GB2410786A

GB2410786A - Method and apparatus for the protection of battlefield vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2410786A
Application number: GB0402663A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neue Technologien Gmbh Buck; Norbert Wardecki; Rudolf Salzeder; Martin Wegscheider
Original assignee: Buck Neue Technologien GmbH
Current assignee: Buck Neue Technologien GmbH
Priority date: 2004-02-06
Filing date: 2004-02-06
Publication date: 2005-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 2024-02-06
Also published as: GB2410786B; GB0402663D0

Abstract

A method, and an associated apparatus, for the self-protection of battlefield vehicles against weapons which utilise the electromagnetic spectrum (for instance ultra-violet to visible and infrared to radar) comprises equipping the vehicle with (i) warning sensors for sensing a threat by sensor-supported target recognition, acquisition and weapons guidance and those suitable for close-range activities, (ii) a computer for analysing the approach of detected weapons and suitable periods of countermeasure, (iii) at least one dirigible launcher which is charged with various masking and/or decoy active mass ammunitions so as to protect the surface of the vehicle to be detected. Upon detection the threatening sensors are classified in to those which are identifiable and those which are not and the computer system activates the launcher(s) accordingly.

Description

- - 2410786

Description

Method and Apparatus for the Protection of Battlefield Vehicles The present invention relates to a method for the protection of battlefield vehicles against threatening weapons utilizing the electromagnetic spectrum from the ultra-violet, through the visible, the infrared to the radar ranges for target recognition and/or target acquisition and/or weapons guidance, as well as against attacks from the close range in accordance with the preamble of claim 1, and an apparatus for implementing the method in accordance with the preamble of claim 15.

The self-protection of battlefield vehicles is traditionally performed by preventive measures. The spectrum of application of self-protection is to be expanded to masking in the multi-spectral range, and here to the possibilities of defending against missiles, defending against intelligent top-attack weapons, and influencing enemy sensors in general. This requires self- protection systems with enhanced and multi-faceted ammunitions capacity, a clearly shorter responsiveness, effectiveness in any directions, partly even as a 360-degree protection, and a higher degree of integration in an information system with an integrated warning sensory system. Deployment must be possible from the stand just as during movement. It must be possible to successfully employ smoke systems that are transparent 2 5 unilaterally (on the friendly side).

The capability of masking and deception in the multi-spectral range requires variegated ammunitions adapted to the respective threat systems and/or sequentially launchable sub-munitions.

The capability of defense against missiles and top attack defense requires as ammunitions multi-spectral active means which also spontaneously generate their effect in the radar range. The launcher system has to allow for directed, temporally and spatially guided sequences.

Utilization should take place under computer control and by employing warning sensors, but also be capable of being triggered manually. - 2

The option of close-range countermeasures both with lethal and non- lethal ammunition must exist. Herefor, as well, dirigibility or controllability of a directed effect is demanded.

The smoke systems nowadays introduced with battlefield vehicles are by far not capable of meeting the above requirements. The prior-art smoke systems generally are single dischargers in a fanned-out arrangement, where the predetermined elevation does not permit a quick reaction, multiple charging generally is not provided, single triggering of ammunitions, computer control and combined use of masking and decoy ammunitions are not possible, and a warning sensory system does not exist.

The self-protection system for the protection of armored vehicles, as developed in accordance with EP 525 304 B1 by the Applicant of the present invention in the framework of enhancing the combat value of combat vehicles, still is the best option for meeting these requirements. Here as well, however, there still exists a discrepancy with the demand profile, and a corresponding need for improvement.

In order to protect military targets such as, in particular, land, air and water vehicles against unmanned missiles with intelligent, sensor- guided missile heads, phantom targets designed for the corresponding sensory system have for quite some time been used in order to deflect such guided 2 5 missiles.

In order to defend against IR-controlled guided missiles, so-called IR phantom targets are being employed. The like IR phantom targets are described, e.g., irk DE 34 21 692 C2 and DE 42 38 038 C1 to the Applicant of the instant application.

Apart from this, so-called chaff is being used as a defense against RADARcontrolled guided missiles, which is described, e.g., in GB 1 584 438. - 3

ln the near future even more advanced guided weapons must be expected which also will be provided with sensors operating in dual-mode, i.e., they will respond both to IR and also radar signatures of targets.

In order to defend against such intelligent Dual-mode" guided weapons, corresponding dual-mode active means are being used which are capable of both screening the IR and radar signatures of a target as masking means and/or imitating it as a spurious target means. Such dual-mode active means are known, e.g., from DE 196 17 701 C1 and US 5,835,051 to the Applicant of the instant application.

EP 525 304 B1 relates to a defensive launcher assembly comprising a plurality of launching tubes capable of being mounted on the object to be protected and containing projectiles, which are united into an integrated magazine block, which block may be inserted into a magazine carrier including a bottom plate and locked in the inserted condition, wherein the magazine carrier in turn is attached to the object to be protected, in particular a tank. The ammunition described in EP 525 304 B1 is active smoke charges.

The launchers are not dirigible, and the ammunition is not suited for defense against dual-mode attacks or top attacks.

Starting out from the prior art of EP 525 304 B1, it is therefore an object 2 5 of the present invention to furnish a method and an apparatus whereby self protection of a combat vehicle to be protected may be realized against virtually any occurring sensor-supported threats.

In terms of method technology, this object is achieved through the 3 o characterizing features of claim 1.

In terms of apparatus technology, this object is achieved through the characterizing features claim 15.

The present invention relates to a method for the self-protection of battlefield vehicles against threatening weapons utilizing the electromagnetic spectrum from the ultra-violet, through the visible, the infrared to the radar ranges for target recognition and/or target acquisition and/or weapons guidance, as well as against attacks from the close range, wherein the battlefield vehicles are equipped with a warning sensory system for detecting a threat by sensor-supported target recognition, target acquisition and weapons guidance, as well as closerange activities; the approach of the detected guided weapons is analyzed with the aid of a computer, and the suitable location of effect and the suitable period of effect for the countermeasures is deterrrined; at least one dirigible launcher charged with various masking and decoy active mass ammunitions is provided on the surface of the combat vehicle to be protected; upon detection, the threatening sensors are classified into a) identifiable threatening sensors; and b) non-identifiable threatening sensors; in case a), the dirigible launcher is controlled for computer-supported deployment of at least one active mass ammunition suited for masking and/or deceiving the identified threatening sensor in the direction of threat (line of sight) at a proper time and location in a quantity sufficient for eliminating the threat, and/or for ignition and/or deployment of a suitable ammunition for defending against a close-range attack; in case b) , the dirigible launcher is controlled for computer-supported deployment of all kinds of active mass ammunitions present in the launcher 3 o into the dine of sight", in a quantity sufficient for defending against the threat.

The following advantages are achieved through the method and apparatus of the invention: - 5 - system integration with a warning sensory system for automaticisemi- automatic operation, super-fast responsiveness below one second after detection of a threat; - covering any directions of threat, single dirigibility or partial dirigibility for deploying masking and decoy ammunition, or dirigibility through mounting on the turret or all-round fanned-out arrangement with suitable control; - modular basic structure, possible flange-mounting of launching system to carrier and direction system, optimized signature, stealth; - small, lightweight and cost-effective design; - adaptability to various types of vehicles; redundant protection options without reloading; - suitable ammunitions effect, multi-spectral masking functions, multi spectral phantom target functions for defense against missiles, and close 2 0 range protection for top-attack defense;

- possibility of upgrading existing battlefield.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for battlefield vehicles of various types and various purposes of use.

The threatening sensors may be one or several sensors utilizing the visual and IR, UV, IIR laser, LADAR, and RADAR ranges.

The warning sensors also encompass sensors operating in the visual and IR, UV, IIR, laser, LADAR, RADAR ranges, as well as for the close range protection movement detectors which are preferably capable of being deactivated, and adjustable as regards their detection characteristics, as well as low-light-level devices. - 6

In accordance with the present invention it is preferred that active warning sensors are capable of being deactivated once they are detected and recognized as a new target by the threatening sensors, so as to avoid the threatening sensor detecting the activated defensive sensor (antisensor) as a new and possibly better target.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method using a launcher which is hemispherically dirigible to all sides.

For masking and decoy active mass ammunition, it is moreover preferred to employ IR flares, VIS and IR smoke, in particular unilaterally transmissive IR smoke, RADAR chaffs, and dual-mode active means as masking and/or decoy bodies.

The masking and decoy body active mass ammunition may contain submunitions, allowing for better fine tuning of the individual masking and decoy structures, and smokes may, for example, be distributed and supplemented better.

2 0 Preferably the active mass ammunition is deployed in a timed sequence, with clutter screens being generated for line-of-sight interruption or as a phantom target between the threatening sensor and the battlefield vehicle to be protected.

2 5 As another passive protection measure, the signature of the battlefield vehicle may be optimized, preferably by a stealth coat of paint or the like.

As a protection against close-range attacks, various defensive measures are made available, e.g. by means of the dirigible launcher ammunition for close-range protection specifically deployed, which may be: lethal and non-lethal effect ammunition.

As further defensive measures, anti-ammunition effecters and/or electronic jammers may be utilized. The like anti-ammunition effecters may, e.g., be dense smokes causing the homing guided, searching weapons to detonate prematurely. As jammers it is possible to use, e.g., pulsating light emissions, preferably laser light emissions or also a high-frequency perturbing radiation.

Preferably the method also encompasses the option of the computer outputting a moving recommendation by taking into consideration the recognized threat and the initiated defensive measures.

An inventive apparatus for the protection of battlefield vehicles is equipped with: active and/or passive warning sensors for detecting a threat by sensor-supported enemy weapons and their approach towards a battlefield vehicle; a computer for analyzing the sensor threat and determining the suitable time and the suitable location for deploying the suitable countermeasures; as well as at least one dirigible launcher equipped with various masking and decoy body active mass ammunitions, which is arranged on the surface of the combat vehicle to be protected.

It is moreover preferred if the connection device is arranged on the turret of the battlefield vehicle. Here it is also possible, and frequently preferred, for the launchers (for masking and decoy bodies) being arranged on either side of a tank turret, so that a hemispherical range around the battlefield vehicle to be protected is covered by the preferably dirigible launchers.

Thanks to this measure there exists an all-round protection for the battlefield vehicle, so that in addition to lateral and frontal attacks as well as attacks from the rear, it is possible to also ward off so- called TOP ATTACKS from the air or from elevated positions.

Depending on their arrangement on the battlefield vehicle, the launchers may be pivoted in azimuth through 360 while their elevation may - 8 amount to 180 . Thus the launchers may indeed be trained on all sides. In particular in the event of use of several launchers, super-fast defense reaction times of less than one second may be attained, for each launcher has to cover no more than a partial hemisphere, however depending on its arrangement on the battlefield vehicle it may in emergencies also supersede the spatial ranges of the other launchers if, for instance, the ammunition in another launcher is better suited, or if the magazine in a launcher is empty.

In general, the launchers are connected with the on-board computer by means of a standardized interface. As interfaces the most common computer interfaces are preferred, such as: NTDS, S?)32, RS422, RS485, USB1.1, USB2.0, IEEE, IEEE1394, IR, BLUETOOTEt HERNET, WLAN, LAN.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the discharging means is connected with the battlefield vehicle in an easily releasable manner. This enables, e.g., facilitated transport in confined space, for it is possible to uncouple the launcher system which may well be very bulky. The same is true, e.g., when passing through low underpasses, but in particular in air and railway transport. Moreover thanks to the releasable connection maintenance is facilitated considerably, for in the base of the battlefield vehicle the launchers may readily be replaced and then optionally be repaired while Off-line".

In order to control a particular ammunition and/or a particular launcher tube via the computer, it is preferred for the active mass ammunitions and/or the launcher tube to be identifiable and selectable by means of a code via a multiplexer. To this end, preferably bar-codes are used.

The dirigible discharging means is universal both for the sensorsupported threat and also for protection in the close range.

Further advantages and features of the present invention result from the description of one embodiment and by reference to the drawings, wherein: 9- Fig. 1 is a diagram for the analysis of parameters for implementing the inventive method; Fig. 2 A is a schematic representation of the inventive apparatus having a dirigible arrangement of the launcher batteries on the turret of a battle tank; Fig. 2 B is a schematic representation of the inventive apparatus with a dirigible launcher battery on the turret of a battle tank as well as two additional, rigid launcher batteries also mounted on the turret; Fig. 2 C is a schematic representation of the inventive apparatus with two launcher batteries on the turret of a battle tank; Fig. 2 D is a schematic representation of the inventive apparatus with four launcher batteries mounted on the chassis of a battle tank; Fig. 3 A is a detailed schematic representation of fanned-out launcher 2 o batteries; and Fig. 3 B is a schematic representation of launcher batteries in a fanned-out configuration on a tank turret.

In Fig. 1 the procedure of the inventive method is shown schematically.

Initially the threat is recognized, analyzed and identified via the sensory system as to type, direction and remaining reaction time. The warning sensory system in the exemplary case includes sensors in the visual and IR, UV, IIR, laser, LADAR, RADAR ranges, sensors for detailed threat identification and for the close-range protection movement detectors, which preferably are capable of being deactivated and which are adjustable with regard to their detection characteristics, as well as low-light-level devices.

Subsequently a countermeasure is selected by the on-board computer and by the mission logic for the threat recognized and identified by the sensory system. This countermeasure may consist in triggering dispensers - 10 for suitable defensive ammunition of a close-range protection means and sensibly in a movement recommendation, for example how to safely exit from a smoke screen.

The system control specifically selects a suitable countermeasure, triggers the launcher, trains it, and fires the selected ammunition after the computer has calculated a particular deployment geometry adapted to the threat. This deployment geometry is optimized as to direction, distance and time in relation, e.g., to the approaching guided weapon.

In addition the masking/decoy measure is optimized temporally and spectrally, and for instance a unilaterally transmissive IR smoke is deployed not only in the proper location for obstructing the line of sight, but by taking into consideration the tank movement and the outputted movement recommendation which is double-checked, e.g., with the aid of at least one wind sensor by the on-board computer, and furthermore the smoke is replenished in a manner adapted to the situation.

Figures 2 A to 2 D show various arrangements of launcher batteries on 2 o a combat vehicle to be protected, in the exemplary case a tank.

Fig. 2 B shows an arrangement wherein two rigid launchers are mounted on the front side of the tank turret, the tubes of which are directed up front at a fixed angle. Thus without rotation of the turret a covered horizontal of up to 180 is obtained, and with rotation of the turret 360 in azimuth, with a respective set elevation. Furthermore in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 B a, in an exemplary case a smaller, hemispherically dirigible launcher is arranged on the tank turret. Thanks to its dirigibility also in a 90 elevation, this launcher may also take over the task of defending against attacks from above, e.g. with remote- controlled bombs.

Fig. 2 C shows an arrangement wherein the launchers for the masking and decoy ammunitions are located on either side of the tank turret.

Although customarily these launchers are rigid, it is nevertheless preferred for these to also be dirigible and pivotable in azimuth and elevation so as to ensure a hemispherical protective space for the combat vehicle to be protected, in the present instance the tank.

Another embodiment with regard to the launcher arrangement is shown in Fig. 2 D. In this example, the launcher batteries for launching the threat- adapted masking and decoy ammunition are arranged on the chassis of the tank, two in the rear range and two in the front range. The launchers are preferably also adapted to be dirigible in azimuth and elevation. In this arrangement it is, of course, necessary for the position of the tank cannon to be taken into consideration by the computer so as to avoid an active body discharged from a launcher colliding with the tube of the tank cannon.

An essential embodiment is represented in Fig. 3. In this example, the multi-mission tube packets, consisting of several laterally fanned-out multiple magazines, which in turn contain several launching tubes for the masking and decoy ammunitions, are coupled laterally to the turret of the battlefield vehicle. The entire multi-mission tube packet is dirigible in elevation up to 180 . This achieves hemispherical coverage above the entire battlefield in the following manner. Owing to lateral fanning-out, the permanently constant breadth (lateral extension) of the protective measure is ensured. By pivoting the entire multi-mission packet in elevation, the effect to the front, to the rear, and against top-attack threat is achieved. By additionally pivoting the entire turret of the battlefield vehicle (45 required at maximum), the effect through 360 is ensured. As a fixed extension of the effective measure in breadth is 2 5 determined by the fanning-out, it may be adapted to the respective customer's wishes.

The present invention for the defense against sensor-supported threat thus constitutes a so-called "soft-kill anti-sensor protection system" and 3 o hence a self-protection system for battlefield vehicles: On the combat vehicle to be protected, in the exemplary case a tank, one or several passive or active warning sensors are mounted depending on type and direction of threat and object size to be expected. In the case of passive warning sensors, these may be laser andlor UV warners and/or IR sensors and/or the like, but they may also be one or several active RAI:) AR - 12 sensors and/or the like which detect sensoruided ammunitions and recognize them as a threat for the battlefield vehicle to be protected. The detected sensor signals, consisting of type and direction and - where necessary - distance of a threat, are passed on to the on-board computer.

The latter determines the ammunition type suited to a threat, discharging time, discharging period, timing between shots, quantity of ammunition and direction of discharge, and passes these data to the control unit of the dirigible launcher.

The dirigible launcher, in the exemplary case coupled to the on-board computer via a fast USE interface, is loaded with uniform or different active mass ammunition depending on the threat to be expected, and is hemispherically dirigible in all directions. The dirigible launcher is positioned immediately on the combat vehicle to be protected (cp. Fig. 3). The launcher is equipped with at least one means for discharging multiple ammunitions. In the exemplary case it is possible to insert several magazines of ammunition with several launching tubes/round. Different magazine constellations are, of course, also possible. The control unit of the dirigible launcher knows the charge condition of each single launching tube (charged, empty, type of 2 o ammunition). It selects the necessary launching tubes with the required type of ammunition and triggers the discharges at the required times with the required number of ammunitions, the required pauses between the single discharges, and the required discharging period in the required direction.

2 5 Against visual, UV and infrared-guided weapons an active mass ammunition is available for generating an infrared clutter screen by sequentially timed deployment of a multiplicity of infrared-flare sub munitions, which clutter screen brings about a line-of-sight interruption between weapon guidance sensor and target in the UV, visual and entire 3 o infrared ranges (and thus also the laser range).

In order to defend against radar-guided weapons, chaff ammunition is deployed into the Line of sight" of the homing missile within the corresponding gate of distance to thus interrupt the sensor's line of sight to the target. The same ammunition may be used as a phantom target; in this case, one or several chaff ammunitions are deployed in the line of sight and - 13 then continuously replenished in a semicircular 'alk- off' with additional ammunitions so that the threatening missile is deflected from the target, and the combat vehicle to be protected may move out of the range of danger in accordance with the movement recommendation of the on-board computer.

Where it is not possible to identify the type of the threatening weapons guidance sensory system, for example, an ammunition is provided which contains both radar and infrared active mass and which is correspondingly deployed as a multi-spectral means for line-of-sight interruption or as a phantom target by the 'alk-off method".

Camouflage and decoy body active mass ammunition preferably used are IR flares, VIS and IR smokes, here preferably unilaterally transmissive IR smokes, RADAR chaff, as well as dual-mode decoys. Thus a line-of-sight interruption between the threatening sensor and the battlefield vehicle to be protected is generated, or the deflection of the threatening weapon is reactivated through use of a phantom target.

A laser illuminator deployed by the threatening weapons system used may, for example, train on a tank, but the laser illumination may, of course, also originate in the weapons system itself. Part of this laser signal is reflected from the target to the laser searching head, so that the latter may steer towards the target.

A laser warning sensor mounted on the battlefield vehicle senses the illuminating beam and passes the direction of threat on to the on-board computer in azimuth and elevation. Due to the fact that the signals originate in the laser warner, the computer recognizes that it is a matter of a laser threat, e.g. through so-called laser beam riders, therefore selects (if mixed ammunition has been loaded) the infrared flare ammunition, determines azimuth and elevation for the infrared clutter screen to be deployed, causes training via the launcher control, opens fire - in the absence of information about the distance of the threat immediately, and causes the clutter screen to be replenished through the longest possible pre-programmed time period. - 14

The infrared clutter screen either results in absorption of the illuminating laser beam, so a more guidance signal will not arrive any more at the sensor of the incoming ammunition. The threatening ammunition will either crash immediately or continue its flight without being guided and while subject to any extra-ballistic influences, and will only have very slim chances of hitting the target.

Depending on environmental conditions, however, the clutter screen may also bring about a certain reflection and/or dispersion of the laser irradiation. In this case, the clutter screen acts as a phantom target, the search head steers towards it, and detonates not in the target but in the range of the clutter screen.

An active sensor recognizes, e.g., the threat by a radar-guided missile in azimuth, elevation, distance, and speed. The signals are supplied to the on-board computer. The latter selects the chaff ammunition, determines azimuth and elevation for deploying the radar phantom targets, based on knowledge of distance and speed of a threat sets the most favorable launching time, the direction of walk-off, and the timing and number of single discharges (and thus also the duration of effect) and causes the launcher control to carry out the commands.

The number and velocity of succession of discharges of the chaff ammunition, fired into the Line of sight" of the search head, are selected (pre-programmed) such that the RCS density is sufficient to prevent reception of a reflected radar signal from the target. The search head from then only receives its radar signals from the chaff phantom targets. If, now, walk-off (pre-programmed to deflect the threatening missile into a harmless area) is triggered in such a way that the chaff phantom targets are deployed laterally and merge into each other while developing and stationary, the search head then dwells on this respective most intense signal and is deflected in the direction of walk-off.

In addition the battlefield vehicle may in the present embodiment be S5 provided with a STEALTH coating for optimization of signature. -

In the same way an infrared-guided search head may also be deflected by using infrared flare phantom target ammunition which emits a more intense infrared signal than the target, and upon selection of the suitable decoy ammunition imitates the signature of the tank.

When the active sensor recognises a threat as described in the foregoing, but without identification of the threatening sensory system, e.g. a guided missile, then the on-board computer in the exemplary case selects a combined radar/infrared ammunition and fires an infrared clutter/chaff screen into the window of vision of the homing missile. This has the effect of the infrared clutterichaff screen becoming the target for the search head. Based on the information about distance and velocity, the onboard computer determines the interception coordinates, location of effect, number of discharges, sequence of discharges (and thus duration of effect) and distribution of discharges for the infrared clutter/chaff screen.

If the sensor does not in addition receive any distance and velocity data, the infrared clutter/chaff screen will be deployed in the above describedmanner, however as rapidly as possible and for the pre programmed maximum duration.

As a protection against close-range attacks, the tank in the present embodiment includes movement detectors which may be deactivated in order to avoid undesirable interactions with vehicles and/or members of the 2 5 combat unit and which are adjustable with respect to their detection characteristics, in particular distance and radius. If an enemy person or group of persons is detected by the movement detectors, the dirigible launcher equipped with various ammunitions is triggered, after indication of threat and clearance by the commander, via the on-board computer. Thus this launcher may in the present case be equipped, e.g., with tear gas ammunition, rubber projectile ammunition and fragmentation ammunition, which may be deployed for defending against a close-range attack with tank- piercing weapons and/or explosives and/or thermite reactors. - 16

For supporting the close-range protection, the battlefield vehicle may moreover additionally be equipped with low-light-level devices for visual observation of the close range during the darkness.

Thus a complete self-protection system for battlefield vehicles is made available through the present invention. - 17

Claims

Claims 1. Method for the self-protection of battlefield vehicles against

threatening weapons utilizing the electromagnetic spectrum from the ultraviolet, through the visible, the infrared to the radar ranges for target recognition and/or target acquisition and/or weapons guidance, as well as against attacks from the close range, characterized in that the battlefield vehicles are equipped with warning sensors for detecting a threat by sensor-supported target recognition, target acquisition and weapons guidance, as well as close-range activities; the approach of the detected guided weapons is analyzed with the aid of a computer, and the suitable location of effect and the suitable period of effect for the countermeasures is determined; 2 0 at least one dirigible launcher charged with various masking and decoy active mass ammunitions is provided on the surface of the combat vehicle to be protected; upon detection, the threatening sensors are classified into 2 5 a) identifiable threatening sensors; and b) non-identifiable threatening sensors; in case a), the dirigible launcher is controlled for computer-supported deployment of at least one active mass ammunition suited for masking andlor deceiving the identified threatening sensor in the direction of threat at a proper time and location in a quantity sufficient for eliminating the threat, and/or for ignition and/or deployment of a suitable ammunition for defending against a close-range attack; in case b), the dirigible launcher is controlled for computer- supported deployment of all kinds of active mass ammunitions present in the - 1 8 launcher into the "line of sight", in a quantity sufficient for defending against the threat.
2. Method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that all battlefield vehicles are encompassed.
3. Method in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the threatening sensors are one or several sensors utilizing the visual and IR, UV, IIR, laser, LADAR, and RADAR ranges.
4. Method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the warning sensors encompass sensors operating in the visual and IR ranges, UV, IIR-, Laser-, LADAR-, RADAR ranges, as well as for the closerange protection movement detectors and low-light-level 1 5 devices.
5. Method in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that active warning sensors are capable of being deactivated once they are detected and recognized as a new target by the threatening sensors.
6. Method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by use of a launcher which is hemispherically dirigible to all sides.
7. Method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the masking and decoy active mass ammunition encompasses IR flares, VIS and IR smokes, in particular unilaterally transmissive IR smokes, RADAR chaffs, and dual-mode effective means as masking and/or decoy bodies.
8. Method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the masking and decoy active mass ammunition contains sub munitions.
9. Method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the active mass ammunition is deployed in a timed sequence, with clutter screens being generated for line-of-sight interruption or as a 19 phantom target between the threatening sensor and the battlefield vehicle to be protected.
10. Method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the signature of the battlefield vehicle is optimized, preferably by a stealth coat of paint.
11. Method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the ammunition for close-range protection is selected from: l o fragmentation projectiles, projectiles filled with rubber balls, detonators, tear gas.
12. Method in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that the ammunition for close-range protection is deployed by means of dirigible 1 5 launchers.
13. Method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that anti-ammunition effecters andlor electronic jammers are utilized as further defensive measures.
14. Method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the computer issues a moving recommendation by taking into consideration the recognized threat and the initiated defensive measures.
15. Apparatus for implementing the method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 14, including: active and/or passive warning sensors for detecting a threat by sensor supported enemy weapons and their approach to a battlefield vehicle; a computer for analyzing the sensor threat and determining a suitable time and a suitable location for deploying the suitable countermeasures; as well as - 20 at least one dirigible launcher charged with various masking and decoy active mass ammunitions, which is provided on the surface of the combat vehicle to be protected.
16. Apparatus in accordance with claim 15, characterized in that it is a

matter of a battlefield vehicle.
17. Apparatus in accordance with claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the discharging means is arranged on the turret of the battlefield vehicle.
18. Apparatus in accordance with claim 15, characterized in that the launcher is hemispherically dirigible to all sides.
19. Apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that of the launcher is provided with a control unit.
20. Apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the launcher is connected to the on-board computer by means of a standardized interface which is selected from the group comprised of: NTDS, RS232,,S422, RS485, USB1.1, USB2.0, IEEE, IEEE1394, IR, BLUETOOTE HERNET, WEAN, LAN.
21. Apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that the launcher may be coupled to and uncoupled from the

battlefield vehicle.
22. Apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that the masking and decoy ammunitions are identified with the aid of a code via a multiplexer and may be selected from a decoy body magazine.
23. Apparatus in accordance with claim 22, characterized in that the code is a bar-code.
24. Apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that the multiple magazines of the multi-mission packet for deploying masking and decoy ammunitions in accordance with tactical requirements are arranged in a fanned-out configuration.
25. Apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that the dirigible launchers are also used for protection of the close range.