Daniel E Laird

US Patent:

6369885, Apr 9, 2002

Filed:

May 5, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/072841

Inventors:

Danny E. Brown - Mogadore OH
Allen T. Hicks - Uniontown OH
Daniel E. Laird - Peninsula OH
Timothy E. Macklin - Newton Falls OH

Assignee:

Lockheed Martin Corporation - Akron OH

International Classification:

G01B 1126

US Classification:

35613904, 2502036, 250526, 244 316, 348169, 359111

Abstract:

A missile tracking and deflection system for protecting a platform includes a missile warning system for detecting the presence of a missile and generating a warning signal. A countermeasure processor receives the warning signal and analyzes characteristics of the missile to prioritize a trajectory signal. A track processor receives the trajectory signal and generates a pointer signal. The system also includes a receiver, which is positioned by a pointer that receives the pointer signal, for receiving a passive and/or active signature of the missile to confirm the presence thereof. The countermeasure processor then directs a laser beam at the missile to determine its operational parameters and receives an active signature from the missile. The receiver delivers the passive and/or active signatures to the countermeasure processor and the track processor, wherein the track processor updates the pointer signal and the countermeasure processor generates a jam code delivered by the laser beam to divert the trajectory of the missile away from the platform.