Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

Bae Systems Information and Electronics Systems Integration Inc.

James J Jordan

Mark A Carlson

John Russotti

Tyler Forbes

Douglas A Fisher, Jr

Daniel J Murphy

A method and apparatus for rapidly severing a decoy towline extending from an aircraft by a mechanical spring actuated cutting blade and a thermal fuse type of release mechanism eliminating a pyrotechnic actuation device. The cutting blade is biased toward cutting engagement with the towline by a preloaded coil compression spring retained in the loaded position by a length of a polymer cord. The polymer cord has a heater wire wrapped about a portion of the cord which is connected to a DC voltage supply. The heater wire melts the cords when electrically connected to the DC power supply which releases the restraint on the spring which then drives the cutting blade into severing engagement with the towline.

Method and apparatus for rapid severance of a decoy towline

A decoy deployment and retrieval system includes an extensible boom and corresponding cradle or saddle for use in the retrieval of the towed decoy such that, upon retrieval, the extensible boom with its decoy captured in the cradle is retracted into a chamber so that the decoy can be deployed over and over again. In one embodiment, the decoy is both towed by, and controlled over, a fiber optic line in which a load cell is used to detect tension on the line to prevent damage, and a fiber optic rotary joint is utilized along with high voltage slip rings to permit electrical and optical coupling without backlash, fouling or damage to the line.

Compact deployment and retrieval system for a towed decoy utilizing a single cable employing fiber optics

A fast deployment and retrieval system permits the rapid deployment of a decoy in seconds in response to an incoming threat, thus eliminating the necessity of pre-deployment, with retrieval permitting reeling in and deployment of the decoy a number of times during a mission in response to threats, and a commensurate reduction in life cycle cost. Upon detection of an incoming threat by a warning receiver, a controller coupled to a transmission releases a brake that is utilized to control the speed of deployment, whereas upon retrieval, the transmission drives a motor for retrieval of the decoy. The system is thus reusable, fast reacting, and also minimizes range penalty considerations because the decoy is only deployed when needed. In one embodiment, the system accommodates both a towing cable and a fiber-optic signal cable in which apparatus for unwinding of the cables is mechanically ganged together so that the cables pay out at the same rate. This type of payout lowers the stress on the fragile fiber-optic cable making possible multiple deployments and retrievals in response to separate threats during a mission. In another embodiment, a single, structural member with embedded conductors is utilized to connect the towed device to the round assembly.

Fast deploy, retrievable and reusable airborne counter-measure system

Recovery of a towed body, in one embodiment in the form of a decoy which is initially stowed in a receptacle or canister and which is allowed to pay out behind an aircraft on a towing cable wrapped around a spindle, is accomplished by snaring or lassoing a portion of the towing cable and by dragging it to a further spindle which is driven so as to cause the lasso and a portion of the towing cable to wind up around the driven spindle. When a sufficient amount of the cable is wound around the driven spindle, the cable end secured to the canister is severed to allow all of the rest of the towing cable to be wound up. In one embodiment, a telescoping saddle or docking cradle is provided which extends from the canister to receive the retracted towed body so that it may be secured to the moving vehicle from whence it can be recovered, refurbished, and redeployed.

Growing community of inventors

Nashua, NH, United States of America

James J Jordan