EP3341674B1 - System for defence against threats - Google Patents

Description

The invention is concerned with a system for repelling a threat, in particular against drones or other undesirable light missiles. It is provided that after detection of a threat and when the same penetrates a defined protection area, this threat is fended off by a preferably non-lethal countermeasure and at least to cause it to crash. Such threats usually have a flat hull. As a result, they can be brought down by a large number of projectiles fired at the same time or with a slight delay. In order to ensure that the measure is non-lethal, the projectiles that have not come into contact with the threat should have used up their energy by the time they fall to the ground.

Due to the rapid progress in the field of electronics, systems such as quadrocopters (drones, also with cameras), octocopters etc. are not only used in the military sector, but are also used by the civilian population. These inexpensive drones (GYRO's) are airworthy and can be operated by anyone with more or less exercises.

Such drones can therefore also be misused and / or pose a threat to others and / or buildings, etc. An attack and / or spying is to be suspected in particular if such drones appear around election campaign events, power plants, prisons, port facilities, etc., i.e. if sensitive facilities or especially politically motivated gatherings are targets. It is particularly worrying that these models can also be flown day and night. In addition, the drone sensors can provide the drone operator with a stabilized image via a radio link. These drones can also be guided by the operator / pilot without a direct line of sight. There is also the possibility of projecting this image onto the operator's glasses, for example.

The drones are also able to load payloads of up to 3 kg. These payloads could increase in the future. The drones can also be linked to form swarms and flown as a swarm. The software required for this is freely available and can be obtained from the Internet, for example.

Systems such as launchers for protecting objects such as buildings, vehicles etc. against threats are known from the prior art. Such launchers have been offered by the applicant for years. So are from the EP 1 668 310 B1 a method and an apparatus for protecting ships from end-phase guided missiles are known. A firing device for firing a plurality of active bodies is the EP 1 035 401 B1 removable.

From the DE 10 2005 054 275 A1 a self-protection system for combat vehicles or other objects to be protected is known, which sets itself the task of detecting a threat and applying suitable countermeasures, such as fog, even before a threat is emitted. Detection is carried out by a warning sensor system, such as laser warner, UV warner, etc. The self-protection system is formed by several launchers, preferably four, which are electrically linked to a common fire control computer. Several detectors attached to the object or vehicle are used for all-round monitoring.

Such protection systems are used to deceive and camouflage, but are unsuitable for the destruction or flight impairment of a threat.

Systems are already known which, for example, prevent the RF connection via jamming. The disadvantage, however, is that the jamming can be canceled by countermeasures.

the US 2012/0222545 A1 discloses a countermeasure against a threat. The defense measure here is a water jet that serves to repel the threat in the form of a missile or to smash it, or at least to avoid a collision or to force the missile to collide with a less sensitive part.

the US 2009/0173836 A1 deals with a system, equipment and method for the separation of energy in order to remotely modify and control flight currents along a control surface of an aircraft in order to control its flight path and descent. In particular, the invention relates to lasers, acoustic and ablative shock waves, and the non-lethal stopping of vehicles that do not cooperate.

the DE 10 2005 038 071 A1 discloses a device and a method for protecting vehicles from ammunition, in particular from shaped charge projectiles. For this purpose, a type of airbag is shot at the ammunition against an approaching warhead by means of intercepting ammunition.

the US 2014/0251123 A1 discloses a weapon system for firing air projectiles against unmanned flying objects. In a non-lethal variant, the air bullet has a rubber cover.

the EP 2 685 206 A2 discloses a countermeasure system in response to the detection of a threat, which may also be non-lethal in nature. The countermeasure is a flexible net, cloth, or net-like material with sufficient strength. This is brought with a so-called interception vehicle against the threat.

Here, the invention has the task of providing a secure system for protection against smaller airborne threats, such as drones, which enables an inability to fly up to and including the destruction of the threat.

The object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are listed in the subclaims.

The essential basic idea of the invention is that the defense or firing of the threat with non-lethal projectiles, projectiles etc. which have a destructive effect in / at the target (threat) with a 100% destruction or defense probability of the threat also without a lethal effect on the environment he follows. The non-lethal countermeasure includes projectiles which have a kinetic energy E'≤ 0.1 J / mm ² when the maximum firing distance is reached. The bombardment / combat is always carried out in such a way that projectiles that do not hit the threat reach the maximum flight time in order to reduce the kinetic energy to E'≤ 0.1J / mm ² . The protective system according to the invention comprises at least one effector (weapon, launcher, etc.), but preferably several. The system consisting of several effectors is described below. However, these also include the use of only one effector. The number of several effectors should be selected depending on the object or infrastructure to be protected or the environment to be protected. All-round protection of 360 ° must be reliably guaranteed.

In a first embodiment, effectors are provided which can fire plastic projectiles, particularly at a high Cd value, with preferably high cadence and a defined position (orientation). The aim is to achieve a (total) cadence of the effectors of up to 3000 rounds / min, which are fired against the threat and can act on it. The caliber of the ammunition is designed so that only special ammunition with plastic projectiles etc. can be loaded into the effectors and no (imported) ammunition with lethal effects.

The invention provides a so-called multi-barrel or multi-barrel weapon as a preferred effector. Multi-barrel or multi-barrel weapons have the advantage that the barrels or barrels are not as stressed as known weapons with only one barrel, even with a high rate of fire. Such weapons are already known under the term "Gatling".

A newer type of multi-barrel weapon is used in the DE 10 2010 017 867 A1 described. The belt system can be part of the ammunition and together with it form a cartridge chamber. The ammunition and the belt system are transported by means of a roller lock with stars. Shells of the stars realize a partial chambering of the belt links in the firing position.

the DE 10 2011 111 201 B3 refined the idea from the DE 10 2010 017 867 A1 and suggests circumferential slots in the stars of the roller lock, which enables the belt strap or belt links to be transported cleanly. Another associated technical advantage is that multiple feeding of the same as well as different types of ammunition is allowed. This is achieved in that the belt guide is connected to the weapon side and held on the weapon side in such a way that it can be pulled out of the slot of the other star (barrel bundle) of the roller lock. It is also possible to shoot from any of the possible shooting positions at the same time, but slightly offset in time, which increases the rate of fire.

Also the WO 01/06197 A1 discloses a multi-barrel weapon. This multi-barreled weapon is supplied with ammunition by two drives with rotating gear rims, which are integrated in the cylinders of an ammunition magazine. The ammunition magazine is formed by the cylinders and bars between them (chain feed mechanism). When the cylinder and barrel are in alignment, the ammunition is ignited.

The non-lethal ammunition with the plastic projectiles (projectiles) is defined in such a way that, by the projectiles that hit the threat, this threat is damaged in such a way that at least one fall occurs. Projectiles, however, which do not contribute to defense / crash, systematically reduce their energy on their trajectory to such an extent that the individual projectile falls to the ground with the energy of a hailstone, for example.

A firing distance of approximately 10 m or approximately 500 m is provided. This area then represents the area to be protected or the area to be protected from the object or the infrastructure in which the threat is to be fought. The effectors are set up within the area to be protected in such a way that it is always guaranteed that the plastic projectiles can reach a maximum flight range to dissipate their energy in the event that they do not hit the threat themselves, so as not to damage the infrastructure or injure people.

The effectors, which fire the non-lethal plastic projectiles, especially at high cadence, have their own sensors (sensors), such as their own E / O sensor (e.g. day and IR camera) and their own tracker (follower). The effectors can be quickly straightened in elevation and azimuth using their own straightening system. The necessary control signals for the alignment are generated either by a fire control of a command center, the track data of the effector sensors and / or via a manual control. The effectors with their accessories (sensors, actuators, etc.) are preferably connected to the command center via cables.

Alternatively, in an embodiment not according to the invention, lasers can also be used as effectors, which can destroy the drone. However, this control is currently associated with high costs. In addition, a risk from reflection of the laser radiation cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, the effectors can be directional water cannons. Both alternatives are not part of the invention. Furthermore, the system comprises at least one sensor that is set up in the area to be protected or on the infrastructure to be protected, and preferably continuously tracks the environment can scan approaching threats such as drones. The at least one reconnaissance sensor for detecting a threat and the effectors are set up in such a way that a detection and defense bell (protective bell) is formed around the infrastructure to be protected.

If one or more threats are detected by the at least one sensor (swarm attack), the data are used to calculate which effectors are useful to combat in order to be able to combat the threat optimally and effectively. These are then switched on by the fire control, for example. The selected effector or effectors then use their sensors (trackers) to switch to the threat (s) to be fended off (targets). The data from the sensors are transmitted to the command center. The fire is usually released by an operator. Alternatively, the release can also take place automatically, whereby security queries should then also be integrated into the system.

The automation level shown can also be installed in a lower automated or semi-automated expansion level.

The system is structured in such a way that it can be installed on / on various infrastructures but can also be removed again. This is called a fixed attachment. Fixed installations are not excluded.

According to the invention, it has been shown to create modular platforms that serve to accommodate the effectors, including target tracking and steering (trackers, actuators). The modular platforms enable quick and easy installation on an infrastructure. The different types of effectors can also be installed or included on the platform. Each effector has its own platform. Group integration, i.e. several effectors on the platform are also conceivable.

Another application is the mobile one. The way it works is the same here. In contrast to the fixed installations, the effectors can be set up quickly using tripods or mobile containers, etc. These are equivalent to a modular platform. The mobile platforms with the effectors can also have a sensor that determines their spatial position and preferably transmits this via cable to a command center with fire control. Such a sensor can also be used in the fixed variant. The mobile application has the charm that the protective bell can vary and a current protective bell can be generated here by moving the mobile platforms / effectors.

The energy supply of the fixed as well as the mobile system can be carried out independently in order to be able to work even in the event of malfunctions or to prevent malfunctions by countermeasures.

The system or the individual platforms themselves can be brought or transported by vehicles on land, water or air.

A protection and defense system is proposed for an infrastructure against an approaching threat to the infrastructure, with several effectors. If a threat is detected, at least one of the effectors takes a non-lethal countermeasure that damages the threat and thus preferably causes it to crash. Visual and target tracking means, such as at least one camera and tracker, and at least one directional / actuator drive are assigned to the effectors. The effectors and their visual and target tracking devices are preferably attached to a common modular platform, which in turn can be permanently installed and removed from various infrastructures and can be used as a mobile device. The platforms also have a sensor that determines the spatial position of the effectors.

The invention is to be explained in more detail on the basis of an exemplary embodiment with a drawing.

The single FIGURE shows a schematic or sketchy structure of a protection and defense system 1 according to the invention. A number of effectors, here six, are identified by _{2 1-n.} At least one camera and tracker 3 (3 _1-n ) for tracking the respective effector 2 are assigned to the effectors 2. For the sake of clarity, the camera and the tracker are shown here in one unit (= effector sensor system 3) and form a functional unit here . However, a functional as well as a local separation of the effector sensor system 3 is not excluded.

The effectors 2 can be directed in azimuth and elevation via their own straightening / actuating drives 4 (4 _1-n).

The effectors 2, effector sensors 3 and directional / actuating drives 4 are preferably each installed on a platform (not shown in detail). They are also electrically connected to a central command center 10 with fire control. This command center 10 can be located inside as well as outside an area 100 to be protected and / or a protective bell (not shown in more detail). A wired connection, such as a cable connection, between the command post 10 and the effectors 2 and their accessories is preferred. This can take the form of individual lines and / or bus systems be. The effectors 2 with accessories can for their part be attached or integrated on, inside and / or outside an area 100 to be monitored, for example a building, park, etc. Furthermore, at least one monitoring sensor system 11 with at least one sensor 12 is provided, which enables monitoring of the area 100 to be protected and the detection of a threat within the protective bell. The protective bell can be selected to be identical to the area 100 to be protected, but also larger. The sensor or sensors 12 for detecting the threat are then set up in such a way that they cover / cover the detection and defense bell (protective bell) around the infrastructure to be protected or the area 100 to be protected for monitoring. The effectors 2 are set up in such a way that their countermeasures allow them to sweep over the area 100 to be protected at least at the outer boundaries or completely over them. Multi-barrel weapons are provided here as effectors 2. These in turn can fire plastic projectiles.

The way it works is as follows:
For example, the monitoring electronics 11 (12) recognize and track at least one approaching, in particular light missile, not shown in detail, for example a remote-controlled drone. This information is forwarded to the command post 10. There it is checked whether it is a threat against which countermeasures are necessary. The check can be carried out by an operator and / or automatically, for example by measuring the speed at which the threat is approaching or moving away.

To initiate the countermeasure, it is then determined in the command center 10 from the spatial position of the effectors 2 which or which of the effectors 2 _{1-n has} a promising position for combating the approaching threat or threats. The selection can also be made by the operator. The selected effectors 2 are in turn quickly aligned with the threat (s) in elevation and / or azimuth by means of their own alignment system 4. The fire control system determines the necessary control signals for the alignment and forwards them to the straightening / stall drives 4. Alternatively, the data from the effector sensor system 3 and / or a manual control can also be used for the alignment of the selected effectors 2.

The fire is usually released by an operator. Alternatively, the approval can also take place automatically.

The projectiles (not shown in more detail) are deployed from the selected and controlled effectors 2 in the direction of the threat or threats when they have reached the area to be protected. The large number of projectiles fired at the same time affects the two-dimensional threat (s) and causes the threat (s) to be destroyed. The non-lethal projectiles that do not hit the threat or the target in turn consume energy over the length of the remaining flight time and fall to the ground like a hailstone.

For the non-lethality of the system 1, the choice of the mass of the projectile must also be taken into account. For this, reference is also made to the book " Wound ballistics from handgun bullets "(ISBN 978-3-662-10980-9) pages 262 ff . referenced. In this book, the depth of penetration and the penetration capacity of projectiles are discussed in more detail. The theoretical relationship between the kinetic energy, the impact speed of the hailstones and the hailstones diameter has already been investigated. The value E '= 0.1 J / mm ² corresponds to a hailstone with a diameter of 38.5 mm.

wobei

• E' die mittlere kinetische Energie, m die Masse und A das Kaliber des Projektils darstellen und
• v die stationäre Fallgeschwindigkeit.

The required and ideal mass of the projectile must be determined depending on the caliber. This is based on the relationship between the projectile mass and the kinetic energy, which is reflected in the following formula: $${\mathrm{E.}}^{\prime }=\frac{m}{2}\ast \frac{{\nu }^2}{\mathrm{A.}}\to {\nu }^2=\frac{2\ast \mathrm{A.}\ast {\mathrm{E.}}^{\prime }}{m},$$

whereby

• E 'represents the mean kinetic energy, m the mass and A the caliber of the projectile and
• v is the steady rate of fall.

wobei C_w der Widerstandsbeiwert des Projektils in der Luft und P_Luft der Luftdruck sind.This formula can be equated with the formula for the steady fall velocity: $${\nu }^2=\frac{2\ast \mathrm{A.}\ast {\mathrm{E.}}^{\prime }}{m}=\frac{2\ast m\ast G}{{\mathrm{P.}}_{\mathit{air}}\ast \mathrm{A.}\ast {\mathrm{C.}}_{\mathrm{W.}}}\to m^2=\frac{{\mathrm{A.}}^2\ast {\mathrm{E.}}^{\prime }\ast {\mathrm{P.}}_{\mathit{air}}\ast {\mathrm{C.}}_w}{G},$$

where C _{w is} the drag coefficient of the projectile in the air and P _{air is} the air pressure.

With the help of a software program (e.g. PRODAS from Arrow Tech) the mass of the non-lethal projectile can be determined on the basis of these values. For this purpose, data or various tables for different calibers are stored in a computer, for example for a 9 mm Parabellum. Furthermore, C _w values in the ultrasound as well as the volume sizes for projectiles etc. are stored.

Depending on the value of the selected mean kinetic energy, e.g. B. E ^' = 0.01J / mm ² , the mass of the projectile can then be determined. The software can also determine the length of the gun barrel, the required gas pressure and the desired muzzle velocity. At least these values can be estimated.

Claims (9)

1. System (1) for protecting an infrastructure (100) and for defending against a threat approaching the infrastructure (100), comprising multiple effectors (2) and a command centre (10) with fire control for the effectors (2), wherein, upon detection of a threat, at least one effector (2) delivers a non-lethal countermeasure that damages the threat and/or causes it to crash, wherein the non-lethal countermeasure takes the form of non-lethal plastic projectiles, and wherein the effectors (2_1-n) are assigned sighting and target-tracking means (3_1-n) and at least one directing and/or actuating drive (4), and wherein multiple modular platforms for receiving the effectors (2, 2_1-n) are incorporated, wherein these platforms may also serve for receiving the sighting and target-tracking means (3, 3_1-n), and wherein the platforms additionally have a sensor, which detects the spatial position of the effectors (2), wherein the command centre (10) is configured in such a way that it can be determined from the spatial position of the effectors (2) which one or ones of the effectors (2) has a promising position for combatting the approaching threat.
2. System (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that a monitoring sensor system (11) comprising at least one sensor (12) is incorporated.
3. System (1) according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it can be installed against/on various infrastructures (100) and can be removed and can be used in a mobile manner.
4. System (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the effectors (2) with their countermeasure can pass over the infrastructure (100) at least at the outer limitations or completely over it.
5. System (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the non-lethal countermeasure is the firing of non-lethal projectiles with a high drag coefficient.
6. System (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the plastic projectiles that are fired have a kinetic energy E ≤ 0.1 J/mm² upon reaching the maximum firing distance.
7. System (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the effectors (2, 2_1-n) take the form of a multi-barrel weapon with a high firing rate.
8. System (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the firing/combatting is always performed in such a way that the projectiles that do not hit the threat reach the maximum flying time in order to reduce the kinetic energy down to E ≤ 0.1 J/mm2.
9. System (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the threat takes the form of small threats capable of flying, such as drones.

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