US 8,025,230 B2 · System and method for prioritizing visually aimed threats for laser-based countermeasure engagement

Abstract

The present invention increases the survivability of a helicopter by prioritizing a threat engagement sequence for a laser-based countermeasure system based on the determined relative lethality of each detected visually trained threat (e.g., small arms fire). The system and method defines a plurality of threat effectiveness merit factors, or lethality factors, that are determinable from available helicopter navigation and sensor data, to quantify the danger associated with each detected threat. The system and method then combines the defined lethality factors using a mathematical function, such as a merit function, to numerically quantify the level of threat posed by each threat. The calculated threat values for each of the detected threats are compared to prioritize the threats for engagement by a laser-based countermeasure system, such as a Visual Acquisition Disrupter (VAD) system.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A system for prioritizing detected targets for countermeasure system engagement from a helicopter, said system comprising:

means for determining at least two threat lethality factors for more than one threat to the helicopter from existing helicopter navigation and sensor data;
means for determining a lethality value for each of said more than one threat to the helicopter by combining said at least two lethality factors in a mathematical function;
means for comparing said lethality value for each of said more than one threat to the helicopter;
means for determining a target engagement priority sequence for a helicopter installed countermeasure system from comparing said lethality value for each of said more than one threat to the helicopter;
means for transmitting said target engagement priority sequence to said helicopter installed countermeasure system;
and
means for commanding said helicopter installed countermeasure system to engage said more than one threat to the helicopter using said target engagement priority sequence.

4 more elements

A method for prioritizing detected targets for countermeasure system engagement from a helicopter, said method comprising the steps of:

determining from existing helicopter navigation and sensor data at least two threat lethality factors for each of said more than one threat to the helicopter;
determining lethality values for each of said more than one threat to the helicopter by combining said at least two lethality factors in a mathematical function;
comparing said lethality values determined for each of said more than one threat to the helicopter;
determining a target engagement priority sequence for a helicopter-installed countermeasure system from comparing said lethality values;
transmitting said target engagement priority sequence to said helicopter-installed countermeasure system;
and
commanding said helicopter-installed countermeasure system to engage said more than one threat to the helicopter using said target engagement priority sequence.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method for prioritizing visually aimed threats for laser-based countermeasure engagement

Life of this patent

System and method for prioritizing visually aimed threats for laser-based countermeasure engagement

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20