Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

Tracor, Inc.

Tracor Aerospace, Inc.

Bae Systems, Inc.

Les H Richards

David J Schorr

James E Nicholson

J Ken Vinson

Philip L McDuffie

Christopher E Kohl

Roy A Haggard

James K Vinson

Mark Frank

Mark J Kelley

Thomas G Ratliff

Edward R Coleman

Lex N Allen

A method for breaching a minefield comprising the step of deploying a shaped charge array from a vehicle to detonate the minefield.

Method for breaching a minefield

One version of the invention relates to a laser detection system that includes a ball lens and a plurality of fiber optic bundles placed adjacent the ball lens so that incoming light rays are focused onto the bundles by the ball lens. In one particular version of the invention, a ball lens is one that can provide an almost infinite number of 'principal' axes for off-axis light. Each fiber optic bundle is aimed in a different direction from each other bundle so that each bundle will have a different FOV even though the same ball lens is used to focus the incoming light rays.

Single multiple aperture ('smart') lens system

One version of the invention relates to a laser detection system that includes a ball lens and a plurality of fiber optic bundles placed adjacent the ball lens so that incoming light rays are focused onto the bundles by the ball lens. In one particular version of the invention, a ball lens is one that can provide an almost infinite number of &ldquo;principal&rdquo; axes for off-axis light. Each fiber optic bundle is aimed in a different direction from each other bundle so that each bundle will have a different FOV even though the same ball lens is used to focus the incoming light rays.

Single multiple aperture (&ldquo;SMART&rdquo;) lens system

Provided are systems for attaching one or more explosive device(s) to a flexible linear support, related methods and devices, and methods of using the charge assemblies thus produced.

Grenade attachment system

The present invention pertains to the aerial deployment of generally planar structures. Typically, these structures are explosive arrays. Such explosive arrays are typically used in standoff minefield clearing and breaching on the ground, at river crossings, on beaches, and in shallow water surf zones adjoining beaches. The invention more specifically involves devices and methods for stably deploying such structures. This stable deployment is achieved by positioning the structure in a dihedral configuration as it moves through the air.

Aerial deployment of an explosive array

A separating joint for use primarily in aerospace applications is provided having two operational components. The first component provides a very high force over a short stroke distance, using an explosively actuated expanding-tube, suitable for shearing connectors such as rivets. The second component provides a longer stroke, thrusting force to impart a separating velocity to the structures connected using this joint. The second component comprises a flexible bellows surrounding the expanding-tube. The bellows is inflated by gases that exit the expanding-tube, usually through vent holes in the tube wall. In operation, the detonation of an explosive cord in the tube causes the tube to expand and shear rivets or other connectors. The detonation gases then exit the tube to inflate the bellows, which further pushes the separated structures apart. This invention thus provides a high strength separable joint having relatively low weight and capable of providing a high thrusting force. This invention thus provides a high shear force capable separation joint which produces high separation thrusting, forces and is of relatively low weight.

Thrusting separation system

An integrated spacing and orientation control system is provided for carrying an array of objects and maintaining a predetermined orientation of the objects and a predetermined spacing between objects. In a presently preferred application, the spacing and orientation system carries an array of anti-mine munitions for clearing a path through a minefield. The invention deploys the anti-mine munitions in a downwardly pointed orientation with proper spacing between munitions, even when the array of munitions is deployed using rocket motors.

Growing community of inventors

Temple, TX, United States of America

Les H Richards