Kinetic energy rod warhead deployment system

Abstract

A system and method for destroying both threats and decoys. A number of warheads each produce a cloud of penetrators. A tracking subsystem determines the location in space of a number of threats and decoys. A computational subsystem is responsive to the tracking subsystem and deploys the warheads into the paths of the threats and decoys at times sufficient for each warhead to travel to a location in space proximate the trajectory path of a threat or decoy and for the penetrators of the warhead to blossom into a cloud having a predetermined radius.

1 . A system for destroying both threats and decoys, the system comprising: 
 a plurality of warheads each producing a cloud of penetrators;    a tracking subsystem for determining the location in space of a number of threats and decoys; and    a computational subsystem, responsive to the tracking subsystem, for deploying the warheads into the paths of the threats and decoys at times sufficient for each warhead to travel to a location in space proximate the trajectory path of a threat or decoy and for the penetrators of the warhead to blossom into a cloud having a predetermined radius.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  in which a warhead includes a plurality of lengthy individual projectiles therein and means for deploying said projectiles.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  in which the means for deploying the projectiles includes an explosive charge core surrounding by the projectiles.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 2  in which the means for deploying the projectiles includes an explosive charge within the warhead surrounding the projectiles.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 2  in which the means for deploying the projectiles includes explosive charge sections surrounding the projectiles.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1  in which a warhead includes: 
 a plurality of penetrators;    a propellant disposed behind the plurality of penetrators;    an igniter for the propellant; and    a housing open in front of the plurality of penetrators and enclosing a portion of the penetrators, the propellant, and the igniter.    
   
   
       7 . A method of destroying both threats and decoys, the method comprising: 
 detecting the location in space of a number of threats and decoys;    determining the optimal radius of a cloud of penetrators for individual warheads deployed into the paths of the threats and the decoys; and    deploying the warheads at times sufficient for each warhead to travel to a location in space proximate the trajectory path of a threat or decoy.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  in which deploying the warheads includes spinning the warheads to impart a velocity to the warheads.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7  in which deploying the warheads includes ejecting the warheads.