USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Roy Joseph Harmon

Hugh Henley Hood

David Virgil Jester

Richard Matthew Dillon

John Andrew Johnson

Timothy Allen Froehner

Frank Joseph Bellino

Alberto Garza

George Michael Roe

George N Hennings

Elsa Johnson Hennings

John I Vian

Kent T Edwards

Barbara J Austin

Norman W Warner

Richard R Blosser

Gregory A Bass

Harold D Warner

The invention generally relates to a method of using a pod to rapidly deploy defensive countermeasures from a wide variety of manned aircraft. The method includes using a configurable pod for dispensing different types of infrared countermeasure (IRCM) devices and different types of radio frequency countermeasure (RFCM) devices at a rapid rate. The primary purpose of this method is to rapidly dispense IRCMs and RFCMs is to protect the host aircraft while ingress and egress maneuvers are performed in a hostile area. A secondary use of the method is for use in defending commercial aircraft from missile threats.

Method for rapid countermeasure deployment using a pod

The invention generally relates to a pod based countermeasure dispensing system for external mounting on wide variety of manned aircraft. The pod based system is readily configurable for dispensing different types of infrared countermeasure (IRCM) devices and different types of radio frequency countermeasure (RFCM) devices at a rapid rate. The primary use of the rapidly dispensed IRCMs and RFCMs is to protect the host aircraft while ingress and egress maneuvers are performed in a hostile area. A secondary use of the pod based countermeasure dispensing system is for use in defending commercial aircraft from missile threats.

Common services pod for dispensing countermeasure devices

A preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for Active Network Guidance and Emergency Logic (ANGEL). ANGEL is a computer based program designed to function preferably in the mission computer on a vehicle, preferably an aircraft The program is preferably installed as part of an aircraft's Operational Flight Program (OFP) card(s) in the mission computer. ANGEL new versions and updates can be installed along with OFP updates. A second aspect of the present invention is a method for integrating and interacting with vehicle subsystems and controller subsystems, to prevent mishaps and accidents during a mission. ANGEL can prevent aircrew and aircraft problems by providing cueing or automation of emergency tasking, displaying procedures for aircrew to respond in emergency situations and providing assistance to an incapacitated pilot. In addition, ANGEL improves aircrew and aircraft survivability by reducing susceptibility to air to air and ground to air threats, reducing controlled flight into terrain and midair collisions and aiding in successful ejection from unrecoverable aircraft.

Apparatus and method for ensuring retention of situational awareness by employing an active network guidance and emergency logic (angel) system

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Ridgecrest, CA, United States of America

Roy Joseph Harmon