USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Eric Alan Hillenbrand

Timothy Bradley

R Kyle Webb

Lee Cambrea

Mark Dombrowski

Roy S Luoma

Charles Robert Upton

Mark Alan Anderson

Marshall Andrew Mullins

Jim Lorenz

Ming-De Li

Eric Ford

Terry L Chastain

Zachary A Masner

Disclosed are apparatus and methods for determining a radar cross section (RCS) of countermeasure units such as chaff that utilizes ground level testing. An antenna platform is provided that is mounted to a support member at ground level and includes a radar transmit antenna disposed on the antenna platform, a radar receive antenna disposed on the antenna platform, and radar attenuating material disposed on the antenna platform linearly between the transmit antenna and the receive antenna for attenuating linear transmission of signals between the transmit antenna to the receive antenna. Additionally, low power transmitters used to enable safe ground testing are coupled to the transmit antenna for transmitting radar RF signals toward dispersed countermeasure units above the platform and also network analyzers coupled to the receive antenna that are capable of measuring the low power RF signals reflected by the dispersed countermeasure units.

Ground based radar cross section measurement of countermeasures

The present invention relates to a dispenser module for converting preexisting analog systems into a customizable digital system. According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can utilize preexisting analog equipment to operate and control a dispenser module. A squib is electrically connected to a logic circuit such that the normal 'firing' of the original payload at that location will cause a change in the state of the electrical circuit. Because there are multiple payload allocations within one module, this allows electrical communication with individual/select payload devices by an operator. Payloads in the module can be quickly swapped in and out without making any changes to the vehicle.

Customizable multifunctional dispenser module

A modulation device for directing a mobile tracking device away from an asset is provided. The modulation device includes a continuous wave laser source whose output is directed at a seeker head of the mobile tracking device. The modulation device causes the generation of localized sources within the mobile tracking device and confuses the mobile tracking device as to the true location of the asset. A portable cutting device is disclosed. The portable cutting device may include a portable power supply and a laser source. The portable power supply and laser source of the portable cutting device may be positioned within a backpack and carried by a user. A handheld unit which is coupled to the laser source may be supported by the hands of the operator. The handheld unit provides power generated by the laser source to a barrier to be cut.

High power laser system

A portable cutting device and related method of use are disclosed. The method may include the steps of providing a laser source and a battery power supply, and housing the laser source and the battery power supply in at least one storage container carried by a user. The method may further include the step of cutting a barrier with optical energy produced by the laser source and delivered by a handheld laser directing device.

Method of breaching a barrier

A portable cutting device is disclosed. The portable cutting device may include a portable power supply and a laser source. The portable power supply may be a lithium ion battery pack. The laser source may be a Ytterbium Fiber laser. The portable power supply and laser source of the portable cutting device may be positioned within a backpack and carried by a user. A handheld unit which is coupled to the laser source may be supported by the hands of the operator. The handheld unit provides power generated by the laser source to a barrier to be cut.

Portable cutting device for breaching a barrier

A calibration method for radiometric imaging systems that relies on an absolute measurement of scene radiance (thereby requiring a baseline measurement of zero radiance), and a shutter assembly for taking the baseline measurement of zero radiance which is operable under cryogenic temperatures as low as 80.5K (&#x2212;192.65&#xb0; C.) in vacuums measuring &#x3c;10torr (mm Hg). The shutter assembly generally includes an actuator and a shutter mechanism. The actuator is preferably a miniature solenoid assembly capable of operation in extreme environments (e.g. vacuums of &#x3c;10torr, temperatures below 90K). The shutter mechanism preferably includes a single shutter blade and is also capable of operation when subjected to extreme environments. The method of using the shutter assembly provides a zero radiance reference measurement for an infrared imaging system, thereby providing a basis upon which absolute scene radiance may be determined.

Miniature cryogenic shutter assembly

A two band imaging system having two focal plane array detectors, a beam splitter, and an enclosure. The beam splitter disposed within the system at an angle to the optical axis such that light entering the system is split and is simultaneously directed to each of the two focal plane array detectors. The two focal plane array detectors and beam splitter are disposed within the enclosure.

Growing community of inventors

Evansville, IN, United States of America

Eric Alan Hillenbrand