Autonomous reconnaissance sonde, and method for deployment thereof

• US 20060010998A1
• Filed: 07/12/2005
• Published: 01/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ROKE Manor Research Limited (Chemring Group PLC)
• Original Assignee: ROKE Manor Research Limited (Chemring Group PLC)
• Inventors: Lloyd, Peter Gregory, Stein, Paul Jonathan
• Granted Patent: US 7,373,849 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/866.500
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 12/365 Projectiles transmitting information to a remote location using optical or electronic means F42B12/385 takes precedence

Abstract

A method for deploying a reconnaissance sonde, including the steps of: incorporating at least one environmental sensor and an associated communication device into a robust, aerodynamically efficient casing; deploying the sonde by imparting a spin and a directional velocity to the casing, sufficient to carry the sonde into a region of interest; and establishing communication with the communication device, thereby enabling data from the sensor(s) to be transmitted to a remote location. A sonde for remote data collection is also provided, including at least one environmental sensor, an energy source and communication means. The sonde is generally shaped as a discus or saucer, a clay pigeon or skeet, for deployment by applying a spin and directional velocity to the sonde.

Claims

1. A method for deploying a reconnaissance sonde (14), including the steps of:

providing a sonde incorporating an energy source, at least one environmental sensor (32) and an associated communication device (40, 39a) in a robust, aerodynamically efficient casing (43);

deploying the sonde by imparting a spin and a directional velocity to the casing, sufficient to carry the sonde into a region of interest; and

establishing communication with the communication device, thereby enabling data from the sensor(s) to be transmitted to a remote location (24).

2. A method of deploying reconnaissance sondes according to claim 1 comprising the steps of

placing a launching device (16) on a vehicle (10),

driving the vehicle through or alongside a region of interest;

launching at least one reconnaissance sonde into the region of interest;

withdrawing the vehicle from the region of interest; and

establishing communication between the sonde and an operator located outside of the region of interest.

3. A method according to claim 1, where the step of deploying the sonde is performed by a mechanical launcher.

8. A sonde according to claim 1, wherein the casing (43) is formed in upper (46) and lower (47) parts, a cavity (44) being formed there between, for storage of the energy source, communication and control circuitry, and the sensor(s).

9. A sonde according to claim 1, wherein communications and control circuitry are provided on at least one circuit board (50), mounted inside the casing between shock absorbing means (54).

10. A sonde according to claim 1, wherein the casing (43) is formed in a single moulded part, including the energy source, communication and control circuitry, and the sensor(s) at least substantially embedded therein.

12. A method according to claim 1, for launching a sonde according to claim 11, wherein the antennas remain in a retracted position (52) during storage, during launching and during flight, the antennas moving to an operational position after deployment of the sonde.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the antennas are spring-loaded, and are initially latched into the retracted position, the impact of landing causing the latching to release and allow the spring-loaded antennas to move under the action of the springs into their operational position.

14. A method or a sonde according to claim 1, wherein the environmental sensor(s) comprise(s) at least one selected from the following:

a video camera (32);

a gas detector (34);

a detector of biological species (34);

a microphone (33);

a seismometer (35);

a radiation detector (36);

a humidity detector (37);

an air pressure sensor (37a); and

a presence and/or motion detector (38).

4. A method according to preceding claim L where the step of deploying the sonde is performed by hand, by throwing the sonde in the manner of throwing a FRISBEE®

flying disc, or in the manner of throwing a discus.

5. A sonde (14) for remote data collection including at least one environmental sensor (32), an energy source (31) and communication means (39a, 40), characterised in that the sonde is generally shaped as a discus or saucer, a clay pigeon or skeet, for deployment by applying a spin and directional velocity to the sonde.

6. A sonde according to claim 5, wherein the sonde comprises a casing (43) of resilient material, shaped as defined in claim 5.

7. A sonde according to claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising a resilient ring (45) around its outer periphery, for partially absorbing the shock of landing.

11. A sonde according to claim 5, further comprising retractable antennas (38a).