Proximity fuse having an E-field sensor
AssigneeBAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
InventorMichael N. Mercier
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A proximity fuse includes an electric-field (E-field) sensor to detect electrical disturbances from an object that is external and distinct from a device carrying the proximity fuse. The E-field sensor detects or senses E-fields versus time in order to provide omnidirectional coverage of the device carrying the proximity fuse. When the device carrying the fuse is a missile having warhead, the proximity fuse is connected with detonation logic that detonates the warhead at a desired time to destroy or neutralize the object, which is typically a threat, such as another missile.
Claims6
A proximity fuse comprising:
- an electric-field (E-field) sensor to sense at least one E-field of an object near the E-field sensor;
- a detonation time calculator in electrical communication with the E-field sensor for sending a signal to detonate a warhead in response the E-field sensor sensing the at least one E-field of the object;
- detonation logic to detonate the warhead based, at least in part, on the at least one E-field of the object;
- a velocity calculator to determine a velocity of the warhead;
- and
- a comparator that compares electrical signals from the E-field sensor and the velocity of the warhead, wherein the comparator is electrically connected with the detonation time calculator in order to determine when to detonate the warhead based on the at least one E-field of the object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.