Airborne system for operation in conjunction with a marker beacon
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsFrederick F. Hiltz, Charles E. Wilson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An airborne radio system upon receipt of mode and code radio signals from a arker beacon that it is seeking, queries the marker beacon as to its slant range and direction. Upon receipt of information on the slant range and direction the airborne system and/or its operator make a determination whether to initiate a radio signal that would activate a flare on the marker beacon. Upon actuation the flare is usable for visual and infrared homing.
Claims7
An airborne system for use in conjunction with a marker beacon, said marker beacon having a flare for visual and infrared aid to terminal homing to said marker beacon, said airborne system comprising:
- detection means for detecting said marker beacon upon receipt of first predetermined radio signals;
- direction determination means for determining the direction of said marker beacon upon receipt of said first predetermined radio signals by said detection means;
- transponder means for querying said marker beacon as to its range upon receipt of said first predetermined radio signals by said detection means;
- range determination means for determining the slant range of said marker beacon upon receipt of second predetermined radio signals;
- and
- flare activation means for transmitting a flare activation signal for activating said flare of said marker beacon upon said range determination means determining said slant range to be not more than a predetermined distance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.