Raytheon Company

David E Bossert

Jeffrey N Zerbe

Ray Sampson

Erwin M De Sa

Ross D Rosenwald

David K Barnett

Jeffery B Saunders

Jeffrey B Saunders

Jeff Zerbe

A path is automatically routed for a sensor platform that projects a constant sensor footprint to the surface to observe a region of interest without crossing into an excluded area and to tracking that path. The path is routed by defining a bounding region around the region of interest and defining a convex hull around an obstacle within the region of interest. A parallel arrangement of rectangular planks is generated from each edge of the convex hull out to the bounding region. The extent of each rectangular plank is bounded at one end by the intersection of the plank with the bounding region and at the other end by the intersection of the plank with an extension of a next edge of the convex hull. The path is routed to traverse the parallel arrangement of rectangular planks for each edge of the convex hull in a raster scan pattern and to circle the convex hull in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The path is tracked and the surface below sensed to capture a sequence of sensor outputs that together cover the entire region of interest except the region excluded by the convex hull.

Automated sensor platform routing and tracking for observing a region of interest while avoiding obstacles

A method for autonomous weapon effects planning includes receiving the desired lethality and collateral effects information on a target and autonomously selecting at least one weapon and fuze setting from an inventory of weapons based on the received lethality and collateral effects information. The method further includes autonomously; determining which weapon with fuze setting and terminal elevation and heading angles satisfies the desired lethality and collateral effects; shaping weapon trajectory to satisfy weapon maneuverability, terrain clobber avoidance and guidance requirements and planning weapon launch conditions for the one or more autonomously selected weapons. The weapon launch conditions include at least a launch point or a launch corridor.

Autonomous weapon effects planning

Embodiments of a submersible transport and launch canister are provided for use by a diver in the deployment of an airborne object. In one embodiment, the submersible transport and launch canister includes a pressure vessel having an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the airborne object therein. A diver-actuated cap is movable between an open position and a closed position in which the diver-actuated cap sealingly engages the open end portion. A propellant device is fluidly coupled to the storage cavity and is configured to propel the airborne object from the storage cavity and through the open end portion when the propellant device is actuated by the diver.

Submersible transport and launch canister

Embodiments of a method for deploying an airborne object are provided utilizing a submersible transport and launch canister of the type that includes a pressure vessel in which the airborne object is stored and a cap which sealingly engages the pressure vessel. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of positioning an end portion of the pressure vessel above the surface level of a body of water, opening the cap, and launching the airborne object from the pressure vessel while in the body of water.

Submersible transport and launch canister and methods for the use thereof

Methods and apparatus for marine deployment according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a floatable housing adapted to be deployed by a marine vehicle. The floatable housing may be adapted to be launched from a marine vehicle and rise to the surface. Assets, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may be deployed from the surfaced floatable housing.

Growing community of inventors

Tucson, AZ, United States of America

David E Bossert