are usually equipped with cameras and used for film or photo shoots. Small UAVs, however, are increasingly posing a security risk, for example in the entry area of airports, in the area of sensitive infrastructural facilities, such as. As power plants, or for public events.

From the DE 10 2014 014 117 A1 For example, a system for repelling UAVs with a defense device is known, which comprises a communication device for receiving sensor data, an emission device for generating electromagnetic radiation and a control device for controlling the emission device. A defense of UAVs takes place here by means of electromagnetic defense radiation, in particular in the form of strong electromagnetic pulses, by which a malfunction within the UAV is to be triggered.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a system for averting threat missiles in the form of small UAVs, with which a reliable, secure defense of the small UAVs is made possible and which can be used for a wide range of applications.

This object is achieved in each case by the subject matters of the independent claims.

According to the invention, a method is provided for the defense of threat missiles in the form of controllable unmanned light aircraft. In a first method step, a threat level is defined, which describes the probable threat risk emanating from the threat missile for an area to be protected. Furthermore, a hazard level is specified, which indicates whether or not an uncontrolled crash of the threat missile can be tolerated within a defense area encompassing the area to be protected. In a further method step, selecting a sequence of control measures with increasing combat hardness to combat the threat missile, wherein the maximum combat severity of the sequence of control measures is selected depending on the threat level and increases with increasing threat level. Within a surveillance area, which includes the defense area, a controllable unmanned small aircraft is detected as a threat missile.

This is followed by a comparison of the hazard level with a predetermined limit risk level. If the hazard level reaches the limit risk level, a precautionary measure is taken to prevent an uncontrolled impact of the threat missile on the defense area as a result of combat.

Furthermore, the individual control measures of the sequence of control measures is carried out, wherein after each control measure their Bekämpfungserfolg is checked, the sequence is aborted in successful control and otherwise the next control measure of the sequence is performed.

According to this, parameters are first defined in the form of a threat level and a risk level. These together describe a defense or deployment scenario. Based on these parameters, a selection of the defensive measures to be taken takes place. The threat level takes into account the current security situation in the area of application and can in particular be specified by an operator or as an empirical parameter, eg. B. based on the frequency of observed by means of monitoring sensors flight activity of UAVs. The level of risk takes into account the risk, especially for persons, which emanates from an uncontrolled crash of a UAVs as a result of defensive measures against this. The risk level can be determined, for example, by determining the number of persons who are within a certain area, the danger level increasing with increasing number of persons per area. From a limit risk level, an uncontrolled crash of the defensive UAVs can no longer be accepted. The Threshold Level thus provides a binary decision parameter for taking a precautionary measure that prevents an uncontrolled crash of the threat missile or reduces the impulse of the falling parts of the threat missile to an innocuous level. At a hazard level lower than the limit risk level, an uncontrolled crash of the UAVs to be defended can be accepted and no precautionary measure is necessary. At a hazard level greater than or equal to the limit risk level, an uncontrolled crash of the UAVs to be defended can not be accepted and it is therefore necessary to carry out a security measure.

According to the invention, a sequence of control or defense measures is selected, which are carried out successively and whose control hardness or intensity within the sequence increases from measure to measure. The selection of the control agent with maximum control hardness is determined by the threat level. At a low level of threat only control measures are carried out with low control hardness while at high threat levels control measures are carried out with great control hardness. This offers the advantage that on the one hand, an economical use of ordnance takes place. Furthermore, at low threat levels, potentially unjustified complete destruction of the threat missile is prevented. When carrying out the sequence of control measures, it is checked after each individual control measure whether the threat posed by the UAV still exists. If so, the next control of the sequence is performed, otherwise the sequence is aborted. Optionally, the sequence is performed until its end. This sequential process with a hierarchical sequence of control measures reliably ensures that defense of the UAV takes place with the mildest possible means. This offers the advantage that with little technical and financial effort a defense of the threat missile takes place. Furthermore, it is ensured in this way that a fight takes place inconspicuously.

The invention also provides a system for the defense of threat missiles in the form of controllable unmanned light aircraft. The system has at least one reconnaissance device with a sensor device for detecting a small air vehicle within a monitoring area and a first defensive device for carrying out a control measure against the threat missile. Furthermore, the system has an unmanned defense small aircraft, short defense-small UAV or defense UAV, on which a second defense device for carrying out a control measure against the threat missile is arranged on. Furthermore, a control device is provided, which is functionally connected to the reconnaissance device and the defense small aircraft. The control device is configured to receive sensor signals from the sensing device of the at least one reconnaissance device based on the received sensor signals, based on a predetermined threat level describing the likely threat threat posed by the threat missile to a protected area, and a predetermined hazard level whether or not an uncontrolled crash of the threat missile within a defensive area, which is within the surveillance area and includes the area to be protected, can be tolerated, generating a control signal and transmitting it to the reconnaissance device and the defense small craft. The reconnaissance device and the defense small aircraft are each designed to carry out a control measure in each case on the basis of the control signal, so that a sequence of control measures is carried out by means of the first defensive device and the second defensive device.

The system according to the invention therefore has a reconnaissance device, which is used both for detecting and for controlling the threat missile. As a result, the system advantageously has a compact construction. The defense-small UAV has the advantage that it can be launched in the direction of the threat missile and this can combat from close range. As a result, control measures with low control hardness, such as low-energy electromagnetic radiation, can already be used at a great distance from the area to be protected. The control device of the system advantageously offers the possibility of analyzing the data detected by the sensor device of the reconnaissance device with regard to the presence of a threat missile and selecting a suitable form of combat based on the predefined parameters threat level and hazard level, a current deployment location and the current deployment boundary conditions of the system , In particular, by the control device, a control signal for sequential operation of the defenses of the reconnaissance device and the defense UAVs can be generated. This offers the advantage that efficient control of the threat missile with the mildest possible means is reliably carried out.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments will become apparent from the dependent claims to the independent claims in conjunction with the description.

For example, the threat level, BDL for short, can be divided into three discrete levels, in particular 0, 1, and 2. For a Level 0 BDL, there are no concrete indications of a threat. In this case, disruptions are mainly expected from private operators with little or no criminal potential and there is no additional threat of warfare agents in the BD. For a stage 0 BDL, you can the presence of a small UAV is generally accepted.

For a Level 1 BDL, the threat situation is generally considered medium. In this case, an organized operation and disruption of events with medium to high criminal potential can be assumed. For a Level 1 BDL, the presence of a small UAV can not be tolerated. Additional threat from non-lethal agents in the threat missile is likely.

For a Level 2 BDL, the threat situation is generally considered to be high. In this case, concrete terrorist attacks can be assumed. The threat of additional lethal agents in the threat missile is likely. In the case of a Level 2 BDL, the presence of a small UAV is to be prevented with all the technical effort available.

The threat level can be specified in particular by an operator or as an empirical parameter, eg. B. based on the frequency of observed by means of monitoring sensors flight activity of UAVs. The threat level can also be determined, for example, based on the external appearance of the detected UAV by means of an image recognition method in which the shape of the detected UAV is compared with data stored in a database for the external form of known UAVs. If the comparison leads to no match, for example, BDL 2 can be automatically adopted.

The selection of the sequence of control measures can in particular be carried out from a matrix in which each possible combination of threat level and hazard level is assigned in each case exactly one sequence of control measures. Such a selection process can be implemented computationally efficiently. Furthermore, an efficient control with the mildest possible means is achieved in this way for a large number of possible conditions of use.

As a precautionary measure, clamping of a safety net with respect to the direction of gravity below the threat missile is preferably provided. The safety net can be deployed for example by means of UAVs. The safety net is reliably protected by the safety net even in the event that the control measures against the threat missile are unsuccessful.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, at least one control measure of the sequence of the control measures is carried out by an unmanned defense small aircraft. The defense small aircraft can be advantageously launched in the direction of the threat missile and combat it from close range. As a result, control measures with low control hardness, such as bombardment by a safety gear, can already be used at a great distance from the area to be protected. In addition, the anti-aircraft missile may be advantageously used for security measures to prevent uncontrolled crash of the threat missile and to launch the threat missile out of the area to be protected.

Particularly preferred as defense-small aircraft a vertically-starting and landing small aircraft used. These so-called VTOL UAVs, where "VTOL" is an abbreviation for the English term "vertical takeoff and landing", offer the particular advantage that they can be flexibly maneuvered and can start and land flexibly in a small space.

With regard to the method, it can furthermore be provided that the sequence of the control measures has at least one first control measure of low control hardness for disturbing the controllability of the threat missile. In this way, advantageously carried out a very inconspicuous, especially physically barely perceptible defense of the threat missile.

As the first control measure irradiation of the threat missile with low-energy electromagnetic radiation is preferably provided. In particular, radio links can be interferers, GPS interferers or the like used. In particular, GPS interferers offer the advantage that even threat missiles in the form of autonomously flying small UAVs can be effectively defended and, in particular, kept away from or removed from the area to be protected.

In addition, the sequence of control measures may include at least a second control measure to remove the threat missile from the area to be protected or to compromise the flight capability of the threat missile. The impairment of flying ability for defense offers the advantage that the threat missile can be rendered harmless quickly and efficiently.

As a second control measure, capture of the threat missile with a safety gear, in particular a safety net, is preferably provided. This offers the advantage that The threat missile caught in the safety gear and thereby prevented from flying on and its uncontrolled crash is prevented. The safety gear can be deployed for example by a defense-small UAV. Here, the captured in the safety gear threat missiles can be removed by the defense-small UAV. Also, the safety gear with the threat missile caught therein may be dropped to the ground by means of a parachute, thereby reducing the momentum of the threat missile landing on the ground.

The sequence of the control measures preferably additionally comprises at least one third control measure for the at least partial mechanical destruction of the threat missile. This control measure represents a control measure with maximum control hardness and offers the advantage that the threat missile is made particularly reliable immediately flightless. In the case of a hazard level where an uncontrolled crash of the threat missile can not be tolerated, precautionary measures must be taken to secure the area to be protected.

As a third control measure is preferably irradiation of the threat missile with high-energy electromagnetic radiation, such. B. high-energy microwave radiation, high-energy laser radiation, or firing a defense projectile, such. B. a projectile or a missile, provided on the threat missile. This control measures have an advantageous effect particularly fast and reliable.

The system according to the invention can be designed in particular for carrying out the method described above. The features and relationships disclosed in connection with the method can thus be realized in the system according to the invention and vice versa.

In the system according to the invention, the sensor device may in particular comprise one or more sensors, for example one or more acoustic sensors, alternatively or additionally one or more optical sensors and, alternatively or additionally, one or more radar sensors. The provision of several different sensor types, that is, for example, in each case at least one radar sensor, an acoustic and an optical sensor, improves the reliability of the reconnaissance device.

Furthermore, the reconnaissance device can have a GPS receiver, which is functionally coupled to the control device. Preference may also be provided to the defense UAV in GPS receiver, which is functionally coupled to the GPS receiver of the reconnaissance device, so that a differential GPS system is formed. The functional coupling can be realized in particular by means of the control device.

The control device of the system can in particular a processor, a readable by this data storage, for. B. in the form of a non-volatile memory, and one or more interfaces for data transmission and data reception.

In particular, a program may be stored on the non-volatile memory which, when it is called, causes the processor to carry out the method described above.

The functional coupling between the control device and the reconnaissance device and the defense small UAV can be realized in particular by a wireless data transmission connection between these components.

According to a preferred embodiment of the system, the at least one reconnaissance device has a telescopically extendable mast, on whose end region the sensor device and the first defensive device are arranged. Accordingly, a mast with several segments is provided, which are designed to be extendable. The mast carries at a first end portion of the sensor device and the first defensive device and is provided at a second end portion opposite to the first end portion for anchoring to a stationary in use of the system structure. Due to the telescopic design, the system can be advantageously transported in a simple manner and thus spent quickly to a site.

According to an alternative embodiment, the at least one reconnaissance device has a vertically take-off and landing, unmanned carrier small aircraft, on which the sensor device and the first defensive device are arranged. In this way, a kind of VTOL UAV masts is formed. This offers the advantage that the position of the reconnaissance device can be selected in a particularly flexible manner, in particular independently of the conditions at the bottom of the place of deployment of the system. Furthermore, an arrangement of the sensor device can take place in a particularly high altitude. As a result, a large range of the sensors is achieved due to an undisturbed field of view.

Preferably, the carrier-small aircraft is electrically connected to the operation of a spatially separated from the carrier-small aircraft electrical energy source. This can be realized, for example, via a power cable that can be unrolled by a rolling device. As a result, large heights, for example of up to 50 m, are possible for the arrangement of the sensor device and the first defensive device. At the same time advantageously the service life of the carrier small aircraft can be extended.

The first defensive device can in particular have a radiation generator for generating low-energy electromechanical radiation and / or a safety gear and / or a radiation generator for generating high-energy electromechanical radiation and / or a firing device for firing a projectile or a guided missile. Preferably has a radiation generator for generating low-energy electromechanical radiation and is for performing control measures with low control hardness, for example, to carry out the first control measure of the sequence of control measures provided. The first defensive device can be stationed in particular on the ground.

The second harder defense device can in particular have a radiation generator for generating low-energy electromechanical radiation and / or can have a safety gear and / or a radiation generator for generating high-energy electromechanical radiation and / or a firing device for firing a projectile or several projectiles. The attached to the defense small aircraft second defensive device is preferably for carrying out the control measures with great control hardness, in particular the second and third control measures of the sequence of control measures provided.

The safety gear can be ejected in particular by means of a net gun on the threat missile, which is caught in the example designed as a safety net safety gear and thus made maneuvering incompetent. Preferably, the safety gear on a ripcord, which is kinematically releasably coupled at the end thereof with the defense small aircraft and at a predetermined tensile force triggers an associated with the safety gear parachute. The predetermined tensile force is applied by the threat missile caught in the safety gear. This releases the parachute and the ripcord detaches itself from the anti-aircraft missile, allowing the threat missile to slide to the ground in a controlled manner. If the threat missile is not struck by the safety gear, a further, in particular tougher, control action can take place, in particular from the defense small craft, for example by firing a projectile at the threat missile.

The safety gear can also be connected to the defense UAV by means of a tether permanently coupled to the defense UAV. The threat missile caught in the safety gear can advantageously be removed from the protected area in a hanging manner on the defense UAV.

The system may additionally comprise a safety net for overvoltage of the area to be protected. This reliably prevents a risk of people or objects in the area to be protected from emanating from an uncontrolled crash as a result of control measures threat missile.

Preferably, the safety net by means of at least two vertically-starting and landing, unmanned network carrier small aircraft can be carried out. In this way, the position of the safety net can be changed quickly and a permanent, visually unsightly overvoltage of the protected area is not necessary.

The network carrier small aircraft may in particular be formed in each case by a carrier-small aircraft of the reconnaissance device. This offers the advantage that the number of small aircraft of the system that are necessary in total can be kept low.

Preferably, the system further comprises a transportable by means of a road vehicle container, in the interior of which the control device is arranged and which has a takeoff and landing platform for the defense small aircraft. As a result, a mobile system is provided, which can be brought quickly and with little effort to different locations. The container can continue to be used during transport for stowing the defense small aircraft, possibly the carrier small aircraft and the network carrier small aircraft. If the reconnaissance device has one or more telescopic masts, they may be mechanically coupled to the container, whereby the transport is advantageously facilitated.

In particular, it may be provided that the system additionally has a third defensive device, which is arranged on the container and is functionally coupled to the control device, for carrying out a control measure against the device Threat missile, wherein the control device is adapted to transmit based on the received sensor data, due to the Threshungslevels, and based on the level of danger, generated control signal to third defense device, the control signal performing a control measures by the third defensive device as a control measure of the control measures causes.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the reconnaissance device is mechanically connected to the container or assigned to it. This provides a particularly compact, mobile system.

According to a further advantageous development of the system, each individual defense device is designed to carry out the respective defense measure autonomously on the basis of the control signal. In particular, the control signal transmits the current position of the threat missile, thereby aligning the respective defense device with this position.

Furthermore, the system can have an electrical energy source for supplying the reconnaissance device and the control device and optionally the carrier small aircraft. The electrical energy source can be realized for example in the form of one or more accumulators, fuel cells, internal combustion engines with electromechanical generators coupled thereto or the like. Optionally, the electrical energy source may be disposed in or coupled to the container.

The extent of the monitoring range mentioned here is defined by the range of the sensors, in particular by the maximum range of the sensors. The extent of the defense range mentioned here is defined by the maximum range of the control measures.

By a small aircraft, an unmanned aerial vehicle or a UAV is here understood a maneuverable missile with a total weight less than or equal to 50 kilograms and an airspeed of less than or equal to 250 kilometers per hour. This can be embodied in particular as helicopter systems, multicopter systems, motor aircraft, gliders, airships or the like.

In the following the invention will be explained with reference to the figures of the drawings. From the figures show:

1 a schematic view of a system for the defense of threat missiles in the form of controllable unmanned small vehicles according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

2 a schematic view of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

3 a schematic view of a reconnaissance device of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

4 a schematic view of a reconnaissance device of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

5 a schematic view of a defense small aircraft of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

6 a schematic view of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

7 a schematic view of a safety gear of a system according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

8th a schematic representation of a method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention as a flowchart.

In the figures, the same reference numerals designate the same or functionally identical components, unless indicated otherwise.

1 shows a schematic view of a system 100 to ward off threat missiles 10 in the form of controllable unmanned aerial vehicles. The following is the threat missile 10 as a threat UAV 10 designated. As 1 shows, the system rejects 100 at least one reconnaissance device 20 , a defense small aircraft 30 , in the following defense UAV 30 called, a control device 40 as well as an optional electrical energy source 65 on.

The system 100 is to protect a protected area 1 intended. Within the area to be protected 1 is one from attacks by the threat missile 10 located to be protected object. The object to be protected can, as in 1 shown to be, for example, a sports stadium. 1 shows an example of a system 100 which has four reconnaissance devices 20 having.

The 3 and 4 show each preferred embodiments of the reconnaissance device 20 , As in the 3 and 4 each shown, has the reconnaissance device 20 a sensor device 21 for the detection of a small aircraft within a surveillance area 3 and a first defensive device 22 to carry out a control measure against the threat missile 10 on. The sensor device 21 has at least one sensor. Preferably, the sensor device 21 a plurality of sensors, in particular a plurality of sensors of different types. In the 3 and 4 is in each case an example of a sensor device 21 shown which an acoustic sensor 21A to capture by the threat UAV 10 emitted noise, an optical sensor in the form of a camera 21B , an optical infrared sensor 21C and a radar sensor 21D having. Basically, the sensor device 21 also be operated with only one of the aforementioned sensors. The first defense device 22 is in the 3 and 4 each exemplified as a radiation generator for generating low-energy electromagnetic radiation. As the 3 and 4 continue to point, points the reconnaissance device 20 a transmitting and receiving device 21E for functional coupling to the control device 40 and an optional GPS receiver 21F on.

In 1 and in 4 is an example each a reconnaissance device 20 showing a vertical take-off and landing, unmanned carrier small aircraft 25 , hereinafter Carrier UAV 25 called, has. As 4 shows are are the sensor device 21 as well as the first defense device 22 on the carrier UAV 25 are arranged. 4 shows an example of an arrangement of the sensor device 25 and the first defensive device 22 on a support structure 25A which acts as one on the carrier UAV 25 attached, rod-shaped rail is formed. Alternatively, the components of the sensor device 25 and the first defensive device 22 also directly on the components of the carrier UAV 25 be attached.

As in 4 Furthermore, as shown schematically, the carrier UAV 25 for supplying electrical energy with a spatially separate from the carrier small aircraft 25 arranged electrical energy source 65 be electrically connectable. For making the electrical connection between the electrical energy source 65 and the carrier UAV 25 can be a power cable 67 be provided, which of a rolling device 66 is developable. In the 1 and 4 is the carrier UAV 25 each as a vertically-launched and landing UAV exemplified in the form of a multi-opter.

3 shows an example of another possible design of the reconnaissance device 20 , This has UAV instead of the carrier 25 a telescopically extendable mast 23 on. As 3 shows are the sensor device 21 as well as the first defense device 22 each in a first end region 23A of the mast 23 arranged. A respect to the longitudinal extent of the mast 23 opposite to the first end region 23A located second end region 23B of the mast 23 is to anchor the mast 23 on a holder, such. As a pedestal or in the ground, provided.

As in 1 shown schematically is each of the sensor devices 21 provided for monitoring in each case a monitoring subarea R21. One through the sensor devices 21 all reconnaissance facilities 20 Total monitored area defines a surveillance area 3 , As 1 indicates is the area to be protected 1 completely within the surveillance area 3 located. A defense area 2 whose extension is determined by the maximum range of the first defensive device 22 , the second defensive device described below 31 and optionally an optional third defense device 63 results is in the in 1 completely within the monitoring area 3 located and surrounds the area to be protected 1 Completely. The surveillance area 3 and the defense area 2 may be identical in particular.

As in 1 is shown schematically, the defense UAV 30 a second defense device 31 , Furthermore, the defense UAV 30 functional to the control device 40 coupled. 5 shows by way of example a possible realization of in 1 schematically represented defense UAV 30 as a vertically launched and landing UAV. The defense UAV 30 especially as a multicopter with multiple rotors 32 be executed as in 5 is shown by way of example. The second defense device 31 can in particular on a support frame 33 of the defense UAV 30 arranged and stored there, for example, pivotally. In 5 is the second defense device 31 as an example as a safety net 70 trained safety gear formed by means of a threat to the missile 10 arranged net gun 34 ausbringbar is formed. The execution of this control measure causes the threat UAV 10 in the safety net 70 becomes trapped and thus unable to fly, for example, because the movement of its rotors is prevented by the net meshes. This is in 7 exemplified and shown schematically. 7 further shows an advantageous design of the safety net 70 with one over this with linen 71 connected parachute 72 , The release of the parachute 72 For example, by means of a ripcord 73 done, which at the end 74 kinematically solvable with the defense UAV 30 is coupled and at a predetermined tensile force, by that of which in the safety net 70 caught threat missiles 10 is applied, the parachute 72 triggers. The parachute 72 gets from the defense UAV 30 solved, so the threat missile 10 controlled by the parachute 72 slides along the direction of gravity G to the ground.

The control device 40 is functional with the reconnaissance device 20 and the Save Small Air Vehicle 30 connected. This can in particular by means of a wireless data connection between a transmitting and receiving device 41 the control device 40 and the transmitting and receiving device 21E the reconnaissance device 20 and a transmitting and receiving device (not shown) of the defense small aircraft 30 be realized. The transmitting and receiving device 41 the control device 40 is designed to send signals and data to the reconnaissance device 20 and the Save Small Air Vehicle 30 to transmit and receive from them. The control device 40 is designed to sensor signals due to the means of the transmitting and receiving device 41 received sensor signals, due to a predetermined level of threat that the threat of the missile 10 outgoing probable threat risk for the area to be protected 1 describes, and due to a predetermined level of danger, indicating whether an uncontrolled crash of the threat missile 10 within the defense area 2 can be accepted or not, to generate a control signal. For this purpose, the control device 40 preferred a processor (not shown) and a processor readable non-volatile data memory (not shown). The Threat Level and Threat Level parameters may be stored on the data store, for example. It can also be provided that this via an optional user interface 42 , which via the transmitting and receiving device 41 the control device 40 is functionally connected to the latter, manually entered by an operator, for example as a numerical value.

That by the control device 40 generated control signal is through the transmitting and receiving device 41 the control device 40 each to the reconnaissance device 20 and the Save Small Air Vehicle 30 transmittable. The reconnaissance device 20 and the Save Small Air Vehicle 30 are each designed, on the basis of the control signal, in each case one or more control measures against the threat UAV 10 perform. In particular, the reconnaissance device 20 and the Save Small Air Vehicle 30 designed to perform a sequence of control measures with increasing control hardness on the basis of the control signal. For example, due to the control signal, it is first possible to combat the threat UAV 10 by means of z. B. designed as a radiation generator first defensive device 22 and, if this control measure is unsuccessful, the anti-aircraft missile 30 in the direction of the threat UAV 10 flown and the latter with the fishing net 70 trained second defense device 31 be fought.

6 shows by way of example and schematically a development of the system 100 with a safety net 50 , which is to overvoltage the area to be protected 1 or with respect to the direction of gravity G below the threat UAV 10 is provided. The safety net 50 serves to intercept the possibly flightless threat UAVs as a result of the control measures 10 or by itself as a result of the control measures of this solvent parts 10A . 10B . 10C , as in 6 is shown schematically. This safeguard thus serves to prevent an uncontrolled impact of the threat missile 10 in the defense area 2 , which is the area to be protected 1 having.

As in 6 is shown as an example, the safety net 50 in particular by means of at least two vertical take-off and landing, unmanned network carrier small aircraft 26 . 27 . 28 . 29 , below net carrier UAVs 26 . 27 . 28 . 29 called, be applied. The network carrier UAVs 26 . 27 . 28 . 29 in particular, each by a carrier UAV 25 the reconnaissance device 20 be formed.

2 shows a preferred design of the system 100 with a means of a road vehicle 101 transportable containers 60 , The road vehicle 101 can be realized for example by a truck trailer, as in 2 is shown schematically. As in 2 is shown, are the control device 40 , including their transmitting and receiving device 41 , and the optional user interface 42 in the interior 61 of the container 60 arranged. The container 60 also has a take-off and landing platform 62 for the defense UAV 30 on. As 2 Furthermore, an optionally provided electrical energy source can be shown 65 also in the interior 61 of the container 60 be arranged. Furthermore, the container 60 an access door 64 , a depository 68 for the reconnaissance facility 20 as well as a depository 69 for the optional safety net 50 and any network carrier UAVs associated therewith 26 . 27 . 28 . 29 exhibit. Furthermore, one on the container 60 arranged, functional with the control device 40 coupled third defensive device 63 to carry out a control measure against the threat missile 10 and a GPS receiver may be provided.

The take-off and landing platform 62 for example, as a through a flap 62A or a similar covering device closable storage space 62B be formed, from which out with the door open 62A the defense UAV 30 is bootable. In 2 is the flap 62A shown in a closed position and can, as indicated by the arrow P62, are pivoted to an open position.

The reconnaissance device 20 is in 2 exemplary as with a carrier UAV 25 shown executed and can in particular as based on the 4 be executed described. To operate the system 100 can the reconnaissance device 20 outside the container 60 to be ordered. However, it is also conceivable, a flap (not shown) or a similar covering device to the container 60 provide so that the carrier UAV 25 from the interior 61 of the container 60 out with the door open.

The depository 69 for the optional safety net 50 and any network carrier UAVs associated therewith 26 . 27 . 28 . 29 For example, as a closable by a flap (not shown) or a similar cover storage space 69B be formed from which out with open flap, the net carrier UAVs 26 . 27 . 28 . 29 can start.

The third defensive device 63 can, as in 2 is shown by way of example and schematically, in particular as a laser device for irradiating the threat UAV 10 be formed with laser radiation. The third defensive device 63 is functionally connected to the control device. This can be done in the manner described above by means of one of the third defenses 63 associated transmitting and receiving device (not shown) can be realized. The control device described above 40 is further adapted to the control signal generated on the basis of the received sensor data, due to the Threshold level, and due to the level of danger to third defensive device 63 to transmit, wherein the control signal is a carrying out of control measures by means of the third defensive device 63 as a control measure of the sequence of control measures causes.

The GPS receiver 60A is functional with the control device 40 connected and serves to determine the position of the container 60 , The by the GPS receiver 60A Determined position, for example, to the flight guidance of the defense UAV 30 be used.

8th schematically shows the sequence of a method M for combating threat UAVs 10 in the form of controllable unmanned small vehicles. Hereinafter, the method will be exemplified with reference to the system described above 100 explained.

In a first method step M1, a setting of the threat level, which is that of the threat UAV, takes place 10 outgoing probable threat risk for the area to be protected 1 describes. In a further step M2, the hazard level, which indicates whether an uncontrolled crash of the threat missile 10 within the defense area 2 can be accepted or not. In particular, steps M1 and M2 may be performed by user input of an operator via the user interface 42 respectively. The entered parameters Threat Level and Threat Level can, for example, respectively in the optional memory of the control device 40 get saved.

Further, selecting M3 is a sequence of control measures with increasing control hardness to combat the threat missile 10 wherein the maximum combat severity of the sequence of combat actions is selected dependent on the threat level and increases as the threat level increases. This can be done, for example, by a control function of the control device 40 which, as input variables, the threat level and the hazard level are transferred. The control function may, for example, comprise a matrix in which each possible combination of threat level and hazard level is assigned exactly one predetermined sequence of control measures.

Method M also involves the presence of a controllable unmanned aerial vehicle as a threat missile 10 within the surveillance area 3 detects M4. This can be done, for example, by evaluation by the sensor device 21 detected sensor data by means of the control device 40 respectively.

Furthermore, a comparison M5 of the hazard level is carried out with a predetermined limit risk level. This represents a simple comparison operation, which also takes place by means of the control device 40 can be carried out. If the hazard level reaches or exceeds the Threshold Level, M6 will take a precautionary measure to prevent an uncontrolled impact of the threat missile 10 in the defense area 2 as a result of combat. A security measure can, for example, by placing the safety net 50 below the detected threat UAV 10 by means of the network carrier UAVs 26 . 27 . 28 . 29 respectively.

Finally, individual control measures of the sequence of control measures are M7 M7, wherein after each control measure whose control success is checked, the sequence is aborted in successful control and otherwise the next control measure of the sequence is performed. The sequence of the control measures can, for example, by the control device 40 generated control signal are triggered. A review of the success of the control measure, for example, by evaluation of the by the sensor device 21 detected sensor data by means of the control device 40 respectively. For example, the sequence can be aborted by the control device 40 generates an abort signal if from the sensor data a presence of the threat UAV 10 in the surveillance area 3 can no longer be determined.

Although the present invention has been exemplified above by means of embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but modifiable in many ways. In particular, combinations of the preceding embodiments are conceivable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

area to be protected

2

Defense area

3

monitoring area

10

Threat missile

10A

Part of the threat missile

10B

Part of the threat missile

10C

Part of the threat missile

20

Enlightenment device

21

sensor device

21A

acoustic sensor

21B

camera

21C

Infrared sensor

21D

radar sensor

21E

Transmitting and receiving device

21F

GPS receiver

22

first defense device

23

masts

23A

first end of the mast

23B

second end of the mast

25

Carrier-free aircraft

25A

holding structure

26

Network support small aircraft

27

Network support small aircraft

28

Network support small aircraft

29

Network support small aircraft

30

Defense Small aircraft

31

second defense device

32

rotors

33

support frame

34

network cannon

40

control device

41

Transmitting and receiving device

42

User interface

50

safety net

60

Container

60A

GPS receiver

61

Interior of the container

62

Take-off and landing platform

62A

flap

62B

storage room

63

third defense device

64

access door

65

electrical energy source

66

unrolling

67

power cable

68

depository

69

depository

69B

storage room

70

catchall

71

linen

72

parachute

73

ripcord

74

End of the ripcord

100

system

101

road vehicle

M

method

M1

step

M2

step

M3

step

M4

step

M5

step

M6

step

M7

step

P62

arrow

R21

Monitoring sub-region

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102014014117 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Method (M) for the defense against threat missiles ( 10 ) in the form of controllable unmanned aerial vehicles, comprising the following steps: determining (M1) a threat level corresponding to that of the threat missile ( 10 ) outgoing probable threat risk for an area to be protected ( 1 ) describes; Defining (M2) a hazard level indicating whether an uncontrolled crash of the threat missile ( 10 ) within a defense area ( 2 ), which covers the area to be protected ( 1 ), can be tolerated or not; Selecting (M3) a sequence of control measures with increasing control hardness to combat the threat missile ( 10 ), wherein the maximum combat severity of the sequence of combat actions is selected dependent on the threat level and increases with increasing threat levels; Detecting (M4) a controllable unmanned aerial vehicle as a threat missile ( 10 ) within a surveillance area ( 3 ), which the defense area ( 2 ); Comparison (M5) of the hazard level with a predefined limit risk level; Carrying out (M6) a precautionary measure to prevent an uncontrolled impact of the threat missile ( 10 ) in the defense area ( 2 ) as a result of control, if the level of danger reaches the limit risk level; and performing (M7) the individual control measures of the sequence of control measures, the control success of which is checked after each control measure, the sequence being terminated in the event of successful control, and otherwise the next control measure of the sequence being carried out. Method (M) according to claim 1, wherein at least one control measure of the sequence of the control measures of an unmanned defense small aircraft ( 30 ), in particular in the form of a vertically take-off and landing small aircraft, is carried out from. Method (M) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sequence of the control measures at least a first control measure of low control hardness to disturb the controllability of the threat missile ( 10 ), wherein irradiation of the threat missile with low-energy electromagnetic radiation is preferably provided as the first control measure. Method (M) according to claim 3, wherein the sequence of the control measures additionally comprises at least a second control measure for the removal of the threat missile ( 10 ) from the area to be protected ( 1 ) or affecting the flight capability of the threat missile ( 10 ), wherein as a second control measure preferably trapping the threat missile ( 10 ) with a safety gear, in particular a safety net ( 70 ), is provided. Method (M) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the sequence of the control measures additionally comprises at least a third control measure for the at least partial mechanical destruction of the threat missile ( 10 ), wherein as a third control measure preferably irradiation of the threat missile ( 10 ) with high-energy electromagnetic radiation or a firing of one or more defense missiles at the threat missile ( 10 ) is provided. System ( 100 ) for the defense against threat missiles ( 10 ) in the form of controllable unmanned small craft comprising: at least one reconnaissance device ( 20 ) with a sensor device ( 21 ) for detecting a small vehicle within a surveillance area ( 3 ) and a first defense device ( 22 ) for the implementation of a control measure against the threat missile ( 10 ); an unmanned defensive small aircraft ( 30 ), on which a second defense device ( 31 ) for the implementation of a control measure against the threat missile ( 10 ) is arranged; a control device ( 40 ) functional with the reconnaissance device ( 20 ) and the defense small aircraft ( 30 ) and is adapted to sensor signals from the sensor device ( 21 ) of the at least one reconnaissance device ( 20 ), based on the received sensor signals, due to a predetermined threat level corresponding to that of the threat missile ( 10 ) outgoing probable threat risk for an area to be protected ( 1 ), and based on a predetermined hazard level indicating whether an uncontrolled crash of the threat missile ( 10 ) within a defense area ( 2 ), which is within the surveillance area ( 3 ) and the area to be protected ( 1 ), can be tolerated or not, to generate a control signal and to the reconnaissance device ( 20 ) and the defense small aircraft ( 30 ), the reconnaissance device ( 20 ) and the defense small aircraft ( 30 ) are each designed to carry out a control measure in each case on the basis of the control signal, so that a performance of a sequence of control measures by means of the first defensive device ( 22 ) and the second defense device ( 31 ) he follows. System ( 100 ) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one reconnaissance device ( 20 ) a telescopically extendable mast ( 23 ), at the end region of which the sensor device ( 21 ) as well as the first defense device ( 22 ) are arranged. System ( 100 ) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one reconnaissance device ( 20 ) a vertical take-off and landing, unmanned carrier small craft ( 25 ), on which the sensor device ( 21 ) as well as the first defense device ( 22 ) are arranged. System ( 100 ) according to claim 8, wherein the carrier small aircraft ( 25 ) for its operation with a space separate from the carrier small aircraft ( 25 ) arranged electrical energy source ( 65 ) is electrically connected. System ( 100 ) according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the first defense device ( 22 ) comprises a radiation generator for generating low-energy electromechanical radiation and / or a safety gear and / or a radiation generator for generating high-energy electromechanical radiation and / or a firing device for firing a projectile or a missile. System ( 100 ) according to one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the second defense device ( 31 ) comprises a radiation generator for generating low-energy electromechanical radiation and / or a safety gear and / or a radiation generator for generating high-energy electromechanical radiation and / or a firing device for firing a projectile or a missile. System ( 100 ) according to one of claims 6 to 11, additionally comprising: a safety net ( 50 ) for catching the falling threat missile or for shielding the area to be protected ( 1 ), the safety net ( 50 ) preferably by means of at least two vertically take-off and landing, unmanned network carrier small aircraft ( 25 . 26 ; 25 . 27 ; 25 . 28 ; 25 . 29 ), which are preferably each by a carrier-small aircraft ( 25 ) of the reconnaissance device ( 20 ) are formed, is ausbringbar. System ( 100 ) according to one of claims 6 to 12, additionally comprising: a means of a road vehicle ( 101 ) transportable containers ( 60 ), in whose interior ( 61 ) the control device ( 40 ) and which a take-off and landing platform ( 62 ) for the defense small aircraft ( 30 ) having. System ( 100 ) according to claim 13, additionally comprising: one on the container ( 60 ), functionally connected to the control device ( 40 ) coupled third defense device ( 63 ) for the implementation of a control measure against the threat missile ( 10 ), wherein the control device ( 40 ) designed to the, on the basis of the received sensor data, due to the threat level, and due to the level of danger, generated control signal to third defensive device ( 63 ), wherein the control signal is a carrying out of control measures by means of the third defense device ( 63 ) as a control measure of the sequence of control measures. System ( 100 ) according to any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein each individual defense device ( 22 . 31 . 63 ) is designed to autonomously perform the respective defense measure on the basis of the control signal.

Images