Countermeasure system and method to emulate target with spatial extent
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsLynn Alan Potter, Roderick E. Ayers, Joseph B. Lopes, C. Ray Dutton, Jarrod H. Wasko
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Abstract
An acoustic countermeasure system comprises a plurality of individual countermeasure devices which act in concert to emulate a target with spatial extent. The individual countermeasure devices may be programmed to navigate into predetermined positions within a preset pattern with spatial characteristics similar to that of a target of interest, e.g., a submarine. The individual countermeasure devices are programmed to produce acoustic signals, such as in response to a ping or pulse by an incoming torpedo that collectively appears to be an echo similar to that which would come from a target having spatial extent.
Claims10
An acoustic countermeasure system operable for responding to an acoustic ping from a threat, comprising:
- a plurality of individual countermeasure devices programmable for coordinated movement into a predetermined spatial pattern after launch, said plurality of individual countermeasure devices in said predetermined spatial pattern being operable for simultaneously or substantially simultaneously responding to said acoustic ping from said threat such that a combined acoustic response of said plurality of individual countermeasures to said acoustic ping from said threat emulates an acoustic echo of a target with spatial extent.
An acoustic countermeasure method for simulating a target with spatial extent, comprising:
- launching a plurality of individual countermeasure devices;
- programming said plurality of individual countermeasure devices to move into respective positions which are spatially offset with respect to each other;
- and
- programming said plurality of individual countermeasure devices to simultaneously or substantially simultaneously acoustically respond to a ping whereby a collective response of said plurality of individual countermeasure devices emulates an acoustic echo of a target with spatial extent.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.