Projectile system and methods of use

• US 9,157,717 B1
• Filed: 01/22/2013
• Issued: 10/13/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Carroll, Galen Duff, Greuner, Eric M.
• Primary Examiner(s): GREGORY, BERNARR E
• Application Number:
  US13/746,964
• Time in Patent Office: 994 Days
• Field of Search: 89/11.1, 89/15.1, 89/15.4, 89/15.5, 89/18, 89/18.01, 89/18.02, 244 31- 319, 244/3.2, 701/1, 701/3, 701/23, 701/24, 700/90, 700245-249, 705/1
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 7/2206 using a remote control station
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 7/2226 comparing the observed data with stored target data, e.g. target configuration data
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 7/2233 Multimissile systems
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 7/226 Semi-active homing systems, i.e. comprising a receiver and involving auxiliary illuminating means, e.g. using auxiliary guiding missiles
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 13/00 Means of attack or defence not otherwise provided for details of radar or sonar systems G01S7/00
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 15/01 Arrangements thereon for guidance or control steering arrangements F42B10/60; aircraft flight control B64C; guidance systems other than those installed aboard F41G7/00, F41G9/00; locating by use of radio or other waves G01S; flight control in general G05D1/00; computer aspects G06]

Abstract

Systems, a ballistic device, and methods of use are provided herein. The system includes at least one first ballistic device having a first payload configured to detonate, and a second ballistic device configured to track at least one of a position and a movement of an object, and enable the at least one first ballistic device to identify at least one of the position and the movement of the object. The second ballistic device includes a second payload configured to detonate.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

launching a primary ballistic missile towards an object, the primary ballistic missile including a sensor and a first payload configured to detonate;

tracking at least one of a position and a movement of the object using the sensor; and

generating, by the primary ballistic missile, target information associated with the object to enable the object to be engaged by at least one secondary ballistic missile that includes a second payload configured to detonate.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising transmitting the target information to the at least one secondary ballistic missile.

3. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the primary ballistic missile includes a targeting module, the method further comprising using the targeting module to generate a detectable target on the object such that the object is identifiable by the at least one secondary ballistic missile.

4. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the primary ballistic missile includes a targeting module, the method further comprising using the targeting module to illuminate the object.

5. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the primary ballistic missile includes a monitoring module, the method further comprising using the monitoring module to monitor at least one of a position and a movement of the at least one secondary ballistic missile.

6. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising launching the secondary ballistic missile towards the object.

7. A method in accordance with claim 6 further comprising launching the primary ballistic missile towards the object when the secondary ballistic missile does not make contact with the object.

8. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the target information is generated at the primary ballistic missile.

9. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the target information is generated at a ground station and transmitted to at least one of the primary ballistic missile and the secondary ballistic missile.

10. A ballistic missile comprising:

a first payload configured to detonate;

a sensor configured to track at least one of a position and a movement of an object; and

an assignment module configured to generate target information associated with the object, and to transmit the target information to at least one other ballistic missile that includes a second payload configured to detonate.

11. A ballistic missile in accordance with claim 10 further comprising a targeting module configured to generate a detectable target on the object such that the object is identifiable by the at least one other ballistic missile.

12. A ballistic missile in accordance with claim 10 further comprising a targeting module configured to illuminate the object.

13. A ballistic missile in accordance with claim 10 further comprising a monitoring module configured to monitor at least one of a position and a movement of the at least one other ballistic missile.

14. A system comprising:

at least one first ballistic missile having a first payload configured to detonate; and

a second ballistic missile configured to track at least one of a position and a movement of an object, and enable the at least one first ballistic missile to identify at least one of the position and the movement of the object, the second ballistic missile including a second payload configured to detonate.

15. A system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the second ballistic missile comprises a sensor configured to track at least one of the position and the movement of the object.

16. A system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the at least one first ballistic missile comprises a receiver, and the second ballistic missile comprises an assignment module configured to generate target information associated with the object, and transmit the target information to the receiver of the at least one first ballistic missile.

17. A system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the at least one first ballistic missile comprises a sensor configured to track at least one of the position and the movement of the object, and the second ballistic missile comprises a targeting module configured to generate a detectable target on the object that is identifiable by the sensor of the at least one first ballistic missile.

18. A system in accordance with claim 17, wherein the targeting module is configured to illuminate the object.

19. A system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the at least one first ballistic missile comprises a first sensor having a first sensitivity, and the second ballistic missile comprises a second sensor having a second sensitivity that is higher than the first sensitivity.

20. A system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the second ballistic missile comprises a monitoring module configured to monitor at least one of a position and a movement of the at least one first ballistic missile.