US 7,411,543 B1 · Maximum-likelihood rocket identifier

Abstract

A sensor suite determines location and velocity information relating to a missile threat, which is converted to missile or rocket state estimates. The state estimates are transformed into time-invariant dynamic parameters, unique for each missile type. Estimated rocket dynamic parameters are computed for each target type being considered, and compared with a reference set of rocket parameters representing different target types. The estimated rocket parameters are compared with the reference parameters in a maximum-likelihood sense, and combined using fuzzy logic to identify the rocket type and the likelihood. The identified rocket type and likelihood is used to aid in determining the future location of the missile so countermeasure can be applied.

Claims5

Dependent claims

A method for estimating at least one of the type and future location of a missile based on information relating to its sensed present position and velocity, said method comprising the steps of:

estimating from said sensed data a set of estimated parameters including at least one of mass flow rate, thrust, specific impulse, gravity-free burn-out velocity, burn-out-time, and mass at burn-out;
comparing said set of estimated parameters with a database of a predetermined set of nominal values of mass flow rate, thrust, specific impulse, gravity-free burn-out velocity, burn-out-time, and mass at burn-out parameters for known missiles, to select the best match to said set of estimated parameters;
accessing parameter reference information sets relating to the mass flow rate, thrust, specific impulse, gravity-free burn-out velocity, burn-out-time, and mass at burn-out parameters of that missile which is the best match;
and
using kinematic modeling, said sensed position and velocity, and said parameter reference information set of said best match, determining the future location of said missile.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Maximum-likelihood rocket identifier

Life of this patent

Maximum-likelihood rocket identifier

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims5