Method and launching apparatus for protection of an object against a threat, in particular a missile, as well as munition

Abstract

The present invention separates, absolutely, the functions of camouflage and jamming. This allows the use of a small-caliber munition ( 4 ) that exclusively deploys jammers ( 6 ). These jammers ( 6 ), or munitions ( 4 ), are preferably fired vertically upwards or laterally from the vehicle (object 9 ) to be protected. For this purpose, the launch barrels ( 2 ) are fitted and aligned vertically on the vehicle or the object ( 9 ) to be protected. An adequate light flash ( 8 ) is produced in the relevant spectrum by initiation of a pyrotechnic charge, with the initiation clocked in time and arranged offset in height, and with the light flash ( 8 ) interfering with the aiming mechanism of the approaching warhead. Alternatively, different heights of the break-up flashes can be generated above and/or to the side of the object ( 9 ) by a plurality of munitions ( 4 ).

1 . A method for protection of an object against a threat, in particular a missile, by interference, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
 (a) deploying one or more sub-munitions or jammers directly, or by means of a munition, either vertically, or sideways, or both vertically and sideways, with respect to the object from a launching apparatus;   (b) carrying out sub-clocking electronically in order to release individual sub-munitions and, associated with releasing the individual sub-munitions, producing light flashes, wherein at least one light flash is produced in a relevant spectrum that interferes with an aiming mechanism of the threat, and the light flashes are generated with various different heights, or lateral offsets, or both various different heights and lateral offsets, with respect to the object.   
     
     
         2 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the different heights, or sides, or different heights and sides, of break-up flashes are generated above, or to the side, or above and to the side, of the object by a plurality of munitions. 
     
     
         3 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a break-up height of the sub-munitions is in the range from about 1 m to 15 m above the object. 
     
     
         4 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the different heights rise within the individual light flashes. 
     
     
         5 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the different heights fall within the individual light flashes. 
     
     
         6 . A launching apparatus for sub-munitions, or a munition having sub-munitions, for jamming in order to protect an object against a threat, in particular a missile, by interference, wherein the launching apparatus comprises:
 (a) launch barrels that are aligned vertically upward, parallel to one another, on the object;   (b) one or more sub-munitions deployable from the launch barrels; and   (c) electronics operable to electronically carry out sub-clocking  in order to release individual sub-munitions and, light flashes are associated with the released individual sub-munitions, wherein release of the one or more sub-munitions generates the light flashes with different heights, or different lateral offsets, or with different heights and different lateral offsets, with respect to the object.   
     
     
         7 . The launching apparatus as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the munitions, or the sub-munitions, have interfaces to the launching apparatus ( 1 ), via which the munitions, or the sub-munitions, respectively, are initiated electrically or mechanically. 
     
     
         8 . A munition operable to protect an object against a threat, in particular a missile, by interference, the munition comprising:
 (a) one or more sub-munitions or jammers, wherein sub-clocking of the one or more sub-munitions or jammers is carried out electronically in order to release individual sub-munitions; and, associated with the one or more sub-munitions or jammers are light flashes, wherein the light flashes are generated with different heights, or different lateral offsets, or both different heights and different lateral offsets, with respect to the object when the one or more sub-munitions or jammers are released.   
     
     
         9 . The munition as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the munition is operable to be fired directly, without a casing, from a magazine or a launch barrel. 
     
     
         10 . The munition as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the munition has a comparatively small caliber for vehicle protection munitions, or the sub-munitions have a comparatively small caliber for vehicle protection munitions. 
     
     
         11 . The munition as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the munition has a comparatively small caliber for vehicle protection munitions, or the sub-munitions have a comparatively small caliber for vehicle protection munitions. 
     
     
         12 . The method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein a break-up height of the sub-munitions is in the range from about 1 m to 15 m above the object. 
     
     
         13 . The method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the different heights rise within the individual light flashes. 
     
     
         14 . The method as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the different heights rise within the individual light flashes. 
     
     
         15 . The method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the different heights fall within the individual light flashes. 
     
     
         16 . The method as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the different heights fall within the individual light flashes.