Raytheon Company

Robert S Brinkerhoff

James M Cook

Michael J Mahnken

Richard D Loehr

Methods and apparatus for firing a projectile in response to a threat according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a computer coupled to a launch system for the projectile. The computer may be configured to select the projectile from multiple available projectiles and calculate a fire control solution according to a characteristic of the selected projectile. Calculating the fire control solution may comprise deriving the fire control solution from a look-up table according to a predicted intercept point. The computer may initiate a launch of the selected projectile and provide the fire control solution to the selected projectile.

Methods and apparatus for intercepting a projectile

A reliable and inexpensive attitude control system uses a plurality of pitch-over thrusters to perform rapid and precise attitude maneuvers for a flight vehicle. The pitch-over thrusters create rotational moments that directly pitch and yaw the flight vehicle. The use of very simple thrusters and control techniques provides for a reliable and cost effective solution. The ability to perform overlapping pitch and yaw maneuvers with single-shot fixed-impulse thrusters provides for high-speed maneuverability. Although this approach is applicable to provide attitude control for any flight vehicle including all types of missiles, kill-vehicles and space craft, it is particularly applicable for smaller highly maneuverable cost-constrained missile systems. One such system is an 'Active Protection System' or APS in which a missile system is integrated with a vehicle such as a HumVee or armored personnel carrier to provide defensive counter-measures against possible attack.

System and method for attitude control of a flight vehicle using pitch-over thrusters and application to an active protection system

A reliable and inexpensive attitude control system uses a plurality of pitch-over thrusters to perform rapid and precise attitude maneuvers for a flight vehicle. The pitch-over thrusters create rotational moments that directly pitch and yaw the flight vehicle. The use of very simple thrusters and control techniques provides for a reliable and cost effective solution. The ability to perform overlapping pitch and yaw maneuvers with single-shot fixed-impulse thrusters provides for high-speed maneuverability.

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Tucson, AZ, United States of America

Robert S Brinkerhoff