Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2012
Title: Michael J. Harcourt: Innovator in Missile System Technologies
Introduction
Michael J. Harcourt is a distinguished inventor based in Sicklerville, NJ, who has contributed significantly to the field of missile system technologies. With a total of two patents to his name, Harcourt is recognized for his innovative approaches to missile trajectory estimation and thrust termination analysis, key elements in enhancing defense systems.
Latest Patents
Harcourt’s latest patents include:
1. **Burnout Time Estimation and Early Thrust Termination Determination for a Boosting Target**: This patent describes a system that senses the presence of a boosting missile or target. It processes the information by comparing it to several predetermined templates of nominal missile characteristics to determine the missile's state. The processing involves the estimation of burnout time and early thrust termination by generating current stage state estimates, including position, velocity, and time index error. A critical component of this invention is the use of a threshold to determine if early thrust termination has occurred while calculating the estimated burnout time of the current stage.
2. **Template Updated Boost Algorithm**: This method details a system for sensing a boosting target missile and estimating its position, velocity, and boost acceleration parameters. Moreover, it controls an interceptor missile towards the target missile. The boost-phase missile target state estimator employs an acceleration template within an extended Kalman filter. This helps correct the nominal template for motor burn variations and enhances missile energy management by predicting future thrust acceleration, velocity, and position based on accurate state estimates.
Career Highlights
Michael J. Harcourt is currently employed at Lockheed Martin Corporation, a leading aerospace, defense, and security company recognized for its innovative technologies and solutions. His role involves developing advanced systems that enhance missile performance and effectiveness, showcasing his expertise in engineering and technological innovation.
Collaborations
Harcourt collaborates with notable colleagues such as Thu-Van T. Luu and Jeffrey Bruce Boka. Their teamwork and shared vision for technological advancements contribute to the success of the projects they undertake, enhancing the overall capabilities of missile defense systems.
Conclusion
Michael J. Harcourt's contributions to missile technology through his innovative patents demonstrate his commitment to advancing defense systems. His work at Lockheed Martin Corporation and collaboration with talented colleagues like Thu-Van T. Luu and Jeffrey Bruce Boka reflect a dedicated approach to solving complex technological challenges in the field.