Raytheon Company

Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

Richard Janik

Richard Dryer

Doron Strassman

The fuse mode of a laser guided munition is remotely set and/or changed by encoding fuse mode information onto fuse mode designating light received by the light detector of the munition. Embodiments do not require hardware modification of existing munitions and/or control systems. The mode designating light can be the target designating laser light, and the fuse mode information can be encoded together with counter counter measure (CCM) information. Or the mode designating light source can be a separate laser or non-laser light source. Encoding of the fuse mode information can be by modulation and/or wavelength selection of the mode designating light. In embodiments, the fuse mode can be selected before and/or after launch of the munition.

Apparatus and method for remotely selecting the fuse mode of a laser guided munition

A multi-stage hyper-velocity kinetic energy missile (HVKEM) uses a 'missile in a missile' architecture in which the HVKEM includes a 1stage flight missile and a 2stage kill missile that includes a KE-rod penetrator. The flight missile cruises at a relatively low velocity (less than Mach 1.5, typically less than Mach 1) to conserve propellant (weight) and to allow for effective guidance and maneuvering until the missile is in close proximity to the target. When the missile is within the lethal range of the KE-rod penetrator, the kill missile separates and boosts to a much higher velocity (greater than Mach 3, typically greater than Mach 5) and flies unguided to impact the target in less than a second. Waiting to boost the KE-rod until 'the last second' reduces the total propellant (weight) needed to deliver the KE-rod on target and simplifies the guidance. The missile may be configured for use with different platforms and different guidance systems but is particularly well suited for use with the existing base of TOW launch containers and platforms satisfying all of the physical, operational and CLOS guidance constraints while maintaining the performance of the KE-rod penetrator.

Multi-stage hyper-velocity kinetic energy missile

The disclosed system, device and method for providing a multi-mode munition generally includes a modular projectile assembly having an aft module suitably configured for mechanical and electrical engagement with a forward module. The aft module generally provides a common assembly for engagement with a variety of forward modules as well as engagement with cartridge casings of various calibers. Disclosed features and specifications may be suitably controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve optimization of artillery projectiles for a specific role. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide munition cartridges that may be augmented in the field with the utilization of specialized forward modules.

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Tucson, AZ, United States of America

Richard Janik