Abstract:
The present invention comprises apparatus for connecting and disconnecting substantially planar arrays of optoelectrical contact sites in a mechanically secure and functionally rapid and reversible manner. The invention utilizes technology available in the zipper manufacturing industry, to achieve a high contact site density by suitably disposed contact sites for opotoelectronic connections on zipper teeth, and through the use of a conventional zipper-type runner achieving the interconnection of a multiplicity of optoelectrical contact sites.
Abstract:
A system and method for rapidly determining the source of an incoming projectile applies controlled, active RF energy source(s) to illuminate a target area/projectile, and exploits Doppler induced frequency shifts from multiple receivers to develop a vector solution. The preferred solution applies continuous wave (CW) RF illuminators to flood a local region with a controlled source of radio frequency energy and one or more displaced receiver elements. The system operates multi-statically and as an incoming projectile enters the illuminated region, reflected energy from one or more illuminators is detected by one or more displaced RF receivers. Doppler shifts imparted on the reflected signals are detected by the receivers as the projectile moves through the region. Appropriate processing of the receiver outputs generates Doppler time-frequency profiles that are used to derive an estimate of the projectile flight vector in 3-space (x,y,z). The vector parameters can, among other things, feed a laser designator that projects a beam along the derived flight path to support identification of the source, or be relayed to remote personnel by a data link where the projectile vector can be displayed on a map.
Abstract:
The present invention comprises apparatus for connecting and disconnecting substantially planar arrays of electrical contact sites in a mechanically secure and functionally rapid and reversible manner. The invention utilizes technology availalble in the zipper manufacturing industry, to achieve a high contact site density by suitably disposing contact sites for electrical connections on zipper teeth, and through the use of a conventional zipper-type runner achieving the interconnection of a multiplicity of electrical contact sites.
Abstract:
A bi-static continuous wave radar system and related methods for detecting incoming threats from ballistic projectiles includes a remote source of RF illumination, and a local receiver installed in one or more target aircraft. A first receiving channel acquires direct path illumination from the source and provides a reference signal, and a second receiving channel acquires a scatter signal reflected by a projectile. A processor coupled to each receiver corrects scatter signal Doppler offset induced by relative source motion, isolates narrowband Doppler signals to derive signatures characteristic of the projectile, and by executing appropriate algorithms, compares the derived signatures to modeled signatures stored in memory. If the comparison yields a substantial similarity, the processor outputs a warning signal sufficient to initiate defensive countermeasures.
Abstract:
A system and method for rapidly determining the source of an incoming projectile applies controlled, active RF energy source(s) to illuminate a target area/projectile, and exploits Doppler induced frequency shifts from multiple receivers to develop a vector solution. The preferred solution applies continuous wave (CW) RF illuminators to flood a local region with a controlled source of radio frequency energy and one or more displaced receiver elements. The system operates multi-statically and as an incoming projectile enters the illuminated region, reflected energy from one or more illuminators is detected by one or more displaced RF receivers. Doppler shifts imparted on the reflected signals are detected by the receivers as the projectile moves through the region. Appropriate processing of the receiver outputs generates Doppler time-frequency profiles that are used to derive an estimate of the projectile flight vector in 3-space (x,y,z). The vector parameters can, among other things, feed a laser designator that projects a beam along the derived flight path to support identification of the source, or be relayed to remote personnel by a data link where the projectile vector can be displayed on a map.