EP3306260A1 - Method and system for defence against aerial threats in the form of controllable unmanned small air vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (M) for the defense of 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 defense area (2) can be tolerated or not, a sequence of control measures of increasing combat 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. However, small UAVs are increasingly posing a security risk, for example in the entry-level area of airports, in the area of sensitive infrastructural facilities, such as airports. 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 determined as an empirical parameter, eg based on the frequency of flight activity of UAVs observed by monitoring sensors. The risk level takes into account the Endangerment, in particular for persons, resulting 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. In the case of a hazard level greater than or equal to the limit risk level, an uncontrolled crash of the UAVs to be defended can not be tolerated and it is therefore necessary to take a precautionary 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 of having a low defense of the threat vehicle takes place with little technical and financial effort. 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. This also allows control measures with less Mitigation hardness, such as low-energy electromagnetic radiation, are already used at a large 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 Level 0 BDL, the presence of a small UAV can generally be 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. For a Level 2 BDL, Presence is to prevent a small UAV with all available technical effort.

In particular, the threat level may be predetermined by an operator or as an empirical parameter, e.g. is determined by the frequency of UAVs observed by monitoring sensors. 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 defense small aircraft can be beneficial for Security measures are used to prevent an uncontrolled crash of the threat missile and to lead 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 missiles 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, in the Catching trapped threat missiles will be carried off 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, it is preferable to irradiate the threat missile with high-energy electromagnetic radiation, such as e.g. High energy microwave radiation, high energy laser radiation, or firing a defensive round, such as a projectile or missile intended for 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 may, in particular, comprise a processor, a data memory readable by the latter, e.g. in the form of a non-volatile memory, and having 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 in a particularly flexible manner, in particular regardless of the circumstances at the bottom of the site of the system can be selected. 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 total small aircraft required of the system 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 threat missile, the control device being designed on the basis of the received sensor data, on the basis of the threat level, and on the basis of the Threshold levels to transmit generated control signal to the third defensive device, wherein the control signal causes execution of control measures by the third defensive device as a control measure of the sequence of control measures.

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.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht eines Systems zur Abwehr von Bedrohungsflugkörpern in Form steuerbarer unbemannter Kleinluftahrzeuge gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Ansicht eines Systems gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Ansicht einer Aufklärungsvorrichtung eines Systems gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Ansicht einer Aufklärungsvorrichtung eines Systems gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Ansicht eines Abwehr-Kleinluftfahrzeugs eines Systems gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Ansicht eines Systems gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Ansicht einer Fangvorrichtung eines Systems gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung; und

Fig. 8

eine schematische Darstellung eines Verfahrens gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung als Ablaufdiagramm.

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

Fig. 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;

Fig. 2

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

Fig. 3

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

Fig. 4

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

Fig. 5

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

Fig. 6

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

Fig. 7

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

Fig. 8

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.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a system 100 for defense against threat missiles 10 in the form of controllable unmanned small aircraft. Hereinafter, the threat missile 10 is referred to as threat UAV 10. As Fig. 1 shows, the system 100 at least one reconnaissance device 20, a defense small aircraft 30, hereinafter called defense UAV 30, a control device 40 and an optional electric power source 65 on.

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

The 3 and 4 show respectively preferred embodiments of the reconnaissance device 20. As in the 3 and 4 1, the reconnaissance device 20 has a sensor device 21 for detecting a small aircraft within a surveillance area 3 and a first defense device 22 for carrying out a control measure against the threat missile 10. The sensor device 21 has at least one sensor. The sensor device 21 preferably has a plurality of sensors, in particular a plurality of sensors of different types. In the 3 and 4 In each case, a sensor device 21 is shown, which has an acoustic sensor 21A for detecting noises emitted by the threat UAV 10, an optical sensor in the form of a camera 21B, an optical infrared sensor 21C and a radar sensor 21D. In principle, the sensor device 21 can also be operated with only one of the aforementioned sensors. The first defensive 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 Furthermore, the reconnaissance device 20 has a transmitting and receiving device 21E for the functional coupling to the control device 40 and an optional GPS receiver 21F.

In Fig. 1 and in Fig. 4 By way of example, in each case a reconnaissance device 20 is shown, which has a vertically take-off and landing, unmanned carrier small aircraft 25, hereinafter referred to as carrier UAV 25. As Fig. 4 shows, are the sensor device 21 and the first defensive device 22 are arranged on the carrier UAV 25. Fig. 4 shows an example of an arrangement of the sensor device 25 and the first defense device 22 on a support structure 25 A, which is designed as a fixed to the support UAV 25, rod-shaped rail. Alternatively, the components of the sensor device 25 and the first defensive device 22 may each be attached directly to the components of the carrier UAV 25.

As in Fig. 4 is further shown schematically, the carrier UAV 25 for supplying electrical energy with a spatially separated from the carrier small aircraft 25 arranged electrical energy source 65 may be electrically connected. To produce the electrical connection between the electrical energy source 65 and the carrier UAV 25, a power cable 67 may be provided which can be unwound from an unwinding device 66. In the Fig. 1 and 4 For example, the carrier UAV 25 is shown as a vertically launching and landing UAV, for example, in the form of a multi-opter.

Fig. 3 shows an example of another possible design of the reconnaissance device 20. This has, instead of the carrier UAV 25 a telescopically extendable masts 23. As Fig. 3 shows, the sensor device 21 and the first defensive device 22 are each arranged in a first end portion 23 A of the mast 23. A second end portion 23B of the mast 23, opposite the first end portion 23A with respect to the longitudinal extent of the mast 23, is provided for anchoring the mast 23 to a support, such as a pedestal or soil.

As in Fig. 1 shown schematically, each of the sensor devices 21 is provided for monitoring a respective monitoring portion R21. A total area monitored by the sensor devices 21 of all the reconnaissance devices 20 defines a monitoring area 3 Fig. 1 shows, the area to be protected 1 is located entirely within the monitoring area 3. A defense area 2, the extent of which extends through the maximum range of the first defense device 22, the second defense device 31 described below and optionally an optional third defense device 63, is in the case of FIG Fig. 1 shown completely within the monitoring area 3 and surrounds the area to be protected 1 completely. The monitoring area 3 and the defense area 2 can be identical in particular.

As in Fig. 1 is shown schematically, the defense UAV 30, a second defense device 31. Furthermore, the defense UAV 30 is functionally coupled to the control device 40. Fig. 5 shows by way of example a possible realization of in Fig. 1 schematically represented defense UAV 30 as a vertically launched and landing UAV. The defense UAV 30 may be designed, in particular, as a multicopter with a plurality of rotors 32, as in FIG Fig. 5 is shown by way of example. The second defense device 31 can in particular be arranged on a support frame 33 of the defense UAV 30 and be mounted there for example pivotally. In Fig. 5 the second defense device 31 is configured, for example, as a safety gear designed as a safety net 70, which safety device can be deployed by means of a mains cannon 34 arranged on the threat missile 10. The execution of this control measure causes the threat UAV 10 is caught in the safety net 70 and thereby becomes flightless, for example, because the movement of its rotors is prevented by the net meshes. This is in Fig. 7 exemplified and shown schematically. Fig. 7 Furthermore, an advantageous design of the safety net 70 with a parachute 72 connected thereto via lines 71 can be triggered. The parachute 72 can be triggered, for example, by means of a ripcord 73, which is kinematically detachably coupled to the defense UAV 30 at its end 74 and at a predetermined tensile force, which is applied by the of the caught in the safety net 70 threat missile 10, the parachute 72 triggers. The parachute 72 is released from the defense UAV 30, so that the threat missile 10 slides in a controlled manner through the parachute 72 along the direction of gravity G to the ground.

The control device 40 is operatively connected to the reconnaissance device 20 and the defense small craft 30. This can be realized in particular by means of a wireless data connection between a transmitting and receiving device 41 of the control device 40 and the transmitting and receiving device 21E of the reconnaissance device 20 and a transmitting and receiving device (not shown) of the defense small aircraft 30. The transmitting and receiving device 41 of the control device 40 is designed to transmit signals and data to the reconnaissance device 20 and the defense small aircraft 30 and to receive from them. The control device 40 is configured to describe sensor signals based on the sensor signals received by the transceiver 41, based on a predetermined level of threat describing the likely threat threat posed by the threat 10 to the area 1 to be protected, and a predetermined level of danger indicating whether an uncontrolled crash of the threat missile 10 within defense area 2 may or may not be accepted to generate a control signal. For this purpose, the control device 40 preferably has 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 these are input manually via an optional user interface 42, which is functionally connected to the latter via the transmitting and receiving device 41 of the control device 40, for example as a numerical value.

The control signal generated by the control device 40 can be transmitted by the transmitting and receiving device 41 of the control device 40 respectively 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 one or more control measures against the threat UAV 10 on the basis of the control signal. In particular, the reconnaissance device 20 and the defense small craft 30 are 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, combat of the threat UAV 10 by means of e.g. trained as a radiation generator first defensive device 22 and, if this control measure is unsuccessful, the defense small aircraft 30 flown in the direction of the threat UAV 10 and the latter with the trained as a safety net 70 second defensive device 31 are fought.

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

As in Fig. 6 is shown by way of example, the safety net 50, in particular by means of at least two vertically launching and landing, unmanned network carrier small aircraft 26, 27, 28, 29, hereinafter net carrier UAVs 26, 27, 28, 29 called. The network carrier UAVs 26, 27, 28, 29 can in particular each be formed by a carrier UAV 25 of the reconnaissance device 20.

Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the system 100 with a transportable by a road vehicle 101 container 60. The road vehicle 101 may be realized for example by a truck trailer, as in Fig. 2 is shown schematically. As in Fig. 2 is shown, the control device 40, including its transmitting and receiving device 41, and the optional user interface 42 in the interior 61 of the container 60 are arranged. The container 60 further includes a takeoff and landing platform 62 for the defense UAV 30. As Fig. 2 Furthermore, an optionally provided electrical energy source 65 may also be arranged in the interior 61 of the container 60. Furthermore, the container 60 may have an access door 64, a bearing 68 for the reconnaissance device 20, and a bearing 69 for the optional safety net 50 and the network carrier UAVs 26, 27, 28, 29 which may be associated therewith. Furthermore, a arranged on the container 60, functionally coupled to the control device 40 third defender 63 may be provided for carrying out a control measure against the threat missile 10 and a GPS receiver.

The take-off and landing platform 62 may, for example, be designed as a storage space 62B which can be closed by a flap 62A or a similar covering device, out of which the defensive UAV 30 can be started when the flap 62A is open. In Fig. 2 For example, the flap 62A is shown in a closed position and can be pivoted to an open position as indicated by the arrow P62.

The reconnaissance device 20 is in Fig. 2 exemplified as executed with a carrier UAV 25 and can in particular as shown by the Fig. 4 be executed described. For operation of the system 100, the reconnaissance device 20 may be located outside of the container 60. However, it is also conceivable to provide a flap (not shown) or a similar covering device on the container 60 so that the carrier UAV 25 can start out of the interior 61 of the container 60 with the flap open.

The storage location 69 for the optional safety net 50 and the network carrier UAVs 26, 27, 28, 29 which may be associated therewith may be designed, for example, as a storage space 69B which can be closed by a flap (not shown) or a similar covering device, out of which when open Flap the net carrier UAVs 26, 27, 28, 29 can start.

The third defense device 63 may, as in Fig. 2 by way of example and schematically, in particular as a laser device for irradiating the threat UAV 10 with laser radiation. The third defeater 63 is operatively connected to the control device. This can be realized in the manner described above by means of a transmitting and receiving device (not shown) associated with the third defense device 63. The above-described control device 40 is further configured to transmit the control signal generated on the basis of the received sensor data, the level of threat, and the level of danger to the third defender 63, the control signal carrying out control actions by the third defender 63 as a control measure Sequence of control measures causes.

The GPS receiver 60A is operatively connected to the control device 40 and serves to determine the position of the container 60. The position detected by the GPS receiver 60A may be used, for example, to guide the defense UAV 30 in flight.

Fig. 8 schematically shows the sequence of a method M for combating threat UAVs 10 in the form of controllable unmanned small vehicles. In the following, the method is explained by way of example with reference to the system 100 described above.

In a first method step M1, the threat level is defined, which describes the probable threat risk emanating from the threat UAV 10 for the area 1 to be protected. 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. The steps M1 and M2 can each be carried out in particular by a user input of an operator via the user interface 42. For example, the entered parameters Threat Level and Threat Level can each be stored in the optional memory of the control device 40.

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 depending 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, to which the Threshold Level and the Threshold Level are transferred as input variables. 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.

In the method M, the presence of a controllable unmanned small aircraft as a threat missile 10 within the surveillance area 3 is also detected M4. This can be done, for example, by evaluating the sensor data detected by the sensor device 21 by means of the control device 40.

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

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 be triggered, for example, by the control signal generated by the control device 40. A review of the success of the control measure can be carried out, for example, by evaluating the sensor data detected by the sensor device 21 by means of the control device 40. For example, the sequence may be aborted by the controller 40 generating an abort signal if off the sensor data, a presence of the threat UAV 10 in the monitoring area 3 is no longer 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

Claims (15)

Method (M) for the defense of threat missiles (10) in the form of controllable unmanned light vehicles, comprising the following steps: Determining (M1) a threat level describing the likely threat threat posed by the threat missile (10) to an area (1) to be protected; Determining (M2) a hazard level indicating whether or not an uncontrolled crash of the threat missile (10) within a defense area (2) comprising the area (1) to be protected may be tolerated; Selecting (M3) a sequence of control measures of increasing combat 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; Detecting (M4) a controllable unmanned aerial vehicle as a threat missile (10) within a surveillance area (3) comprising the defense area (2); Comparison (M5) of the hazard level with a predefined limit risk level; Execution (M6) of a precautionary measure to prevent an uncontrolled impact of the threat missile (10) in the defensive area (2) as a result of combat, if the hazard level reaches the limit risk level; and Performing (M7) of the individual control measures of the sequence of control measures, wherein after each control measure whose control success is checked, the sequence is terminated in successful control and otherwise the next control measure of the sequence is performed. Method (M) according to claim 1, wherein at least one control measure of the sequence of 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 control measures at least a first control measure low control hardness for disturbing the controllability of the threat missile (10), is preferably provided as the first control measure irradiation of the threat missile with low-energy electromagnetic radiation. Method (M) according to claim 3, wherein the sequence of the control measures additionally comprises at least one second control measure for removing the threat missile (10) from the area to be protected (1) or impairing the flying capability of the threat missile (10), being preferred as a second control measure a capture of 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), as a third control measure preferably irradiation of the threat missile (10) with high-energy electromagnetic radiation or Firing one or more defensive missiles on the threat missile (10) is provided. A system (100) for the defense of threat missiles (10) in the form of controllable unmanned light aircraft, comprising: at least one reconnaissance device (20) having a sensor device (21) for detecting a small aircraft within a surveillance area (3) and a first defense device (22) for carrying out a control measure against the threat missile (10); an unmanned defense small craft (30) on which a second defensive device (31) for carrying out a control measure against the threat missile (10) is arranged; a control device (40) operatively connected to and configured for the reconnaissance device (20) and the defense small craft (30)
Receive sensor signals from the sensor device (21) of the at least one reconnaissance device (20),
based on the received sensor signals, based on a predetermined threat level describing the likely threat threat posed by the threat missile (10) to a protected area (1), and a predetermined hazard level indicative of an uncontrolled crash of the threat missile (10) within a defense area (2) which lies within the surveillance area (3) and includes the area (1) to be protected, can be tolerated or not, to generate a control signal and to the reconnaissance device (20) and the defense small craft (30) to transfer, wherein 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 sequence of control measures is carried out by means of the first defense device (22) and the second defense device (31). The system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one reconnaissance device (20) has a telescopically extendable mast (23), at the end region of which the sensor device (21) and the first defense device (22) are arranged. The system (100) of claim 6, wherein the at least one reconnaissance device (20) comprises a vertically-launching and landing unmanned carrier small-craft (25) on which the sensor device (21) and the first defender (22) are located. System (100) according to claim 8, wherein the carrier small aircraft (25) for its operation with a spatially separated from the carrier small aircraft (25) arranged electrical energy source (65) is electrically connected. The system (100) of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the first defensive device (22) comprises a radiation generator for generating low energy electromechanical radiation and / or a capture device and / or a radiation generator for generating high energy electromechanical radiation and / or a firing device for firing a projectile or a missile. The system (100) according to any 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 capture device and / or a radiation generator for generating high-energy electromechanical radiation and / or a firing device for firing a projectile or a missile. The system (100) of any one of claims 6 to 11, further comprising: a safety net (50) for catching the falling threat missile or for shielding the area to be protected (1), wherein the safety net (50) is preferably connected by means of at least two vertically take-off and landing unmanned carrier microcars (25, 26; 25, 27; , 28; 25, 29), which are preferably each formed by a carrier-small aircraft (25) of the reconnaissance device (20) can be brought out. The system (100) of any one of claims 6 to 12, further comprising: a container (60) transportable by means of a road vehicle (101), in the interior space (61) of which the control device (40) is arranged and which has a take-off and landing platform (62) for the defense small-craft (30). The system (100) of claim 13, further comprising: a third deflector (63) operatively coupled to the control device (40) disposed on the container (60) for carrying out a countermeasure against the threat missile (10), the control device (40) configured to, based on the received sensor data, cause Threshold levels, and due to the level of danger, to transmit control signal generated to third defender (63), wherein the control signal causes an execution of control measures by the third defender (63) as a control measure of the sequence of control measures. A system (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein each individual defense device (22, 31, 63) is adapted to autonomously perform the respective defense action on the basis of the control signal.

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