EP3800483A1 - Alignment of a detector of a dircm module relative to a target - Google Patents

Abstract

In a method for training a movable detector (10) of a DIRCM module (8a, b) of a DIRCM system (4) on an approaching target (16), a training position (EP) of the target (16) is received and this is a Assigned instruction area (ZB), if a target position (ZP) of the detector (10) is assigned a target area (ZB), according to a search strategy a search area (20) larger than the target area (ZB) is selected which covers at least the instruction area (EB), the search area (20) is searched for the target (16) by moving the target area (ZB) until the target (16) has been successfully detected or the search area (20) has been searched unsuccessfully. A DIRCM system (4) contains an interface ( 14) to a warning system (6) for the instruction position (EP) for the target (16), the DIRCM modules (8a, b) with detector (10) and a control and evaluation unit (22) for the procedure. A DIRCM - The system (26) contains the DIRCM system (4) and the warning system (6). An object (2) contains the DIRCM system (26) mounted on the object (2).

Description

The invention relates to DIRCMs (Directed Infrared Counter Measures) or corresponding DIRCM systems.

A laser-based DIRCM (Directed Infrared Counter Measure) system for protecting tactical transport aircraft, other aircraft types or helicopters from rocket attacks or modern guided missiles. The protection system uses high-tech sensors from Elbit Systems to fend off seeker-controlled guided missiles. Such missiles, used by portable air defense systems, are particularly dangerous during take-off and landing. Diehl Defense integrates three of the tried and tested J-MUSIC (Multi-Spectral Infrared Countermeasure) laser devices from Elbit into an extended overall system, a complete To ensure 360 ° all-round protection for the aircraft. The new DIRCM system works in conjunction with the on-board missile warning system and focuses the highly dynamic and precisely guided laser beam directly on the infrared seeker head of the attacking object.

Such a DIRCM system contains at least one DIRCM module. These modules contain a detector for detection, i. H. Location of the destination. If the target is detected, the target is tracked and the laser beam is emitted to the target (jamming). This is how the laser beam reaches the target with the help of the detector.

First, however, the detector must be instructed towards the target, ie roughly oriented towards this, so that the target is in the detection area (target area) of the detector in which this can then successfully and accurately capture the target. The basis for an at least approximate alignment or instruction of the detector towards the target is provided by instruction data from a warning system, e.g. B. a missile warning system (MWS: Missile Warning System).

The object of the invention is to propose improvements with regard to the instruction of the detector for the approaching target.

The object is achieved by a method according to claim 1.

Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention and other categories of the invention emerge from the further claims, the following description and the attached figures.

The method is used to instruct a movable detector of a DIRCM module of a DIRCM system on an approaching target. The invention is based on a DIRCM system that contains an interface to a warning system. The interface is used to receive a briefing position for the target from the warning system. The DIRCM system also contains at least one DIRCM module. This contains the detector that is used to detect the target. The detector has a target position for alignment with the target. By moving the detector, in particular pivoting it (e.g. gimbal), the target position is also pivoted. The target position is therefore firmly connected to the detector and is moved or pivoted together with it. The target position indicates the direction in which the laser beam of the associated DIRCM module is emitted and should therefore be aimed at the target as precisely as possible. Tracking or tracking of the target also takes place at the target position. For example, the detector is moved and tracked to the target in such a way that the target is held in the target position as far as possible.

"Positions" and "areas" in the context of the present application are, in particular, pairs of azimuth and elevation values or areas. "Target / instruction position", "target / instruction area", etc. in this sense denotes in particular values or areas or areas of azimuth and elevation of a beam, solid angle, etc. emanating from a pivot / pivot point of the detector.

In the process, the instruction position is first received via the interface. A briefing area is assigned to the briefing position. The reason for this is that the detection itself and the determined position of a recognized target by the warning system is associated with uncertainties. The briefing area therefore describes the area in which the target or a target is actually located with a first minimum probability.

In the method, a target area is also assigned to the target position. Detection of a target by the detector is also fraught with uncertainties. Corresponding to the above, the target area is that area in which a (actually present) target is detected with a second minimum probability. The target area is smaller than the instruction area.

In the method, a search area is also provided in accordance with a search strategy. The search area is chosen to be larger than the target area. The search area is also chosen so that it covers at least the briefing area.

According to the search strategy, the search area is then searched for the target. For this purpose, the target position and thus the target area - by or with the aid of the movement of the detector - are moved over the search area. The target is always searched for in the target area.

The search area is searched until either the target has been successfully detected or until the entire search area has been searched for the target without success; H. no target was found.

In the event that the target has been detected in the search area, successful instruction of the detector on the target is determined. In particular, since the target has been detected by the detector, in a conventionally known manner, the fight against the target by target tracking and laser irradiation can begin.

Alternatively, in the event that the entire search area has been searched unsuccessfully for the target, unsuccessful instruction of the detector on the target is established.

The "mobility" of the detector is therefore, in particular, the ability to pivot about at least one, in particular two or three axes, which in particular are perpendicular to one another.

An “area” in the sense of the present application is therefore in particular a pair of an azimuth interval and an elevation interval. Starting from a central point (pivot point of the detector), these are in particular areas on a concentric spherical surface. The areas in particular have a circular shape or represent a spherical cap.

According to the invention, successful alignment or instruction of the detector on the target is thus possible even with imprecise instruction data / instruction position. The "inaccuracy" arises as follows: The instruction area in which the target should be located according to the instruction position of the warning system is larger than the target area in which a target can be detected (given the orientation of the detector at a certain target position). In the case of concentric alignment of the target area with the instruction position, targets that are on the edge of the instruction area could therefore lie outside the target area and thus no longer be detected.

Thanks to the method, a search area is created which covers at least the instruction area and this search area is "scanned" for the target by moving / pivoting the detector and thus the target area. In this way, a target can be detected by the detector within the framework of the first and second minimum probabilities in the entire instruction area.

A wide variety of embodiments are conceivable for corresponding “search strategies”. A search strategy is developed especially application-specifically with regard to the individual object to be protected by the DIRCM system, the individual, expected threat in the form of the target, expected individual tactical measures of the target, etc. A general characteristic of the search strategy is therefore, in particular, to adapt it as case-specifically / empirically / tactically / etc. to the expected characteristics of a threat from an approaching target as well as to the object to be protected, in order to align the detector as quickly and safely as possible on the target can.

In a preferred embodiment - in the event that the unsuccessful instruction is found - this unsuccessful instruction is reported to a recipient, in particular the warning system or a higher-level DIRCM control system, etc. Such a message is also understood to mean, in particular, the request for a new instruction position for the approaching destination.

Alternatively or additionally - in the event that successful instruction is established (the target is therefore somewhere in the target area) - the target position is (precisely) aligned with the target with the aid of the detector. This is precisely one of the core properties of the detector / DIRCM module: the so-called "tracking", i. This means that the detector aligns itself exactly and centrally, i.e. with the target position, to the target and dynamically maintains this alignment on the target. As a result, targeted irradiation (jamming) with tracking of the target can take place.

This means that further measures are available for both variants (successful / unsuccessful instruction).

In a preferred embodiment, a three-sigma range is selected as the instruction area with regard to the presence of the target in the instruction area. Alternatively or additionally, a three-sigma range is selected as the target area with regard to the successful detection of the target in the target area. The ranges are chosen so large that a 3-sigma probability (three times the standard deviation) of approx. 99.7% applies for the first and second probability. The target is then located within the instruction area with a sufficiently high probability for practice, and it is equally likely to be detected within the target area. The successful instruction of the detector on a target recognized by the warning system will thus take place with sufficient probability.

In a preferred embodiment, the search area is formed by joining and / or superimposing the target areas for at least two orientations of the detector to different target positions. The target areas (different, because they are located in other locations or areas - azimuth / elevation -) are searched at least partially or completely at the correspondingly recorded alignment of the detector at the respective target position. Only then is the detector switched to a new, different one Target position moved and held there. The next target area is then searched again, etc. Thus, the search area can be searched particularly easily.

In a preferred embodiment, a search strategy is selected which avoids multiple searches for the destination at the same locations in the search area. In particular, when target areas overlap, the overlap area is searched only once. Target areas are then only partially searched and not in an overlapping area with a previously searched (part of) another target area. In this way, the search for the target is accelerated overall.

In a preferred embodiment, a search strategy is selected that takes into account a movement of the target and / or a movement of the DIRCM system. For example, given a certain predicted trajectory of the target relative to the DIRCM system, certain sections of the search area in which the target is particularly likely to be found can first be searched in order to be able to detect the target as quickly as possible. It is thus also to be avoided that the target is located at a first point in time in a first target area, which is only searched later, since the second target area is currently being searched. Later, however, when the first target area is searched, the target has then moved to the second target area, which has already been searched. So the target would only not be detected because of the "wrong" search order. A movement of the DIRCM system can arise, for example, because it is attached to a flying aircraft and the aircraft is performing a flight maneuver relative to the target. The movement of the aircraft can be obtained from sensors or flight computer data from the aircraft, for example. This can also increase the speed or quality of the detection of the target.

In a preferred embodiment, a search strategy is used which takes into account a distance between the warning system and the detector and / or a relative movement between the warning system and the detector. A corresponding distance is created, for example, by installing a warning system on the bow and a detector on the rear of an aircraft. A corresponding distance creates a parallax error between the two components, which can then be compensated in the process. A corresponding relative movement can take place in the same example situation by twisting an aircraft fuselage between the bow and the stern. Lost warning system and detector then their mutually coordinated spatial orientation. Such a corresponding error can also be recorded using data from a flight computer, sensors, etc. and compensated for in the process. This can also increase the speed or quality of the detection of the target.

In a preferred embodiment, a search strategy is selected according to which the detector is gradually aligned to at least two target positions and the target area is searched at least partially or completely (in particular depending on the overlap, see above) at the respective fixed target position. The corresponding procedure has already been explained above. The search area is processed step-by-step or successive, alternating between holding the detector at a position, searching the target area, changing position, holding on, searching, etc. In particular, the placement / sequence of the target positions in the search area enables a favorable location for the search be established in the search area, e.g. searched first in the places where the target is most likely to be suspected.

In a preferred embodiment, a search strategy is selected in which three or four target positions are selected that lie on rays (half-straight lines) that start from the orientation position and that extend over a circumference by 120 ° (with three) or 90 ° (with four). are twisted against each other. According to the corresponding formation law (360 ° divided by the number of rays), more than four or less than three rays can be selected and corresponding target positions can be distributed over them. This makes it possible to find search areas and search strategies that are particularly effective. The target positions on the beams are at a distance from the instruction position.

In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the distances between the three or four (or more or less) target positions on the beams are selected to be equidistant from the instruction position. This creates - in connection with the same target areas) symmetrical search areas. So the target positions lie on a circle around the instruction position.

However, it is also possible that the distances between the three or four (or more or less) target positions on the beams are selected to be different distances from the instruction position. This means that search areas that deviate from the circular shape can also be implemented.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a DIRCM system according to claim 11. The DIRCM system corresponds to that already explained above and contains the interface to the warning system for receiving the instruction position for the approaching target from the warning system. The DIRCM system further includes the at least one DIRCM module with the movable detector for detecting the target, the detector having the target position for alignment with the target. The DIRCM system also contains a control and evaluation unit for carrying out the method according to the invention.

The DIRCM system and at least some of its embodiments as well as the respective advantages have already been explained in the context of the method according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the DIRCM system contains a combat module for tracking and combating the target on the basis of the target position supplied by the detector. In particular, the detector is part of the control module. As an alternative or in addition, the DIRCM module is also designed to track and / or irradiate the target. With such a DIRCM system, in addition to instruction or alignment with the target or its detection, it is also possible to combat and pursue it.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a DIRCM system according to patent claim 13. This contains a DIRCM system according to the invention and the above-mentioned warning system.

The DIRCM system and at least some of its embodiments as well as the respective advantages have already been explained in the context of the method according to the invention and the DIRCM system.

An object can be completely protected with the warning system.

The object of the invention is also achieved by such an object according to patent claim 14, with a DIRCM system according to the invention protecting the object, the DIRCM system being mounted on the object. The object is in particular an aircraft, land or water vehicle, an aircraft, airplane, helicopter, ship or land vehicle, but can also be a fixed device on the ground.

The object and at least some of its embodiments as well as the respective advantages have already been explained accordingly in connection with the method according to the invention, the DIRCM system and the DIRCM system.

In a preferred embodiment, the warning system is arranged remotely from at least one of the DIRCM modules on the object. This results in the above-mentioned parallax errors, torsion errors, etc. This applies in particular if the warning system and DIRCM modules or detectors are on z. B. Front / middle / rear of an aircraft are distributed. Alignment errors occur between the components of the system as a result of tolerances, etc., so that there are usually comparatively large training areas compared to target areas. Using the method / system / installation according to the invention, the search area can nevertheless be effectively searched for the target in order to instruct the detector on the target.

The invention is based on the following findings, observations and considerations and also has the following embodiments. The embodiments are sometimes also referred to as "the invention" for the sake of simplicity. The embodiments can here also contain parts or combinations of the above-mentioned embodiments or correspond to them and / or optionally also include embodiments not mentioned so far.

The invention is based on the consideration that for a successful connection (instruction) of the DIRCM interference module (contains the detector) to the target, the inaccuracy of the MWS instruction data (Missile Warning System / warning system / instruction position / area), quantified by the three -Sigma error, must not exceed a certain threshold. For example, the accuracy must be less than a degree (a °) azimuth / elevation, the three sigma target range of the detector. In the case of a large transport aircraft, this threshold cannot be met under certain conditions, e.g. B. due to elastic deformations of the aircraft fuselage. Nevertheless, the activation of the DIRCM interference module on the threat (target) must take place within a short time with high probability for successful combat.

The invention is based on the knowledge that until now the instruction of a DIRCM interfering module was only possible with data from a MWS whose sensor (IR camera) is located directly next to the DIRCM interfering module (and thus the detector), so that through elastic deformations of the aircraft fuselage prevent the MWS data from being too inaccurate. In addition, very high requirements were previously applied with regard to the assembly and the subsequent measurement and calibration of the MWS sensors and DIRCM interference modules (their sensors) relative to the aircraft.

For example, a detector works in a detection range of b degrees (b °; where b °> a °) azimuth / elevation. However, reliable target detection (with a 3-sigma probability) is only given within a range of a degree (a °). A warning system usually provides instruction data in the accuracy range of c degrees (c °; where c ° <a °) (instruction range, three-sigma probability). If the two systems are mounted remotely, for example on the bow and stern of a large aircraft, parallax errors, deformation errors and structural adjustment errors worsen this value, so that only instruction data in the accuracy range of d degrees (d °; where d °> a °) (instruction area, three- Sigma probability). A safe instruction is therefore no longer possible because the required a degree (a °) (of the target area of the detector in the DIRCM module) has been exceeded.

The invention is based on the following idea: Instead of aligning the DIRCM interference module (or its detector / target position of the detector) exactly to the nominal position of the threat (instruction position), which may be so error-prone due to excessive inaccuracy of the MWS data, that no intrusion is possible there, the DIRCM interference module (detector) runs through a search pattern (search strategy). The inaccuracy is e.g. B. from the object to be protected (z. B. aircraft or its manufacturer) and is added in particular from the parallax error, the deformation of the object between the warning system and detector and fundamental alignment inaccuracies between the warning system and detector. This search pattern is either generated in the DIRCM interference module itself or by a superimposed DIRCM control software. The search pattern covers a search area around the nominal position of the threat (briefing position), the size of the search area depending on the expected inaccuracy of the MWS data (i.e. at least covering the briefing area). The search pattern is optimized in such a way that it completely covers the search area resulting from the instruction accuracy of the MWS data with as few search positions as possible, with possible movements of the threat (target) and aircraft (object to be protected) during the execution of the search pattern (execution of the search strategy ) must be taken into account. The possible Movements affect z. B. the sequence of alignment of the detector to different target positions.

The invention is also based on the following knowledge: At the moment when the detection of a threat (target) recognized by the warning system fails by the detector at the instruction position transmitted by the warning system, the DIRCM module (jamming turret) ends its acquisition (search for the Target in target area) without further searching for the target with the help of the detector and reports the failed acquisition to the DIRCM control system.

The invention is thus also based on the following improvement idea: When a threat (target) is reported / transferred to a DIRCM module (jamming turret), the detector (jamming turret) does not move exactly to the transmitted target position (instruction position), but moves - on the basis of a suitable search pattern (search strategy) - one after the other to one or more neighboring positions (target positions for the detector) which surround the transmitted instruction position. Here, for example, three or four neighboring target positions are conceivable, which are evenly distributed on a circular path around the instruction position.

The detector (jamming turret) starts an acquisition at each of these neighboring positions (target positions according to the search pattern). H. searches for the target within the target area. If the target is successfully registered, the DIRCM module starts target tracking. Otherwise, if the acquisition fails, the detector (jamming turret) moves to the next neighboring position until the target has been successfully acquired or all neighboring positions have been processed without successful acquisition. Only in this case does the DIRCM module (Jamming Turret) report the failed acquisition back to a recipient, e.g. B. the DIRCM control system.

According to the invention, the current search pattern (search strategy, e.g. how many target positions, what sequence of target positions, ...) can be used depending on the specific boundary conditions of the DIRCM module (jamming turret) and the data supplied by the warning system (instruction data, MWS data) To be defined. In addition to maximizing the resulting radius (the search area), additional boundary conditions can be taken into account, such as the possible movement of the aircraft (on which the DIRCM system is mounted) and the approaching threat (Target, rocket) take into account the time for processing the complete search pattern.

According to the invention, the following advantages result: By using the search pattern (search strategy), less stringent requirements for the accuracy of the MWS instruction data (instruction position / instruction area) have to be met. So z. B. despite possible elastic deformation of the aircraft fuselage, instruction of a DIRCM interference module at the tail of the aircraft with data from an MWS sensor at the front of the aircraft is possible. This is necessary, for example, if the threat flies in from below during the approach and is detected by an MWS sensor at the front of the aircraft, but only a DIRCM jamming module is available at the rear for combat purposes. Furthermore, by using the search pattern (search strategy), lower requirements apply e.g. B. on the assembly and subsequent measurement and calibration of the MWS sensors and DIRCM interference modules relative to the aircraft as well as the maximum permissible parallax error when transferring between two DIRCM interference modules at the front and rear of the aircraft.

1. 1. Einweisung DIRCM Störmodul (Detektor) mit Suchmuster (Suchstrategie), statt Einweisung auf nominelle Position (Einweisungsposition) der Bedrohung (Ziel).
2. 2. optimale Auslegung des Suchmusters für Abdeckung des aus der Einweisungsgenauigkeit der MWS-Daten resultierenden Suchbereichs mit möglichst wenig Suchpositionen (Zielpositionen) unter Berücksichtigung der möglichen Bewegungen von Bedrohung (Ziel) und Flugzeug (Objekt) während der Abarbeitung des Suchmusters.

The invention is characterized, among other things, by:

1. 1. Briefing on the DIRCM interference module (detector) with search pattern (search strategy), instead of briefing on the nominal position (briefing position) of the threat (target).
2. 2. Optimal design of the search pattern to cover the search area resulting from the instruction accuracy of the MWS data with as few search positions (target positions) as possible, taking into account the possible movements of the threat (target) and aircraft (object) during the processing of the search pattern.

According to the invention, a “DIRCM jamming turret search pattern” thus results. The result is a search pattern for a DIRCM jamming module (detector), which enables the approaching threat (target) to be activated (instructed) even in the case of imprecise instruction data (instruction position / area) of the missile warning device (warning system, missile warning system, MWS).

Figur 1

ein DIRCM-System an einem Flugzeug im Betrieb,

Figuren 2 und 3

alternative Suchbereiche gemäß alternativer Suchstrategien.

Further features, effects and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention and the attached figures. They show, in each case in a schematic principle sketch:

Figure 1

a DIRCM system on an aircraft in operation,

Figures 2 and 3

alternative search areas according to alternative search strategies.

Figure 1 shows only symbolically indicated an object 2, here a military transport aircraft or its fuselage. A DIRCM system 4 is attached to the fuselage, here at the rear of the aircraft, and a warning system 6, here an MWS (Missile Warning System), is attached to the bow of the aircraft. The DIRCM system 4 contains two DIRCM modules 8 a, b, each of which contains a movable detector 10. Each of the detectors 10 is movable in the sense that it can be gimbaled about a pivot point 12. The DIRCM system 4 also contains an interface 14 to the warning system 6.

Figure 1 shows a situation in which the object 2 is in flight and a threat in the form of a target 16, here an enemy surface-to-air missile, is approaching the object 2 in order to destroy it. With the help of the DIRCM system 4, the target 16 is to be rendered harmless in the usual manner, which is not explained in detail here, i.e. by target tracking and illuminating the IR (infrared) seeker head of the rocket with a laser beam 18 (jamming).

For this purpose, the laser beam 18 must first be aimed at the target 16. For this purpose, the target 16 must be detected or located by the detector 10 and then tracked. To this end, the detector 10 must again be aligned or instructed at least roughly towards the target 16.

The target 16 is first noticed and recorded by the warning system 6 and its determined position is transmitted as a briefing position EP from the warning system 6 via the interface 14 to the DIRCM system 4 or received by it. The interface 14 is therefore used by the DIRCM system 4 to receive the instruction position EP for the target 16. However, the corresponding instruction position EP is subject to inaccuracies. For this reason, a training area EB is assigned to the training position EP. The instruction area ensures that the target 16 is actually located in the instruction area EB with a first minimum probability. This probability is a so-called 3-sigma probability of approx. 99.7%. As in Fig. 1 as shown, the target 16 is actually remote from the instruction position EP.

The goal 16, as well as positions and areas etc. are in Figure 1 symbolically represented in an azimuth (A) / elevation (E) representation of a spherical environment of the object 2.

A target position ZP is assigned to the detector 10 or the detector 10 has such a target position ZP. The detection by the detector 10 is also fraught with uncertainty. A target area ZB is therefore also assigned to this target position ZP. If the target 16 is actually located in the target area ZB, it is actually detected by the detector 10 with a second minimum probability. This probability is also a 3-sigma probability of approx. 99.7%.

According to a search strategy, a search area 20 is now provided. In this search area 20, the target 16 is now to be searched for with the aid of the detector 10. The search area 20 is selected to be larger than the target area ZB in order to be able to expand the search compared to the target area ZB. At the same time, the search area 20 is selected such that it covers or includes at least the instruction area EB. This ensures that the entire instruction area EB is also searched for target 16. In the example, the search strategy consists in making the search area 20 circular with 1.2 times the radius of the instruction area EB concentric to the instruction position EP.

According to the search strategy, the search area 20 is now searched for the target 16 by moving the target area ZB over the search area 20 by moving the detector 10. The target 16 is searched for within the target area ZB.

In the example, according to the search strategy, a first target position ZP1 is initially positioned 45 ° to the right below the instruction position at 75% of the radius of the instruction area EB. With the target area ZB1 held at this target position ZP1, it is searched for the target 16 - here unsuccessfully. A location 45 ° to the left below the instruction position at 75% of the radius of the instruction area EB is selected as the second target position ZP2. When the corresponding target area ZB2 is held, it is searched for target 16 - here successfully. The detector 10 is thus successfully instructed on the target 16 at the target position ZP2, and a successful instruction is therefore determined. The usual automatic tracking of the target 16 in the detector 10 is now activated and the latter is accordingly aligned with its target position ZP3 exactly on the target 16. The irradiation of the target 16 by the laser beam 18 is now started and the target 16 is thus successfully fought.

In an alternative - not shown - situation, the target 16 is not detected by the detector 10 in accordance with the above procedure in the entire search area 20: By successively displacing the target position ZP and searching the respective target area ZB, the entire search area 20 is searched for the target 16 without success . As a result, the unsuccessful instruction of the detector 10 to the target 16 is determined and reported to the warning system 6. The warning system then delivers a new instruction position EP and the above procedure is repeated.

The entire method described is carried out with the aid of or by a control and evaluation unit 22 of the DIRCM system 4. The target 16 is tracked and irradiated or controlled with the aid or by a conventional control module 24, not shown in detail in the figures, in the DIRCM modules 8a, b. The DIRCM modules 8a, b are therefore also designed for tracking the target 16 with the detector 10 and irradiating the target 16 with the laser beam 18. Together with the warning system 6, the DIRCM system 4 forms a DIRCM system 26.

The Figures 2 and 3 show possible alternative search areas 20 or search patterns that arise from the superposition of the target areas ZB of three or four target positions ZP, the target positions ZP being adjacent to the instruction position EP. Azimuth A and elevation E are shown again or - starting from the instruction position EP as the zero point - azimuth and elevation errors during instruction. Figure 2 goes from three, Figure 3 from four neighboring target positions ZP1-3 / ZP1-4. The instruction position EP and the instruction area EB with radius r around this represent the maximum possible three-sigma error of the ice instruction accuracy of the warning system 6 relative to the installation level of the DIRCM module 8a, b (jamming turret). The three or four target areas ZB1-3 / ZB1-4 around the selected target positions ZP1-3 / ZP1-4 have the same radius r.

For each search pattern (here clockwise, starting from the target area ZB1) there is a respective search area 20 in which the detection of a target 16 is ensured with a three-sigma probability. That is to say, the interior of the search area 20 is completely covered by target areas ZB around the respective target positions ZP. For Figure 2 results in a radius of the search area 20 of 1.15 r, for Figure 3 from 1.41 r. The three-sigma error range is therefore correspondingly larger in each case compared to the target area ZB or the instruction area EB.

Figure 2 shows an alternative search area 20. This is represented by a total of three target positions ZP1-3 and the associated target areas ZB1-3. The target positions ZP1-3 are adjacent to the instruction position EP or lie on beams 28 at angles of 0 °, 120 ° and 240 ° on a circle around the instruction position EP. The distances to the instruction position EP are the same and amount to two thirds of the radius of the target area ZB. Figure 2 shows the size of the search area 20 in comparison to the instruction area EB.

In Figure 3 a total of four target positions ZP1-4 with associated target areas ZB1-4 are selected. The target positions ZP1-4 lie on corresponding beams 28 at 0 °, 90 °, 180 ° and 270 °. In each case at the radius r of the target areas ZB. Here, too, the size of the search area 20 is shown in comparison to the instruction area EB.

List of reference symbols

2

object

4th

DIRCM system

6th

Warning system

8a, b

DIRCM module

10

detector

12th

Pivot point

14th

interface

16

target

18th

laser beam

20th

Search area

22nd

Control and evaluation unit

24

Combat module

26th

DIRCM facility

28

beam

EP

Briefing position

EB

Briefing area

ZP

Target position

E.g.

Target area

A.

azimuth

E.

elevation

r

radius

Claims (16)

Method for instructing a movable detector (10) of a DIRCM module (8a, b) of a DIRCM system (4) on an approaching target (16), the DIRCM system (4) containing: - An interface (14) to a warning system (6) for receiving a briefing position (EP) for the target (16) from the warning system (6), - At least one DIRCM module (8a, b) with the detector (10) for detecting the target (16), the detector (10) having a target position (ZP) for the alignment with the target (16), in which: - the instruction position (EP) is received via the interface (14), - the briefing position (EP) is assigned a briefing area (EB) in which the target (16) is actually located with a first minimum probability, - the target position (ZP) is assigned a target area (ZB) in which a detection of the target (16) is possible with a second minimum probability and which is smaller than the instruction area (EB), - According to a search strategy, a search area (20) is provided which is selected larger than the target area (ZB) and which covers at least the instruction area (EB), - According to the search strategy, the search area (20) is searched for the target (16) by moving the target area (ZB) over the search area (20) by moving the detector (10) and the target (16) in each case in the target area ( Eg) is searched, where - The search area (20) is searched until either the target (16) has been detected or the entire search area (20) has been searched for the target (16) without success, - If the target (16) was detected in the search area (20), successful instruction of the detector (10) on the target (16) is established, - If the entire search area (20) has been searched unsuccessfully for the target (16), unsuccessful instruction of the detector (10) on the target (16) is determined. Method according to claim 1,
characterized,
that if the unsuccessful instruction is determined, this is reported to a recipient, and / or, if the successful instruction is determined, the target position (ZP) is aligned with the target (16) with the aid of the detector (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that a three-sigma range is selected as the instruction area (EB) with regard to the presence of the target (16) in the instruction area (EB), and / or as the target area (ZB) a three-sigma range with regard to the successful detection of the target (16 ) is selected in the target area (ZB). Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the search area (20) is formed by joining and / or superimposing the target areas (ZB) for at least two orientations of the detector (10) to different target positions (ZP), Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that a search strategy is selected which avoids a multiple search for the destination (16) at the same locations in the search area (20). Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that a search strategy is selected that takes a movement of the target (16) and / or a movement of the DIRCM system (4) into account. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that a search strategy is used which takes into account a distance and / or a relative movement between the warning system (6) and the detector (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that a search strategy is selected according to which the detector (10) is gradually aligned to at least two target positions (ZP), and the target area (ZB) is at least partially searched at the respective fixed target position (ZP). Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that a search strategy (20) is selected in which three or four target positions (ZP) are selected which lie on rays (28) which emanate from the instruction position (EP) and are offset from one another by 120 ° or 90 °. Method according to claim 9,
characterized,
that the distances between the three or four target positions (ZP) on the beams (28) are selected to be equidistant from the instruction position (EP). Method according to claim 9,
characterized,
that the distances between the three or four target positions (ZP) on the beams (28) are selected to be different distances from the instruction position (EP). DIRCM system (4), with - an interface (14) to a warning system (6) for receiving a briefing position (EP) for an approaching target (16) from the warning system (6), - At least one DIRCM module (8a, b) with a movable detector (10) for detecting the target (16), the detector (10) having a target position (ZP) for alignment with the target (16), - A control and evaluation unit (22) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims. DIRCM system (4) according to claim 12,
characterized in that - This contains a combat module (24) for tracking and combating the target (16) on the basis of the target position (ZP) supplied by the detector (10) and / or - The DIRCM module (8a, b) is also designed for tracking and / or irradiating the target (16). DIRCM system (26) with a DIRCM system (4) according to claim 12 or 13 and with the warning system (6). Object (2), with a DIRCM system (26) protecting the object (2) according to claim 14,
wherein the DIRCM system (26) is mounted on the object (2). Object (2) according to claim 15,
characterized,
that the warning system (6) is arranged remotely from at least one of the DIRCM modules (8a, b) on the object (2).

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