US 11,892,379 B2 · Thermal and/or optical signature simulating systems and methods of making and using such systems

Abstract

Countermeasure simulating structures may include (a) a base and (b) one or more separated combustible tracks fixed to the base's surface. The combustible tracks may include thermite and/or other combustible material. The combustible tracks may be shaped to simulate countermeasure flares deployed by a vehicle (e.g., a jet). The countermeasure simulating structure may be incorporated into a countermeasure simulating system that includes (a) an infrared and/or optical sensing system (e.g., like those included in missiles) and (b) a simulator mount holding the countermeasure simulating structure. Countermeasures may be tested in such systems by: (a) arranging an infrared and/or optical sensing system to receive infrared energy and/or visible light emitted by the countermeasure simulating structure; (b) igniting the combustible material of the combustible track such that combustion of the combustible material moves along the combustible track; and (c) determining whether the infrared and/or optical sensing system tracks infrared energy and/or visible emitted by the combustion.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A countermeasure simulating structure, comprising:

(a) a base including a first surface;
and (b) a plurality of separated combustible tracks fixed to the first surface of the base, wherein each combustible track of the plurality of separated combustible tracks includes a combustible material.

A method of testing a countermeasure system, comprising:

engaging a countermeasure simulating structure with a simulator mount, wherein the countermeasure simulating structure includes:
(a) a base having a first surface, and (b) a first combustible track fixed to the first surface, wherein the first combustible track includes a first combustible material;
arranging an infrared and/or optical sensing system in a position to receive infrared energy and/or visible light emitted by the countermeasure simulating structure;
igniting the first combustible material of the first combustible track such that combustion of the first combustible material moves along a first trail defined by the first combustible track;
and
determining whether the infrared and/or optical sensing system tracks infrared energy and/or visible emitted by the first combustible track.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Thermal and/or optical signature simulating systems and methods of making and using such systems

Life of this patent

Thermal and/or optical signature simulating systems and methods of making and using such systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20