System for protecting a target from missiles

A system for protecting a target from at least one oncoming guided airborne missile;

• said system comprising a fragmentation projectile launching container;
• a base portion having said launching container mounted thereon so as to be adjustable in azimuth and elevation;
• a plurality of launching tubes each containing a fragmentation projectile, arranged in said launching container;
• a sensor arrangement for detecting the airborne missile against which the target is to be protected;
• a drive arrangement for said launching container operatively connected with the sensor arrangement;
• signal processing means and control means located on the launching container for adjusting the launching container relative to the base portion and for orienting said launching tubes with the fragmentation projectiles positioned therein in a direction towards said oncoming airborne missile and launching said fragmentation projectiles at a predetermined distance in close proximity of said airborne missile from the target;
• each of said fragmentation projectiles being provided with an active charge of approximately rectangular cross-section transversely of a longitudinal axis of said fragmentation projectile constituting a fragmentation filling which fragments laterally and a fuze for selectively controlling the detonation of said projectile in dependence upon time and close proximity to the target whereby fragments from said projectile ignite or destroy a warhead of said airborne body at said predetermined distance from said target, each of said fragmentation projectiles having an impulse engine which launches the projectile operatively associated therewith from its launch tube and extendable control surfaces on each of said fragmentation projectiles for stabilization during flight.