EP0083280A2 - Decoy means for electromagnetic detectors - Google Patents
Decoy means for electromagnetic detectors Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0083280A2 EP0083280A2 EP82402350A EP82402350A EP0083280A2 EP 0083280 A2 EP0083280 A2 EP 0083280A2 EP 82402350 A EP82402350 A EP 82402350A EP 82402350 A EP82402350 A EP 82402350A EP 0083280 A2 EP0083280 A2 EP 0083280A2
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- trihedrons
- electromagnetic
- lure
- trihedra
- balloon
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q15/00—Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
- H01Q15/14—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures
- H01Q15/18—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures comprising plurality of mutually inclined plane surfaces, e.g. corner reflector
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
- F41H11/00—Defence installations; Defence devices
- F41H11/02—Anti-aircraft or anti-guided missile or anti-torpedo defence installations or systems
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41J—TARGETS; TARGET RANGES; BULLET CATCHERS
- F41J2/00—Reflecting targets, e.g. radar-reflector targets; Active targets transmitting electromagnetic or acoustic waves
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
- B63G9/00—Other offensive or defensive arrangements on vessels against submarines, torpedoes, or mines
- B63G9/02—Means for protecting vessels against torpedo attack
Definitions
- the present invention relates to electromagnetic decoys.
- Missile weapon systems are often equipped with active electromagnetic detector guidance, such as radar or laser. The same is true for fire lines, which can also be controlled from information obtained by detectors of the same kind.
- the main defense consists in developing a decoy likely to deceive the electromagnetic detector, in order to remove it from the real objective, of which it must completely lose track.
- the main type of electromagnetic lure used so far is based on metallized glass fiber flakes of selected length, often referred to as "chaffs". These flakes form a reflector for a wavelength which is linked to their size. They also have the property of remaining suspended in the air for a long time, being very light. Therefore, by creating a fairly dense cloud of glitter of this type, of various lengths chosen, we manage to create an important electromagnetic echo, which makes it possible to simulate a target, and consequently to remove the threat from the real target: Although this type of lure has proven to be very useful, it presents problems in application. Indeed, the active electromagnetic detection means tend to become increasingly fine, and therefore to be capable of at least embryonic recognition.
- the object of the present invention is in particular to provide a new solution to this problem, which is essentially a problem of credibility, accompanied other technical problems which will be discussed below.
- the present invention provides a method for decoying active electromagnetic detectors, which method comprises the implementation of at least one set of retroreflective trihedra.
- this set of trihedrons comprises a network of contiguous trihedrons mounted head to tail.
- trihedra for electromagnetic radiation are already known.
- the trihedrons also known as "cube corners", are used in particular in telemetry.
- optics the most common embodiment is based on glass, since extremely precise surfacing is necessary, surfacing which is accompanied by the production of sharp edges.
- the network of contiguous trihedrons mounted head to tail comprises a panel of lines or adjacent rows of identical trihedrons, pivotally articulated on one another. This possibility of folding with interlocking of the lines of trihedrons on each other makes it possible to store them in very compact form, inside a launch munition, as will be seen below.
- the present invention also provides a method for defending surface ships, method which therefore applies at sea, and which consists in deploying at least one set of trihedra of the aforementioned type at an altitude of between 3 and 20 meters approximately.
- the elementary trihedra which are preferably identical, have an edge which measures between 2 and 20 cm.
- Another aspect of the invention proposes an improved method, capable of simulating a large vessel, and according to which a substantially horizontal alignment of interconnected sets of trihedra is developed. At least one of the sets of trihedra comprises two substantially perpendicular panels. This gives a practically isotropic retroreflection property, with however small areas of shadow which in themselves are interesting: they indeed allow, when the two panels rotate together on themselves, to present variations. This prevents the decoy from being recognizable by the fact that it reflects emissive electromagnetic radiation too perfectly.
- the set or sets of trihedrons are suspended from respective captive balloons.
- It can be a pendulum suspension, the captive balloon being connected on its side to a floating anchor.
- These balloons are preferably chosen shaped to link their aerostatic thrust to an aerodynamic lift in the wind encountered.
- the connection between the captive balloon carrier and the lower balloon, or simply the pendulum suspension of the set of trihedrons to its captive balloon carrier, are in both cases arranged so that the sets of trihedrons can rotate on themselves.
- the suspensions of a certain number of sets of trihedrons are interconnected, using a rope, mounted between a tractor, which can be a sail type device, parachute by example, or a gas generator, and a retaining member, which is a floating anchor that will be called main, because it is more important than the floating anchors connected to the individual carrying balloon.
- a tractor which can be a sail type device, parachute by example, or a gas generator
- a retaining member which is a floating anchor that will be called main, because it is more important than the floating anchors connected to the individual carrying balloon.
- the present invention also relates to an electromagnetic decoy allowing the implementation of this method.
- the electromagnetic decoy has a reversible honeycomb structure, at least part of the hollow cells being provided with a reflective coating in the shape of a trihedron.
- the structure is advantageously made of plastic material injected or cast under pressure, or alternatively of stamped light alloy sheet.
- Another embodiment, also very advantageous, of said structure consists of pouring an epoxy resin under vacuum onto a fiberglass fabric placed between two optical surfacing molds, the molds further comprising a reflective coating which is transferred. on the resin after molding.
- FIG. 1 illustrates in the form of a shaded front view a panel of trihedra according to the invention.
- the panel is here composed of seven rows or lines of trihedra, denoted R1 to R7.
- Row Rl has three forward-facing trihedrons, supplemented by two rear-facing trihedrons.
- the first trihedron at the top and on the left, noted as a whole Tl is made up of three orthogonal faces Tll, T12 and T13, separated between them by the edges All, A12 and A13. This structure will be repeated for all the other trihedra.
- the essential part of the trihedron in electromagnetic retroreflection delimited by the equilateral triangle whose sides are Cll, C12 and Cl 3 is undeformable.
- row R2 Immediately adjacent to row Rl is the second row R2, which is composed of three rear-facing trihedrons interspersed with two forward-facing trihedrons.
- Row R3 takes up the structure of row R1, then row R4 that of row R2, and so on alternately up to row R7.
- T2 and T3 the first trihedrons to the left of rows R2 and R3, T2 being oriented towards the rear and T3 towards the front.
- the lower face of the trihedron T1 is presented in continuity with the upper face of the trihedron T2, which can in practice be achieved.
- pivot axes such as PA1, PA2 and PA3 between the different rows of trihedra, which makes it possible to fold them over one another, the cubes such as Tl , T2 and T3 fitting together as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
- This will give an extremely compact structure.
- the pivot axis it is possible to provide the pivot axis not between each of the rows, but between the rows taken two by two, or three by three, for example.
- the panel in Figure 1 has the reversible honeycomb structure already mentioned, of which at least part of the hollow cells is provided with a reflective coating in the shape of a trihedron.
- such trihedrons have already been used as retroreflectors in the context of optical measurements. For such applications, they are naturally given very neat optical surfacing, the flatness being fairly high, as well as very sharp edges AI1, A12 and A13. In these conditions, whatever its orientation, the cube returns the electromagnetic radiation incident in the direction from which it comes.
- One of the starting points of the present invention is the observation that the trihedra continue to function in a satisfactory manner for the production of electromagnetic lures, even if their edges All, A12 and A13 are rounded. This allows first of all, under reasonable economic conditions, to manufacture trihedral panels of the type of that of FIG. 1.
- the lure panel of FIG. 1 It will naturally be possible to produce the lure panel of FIG. 1 from a structure made of injected plastic or die-cast, or even from a stamped light alloy sheet. To obtain a reflective coating of optical quality, the panel is metallized by an operation of the electroplating type, varnish with electrostatic aluminum deposition, or even vacuum metallization.
- the articulation can be produced in the same way, or even by insertion of a deformable material between the two blocks of plastic material.
- the structure is made of epoxy resin on fiberglass fabric.
- two homologous molds are provided, made of optical surfacing glass, the shapes of which correspond to the two sides of the panel in FIG. 1.
- the optical surfaces of these molds are previously provided with a suitable reflective coating, which is maintained in place with medium strength glue.
- a fiberglass fabric preferably using three interlaced bands.
- the first strip of fiberglass will pass over the faces such as T11 and T12, and will therefore follow the general direction of the rows RI, R2, ..., in the direction of the arrow Fl.
- the second strip of fiberglass will follow the faces such as Tll and T13, therefore taking the direction of the orientation diagonal F2 in FIG. 1.
- the third strip of fiberglass will follow the faces such as T12 and T13, then taking the direction of arrow F3.
- each face of the trihedron is defined by superposition of two parts of the aforementioned fiberglass strips.
- the strips are preferably cut to follow each time the staircase profile corresponding to the width of the individual trihedron.
- the molding unit may have a size which depends on the position of the pivot axes. If a pivot axis is desired between each row of trihedrons, then a mold will be provided for a single row of trihedrons, which allows the area of the hinge point PA1 to be left uncoated by the epoxy resin. An axis of articulation is then easily obtained, which rests on the flexibility of the uncoated glass fiber. We then start again, inverting the molds, for row R2, and so on. If on the contrary one wishes axes of articulation every two rows of molds, one will then have a mold of shape corresponding to the block of the rows Rl and R2, with the homologous mold on the other side, the assembly being moved by simple translation. If the rigid base unit has three rows of trihedrons, the mold will be of corresponding shape. Again, the molds will need to be inverted each time.
- materials / may be used under the brands PLEXIGLAS or ALTUGLAS, equipped with a non-wetting reflective coating.
- Polycarbonates such as MAKROLON can also be used.
- aluminum may be used, optionally provided with a retroreflective coating, if necessary.
- each set of trihedra comprises at least one panel of adjacent lines of trihedrons articulated to pivoting on each other.
- trihedra are susceptible of other applications, where they may possibly take network shapes other than the shapes of a panel, we will now assume that it is a surface ship defense in sea.
- the method for decoying active electromagnetic detectors consists in deploying at least one set of trihedra at an altitude of between 3 and 20 meters approximately.
- a set of trihedrons can be deployed using a captive balloon BC1, connected by wire to a floating anchor AFS1, and supporting the set of trihedra LT1, which is preferably biased downwards by a floating body BF1, which is advantageously a slightly inflated loaded balloon.
- the captive balloon BCl preferably has a shape obtained by the intersection of two discs, which allows it to link the aerostatic thrust to an aerodynamic lift linked to the wind encountered. In this way, there will be traction of the captive balloon on the floating anchor, which allows the inclination of the rope, therefore the support of the LT1 lure without it coming to mix with the rope of the floating anchor.
- the LT1 lure In the presence of the floating ball BF1, the LT1 lure is pulled down, and therefore it will be subjected essentially to pivoting movements on itself, movement whose angular speed is relatively random, being in particular related to the wind.
- the intensity of the retroreflected radiation In the presence of incident electromagnetic radiation, the intensity of the retroreflected radiation will be directly linked to the angle at which the incident radiation is seen by each of the trihedra. It therefore results from the aforementioned pivoting movement a component of random fluctuation of amplitude in response which is currently considered particularly important for obtaining a good lure.
- the radar echo for example of a surface ship also has a fairly strong random component, at least for some of the areas of the ship.
- an automatic development device will separate the two panels, to bring them to the desired angle, while at the same time defining a suspension means in line with the center of gravity of the lure, taking into account the angle between these two panels. This can be achieved in particular by a means of the spring-actuated compass, or the like.
- FIG. 3 develops a substantially horizontal alignment of interconnected set of trihedra.
- the captive balloons BC1, BC2, BC3, BC4 the suspension ropes of which are interconnected by a main horizontal rope F substantially horizontal, connected on one side to a traction member OT which can be a sail, or a device gas discharge, or even more simply the parachute which will be used to lower the lure after its release.
- the main rope F is connected to a main floating anchor AFP:
- Each balloon BC1 to BC4 is connected to its secondary floating anchor AFS1 to AFS4.
- Each of the balloons also receives a lure LT1 to LT4, a lure which is preferably biased downward either by a mass incorporated therein, or even by a floating balloon such as BF1 to BF4 of the type already mentioned.
- lures with one panel are provided at the ends, as shown here in LT1 and LT4, while at all intermediate levels, lures with two perpendicular panels are provided such as LT2 and LT3.
- lures used according to the present invention are endowed with an excellent retroreflection gives them a large "radar equivalent surface", which makes it possible to simulate, with devices of small real surface, suitably arranged in relation to one another, a ship whose physical dimensions are much larger.
- radar equivalent surface which makes it possible to simulate, with devices of small real surface, suitably arranged in relation to one another, a ship whose physical dimensions are much larger.
- lures with two panels such as LT2 and LT3 at the intermediate levels makes it possible to increase the average level and to simulate the peaks of the signature of a building, these "peaks" being in themselves- same known in advance, while obtaining, as already indicated, a component of random fluctuation around these peaks.
- this component sensitive to the movement of the sea is strongly increased by the use of floating bodies such as low inflated balloons BF1 to BF4, which ensure a much more direct coupling between the level of the sea surface and the lures LT1 to LT4. This may be desirable, at least for certain vessel sizes.
- the minimum combination to define a vessel will preferably include two end lures such as LT1 to LT4 framing at least one lure with two panels such as "LT2.
- the end lures are again simple lures, while the intermediate lures, or at least most of them , are two-panel lures.
- lures with two perpendicular panels are desirable because of their ability to respond in all directions, but with varying intensity depending on the angle.
- lures with three panels regularly distributed in a star, or with four perpendicular panels, and so on are desirable because of their ability to respond in all directions, but with varying intensity depending on the angle.
- the lure can be carried to the desired location by a rocket, which can be the SAGAIE rocket manufactured by the applicant, or by any other launching vehicle, such as those which are incorporated into the DAGAIE suitcases also manufactured by the plaintiff.
- a rocket which can be the SAGAIE rocket manufactured by the applicant, or by any other launching vehicle, such as those which are incorporated into the DAGAIE suitcases also manufactured by the plaintiff.
- the launcher vehicle releases an assembly formed at the head of the main floating anchor AFP, suitably ballasted to start first and pull all the modules M4 to Ml, followed finally by the traction member towards the rear OT, which consists for example of a parachute capable of forming a sail (FIG. 4B).
- Figure 4C shows the assembly in the landed position.
- Each module such as Ml comprises a captive balloon such as BC1, a floating anchor AFS1, and the folded lure such as LT1, possibly with the floating balloon BF1.
- the module is also completed with a connection sleeve between the floating anchor AFS1 and the balloon BC1, a sleeve which can also provide the mechanical connection between these two elements.
- the floating anchors can consist of bags capable of filling with water, and the secondary anchors such as AFS1 also comprise a chemical composition such as calcium hydride, capable of decomposing on contact with water to produce hydrogen, hydrogen which is transferred by said sleeve to the tethered balloon, which then inflates.
- the OT parachute gains height, and ensures the final traction of the rope, if necessary.
- the lures unfold either by the fact that a mass has been added to them at the bottom, or under the action of the traction exerted by the cable which connects them to the floating body such as BF1.
- the arrangement shown in Figure 4D and which is similar to that of Figure 3, except the absence of floating bodies such as BF1, as well as the simplification of intermediate lures.
- the rate of reaction of calcium hydrogen with seawater can also be adjusted as desired to obtain clear and progressive rise characteristics of the captive balloons in the air.
- the lure can be easily made self-destructing, by incorporating in each of the captive balloons a suitable delay charge, which will ensure the initiation of a reaction between the hydrogen of the balloons and the air, and consequently the explosion of these, the lure then falling back into the water as a whole, and becoming very difficult to detect.
- the modules M1 to M4 can be contained in suitable envelopes, loose enough to be able to be broken when releasing the captive balloons.
- Figure 5 shows how you can store the different modules side by side, alternately connecting the bottom of one with the top of the other, one end being connected to the parachute, and the other to the floating anchor .
- FIG. 6 shows how the modules thus coupled can be introduced inside the body of a rocket, the different modules M1 to M4 occupying the respective sectors of the cross section of the rocket, while the parachute OT and the AFP floating anchor occupies the two ends of the rocket, possibly passing partly in the central zone of the latter.
- the foldable side of the proposed electromagnetic decoys is important for their placement in the relatively narrow volume which is available inside a launch vehicle such as a rocket.
- the decoys were retroreflectors for electromagnetic radiation emitted by active detectors. These detectors can be of different types, radar, laser.
- lures in certain cases, it will in particular be possible to envisage deploying lures not only in a horizontal main direction defined by the rope F, but also in the transverse direction. It will also be possible to provide sources forming infrared decoys complementary to the electromagnetic decoy obtained, so as to perfect the simulation. These sources can in particular be incorporated into the secondary floating anchors AFS1 to AFS4, or even to the floating bodies such as BF1 to BF4.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)
- Air Bags (AREA)
- Toys (AREA)
- Seal Device For Vehicle (AREA)
- Magnetically Actuated Valves (AREA)
- Reciprocating, Oscillating Or Vibrating Motors (AREA)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Apparatus (AREA)
- Fire Alarms (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
- Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
Abstract
Description
La présente invention concerne les leurres électromagnétiques.The present invention relates to electromagnetic decoys.
Les systèmes d'arme missile sont souvent équipés d'un guidage à détecteur électromagnétique actif, du genre radar ou laser par exemple. Il en est de même pour les conduites de tir, qui peuvent aussi être pilotées à partir d'informations obtenues par des détecteurs du même genre. En pareil cas, le principal moyen de défense consiste à élaborer un leurre susceptible de tromper le détecteur électromagnétique, afin de l'écarter de l'objectif réel, dont il devra perdre complètement trace.Missile weapon systems are often equipped with active electromagnetic detector guidance, such as radar or laser. The same is true for fire lines, which can also be controlled from information obtained by detectors of the same kind. In such a case, the main defense consists in developing a decoy likely to deceive the electromagnetic detector, in order to remove it from the real objective, of which it must completely lose track.
Le principal type de leurre électromagnétique utilisé jusqu'à présent est fondé sur des paillettes de fibre de verre métallisée de longueur choisie, souvent dénommées "chaffs". Ces paillettes forment réflecteur pour une longueur d'onde qui est liée à leur taille. Elles présentent par ailleurs la propriété de demeurer en suspension dans l'air assez longtemps, étant très légères. De ce fait, en créant un nuage assez dense de paillettes de ce type, de longueurs diverses choisies, on arrive à créer un écho électromagnétique important, qui permet de simuler une cible, et par conséquent d'écarter la menace de la cible réelle: Bien que ce type de leurre se soit avéré très utile, il présente des problèmes en application. En effet, les moyens de détection électromagnétique actifs ont tendance à devenir de plus en plus fins, et par conséquent à être capables d'une reconnaissance au moins embryonnaire. Il est alors très difficile avec des nuages de paillettes d'obtenir une forme souhaitée, et surtout de la maintenir dans le temps. La présente invention a notamment pour objet d'apporter une solution nouvelle à ce problème, qui est essentiellement un problème de crédibilité, accompagné d'autres problèmes techniques que l'on évoquera dans la suite.The main type of electromagnetic lure used so far is based on metallized glass fiber flakes of selected length, often referred to as "chaffs". These flakes form a reflector for a wavelength which is linked to their size. They also have the property of remaining suspended in the air for a long time, being very light. Therefore, by creating a fairly dense cloud of glitter of this type, of various lengths chosen, we manage to create an important electromagnetic echo, which makes it possible to simulate a target, and consequently to remove the threat from the real target: Although this type of lure has proven to be very useful, it presents problems in application. Indeed, the active electromagnetic detection means tend to become increasingly fine, and therefore to be capable of at least embryonic recognition. It is then very difficult with glitter clouds to obtain a desired shape, and above all to maintain it over time. The object of the present invention is in particular to provide a new solution to this problem, which is essentially a problem of credibility, accompanied other technical problems which will be discussed below.
A la base, la présente invention propose un procédé pour leurrer des détecteurs électromagnétiques actifs, procédé qui comprend la mise en oeuvre d'au moins un jeu de trièdres rétroréflecteurs.Basically, the present invention provides a method for decoying active electromagnetic detectors, which method comprises the implementation of at least one set of retroreflective trihedra.
Selon un aspect particulièrement avantageux de l'invention, utilisable notamment pour la protection des navires de surface en mer, ce jeu de trièdres comprend un réseau de trièdres contigus montés tête-bêche.According to a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention, usable in particular for the protection of surface ships at sea, this set of trihedrons comprises a network of contiguous trihedrons mounted head to tail.
On connaît déjà les propriétés rétroréflec- trices des trièdres pour un rayonnement électromagnétique. Les trièdres, également connus sous le nom de "coins de cube", sont utilisés notamment en télémétrie. En optique, la réalisation la plus courante est à base de verre.En effet, un surfaçage extrêmement précis est nécessaire, surfaçage qui s'est accompagné de l'obtention d'arêtes vives.The retro-reflective properties of trihedra for electromagnetic radiation are already known. The trihedrons, also known as "cube corners", are used in particular in telemetry. In optics, the most common embodiment is based on glass, since extremely precise surfacing is necessary, surfacing which is accompanied by the production of sharp edges.
De façon assez inattendue, la demanderesse-a observé que les trièdres fonctionnent également de manière satisfaisante lorsque les arêtes des trièdres ne sont pas vives mais arrondies. Cette caractéristique facilite la réalisation pratique des jeux de trièdres rétroréflecteurs précités.Quite unexpectedly, the Applicant-observed that the trihedra also function satisfactorily when the edges of the trihedrons are not sharp but rounded. This characteristic facilitates the practical realization of the sets of aforementioned retro-reflective trihedra.
Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, le réseau de trièdres contigus montés tête-bêche comprend un panneau de lignes ou rangées adjacentes de trièdres identiques, articulées à pivotement les unes sur les autres. Cette possibilité de repliement avec emboîtement des lignes de trièdres les unes sur les autres permet de les stocker sous forme très compacte, à l'intérieur d'une munition de lancement, comme on le verra plus loin.According to another aspect of the invention, the network of contiguous trihedrons mounted head to tail comprises a panel of lines or adjacent rows of identical trihedrons, pivotally articulated on one another. This possibility of folding with interlocking of the lines of trihedrons on each other makes it possible to store them in very compact form, inside a launch munition, as will be seen below.
La présente invention propose également un procédé pour défendre des navires de surface, procédé qui s'applique donc en mer, et qui consiste à déployer au moins un jeu de trièdres du type précité à une altitude comprise entre 3 et 20 mètres environ. De leurs côtés, les trièdres élémentaires, qui sont de préférence identiques, ont une arête qui mesure entre 2 et 20 cm.The present invention also provides a method for defending surface ships, method which therefore applies at sea, and which consists in deploying at least one set of trihedra of the aforementioned type at an altitude of between 3 and 20 meters approximately. For their part, the elementary trihedra, which are preferably identical, have an edge which measures between 2 and 20 cm.
Avec un jeu de trièdres, on peut simuler un navire de petite taille.With a set of trihedrons, we can simulate a small ship.
Un autre aspect de l'invention propose un procédé perfectionné, capable de simuler un navire de grande taille, et suivant lequel on développe un alignement sensiblement horizontal de jeuxinterconnectësde trièdres. Au moins un des jeux de trièdres comprend deux panneaux sensiblement perpendiculaires. On obtient ainsi une propriété rêtroréflection pratiquement isotrope, avec cependant de petites zones d'ombre qui en elles- mêmes sont intéressantes : elles permettent en effet, lorsque les deux panneaux tournent ensemble sur eux-mêmes, de présenter des variations. Cela évite que le leurre.soit reconnaissable par le fait qu'il renvoie trop parfaitement le rayonnement électromagnétique émissif.Another aspect of the invention proposes an improved method, capable of simulating a large vessel, and according to which a substantially horizontal alignment of interconnected sets of trihedra is developed. At least one of the sets of trihedra comprises two substantially perpendicular panels. This gives a practically isotropic retroreflection property, with however small areas of shadow which in themselves are interesting: they indeed allow, when the two panels rotate together on themselves, to present variations. This prevents the decoy from being recognizable by the fact that it reflects emissive electromagnetic radiation too perfectly.
Dans un mode de mise en oeuvre particulier de ce procédé, le ou les jeux de trièdres sont suspendus à des ballons captifs respectifs.In a particular embodiment of this method, the set or sets of trihedrons are suspended from respective captive balloons.
Il peut s'agir d'une suspension à pendulation, le ballon captif étant relié de son côté à une ancre flottante. Ces ballons sont de préférence choisis conformés pour lier leur poussée aérostatique à une portance aérodynamique au vent rencontré.It can be a pendulum suspension, the captive balloon being connected on its side to a floating anchor. These balloons are preferably chosen shaped to link their aerostatic thrust to an aerodynamic lift in the wind encountered.
On peut également prévoir, dans une variante intéressante, des moyens pour solliciter les jeux de leurresvers le bas, ces moyens pouvant comporter avantageusement un organe apte à traîner sur l'eau, du genre ballon chargé faiblement gonflé. La liaison entre le ballon captif porteur et le ballon inférieur, ou simplement la suspension à pendulation du jeu de trièdres à son ballon captif porteur, sont dans les deux cas agencés de manière telle que les jeux de trièdres puissent tourner sur eux-mêmes.One can also provide, in an advantageous variant, means for urging the lures downwards, these means possibly advantageously comprising a member capable of dragging on water, of the kind balloon loaded slightly inflated. The connection between the captive balloon carrier and the lower balloon, or simply the pendulum suspension of the set of trihedrons to its captive balloon carrier, are in both cases arranged so that the sets of trihedrons can rotate on themselves.
Pour simuler un navire de grande surface, on interconnecte entre elles les suspensions d'un certain nombre de jeux de trièdres, à l'aide d'un filin, monté entre un organe tracteur, qui peut être un dispositif du type voile, parachute par exemple, ou encore un générateur de gaz, et un organe de retenue, qui est une ancre flottante que l'on appellera principale, car elle est plus importante que les ancres flottantes reliées au ballon porteur individuel.To simulate a large surface vessel, the suspensions of a certain number of sets of trihedrons are interconnected, using a rope, mounted between a tractor, which can be a sail type device, parachute by example, or a gas generator, and a retaining member, which is a floating anchor that will be called main, because it is more important than the floating anchors connected to the individual carrying balloon.
En pratique, on utilisera de trois à dix jeux de trièdres ainsi alignés, les extrémités comportant avantageusement un seul panneau de trièdres, tandis que les intermédiaires en comportent deux, perpendiculaires.In practice, three to ten sets of trihedra thus aligned will be used, the ends advantageously comprising a single panel of trihedra, while the intermediaries comprise two of them, perpendicular.
La présente invention concerne également un leurre électromagnétique permettant la mise en oeuvre de ce procédé.The present invention also relates to an electromagnetic decoy allowing the implementation of this method.
Le leurre électromagnétique est de structure alvéolaire réversible, une partie au moins des alvéoles en creux étant munie d'un revêtement réflecteur en forme de trièdre.The electromagnetic decoy has a reversible honeycomb structure, at least part of the hollow cells being provided with a reflective coating in the shape of a trihedron.
La structure est avantageusement en matière plastique injectée ou coulée sous pression, ou encore en tôle d'alliage léger emboutie.The structure is advantageously made of plastic material injected or cast under pressure, or alternatively of stamped light alloy sheet.
Un autre mode de réalisation, également très avantageux,de ladite structure, consiste à couler sous-vide une résine époxyde sur un tissu de fibre de verre placée entre deux moules à surfaçage optique, les moules comportant en outre un revêtement réflecteur qui se trouve transféré sur la résine après moulage.Another embodiment, also very advantageous, of said structure, consists of pouring an epoxy resin under vacuum onto a fiberglass fabric placed between two optical surfacing molds, the molds further comprising a reflective coating which is transferred. on the resin after molding.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, faite en référence aux dessins annexés, donnés pour illustrer à titre non limitatif un mode de réalisation préférentiel de la présente invention, et sur lesquels :
- - la figure 1 est une illustration schématique d'un panneau de trièdres selon la présente invention ;
- - les figures 2A et 2B sont des vues en coupe montrant comment les trièdres dudit panneau peuvent se replier les uns sur les autres pour former, en position de stockage, une structure compacte ;
- - la figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective montrant la mise en oeuvre d'.un ensemble de leurres pour la simulation d'un bâtiment de surface ;
- - les figures 4A à 4D montrent comment peut se faire le déploiement du leurre selon la présente invention à partir d'une roquette ; et
- - les figures 5 et 6 montrent schématiquement l'implantation des différents éléments du leurre à l'intérieur d'un corps de roquette.
- - Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a trihedral panel according to the present invention;
- - Figures 2A and 2B are sectional views showing how the trihedra of said panel can fold over each other to form, in the storage position, a compact structure;
- - Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the implementation of a set of lures for the simulation of a surface building;
- - Figures 4A to 4D show how can be made the deployment of the lure according to the present invention from a rocket; and
- - Figures 5 and 6 schematically show the location of the different elements of the lure inside a rocket body.
La figure 1 illustre sous la forme d'une vue de face ombrée un panneau de trièdres selon l'invention. Le panneau est ici composé de sept rangées ou lignes de trièdres, notées R1 à R7. La rangée Rl comporte trois trièdres orientés vers l'avant, complétée de deux trièdres orientés vers l'arrière. Le premier trièdre en haut et à gauche, noté dans son ensemble Tl, est constitué de trois faces orthogonales Tll, T12 et T13, séparées entre elles par les arêtes All, A12 et A13. Cette structure se reproduira pour l'ensemble des autres trièdres. On notera également que la partie essentielle du trièdre en rétroréflexion électromagnétique, délimitée par le triangle équilatéral dont les côtés sont Cll, C12 et Cl 3 est indéformable. Immédiatement adjacente à la rangée Rl se trouve la seconde rangée R2, qui est elle composée de trois trièdres orientés vers l'arrière intercalés de deux trièdres orientés vers l'avant. La rangée R3 reprend la structure de la rangée Rl, puis la rangée R4 celle de la rangée R2, et ainsi de suite alternativement jusqu'à la rangée R7. On a noté T2 et T3 les premiers trièdres à gauche des rangées R2 et R3, T2 étant orienté vers l'arrière et T3 vers l'avant. Dans l'illustration de la figure 1, la face inférieure du trièdre Tl est présentée en continuité avec la face supérieure du trièdre T2, ce qui.peut être en pratique réalisé. Toutefois, selon la présente invention, il est estimé comme nettement préférable de prévoir des axes de pivotement tels que PA1, PA2 et PA3 entre les différentes rangées de trièdres, ce qui permet de les replier les unes sur les autres, les cubes tels que Tl, T2 et T3 s'emboîtant de la manière illustrée sur les figures 2A et 2B. On obtiendra ainsi une structure extrêmement compacte. Bien entendu, suivant la taille des trièdres ainsi que la géométrie du volume disponible, on pourra prévoir l'axe de pivotement non pas entre chacune des rangées, mais entre les rangées prises deux par deux, ou bien trois par trois, par exemple.FIG. 1 illustrates in the form of a shaded front view a panel of trihedra according to the invention. The panel is here composed of seven rows or lines of trihedra, denoted R1 to R7. Row Rl has three forward-facing trihedrons, supplemented by two rear-facing trihedrons. The first trihedron at the top and on the left, noted as a whole Tl, is made up of three orthogonal faces Tll, T12 and T13, separated between them by the edges All, A12 and A13. This structure will be repeated for all the other trihedra. It will also be noted that the essential part of the trihedron in electromagnetic retroreflection, delimited by the equilateral triangle whose sides are Cll, C12 and
On voit immédiatement que le panneau de la figure 1 présente la structure alvéolaire réversible déjà citée, dont une partie au moins des alvéoles en creux est munie d'un revêtement réflecteur en forme de trièdre.We can immediately see that the panel in Figure 1 has the reversible honeycomb structure already mentioned, of which at least part of the hollow cells is provided with a reflective coating in the shape of a trihedron.
Comme précédemment indiqué, de tels trièdres ont déjà été utilisés comme rétroréflecteurs-dans le cadre de mesures optiques. Pour de telles applications, on leur donne naturellement un surfaçage optique très soigné, la planéité étant assez importante, ainsi que des arêtes AI1, A12 et A13 très vives. Dans ces conditions, quelle que soit son orientation, le cube renvoie le rayonnement électromagnétique incident dans la direction d'où il vient.As previously indicated, such trihedrons have already been used as retroreflectors in the context of optical measurements. For such applications, they are naturally given very neat optical surfacing, the flatness being fairly high, as well as very sharp edges AI1, A12 and A13. In these conditions, whatever its orientation, the cube returns the electromagnetic radiation incident in the direction from which it comes.
L'un des points de départ de la présente invention est l'observation que les trièdres continuent à fonctionner d'une manière satisfaisante pour la réalisation de leurres électromagnétiques, même si leurs arêtes All, A12 et A13 sont arrondies. Cela permet tout d'abord, à des conditions économiques raisonnables, de fabriquer des panneaux de trièdres du type de celui de la figure 1.One of the starting points of the present invention is the observation that the trihedra continue to function in a satisfactory manner for the production of electromagnetic lures, even if their edges All, A12 and A13 are rounded. This allows first of all, under reasonable economic conditions, to manufacture trihedral panels of the type of that of FIG. 1.
Bien que le phénomène ne soit pas encore complètement expliqué, il semble même que des arêtes arrondies contribuent à un bon fonctionnement du dispositif en tant que leurre, en produisant des irrégularités dans la réponse du leurre en fonction de son orientation, ainsi que dans sa réponse aux ondes électromagnétiques incidentes de polarisation quelconque.Although the phenomenon has not yet been fully explained, it even seems that rounded edges contribute to the proper functioning of the device as a lure, by producing irregularities in the response of the lure according to its orientation, as well as in its response. to incident electromagnetic waves of any polarization.
On pourra naturellement réaliser le panneau de leurre de la figure 1 à partir d'une structure en matière plastique injectée ou coulée sous pression, ou encore en tôle d'alliage léger emboutie. Pour obtenir un revêtement réflecteur de qualité optique, on métallise le panneau par une opération du type galvanoplastie, vernis avec dépôt électrostatique d'aluminium, ou encore métallisation sous-vide.It will naturally be possible to produce the lure panel of FIG. 1 from a structure made of injected plastic or die-cast, or even from a stamped light alloy sheet. To obtain a reflective coating of optical quality, the panel is metallized by an operation of the electroplating type, varnish with electrostatic aluminum deposition, or even vacuum metallization.
Dans le cas d'une structure en tôle d'alliage léger, les axes de pivotement tels que PA1, ... pourront être réalisés par des charnières minces du type charnière à piano. On prendra soin, suivant l'épaisseur du matériau, ainsi que la forme de sa découpe au niveau des charnières, de réaliser les points d'articulation d'une manière permettant d'assurer le repliement convenable. On notera que dans le cas particulier de la figure 2A, le point d'articulation est alternativement d'un côté puis de l'autre :
- - à l'intersection entre les trièdres Tl et T2, le point d'articulation est à gauche ;
- - à l'intersection entre les trièdres T2 et T3, le point d'articulation est à droite.
- - at the intersection between the trihedrons Tl and T2, the articulation point is on the left;
- - at the intersection between the trihedrons T2 and T3, the point of articulation is on the right.
Pour une structure en matière plastique injectée ou coulée sous pression, l'articulation peut être réalisée de la même manière, ou encore par insertion d'un matériau déformable entre les deux blocs de matière plastique.For a plastic structure injected or cast under pressure, the articulation can be produced in the same way, or even by insertion of a deformable material between the two blocks of plastic material.
Dans un autre mode.de réalisation, considéré actuellement comme particulièrement avantageux, la structure est en résine époxyde sur tissu de fibre de verre.In another embodiment, currently considered to be particularly advantageous, the structure is made of epoxy resin on fiberglass fabric.
Plus précisément, on prévoit deux moules homologues, en verre à surfaçage optique, dont les formes correspondent aux deux côtés du panneau de la figure 1. Des surfaces optiques de ces moules sont préalablement munies d'un revêtement réflecteur convenable, qui est maintenu-en place à l'aide d'une colle de force moyenne. Entre les deux moules, on va réaliser un tissu de fibre de verre, de préférence à l'aide de trois bandes entrelacées. La première bande de fibre de verre va passer sur les faces telles que T11 et T12, et suivra donc la direction générale des rangées RI, R2, ..., dans la direction de la flèche Fl. La deuxième bande de fibre de verre va suivre les faces telles que Tll et T13, en prenant donc la direction de la diagonale d'orientation F2 sur la figure 1. Enfin, la troisième bande de fibre de verre va suivre les faces telles que T12 et T13, prenant alors la direction de la flèche F3. On voit immédiatement que chaque face du trièdre est définie par superposition de deux parties des bandes de fibre de verre précitées. Les bandes sont de préférence découpées pour suivre à chaque fois le profil en escalier correspondant à la largeur du trièdre individuel. Après avoir mis en place entre les deux moules le tissu en fibre de verre ainsi défini, on coule sous-vide entre les moules une résine époxyde. Après polymérisation, la résine époxyde retient le revêtement réflecteur, qui adhère plus sur elle que sur le moule en verre. Etant donné que la surface extérieure de ce revêtement a été définie par la surface optique du moule, on obtient ainsi directement un revêtement réflecteur de qualité optique sur une structure moulée en résine époxyde, qui est par ailleurs de grande solidité étant donné son armature en fibre de verre.More specifically, two homologous molds are provided, made of optical surfacing glass, the shapes of which correspond to the two sides of the panel in FIG. 1. The optical surfaces of these molds are previously provided with a suitable reflective coating, which is maintained in place with medium strength glue. Between the two molds, we will make a fiberglass fabric, preferably using three interlaced bands. The first strip of fiberglass will pass over the faces such as T11 and T12, and will therefore follow the general direction of the rows RI, R2, ..., in the direction of the arrow Fl. The second strip of fiberglass will follow the faces such as Tll and T13, therefore taking the direction of the orientation diagonal F2 in FIG. 1. Finally, the third strip of fiberglass will follow the faces such as T12 and T13, then taking the direction of arrow F3. It is immediately seen that each face of the trihedron is defined by superposition of two parts of the aforementioned fiberglass strips. The strips are preferably cut to follow each time the staircase profile corresponding to the width of the individual trihedron. After having put in place between the two molds the fiberglass fabric thus defined, an epoxy resin is poured under vacuum between the molds. After polymerization, the epoxy resin retains the reflective coating, which adheres more to it than to the glass mold. Since the exterior surface of this coating has been defined by the optical surface of the mold, a reflective coating of optical quality is thus obtained directly on a structure molded in epoxy resin, which is also very solid given its fiber reinforcement. of glass.
L'unité de moulage pourra avoir une taille qui dépend de la position des axes de pivotement. Si l'on désire un axe de pivotement entre chaque rangée de trièdres, on prévoira alors un moule pour une seule rangée de trièdres, ce qui permet de laisser non enduite par la résine époxyde la zone du point d'articulation PA1. On obtient alors facilement un axe d'articulation, qui repose sur la souplesse de la fibre de verre non enduite. On recommence alors, en inversant les moules, pour la rangée R2, et ainsi de suite. Si au contraire on désire des axes d'articulation toutes les deux rangées de moules, on aura alors un moule de forme correspondant au bloc des rangées Rl et R2, avec le moule homologue de l'autre côté, l'ensemble étant déplacé par simple translation. Si l'unité de base rigide comporte trois rangées de trièdres, le moule sera de forme correspondante. Là encore, il faudra inverser les moules à chaque fois.The molding unit may have a size which depends on the position of the pivot axes. If a pivot axis is desired between each row of trihedrons, then a mold will be provided for a single row of trihedrons, which allows the area of the hinge point PA1 to be left uncoated by the epoxy resin. An axis of articulation is then easily obtained, which rests on the flexibility of the uncoated glass fiber. We then start again, inverting the molds, for row R2, and so on. If on the contrary one wishes axes of articulation every two rows of molds, one will then have a mold of shape corresponding to the block of the rows Rl and R2, with the homologous mold on the other side, the assembly being moved by simple translation. If the rigid base unit has three rows of trihedrons, the mold will be of corresponding shape. Again, the molds will need to be inverted each time.
On a vu, en référence à la figure 1, que la partie la plus active d'un trièdre est délimitée par le triangle équilatéral Cll, C12 et C13. Dans le cadre du moulage précité, on pourra limiter le revêtement fixé préalablement sur le moule à ce qui correspond à cette partie utile du trièdre à obtenir. De même, on pourra aussi, avant ou après moulage, porter sur le revêtement rétroréflecteur tout dessin ou modification qui pourrait être utile pour la bonne réalisation d'un leurre, en particulier pour ce qui est de la. rétroréflexion des ondes polarisées circulairement.We have seen, with reference to FIG. 1, that the most active part of a trihedron is delimited by the equilateral triangle Cll, C12 and C13. In the context of the aforementioned molding, the coating fixed previously on the mold may be limited to what corresponds to this useful part of the trihedron to obtain. Similarly, one can also, before or after molding, wear on the retroreflective coating any design or modification which could be useful for the good realization of a lure, in particular with regard to the. retro-reflection of circularly polarized waves.
Comme exemple particulier de structure en matière plastique injectée ou coulée sous pression, on connus pourra utiliser les matériaux/ sous les marques PLEXIGLAS ou ALTUGLAS, équipés d'un revêtement réflecteur non mouillant. On peut encore utiliser également des polycarbonates tels que le MAKROLON.As a particular example of a structure made of injected or pressure-cast plastic, it is known that materials / may be used under the brands PLEXIGLAS or ALTUGLAS, equipped with a non-wetting reflective coating. Polycarbonates such as MAKROLON can also be used.
Comme exemple de tôle d'alliage léger, on pourra utiliser l'aluminium, éventuellement munie d'un revêtement rétroréflecteur, si nécessaire.As an example of a light alloy sheet, aluminum may be used, optionally provided with a retroreflective coating, if necessary.
Comme exemple de résine époxyde, on pourra utiliser les produits du genre connus sous le nom de ARALDITE (marque déposée).As an example of an epoxy resin, products of the kind known under the name of ARALDITE (registered trademark) can be used.
Après avoir décrit le leurre électromagnétique élémentaire, on passera maintenant à son procédé de mise en oeuvre. Bien que ce procédé puisse, à la limite, utiliser des panneaux de trièdres rigides, qui peuvent être différents entre eux, on supposera dans la suite de la présente description que chaque jeu de trièdres comprend au moins un panneau de lignes adjacentes de trièdres articules à pivotement les unes sur les autres.After describing the basic electromagnetic decoy, we will now move on to its implementation process. Although this process may, ultimately, use rigid trihedron panels, which may be different from each other, it will be assumed in the remainder of this description that each set of trihedra comprises at least one panel of adjacent lines of trihedrons articulated to pivoting on each other.
Par ailleurs, bien que les trièdres soient susceptibles d'autres applications, où ils pourront éventuellement prendre des formes en réseau autre que les formes d'un panneau, on supposera maintenant qu'il s'agit d'une défense de navire de surface en mer.Furthermore, although the trihedra are susceptible of other applications, where they may possibly take network shapes other than the shapes of a panel, we will now assume that it is a surface ship defense in sea.
Dans sa version élémentaire, le procédé pour leurrer des détecteurs électromagnétiques actifs consiste à déployer au moins un jeu de trièdres à une altitude comprise entre 3 et 20 mètres environ.In its elementary version, the method for decoying active electromagnetic detectors consists in deploying at least one set of trihedra at an altitude of between 3 and 20 meters approximately.
Si l'on fait référence à la figure 3, un jeu de trièdres peut être déployé à l'aide d'un ballon captif BC1, relié par filin à une ancre flottante AFS1, et supportant le jeu de trièdres LT1, lequel est de préférence sollicité vers le bas par un corps flottant BF1, qui est avantageusement un ballon chargé faiblement gonflé. Le ballon captif BCl présente de préférence une forme obtenue par intersection de deux disques, ce qui lui permet de lier la poussée aérostatique à une portance aérodynamique liée au vent rencontré. De cette manière, il y aura traction du ballon captif sur l'ancre flottante, ce qui permet l'inclinaison du filin, par conséquent le support du leurre LT1 sans que celui-ci ne vienne se mêler au filin de l'ancre flottante. En présence du ballon flottant BF1, le leurre LT1 est tiré vers le bas, et par conséquent il sera soumis essentiellement à des mouvements de pivotement sur lui-même, mouvement dont la vitesse angulaire est relativement aléatoire, étant notamment liée au vent. En présence d'un rayonnement électromagnétique incident, l'intensité du rayonnement rétroréfléchi va être liée directement à l'angle sous lequel le rayonnement incident est vu par chacun des trièdres. Il résulte donc du mouvement de pivotement précité une composante de fluctuation aléatoire d'amplitude en-réponse qui est considérée actuellement comme particulièrement importante pour obtenir un bon leurre. En effet, l'écho radar par exemple d'un navire de surface possède lui aussi une assez forte composante aléatoire, au moins pour certaines des zones du navire .Referring to FIG. 3, a set of trihedrons can be deployed using a captive balloon BC1, connected by wire to a floating anchor AFS1, and supporting the set of trihedra LT1, which is preferably biased downwards by a floating body BF1, which is advantageously a slightly inflated loaded balloon. The captive balloon BCl preferably has a shape obtained by the intersection of two discs, which allows it to link the aerostatic thrust to an aerodynamic lift linked to the wind encountered. In this way, there will be traction of the captive balloon on the floating anchor, which allows the inclination of the rope, therefore the support of the LT1 lure without it coming to mix with the rope of the floating anchor. In the presence of the floating ball BF1, the LT1 lure is pulled down, and therefore it will be subjected essentially to pivoting movements on itself, movement whose angular speed is relatively random, being in particular related to the wind. In the presence of incident electromagnetic radiation, the intensity of the retroreflected radiation will be directly linked to the angle at which the incident radiation is seen by each of the trihedra. It therefore results from the aforementioned pivoting movement a component of random fluctuation of amplitude in response which is currently considered particularly important for obtaining a good lure. Indeed, the radar echo for example of a surface ship also has a fairly strong random component, at least for some of the areas of the ship.
Dans le cas notamment d'un ballon captif porteur au vent, et qui tire donc fortement sur le filin qui le relie à son ancre flottante, on peut envisager la suppression du ballon BF1, auquel cas le leurre LT1 est soumis non seulement à un pivotement sur lui-même, mais aussi à des mouvements de pendulation qui contribuent encore à donner un caractère réaliste au signal rétroréfléchi.In the case in particular of a captive balloon carrying in the wind, and which therefore pulls strongly on the rope which connects it to its floating anchor, one can envisage the elimination of the balloon BF1, in which case the lure LT1 is subjected not only to a pivoting on itself, but also on pendulum movements which still contribute to give a realistic character to the retroreflected signal.
Dans l'hypothèse où l'on met en oeuvre un seul jeu de trièdres, il est dans la plupart des cas souhaitable d'utiliser non pas un panneau unique tel que LT1, mais deux panneaux inclinés l'un sur l'autre, comme cela est illustré en LT2. Très avantageusement, les deux panneaux sont sensiblement perpendiculaires, bien qu'une inclinaison différente puisse être utilisable dans certains cas.In the hypothesis where a single set of trihedrons is used, it is in most cases desirable to use not a single panel such as LT1, but two panels inclined one on the other, as this is illustrated in LT2. Very advantageously, the two panels are substantially perpendicular, although a different inclination can be used in certain cases.
Il a été observé que deux panneaux sensiblement perpendiculaires, et reliés par un de leur grand côté, possèdent une caractéristique de réflexion sensiblement isotrope, avec cependant de petites fluctuations, qui semblent être dues notamment au fait que les arêtes des trièdres élémentaires sont arrondies. Un autre avantage de l'utilisation de deux panneaux de trièdres à angle droit est que la réponse en rétroréflexion varie quand même avec l'angle, étant observé que l'un des panneaux de trièdres masquera plus ou moins la surface active de l'autre pour certaines orientations, lorsque le rayonnement incident arrive par le côté concave formé par le leurre.It has been observed that two substantially perpendicular panels, and connected by one of their long side, have a substantially isotropic reflection characteristic, with however small fluctuations, which seem to be due in particular to the fact that the edges of the elementary trihedra are rounded. Another advantage of using two trihedral panels at right angles is that the response in retro-reflection nevertheless varies with the angle, it being observed that one of the trihedral panels will more or less mask the active surface of the other. for certain orientations, when the incident radiation arrives via the concave side formed by the decoy.
En réalisation pratique, partant du panneau de la figure 1, il suffit de compléter sur l'un des côtés au moins du panneau les vides laissés entre les différentes rangées de trièdres de manière à faire une ligne continue, qui est pratiquement l'équivalent des lignes formant axe de pivotement du genre PA1. Et deux panneaux de trièdres sont alors reliés l'un à l'autre, les panneaux pouvant d'ailleurs être fabriqués en même temps par le procédé de moulage déjà cité, auquel cas la forme des moules tiendra compte non seulement des axes de pivotement tels que PA1, PA2, ..., mais aussi d'un axe de pivotement perpendiculaire dans le sens vertical. Les deux panneaux ainsi interconnectés seront normalement stockés à plat, repliés comme.le montrent les figures 2A et 2B. Lors du déploiement, un dispositif à développement.automatique va séparer les deux panneaux, pour les amener à l'angle voulu, tout en définissant en même temps un moyen de suspension au droit du centre de gravité du leurre, compte tenu de l'angle entre ces deux panneaux. Cela peut être obtenu notamment par un moyen du genre compas actionné par ressort, ou analogue.In practical realization, starting from the panel of FIG. 1, it suffices to complete on one at least of the sides of the panel the gaps left between the different rows of trihedra so as to make a continuous line, which is practically the equivalent of lines forming pivot axis of the type PA1. And two panels of trihedra are then connected to each other, the panels being able to be produced at the same time by the molding process already mentioned, in which case the shape of the molds will take into account not only the pivot axes such that PA1, PA2, ..., but also a pivot axis perpendicular in the vertical direction. The two panels thus interconnected will normally be stored flat, folded as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. During deployment, an automatic development device will separate the two panels, to bring them to the desired angle, while at the same time defining a suspension means in line with the center of gravity of the lure, taking into account the angle between these two panels. This can be achieved in particular by a means of the spring-actuated compass, or the like.
Si on la considère maintenant dans son ensemble, la figure 3 développe un alignement sensiblement horizontal de jeu interconnecté de trièdres. On reconnaît en effet les ballons captifs BC1, BC2, BC3, BC4, dont les filins de suspension sont interconnectés par un filin principal F sensiblement horizontal, relié d'un côté à un organe de traction OT qui peut être une voile, ou un dispositif à décharge de gaz, ou encore plus simplement le parachute qui servira à la descente du leurre après son largage. A son autre extrémité, le filin principal F est relié à une ancre flottante principale AFP: Chacun, des ballons BC1 à BC4 est relié à son ancre flottante secondaire AFS1 à AFS4. Chacun des ballons reçoit également un leurre LT1 à LT4, leurre qui est de préférence sollicité vers le bas soit par une masse qui lui est incorporée, soit encore par un ballon flottant tel que BF1 à BF4 du type déjà cité.If we now consider it as a whole, Figure 3 develops a substantially horizontal alignment of interconnected set of trihedra. We recognize indeed the captive balloons BC1, BC2, BC3, BC4, the suspension ropes of which are interconnected by a main horizontal rope F substantially horizontal, connected on one side to a traction member OT which can be a sail, or a device gas discharge, or even more simply the parachute which will be used to lower the lure after its release. At its other end, the main rope F is connected to a main floating anchor AFP: Each balloon BC1 to BC4 is connected to its secondary floating anchor AFS1 to AFS4. Each of the balloons also receives a lure LT1 to LT4, a lure which is preferably biased downward either by a mass incorporated therein, or even by a floating balloon such as BF1 to BF4 of the type already mentioned.
De préférence, on prévoit aux extrémités des leurres avec un seul panneau, comme montré ici en LT1 et LT4, tandis qu'à tous les niveaux intermédiaires, on prévoit des leurres à deux panneaux perpendiculaires tels que LT2 et LT3.Preferably, lures with one panel are provided at the ends, as shown here in LT1 and LT4, while at all intermediate levels, lures with two perpendicular panels are provided such as LT2 and LT3.
Il a été observé que cette disposition reproduit de façon très "crédible" la "signature" d'un navire de surface important en rayonnement électromagnétique. On peut naturellement moduler cette apparence en agissant sur les formats, distances et altitudes des jeux de leurres.It has been observed that this provision reproduces in a very "credible" manner the "signature" of a large surface vessel in electro radiation. magnetic. We can naturally modulate this appearance by acting on the formats, distances and altitudes of the games of lures.
Le fait que les leurres utilisés selon la présente invention soient doués d'une excellente rétroréflexion leur donne une "surface équivalente radar" importante, qui permet de simuler avec des dispositifs de faible surface réelle, convenablement disposés les uns par rapport aux autres, un navire dont les dimensions physiques sont beaucoup plus importantes. Comme précédemment indiqué, le fait d'utiliser des leurres à deux panneaux tels que LT2 et LT3 aux niveaux intermédiaires permet d'augmenter le niveau moyen et de simuler les pics de la signature d'un bâtiment, ces "pics" étant en eux-mêmes connus à l'avance, tout en obtenant comme cela a déjà été indiqué, une composante de fluctuation aléatoire autour de ces pics.The fact that the lures used according to the present invention are endowed with an excellent retroreflection gives them a large "radar equivalent surface", which makes it possible to simulate, with devices of small real surface, suitably arranged in relation to one another, a ship whose physical dimensions are much larger. As previously indicated, the fact of using lures with two panels such as LT2 and LT3 at the intermediate levels makes it possible to increase the average level and to simulate the peaks of the signature of a building, these "peaks" being in themselves- same known in advance, while obtaining, as already indicated, a component of random fluctuation around these peaks.
Au contraire, on a observé que les extrémités d'un navire possèdent un écho radar beaucoup plus fluctuant, qui est avantageusement défini ici par un panneau unique, dont le pivotement sur lui-même produira une fluctuation identifiable à celle du navire.On the contrary, it has been observed that the ends of a ship have a much more fluctuating radar echo, which is advantageously defined here by a single panel, the pivoting of which on itself will produce a fluctuation identifiable with that of the ship.
La présence du filin F entre les différents leurres suspendus assure à ceux-ci d'une part un écartement qui peut être choisi de manière optimale compte tenu des "pics" à réaliser et de la taille des cellules de résolution et des détecteurs électromagnétiques actifs. De surcroît, ce filin assure aussi une certaine corrélation au niveau du positionnement vertical des différents leurres suspendus. Enfin, le filin assure encore un certain couplage entre le mouvement du leurre et le mouvement de la surface de la mer, par l'existence des ancres flottantes AFS1 à AFS4.The presence of the rope F between the various suspended lures provides them on the one hand with a spacing which can be chosen optimally taking into account the "peaks" to be produced and the size of the resolution cells and of the active electromagnetic detectors. In addition, this line also ensures a certain correlation in the vertical positioning of the various suspended lures. Finally, the rope still provides a certain coupling between the movement of the lure and the movement of the sea surface, by the existence of the floating anchors AFS1 to AFS4.
Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, cette composante sensible au mouvement de la mer est fortement augmentée par l'utilisation des corps flottants tels que les ballons faiblement gonflés BF1 à BF4, qui assurent un couplage beaucoup plus direct entre le niveau de la surface marine et les leurres LT1 à LT4. Cela peut être souhaitable, au moins pour certaines tailles de navire.According to another aspect of the invention, this component sensitive to the movement of the sea is strongly increased by the use of floating bodies such as low inflated balloons BF1 to BF4, which ensure a much more direct coupling between the level of the sea surface and the lures LT1 to LT4. This may be desirable, at least for certain vessel sizes.
En dehors du cas d'un leurre unique, la combinaison minimale pour définir un navire comportera de préférence deux leurres d'extrémité tels que LT1 à LT4 encadrant au moins un leurre à deux panneaux tel" que LT2.Apart from the case of a single lure, the minimum combination to define a vessel will preferably include two end lures such as LT1 to LT4 framing at least one lure with two panels such as "LT2.
Pour la simulation d'un gros navire, on pourra aller jusqu'à 7 à 10 leurres suspendus, les leurres d'extrémité étant là encore des leurres simples, tandis que les leurres intermédiaires, ou du moins la plus grande partie d'entre eux, sont des leurres à deux panneaux.For the simulation of a large vessel, we can go up to 7 to 10 suspended lures, the end lures are again simple lures, while the intermediate lures, or at least most of them , are two-panel lures.
Dans ce qui précède, on a indiqué que les leurres à deux panneaux perpendiculaires étaient souhaitables à cause de leur aptitude à répondre dans toutes les directions, mais avec une intensité variable en fonction de l'angle. Dans les cas où une omnidirection- nalité.plus régulière est souhaitée, on pourra utiliser des leurres à trois panneaux régulièrement distribués en étoile, ou à quatre panneaux perpendiculaires, et ainsi de suite.In the foregoing, it has been indicated that lures with two perpendicular panels are desirable because of their ability to respond in all directions, but with varying intensity depending on the angle. In cases where a more regular omnidirectionality is desired, one can use lures with three panels regularly distributed in a star, or with four perpendicular panels, and so on.
On décrira maintenant en référence aux figures 4A à 4D un mode.de mise en oeuvre du leurre selon l'invention.A mode.de implementation of the lure according to the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4D.
Comme le montre la figure 4A, le leurre peut être porté à l'emplacement souhaité par une roquette, qui peut être la roquette SAGAIE fabriquée par la demanderesse, ou par tout autre véhicule lanceur, tel que ceux qui sont incorporés aux valises DAGAIE également fabriquées par la demanderesse.As shown in FIG. 4A, the lure can be carried to the desired location by a rocket, which can be the SAGAIE rocket manufactured by the applicant, or by any other launching vehicle, such as those which are incorporated into the DAGAIE suitcases also manufactured by the plaintiff.
En fin de trajectoire, le véhicule lanceur libère un ensemble constitué en tête de l'ancre flottante principale AFP, convenablement lestée pour partir la première et tirer l'ensemble des modules M4 à Ml, suivie enfin de l'organe de traction vers l'arrière OT, qui est constitùé par exemple d'un parachute capable de former voile (figure 4B). La figure 4C montre l'ensemble en position amerrie.At the end of the trajectory, the launcher vehicle releases an assembly formed at the head of the main floating anchor AFP, suitably ballasted to start first and pull all the modules M4 to Ml, followed finally by the traction member towards the rear OT, which consists for example of a parachute capable of forming a sail (FIG. 4B). Figure 4C shows the assembly in the landed position.
Chaque module tel que Ml comporte un ballon captif tel que BC1, une ancre flottante AFS1, et le leurre replié tel que LT1, avec éventuellement le ballon flottant BF1. Le module se complète aussi d'un manchon de connexion entre l'ancre flottante AFS1 et le ballon BC1, manchon qui peut également assurer la liaison mécanique entre ces deux éléments. Les ancres flottantes peuvent être constituées de sacs capables de se remplir d'eau, et les ancres secondaires telles que AFS1 comportent en outre une composition chimique telle que de l'hydrure de calcium, capable de se décomposer au contact de l'eau pour produire de l'hydrogène, hydrogène qui est transféré par -ledit manchon au ballon captif, lequel se gonfle alors. On comprend immédiatement que tous les ballons captifs vont se trouver ainsi gonflés, et montés ensemble, soulevant ainsi le filin, et par là même les leurres. De son côté, le parachute OT reprend de la hauteur, et assure la traction terminale du filin, si nécessaire. Initialement repliés, les leurres se déplient soit par le fait qu'on leur a ajouté une masse en partie inférieure, soit sous l'action de la traction exercée par le câble qui les relie au corps flottant tel que BF1. On obtient alors la disposition représentée sur la figure 4D, et qui est semblable à celle de la figure 3, sauf l'absence des corps flottants tels que BF1, ainsi que la simplification des leurres intermédiaires. Avantageusement, on prévoit un laminage des gaz qui vont être produits dans chacune des ancres flottantes secondaires, avant d'envoyer ces gaz au ballon, de façon à assurer un refroidissement suffisant de ceux-ci. La vitesse de réaction de l'hy- drùre de calcium avec l'eau de mer peut également être ajustée de la manière désirée pour obtenir des caractéristiques de montées franches et progressives des ballons captifs en l'air.Each module such as Ml comprises a captive balloon such as BC1, a floating anchor AFS1, and the folded lure such as LT1, possibly with the floating balloon BF1. The module is also completed with a connection sleeve between the floating anchor AFS1 and the balloon BC1, a sleeve which can also provide the mechanical connection between these two elements. The floating anchors can consist of bags capable of filling with water, and the secondary anchors such as AFS1 also comprise a chemical composition such as calcium hydride, capable of decomposing on contact with water to produce hydrogen, hydrogen which is transferred by said sleeve to the tethered balloon, which then inflates. We immediately understand that all the captive balloons will be thus inflated, and mounted together, thus lifting the rope, and thereby the lures. For its part, the OT parachute gains height, and ensures the final traction of the rope, if necessary. Initially folded, the lures unfold either by the fact that a mass has been added to them at the bottom, or under the action of the traction exerted by the cable which connects them to the floating body such as BF1. We then obtain the arrangement shown in Figure 4D, and which is similar to that of Figure 3, except the absence of floating bodies such as BF1, as well as the simplification of intermediate lures. Advantageously, provision is made for a lamination of the gases which will be produced in each of the secondary floating anchors, before sending these gases to the balloon, so as to ensure sufficient cooling thereof. The rate of reaction of calcium hydrogen with seawater can also be adjusted as desired to obtain clear and progressive rise characteristics of the captive balloons in the air.
Dans certains cas, on pourra se dispenser de l'ancre flottante principale AFP, auquel cas celle-ci est remplacée par une simple masse d'entraînement pour assurer la descente comme le montre la figure 4B.In some cases, it will be possible to dispense with the main floating anchor AFP, in which case it is replaced by a simple drive mass to ensure the descent as shown in FIG. 4B.
Enfin, le leurre peut être aisément rendu autodestructible, en incorporant à chacun des ballons captifs une charge à retard convenable, qui assurera l'initiation d'une réaction entre l'hydrogène des ballons et l'air,et par conséquent l'explosion de ceux-ci, le leurre retombant alors à l'eau dans son ensemble, et devenant très difficilement détectable.Finally, the lure can be easily made self-destructing, by incorporating in each of the captive balloons a suitable delay charge, which will ensure the initiation of a reaction between the hydrogen of the balloons and the air, and consequently the explosion of these, the lure then falling back into the water as a whole, and becoming very difficult to detect.
On observera également que le côté non mouillant des surfaces des trièdres réflecteurs rend ceux-ci pratiquement insensibles à la présence de l'eau de mer, en ce qui concerne leurs caractéristiques de rétroféflexion, du moins pendant un temps suffisamment bref par rapport à leur instant de mise en oeuvre.It will also be observed that the non-wetting side of the surfaces of the reflecting trihedra makes them practically insensitive to the presence of sea water, as regards their retroflexion characteristics, at least for a sufficiently short time compared to their instant. of implementation.
Les modules Ml à M4 peuvent être contenus dans des enveloppes convenables, suffisamment lâches pour pouvoir être rompues lors du lâcher des ballons captifs.The modules M1 to M4 can be contained in suitable envelopes, loose enough to be able to be broken when releasing the captive balloons.
La figure 5 montre comment on peut ranger les différents modules côte à côte, en les reliant en alternance le bas de l'un avec le haut de l'autre, une extrémité étant reliée au parachute, et l'autre à l'ancre flottante.Figure 5 shows how you can store the different modules side by side, alternately connecting the bottom of one with the top of the other, one end being connected to the parachute, and the other to the floating anchor .
Enfin, la figure 6 fait apparaître comment les modules ainsi couplés peuvent être introduits à l'intérieur du corps d'une roquette, les différents modules Ml à M4 occupant les secteurs respectifs de la section droite de la roquette, tandis que le parachute OT et l'ancre flottante AFP occupent les deux extrémités de la roquette, en passant éventuellement en partie dans la zone centrale de celle-ci.Finally, FIG. 6 shows how the modules thus coupled can be introduced inside the body of a rocket, the different modules M1 to M4 occupying the respective sectors of the cross section of the rocket, while the parachute OT and the AFP floating anchor occupies the two ends of the rocket, possibly passing partly in the central zone of the latter.
Il convient de remarquer que le côté pliable des leurres électromagnétiques proposés est important pour leur mise en place dans le volume relativement étroit qui est disponible à l'intérieur d'un véhicule lanceur tel qu'une roquette.It should be noted that the foldable side of the proposed electromagnetic decoys is important for their placement in the relatively narrow volume which is available inside a launch vehicle such as a rocket.
Dans ce qui précède, on a considéré que les leurres étaient rétroréflecteurs pour des rayonnements électromagnétiques émis par des détecteurs actifs. Ces détecteurs peuvent être de différents types, radar, laser.In the above, it was considered that the decoys were retroreflectors for electromagnetic radiation emitted by active detectors. These detectors can be of different types, radar, laser.
Bien entendu, on pourra adapter les caractéristiques des revêtements réflecteurs ainsi que de la géométrie des différents trièdres en fonction des besoins, et des bandes de fréquences concernées.Of course, it is possible to adapt the characteristics of the reflective coatings as well as the geometry of the different trihedrons as required, and of the frequency bands concerned.
Bien entendu, la présente invention n'est pas limitée au mode de réalisation décrit, mais s'étend à toute variante conforme à son esprit.Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described, but extends to any variant in accordance with its spirit.
Dans certains cas, on pourra notamment envisager de déployer des leurres non seulement dans une direction principale horizontale définie par le filin F, mais aussi cens la direction transversale. On pourra également prévoir des sources formant leurres infrarouges complémentaires du leurre électromagnétique obtenu, de manière à parfaire la simulation. Ces sources peuvent notamment être incorporées aux ancres flottantes secondaires AFS1 à AFS4, ou encore aux corps flottants tels que BF1 à BF4.In certain cases, it will in particular be possible to envisage deploying lures not only in a horizontal main direction defined by the rope F, but also in the transverse direction. It will also be possible to provide sources forming infrared decoys complementary to the electromagnetic decoy obtained, so as to perfect the simulation. These sources can in particular be incorporated into the secondary floating anchors AFS1 to AFS4, or even to the floating bodies such as BF1 to BF4.
Claims (27)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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AT82402350T ATE37463T1 (en) | 1981-12-30 | 1982-12-21 | DETECTION DEVICE FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC DETECTORS. |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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FR8124523 | 1981-12-30 | ||
FR8124523A FR2519134B1 (en) | 1981-12-30 | 1981-12-30 | METHOD FOR LURE ACTIVE ELECTROMAGNETIC DETECTORS AND LURES THEREOF |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP0083280A2 true EP0083280A2 (en) | 1983-07-06 |
EP0083280A3 EP0083280A3 (en) | 1984-07-11 |
EP0083280B1 EP0083280B1 (en) | 1988-09-21 |
Family
ID=9265539
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP82402350A Expired EP0083280B1 (en) | 1981-12-30 | 1982-12-21 | Decoy means for electromagnetic detectors |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US4695841A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0083280B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE37463T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE3279065D1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES517742A0 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2519134B1 (en) |
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EP0236958A2 (en) * | 1986-03-10 | 1987-09-16 | Helmut K. Pinsch GmbH & Co. | Removable retroreflector for reflecting electromagnetic rays |
EP0512202A2 (en) * | 1991-05-10 | 1992-11-11 | Buck Werke GmbH & Co | Method for protecting an IR-radiation emitting object and projectile for putting this method in practice |
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IL190197A (en) | 2008-03-17 | 2013-05-30 | Yoav Turgeman | Method for performing exo-atmospheric missile's interception trial |
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- 1981-12-30 FR FR8124523A patent/FR2519134B1/en not_active Expired
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1982
- 1982-11-27 ES ES517742A patent/ES517742A0/en active Granted
- 1982-12-21 EP EP82402350A patent/EP0083280B1/en not_active Expired
- 1982-12-21 DE DE8282402350T patent/DE3279065D1/en not_active Expired
- 1982-12-21 AT AT82402350T patent/ATE37463T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1986
- 1986-01-21 US US06/821,502 patent/US4695841A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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GB358972A (en) * | 1930-06-16 | 1931-10-16 | John Henry Owen Harries | Improvements in and relating to signalling systems and in particular to radio communication |
US3229290A (en) * | 1953-03-06 | 1966-01-11 | Evan D Fisher | Releasable balloon decoys |
US3010103A (en) * | 1956-01-16 | 1961-11-21 | Del Mar Eng Lab | Radar reflective tow target |
US3568191A (en) * | 1960-12-15 | 1971-03-02 | James C Hiester | Method for defending an aircraft against a frontal attack |
US3229291A (en) * | 1961-01-30 | 1966-01-11 | Aria Paul S Dell | Ship simulator |
US4115775A (en) * | 1976-09-29 | 1978-09-19 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force | Deep penetrating forebody with tethered radar reflector |
US4096479A (en) * | 1977-04-14 | 1978-06-20 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Radar significant target |
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EP0236958A2 (en) * | 1986-03-10 | 1987-09-16 | Helmut K. Pinsch GmbH & Co. | Removable retroreflector for reflecting electromagnetic rays |
EP0236958A3 (en) * | 1986-03-10 | 1989-11-15 | Helmut K. Pinsch GmbH & Co. | Removable retroreflector for reflecting electromagnetic rays |
EP0512202A2 (en) * | 1991-05-10 | 1992-11-11 | Buck Werke GmbH & Co | Method for protecting an IR-radiation emitting object and projectile for putting this method in practice |
EP0512202A3 (en) * | 1991-05-10 | 1993-09-01 | Buck Werke Gmbh & Co | Method for protecting an ir-radiation emitting object and projectile for putting this method in practice |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0083280B1 (en) | 1988-09-21 |
US4695841A (en) | 1987-09-22 |
ES8309001A1 (en) | 1983-10-16 |
ATE37463T1 (en) | 1988-10-15 |
FR2519134B1 (en) | 1988-01-22 |
DE3279065D1 (en) | 1988-10-27 |
FR2519134A1 (en) | 1983-07-01 |
EP0083280A3 (en) | 1984-07-11 |
ES517742A0 (en) | 1983-10-16 |
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