Patent ID: 6043867
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: F41G,G01S

Abstract:
An interceptor fitted with a target tracker unit, comprising:a passive infrared tracker capable of sensing infrared radiation (IR) emitted from a flying target and being responsive to said sensed IR radiation, for generating a succession of Line of Sight (LOS) and/or LOS rates signals that are stored in a database;self state means capable of proving a succession of an interceptor's self state data;an electro-magnetic range finder that includes a transmitter assembly for transmitting pulsed radiations and a receiver assembly for receiving reflections that surpass an adjustable detection threshold;said electro-magnetic finder being configured to operate at a first detection threshold for receiving reflections of relatively low magnitude and storing said reflections in said database;a target reflection detection module communicating with said database, for detecting target reflections from among those stored in said reflection database;an estimator that includes a range-based target estimator for calculating target state estimations on the basis of at least said detected target reflections, said LOS signals and said self state data, thereby facilitating early steering of the interceptor for duly homing said interceptor onto the target.