Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

John L Barrett

Peter Ketteridge

Evan P Chicklis

Commercial aircraft are protected from attack by infrared seeking guided missiles through the utilization of a ground-based directed infrared countermeasure system in which the deployment of an IR guided missile is detected off-aircraft and more particularly on the ground. An infrared laser beam is projected towards the detected missile such that the projected laser infrared radiation impinges upon the missile from the rear. The off-axis infrared radiation illuminates the IR transmissive dome at the head of the missile where it is internally reflected back towards the IR detector carried by the missile through the total internal reflection characteristics of the dome. The domes of these missiles are typically made of a high index of refraction IR transmissive materials such that the material is prone to total internal reflection. The infrared laser generated radiation is a modulated so as to interfere with the guidance system of the missile causing it to execute a turn and plunge to the ground. In one embodiment, the long wavelength infrared laser is a 100-W laser with a beam width of 100 microradians, thus to provide a zone of protection of about three miles.

Back illumination method for counter measuring IR guided missiles

A countermeasure device includes an emitter having a surface. A band gap material is integral with the surface of the emitter. A series of apertures are formed in the band gap material. A heat source for heating the emitter is provided proximate to the emitter and may be the metal surface itself. When the emitter is heated, the band gap material, and the apertures therein, allows the emitter to emit photons at predetermined wavelengths.

Method and apparatus for providing tuning of spectral output for countermeasure devices

A method for deflecting a projectile from an initial trajectory. Such a projectile has a first surface area and a second surface area and moves through a gaseous atmosphere with a surrounding plasma sheath. This method includes the step of directing electromagnetic radiation toward the projectile, wherein the electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength which is absorbed by the plasma sheath but is not substantially absorbed by the gaseous atmosphere.

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Pelham, NH, United States of America

John L Barrett