# US 4,394,997 A · Sequential time discrimination system for sub-delivery systems

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- Number: US 4,394,997 A
- Document ID: US4394997A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 06/345,311
- Filed: 1982-01-12
- Granted: 1983-07-26
- Earliest claimed: 1980-04-14
- Assignees: General Dynamics, Pomona Division
- Inventors: Inge Maudal
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US4394997A

## CPC

- F41G 7/2253: {Passive homing systems, i.e. comprising a receiver and do not requiring an active illumination of the target}
- F41G 7/007: {Preparatory measures taken before the launching of the guided missiles}
- F41G 7/2233: {Multimissile systems}
- F41G 7/2293: {using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves}
- F41G: WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING (optical aspects thereof G02B)

## Abstract

A delivery system for multiple sub-missiles including in the sub-missiles a marking system, a detection system, a diverter for elimination of targets identified by the detector system, a scanner for initial determination of multiple targets, a logic circuit utilizing input from both the diverter and the scanner to eliminate targets and a sub-missile guidance system.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for directing a plurality of sub-missiles to selected targets comprising the steps of:
sequentially and at predetermined time intervals releasing a succession of guided sub-vehicles directed to at least one predetermined target;
marking a target upon impact by a sub-vehicle;
detecting the marking of the impacted target; and
directing subsequently released sub-vehicles to preselected targets other than an impacted target.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein the step of marking the target on impact comprises using a warhead which includes a petroleum based component which is combustible on impact.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein the step of identifying a marked target includes sensing a burning petroleum-based material.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein the predetermined time interval between release of succeeding first and second sub-vehicles is at least as great as the time of flight of a sub-vehicle from point of release to target impact.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein a marking agent is combined in a warhead on the sub-vehicle, which warhead explodes on impact and activates the marking agent.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The method of claim 5 wherein the marking agent is a petroleum-based material which ignites upon explosion of the warhead.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein the sub-vehicles are mortar rounds which are sequentially released by launching at separate times.