Countermeasure systems including pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting units and methods for equipping vehicles with the same

Embodiments of a pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit are provided. In one embodiment, the targeting unit includes a targeting unit housing, a countermeasure payload carried by the targeting unit housing, and a plurality of thrusters coupled to the targeting unit housing. The plurality of thrusters is configured to be selectively activated to rotate the targeting unit housing about first and second substantially orthogonal axes to provide controlled pointing of countermeasure payload prior to the deployment thereof. Embodiments of a countermeasure system including a pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit are also provided, as are methods for equipping a vehicle with a countermeasure system of the type that includes at least one pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following disclosure relates generally to threat defense systems and, more particularly, to embodiments of a countermeasure system including at least one pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit, as well as to methods for equipping a vehicle with such a countermeasure system.

BACKGROUND

Countermeasure system are deployed onboard tanks and other armored fighting vehicles to provide protection from projectiles, such as guided and unguided anti-tank missiles. In a general sense, countermeasure systems can be divided into two broad categories: passive countermeasure systems and active countermeasure systems (also commonly referred to as “Active Protection Systems” or “APSs”). Passive countermeasure systems attempt to disable, or least diffuse, incoming projectiles upon impact. As one well-known example of a passive countermeasure system, slat armor provides a rigid grid around an armored fighting vehicle, which may effectively crush an incoming projectile, disable the fusing mechanism thereof, or otherwise prevent optimal detonation from occurring. Additional examples of passive countermeasure systems include composite armor, reactive armor, and airbag-based countermeasure systems, such as the Tactical Rocket Propelled Grenade (“RPG”) Airbag Protection System recently introduced by Textron Defense Systems.

In contrast to passive countermeasure systems, Active Protection Systems are designed to destroy or otherwise disable incoming projectiles prior to vehicle-projectile impact. Well-known examples of Active Protection Systems include the Soviet Drozd System, the Israeli Trophy System, and the Russian Arena System. By definition, Active Protection Systems provide a major advantage over passive countermeasure systems; i.e., when successful, an APS destroys or otherwise disables an incoming projectile at a distance from the armored fighting vehicle thereby minimizing the likelihood of damage to the vehicle and its crew. Several limitations have, however, deterred the widespread adoption of conventional Active Protection Systems. First, many conventional Active Protection Systems are undesirably costly to manufacture, deploy, and service. Second, conventional Active Protection Systems, such as the Russian Arena System, are often considerably bulky and heavy. Third, as are many passive countermeasure systems, Active Protection Systems are often unreliable at defeating multiple threats or tandem threats, such as Rocket Propelled Grenades carrying tandem-charge high explosive anti-tank warheads (e.g., RPG-27 and RPG-29). Fourth, many Active Protection Systems are capable of reliably defeating incoming projectiles only within a relatively limited spatial envelope and, consequently, do not provide full hemispherical threat protection. For example, the bulky, conical fragmentation warhead employed by the Soviet Drozd system is capable of reliably defeating threats only between elevations of approximately −6-20 degrees and approximately 40-60 degrees along the vertical and horizontal planes, respectively. Finally, as an especially significant limitation in modern combat scenarios, conventional Active Protection Systems are typically ineffective at defeating RPGs launched in close proximity to the APS-equipped armored fighting vehicle.

There thus exists an ongoing need to provide embodiments of a countermeasure system that overcomes many, if not all, of the above-described limitations. In particular, it would be desirable to provide embodiments of an active countermeasure system that is reliable, scalable, compact, relatively lightweight, modular, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture and deploy onboard armored fighting vehicles. It would also be desirable for embodiments of such a countermeasure system to provide full hemispherical protection against incoming threats, including multiple threats, tandem threats, and RPGs launched in close proximity to the host vehicle. Finally, it would also be desirable to provide embodiments of method for equipping a vehicle, such as an armored fighting vehicle, with such a countermeasure system. Other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent Detailed Description and the appended Claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings and this Background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of a pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit are provided. In one embodiment, the targeting unit includes a targeting unit housing, a countermeasure payload carried by the targeting unit housing, and a plurality of thrusters coupled to the targeting unit housing. The plurality of thrusters is configured to be selectively activated to rotate the targeting unit housing about first and second substantially orthogonal axes to provide controlled pointing of countermeasure payload prior to the deployment thereof.

Embodiments of a countermeasure system are also provided. In one embodiment, the countermeasure systems includes a pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit, a countermeasure payload carried by the pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit, and a base launch unit from which the pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit is configured to be launched prior to deployment of the countermeasure payload.

Embodiments of a method are further provided for equipping a vehicle with a countermeasure system of the type that includes at least one pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit carrying a countermeasure payload. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of mounting canted launch rack to the vehicle and securing a base launch unit containing the pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit to the canted launch rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following Detailed Description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding Background or the following Detailed Description. As appearing herein, the phrase “pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit” is utilized to describe a payload-deployment device including a plurality of thrusters or other pyrotechnic elements that can be selectively actuated to rotate the device about at least two substantially orthogonal axes to provide controlled pointing of the payload prior to deployment thereof. The substantially orthogonal axes preferably, but do not necessarily, extend through the approximate center of gravity of the pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit.

FIG. 1is a front view of a countermeasure system20including a pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22and a base launch unit24(shown in cutaway) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Countermeasure system20is especially well-suited for deployment onboard an armored fighting vehicle as an Active Protection System, which destroys or otherwise disables rocket propelled grenades and other incoming projectiles prior to vehicle impact. It is emphasized, however, that embodiments of countermeasure system20are by no means limited to deployment onboard armored fighting vehicles and may be deployed onboard or mounted to various other platforms, including other types vehicles (e.g., watercraft) and stationary structures. In certain embodiments, countermeasure system20may operate as a freestanding device, which can be emplaced by military personnel at selected ground-based deployment sites to provide, for example, ad-hoc protection of military personnel, buildings, supplies, or other assets. In such instances, countermeasure system20may be configured to operate autonomously or, instead, may be remotely controlled via wireless signal. Finally, although described below primarily as utilized to defeat rocket propelled grenades and other such projectiles, countermeasure system20can be utilized to destroy or disable various other types of threats and targets including, but not limited to, light-skinned armored fighting vehicles and low flying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, an external connector26(e.g., a blind mate connector) is mounted through a lower wall27of base launch unit24. When countermeasure system20is deployed onboard an armored fighting vehicle, external connector26engages a mating connector (not shown), which is coupled to an intercept timing system carried by the armored fighting vehicle (also not shown). The intercept timing system includes sensors deployed onboard the vehicle (e.g., an onboard radar system) configured to detect, and obtain vector data pertaining to, incoming missiles. Control circuitry included within the intercept timing system utilizes the vector data to determine the appropriate sequence and timing of actions that should be performed by countermeasure system20to defeat the incoming missile in the manner described below. Intercept timing systems that can be readily adapted for use in conjunction with countermeasure system20are well-known and have been implemented in conjunction with conventional Active Protection Systems of the type described above; consequently, a detailed description of an intercept timing system will not be provided herein.

Pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22includes a targeting unit housing28and a forward facing countermeasure payload30, which is carried by targeting unit housing28. Countermeasure payload30may assume the form of any warhead or other device, whether currently known or later developed, that can be deployed from targeting unit22to intercept, destroy, or otherwise neutralize a nearby threat, such as an incoming projectile. In a preferred embodiment, countermeasure payload30assumes the form of a shaped charge and, specifically, a Multiple Explosively Formed Projectile (“MEFP”) warhead. For example, as indicated inFIG. 1, countermeasure payload30may comprise an MEFP warhead including a fragmentation liner32, which is exposed through an opening34provided in a front face36of housing28. An explosive (hidden from view inFIG. 1) is disposed within targeting unit housing28immediately behind fragmentation liner32and, when detonated, causes liner32to fragment into a number of high-velocity projectiles. Such high-velocity projectiles are well-suited for successively penetrating the shell of an incoming missile to destroy or otherwise disable the missile by, for example, damaging the missile's fusing mechanism. In one embodiment, fragmentation liner32is a monolithic metal (e.g., copper) sheet that is stamped with a multi-cell (e.g., honeycomb) pattern to promote the formation of high-velocity projectiles upon detonation of the MEFP warhead. Detonation of the MEFP warhead will also typically result in the destruction of targeting unit housing28. Target unit housing28is thus conveniently formed from a lightweight plastic or similar material to minimize the production of high-energy debris emitted in the immediate vicinity of countermeasure system20during payload deployment.

Pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22is configured to be launched from base launch unit24immediately prior to deployment of countermeasure payload30. As can be seen inFIG. 1, base launch unit24includes a canister body40having an open upper end portion42, a closed lower end portion44, and a storage compartment46in which pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22is stowed prior to launch. A canister lid48is disposed over open upper end portion42of canister body40to sealingly enclose storage compartment46. Canister body40and canister lid48thus cooperate to impart countermeasure system20with a rugged, canisterized design, which protects the internal components of base launch unit24and pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22from damage during transport and soldier handling. By sealingly enclosing canister body40, canister lid48also deters the ingress of sand, dust, and other debris into storage compartment46of countermeasure system20, which may be mounted to the exterior of a tank or other armored fighting vehicle as described below. If desired, an environmental seal50(e.g., a rectangular gasket) can be disposed between canister lid48and open upper end portion42to further deter the ingress of dust and debris into storage compartment46. Canister body40and canister lid48are each preferably fabricated from relatively durable metal or alloy, such as steel.

Targeting unit housing28is preferably shaped and sized to be matingly received within storage compartment46. As the geometry and dimensions of targeting unit housing28will inevitably vary amongst different embodiments, so too will the geometry and dimensions of storage compartment46. However, by way of example, targeting unit housing28may be imparted with a substantially octagonal geometry, as taken along an axis normal to front face36of targeting unit housing28; and storage compartment46may be imparted with a generally rectangular shape, as taken along an equivalent axis. In such a case, targeting unit housing28includes opposing, substantially flat sidewalls52, which slidably engage the inner, substantially flat sidewalls of storage compartment46during storage of targeting unit22. The front and rear faces of targeting unit housing28likewise slidably engage the interior front and rear walls, respectively, of storage compartment46during targeting unit storage. Such a close-tolerance or mating fit between the exterior of targeting unit housing28and the interior walls of canister body40provides at least three advantages. First, such a mating fit maintains proper alignment of targeting unit housing28within storage compartment46, which helps to ensure engagement of targeting unit22with an internal power connector54provided within storage compartment46. Internal power connector54allows one or more energy storage devices (e.g., capacitors or batteries) included within targeting unit22to continually charge during targeting unit storage. Second, as pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22is launched from base launch unit24, the outer circumferential walls of targeting unit housing28slide against the inner circumferential walls of canister body40to restrict the targeting unit's lateral movement and ensure that targeting unit22is reliably launched along a predetermined launch ray (represented inFIG. 1by arrow56). Finally, the close fit between targeting unit housing28and storage compartment46creates a circumferential seal around the interior of housing28to define a pressurizable launch chamber58within base launch unit24, which allows targeting unit22to be propelled from base launch unit24utilizing a gas generator or other source of pressurized gas, as described more fully below.

With continued reference to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, a source of pressurized gas is fluidly coupled to pressurizable launch chamber58and, upon actuation, directs a pressurized gas into chamber58to propel targeting unit22from base launch unit24. Although other sources of pressurized gas may be utilized (e.g., pressure vessels containing a gas or gas mixture under high pressure), it is generally preferred that the source of pressurized gas assumes the form of a gas generator, such as gas generator60shown inFIG. 1. Gas generators suitable for usage as gas generator60are commonly utilized by the automotive industry within airbag deployment systems and have proven to be relatively inexpensive, reliable, and compact devices capable of rapidly producing significant gas pressures. This notwithstanding, additional embodiments of countermeasure system20may employ other types devices suitable for launching targeting unit22from base launch unit24, such as compression springs and explosive devices.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, gas generator60includes a casing62, grain64(e.g., a stack of combustible wafers or pellets) disposed within casing62, an initiator charge66embedded within grain64, and initiator electronics68coupled to initiator charge66. Initiator electronics68are, in turn, operably coupled to an intercept timing system (not shown) of the type described above. In particular, as shown inFIG. 1, initiator electronics68may be operably coupled (e.g., hardwired) to external connector26, which engages a mating connector operably coupled to an intercept timing system onboard an armored fighting vehicle, as previously described. When commanded by the intercept timing system, initiator electronics68detonate initiator charge66to ignite grain64and generate pressurized gas flow. The pressurized gas produced by combustion of grain64flows from casing62, through a plurality of flow ports70(only of which is labeled inFIG. 1), and into pressurizable launch chamber58. As the gas pressure within pressurizable launch chamber58increases, so too does the force exerted by the gas on the lower exposed surfaces of pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22. When a sufficient pressure is exerted on the lower surfaces of targeting unit22, targeting unit22is propelled from base launch unit24in an upward direction (indicated inFIG. 1by arrow56). If desired, a mesh screen72can be mounted within casing62over ports70, as shown inFIG. 1, to help capture any particles produced by detonation of initiator charge66or the burning of grain64.

To enable targeting unit22to be launched in as rapid a manner as possible, canister lid48is preferably configured to enable pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22to be launched directly therethrough. For example, opposing sides of canister lid48may each be hingedly joined to open upper end portion42of canister body40, as indicated inFIG. 1at74; and a score line76may be cut into the inner surface of a central portion of canister lid48. When gas generator60is actuated, the pressurized gas within launch chamber58urges pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22upward against canister lid48. When the force exerted on canister lid48by targeting unit22exceeds a predetermined break force, canister lid48fractures along score line76into two hinged halves. The two halves of lid48each swing outward from the centerline of canister body40as targeting unit22is propelled from storage compartment46and through open end portion42of base launch unit22. Notably, due to its octagonal geometry, targeting unit housing28includes a substantially flat upper wall78, which exerts a substantially even force over a central region of the underside of canister lid48to help ensure that lid48fractures substantially evenly along score line76. In addition, the upper canted sidewalls80of targeting unit housing28will also urge the outward rotation of the two hinged halves of lid48, if coming into contact therewith, to further facilitate the ejection of pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22from base launch unit24.

FIGS. 2 and 3are front and rear isometric views, respectively, of pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22. Referring collectively toFIGS. 1-3, targeting unit22further includes a plurality of pyrotechnic thrusters82, which are mounted to targeting unit housing28and which can be selectively activated to rotate housing28about two substantially orthogonal axes. In particular, selected thrusters82can be fired to rotate targeting unit housing28about: (i) a first axis (represented inFIGS. 2 and 3by dashed line86) to adjust the yaw of targeting unit22, and (ii) a second axis (represented inFIGS. 2 and 3by dashed line88) to adjust the pitch of targeting unit22. In a preferred embodiment, thrusters82are positioned in a diametrically opposed array, and axes86and88each extend through the gravitational center of pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22(represented inFIGS. 2 and 3by symbol98). As a result of this structural configuration, diametrically opposed pairs of thrusters82can be simultaneously activated to rotate targeting unit housing28in an accurate and controlled manner without causing pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22to deviate from its prescribed launch path. This, in turn, allows pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22to perform pointing maneuvers with a high degree of precision; and, in embodiments wherein multiple countermeasure systems20are positioned laterally adjacent one another (described below in conjunction withFIGS. 5-7), this allows neighboring targeting units to be launched simultaneously without risk of cross-interference or collision. In a preferred embodiment, axes86and88are also substantially orthogonal to the payload deployment ray (represented by arrow95inFIG. 4), and axis86is substantially co-linear with the targeting unit launch ray (represented by arrow56inFIG. 1).

As noted above, pyrotechnic thrusters82are preferably mounted to targeting unit housing28in a diametrically opposed array. In the illustrated example, specifically, thrusters82are arranged into two circumferentially-spaced groups: (i) a first circumferentially-spaced thruster group82(a) mounted through front face36and around payload opening34(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2); and (ii) a second circumferentially-spaced thruster group82(b) mounted through a rear face84of targeting unit housing28(shown inFIG. 3). Dashed lines90shown inFIGS. 2 and 3divide pyrotechnic thrusters82(a) and82(b) into four quadrants. During a given pointing maneuver, one or more of thrusters82(a) in the left quadrant ofFIG. 2are preferably fired in unison with the diametrically opposed thrusters or thrusters82(b) in the left quadrant ofFIG. 3to adjust the yaw of targeting unit22in a first rotational direction (e.g., yaw right). Conversely, one or more of thrusters82(a) shown in the right quadrant ofFIG. 2are preferably fired in unison with the diametrically opposed thrusters or thrusters82(b) in the right quadrant ofFIG. 3to adjust the yaw of targeting unit22in a second rotational direction (e.g., yaw left). In a similar manner, one or more of thrusters82(a) in the upper quadrant ofFIG. 2are preferably fired in unison with the diametrically opposed thrusters or thrusters82(b) in the upper quadrant ofFIG. 3to adjust the pitch of targeting unit22in a first rotational direction (e.g., pitch up). Finally, one or more of thrusters82(a) in the lower quadrant ofFIG. 2are preferably fired in unison with the diametrically opposed thrusters or thrusters82(b) shown in the lower quadrant ofFIG. 3to adjust the pitch of targeting unit22in a second rotational direction (e.g., pitch down).

Although the number of thrusters mounted to targeting unit22will vary amongst embodiments, a total of thirty two thrusters82are mounted to pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22in the illustrated example, with sixteen thrusters included in each thruster group82(a) and82(b). Notably, by equipping targeting unit22with more thrusters than required to perform an initial targeting maneuver, a number of thrusters can be held in reserve for subsequent activation should additional adjustments to the orientation of targeting unit22become necessary due to, for example, changes in the velocity or direction of an incoming projectiles; e.g., activation of a second stage booster included within a rocket propelled grenade.

FIG. 4illustrates an exemplary thruster activation sequence that may be performed to rotate pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22about a given axis to provide controlled pointing of countermeasure payload30. The exemplary scenario illustrated inFIG. 4occurs when pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22is airborne immediately after launch of targeting unit22from base launch unit24. As can be seen in lower portion ofFIG. 4, at time T1after targeting unit launch, at least one pair of diametrically-opposed thrusters include within thrusters82(identifiedFIGS. 1-3) are activated to initiate rotation of targeting unit22about the given axis (indicated inFIG. 4by arrows97). Subsequently, at time T2, one or more opposing pairs of reverse thrusters included within thrusters82are then activated. The reverse thrusters continue to fire as the initially-activated thrusters burn-out (or are otherwise deactivated) thus exerting a counter-torque slowing the rotation of targeting unit22. Finally, as illustrated in the upper portion ofFIG. 4, the reverse thrusters burn-out (or are otherwise deactivated) at time T3and targeting unit22ceases rotation about the given axis. Payload deployment ray95has now rotated into the desired angular position, and countermeasure payload30(FIGS. 1 and 2) may be deployed to intercept and destroy the incoming threat. In addition, at time T3, targeting unit22has traveled a sufficient distance away from (e.g., upward and outward from) the armored fighting vehicle to ensure that the vehicle is not damaged during payload deployment.

As indicated above, the timing of the above-described thruster activation sequence may be determined by intercept timing electronics deployed onboard the armored fighting vehicle. For example, intercept timing electronics may transmit command signals to a controller (not shown), which is included within pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22and operably coupled to each thruster82. In a preferred embodiment, a physical data link may be provided between targeting unit housing28and external connector26(FIG. 1), which is operably coupled to intercept timing electronics when countermeasure system20is deployed onboard an armored fighting vehicle, to enable rapid data transmission to the targeting unit controller and to eliminate the possibility of a throughput bottleneck. In this regard, and referring once again toFIG. 1, a fiber optic tether94(e.g., a sheathed optical fiber bundle) can be connected between targeting unit housing28and external connector26. Fiber optic tether94is provided with a length sufficient to remain attached to pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22throughout its flight; and, when targeting unit22is stowed within storage compartment46prior to launch, the excess length of fiber optic tether94can be stored within an annulus96provided within compartment46. During operation of countermeasure system20, fiber optic tether94enables high speed data transmission to pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22until deployment of countermeasure payload30thereby allowing the orientation of targeting unit22to be continually adjusted to accommodate changes in the velocity and/or direction of an incoming projectile.

As the foregoing has emphasized, countermeasure system20is well-suited for deployment onboard an armored fighting vehicle as an Active Protection System. Due to the unique ability of pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22to rotate to any direction in three dimensional space, a single countermeasure system20can provide an armored fighting vehicle with full hemispherical threat protection. It is generally desirable, however, to install multiple countermeasure systems20on a single armored fighting vehicle to provide comprehensive protection from tandem threats and multiple, simultaneously-presented threats. Advantageously, countermeasure system20is relatively compact and consequently well-suited for deployment onboard an armored fighting vehicle in a densely-packed group with similar countermeasure systems. Furthermore, in embodiments wherein the rotational axes of pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22extend through the targeting unit's center of gravity, neighboring targeting units can be simultaneously launched and gimbaled when airborne without risk of collision. In a preferred embodiment, multiple countermeasure systems20are mounted to a vehicle in a side-by-side or laterally adjacent arrangement utilizing, for example, a canted launch rack of the type described below in conjunction withFIGS. 5-7.

FIGS. 5 and 6are isometric views of an exemplary canted launch rack100that can be utilized to secure a plurality of countermeasure systems20(a)-20(c) to an armored fighting vehicle. With initial reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, canted launch rack100includes three stalls102(a),102(b),102(c) into which the canister body40of a given countermeasure system20can be loaded (indicated inFIG. 5by arrow104). In embodiments wherein each countermeasure system20includes an external connector (e.g., connector26shown inFIG. 1), the connector engages a corresponding connector (not shown) exposed through a lower opening106provided in each stall102(a),102(b) and102(c). When an incoming threat is detected, a given countermeasure system20may be utilized to defeat the incoming threat in the above-described manner That is, a pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22may be launched through the scored canister lid48, as illustrated inFIG. 6; the targeting unit22may then be pyrotechnically-gimbaled to point countermeasure payload30toward the incoming threat, as further illustrated inFIG. 6; and the countermeasure payload30may subsequently be deployed to intercept and destroy the incoming missile prior to vehicle impact. Notably, after deployment of a given countermeasure payload30and the corresponding destruction of targeting unit22, the remaining base launch unit24may simply be removed from its stall102and replaced with a new countermeasure system20.

The canted orientation of launch rack100allows pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22to reach a relatively safe separation distance from the armored fighting vehicle prior to the deployment of the countermeasure payload in an extremely abbreviated time period. In addition, the canted orientation of launch rack100, in combination with the frontward positioned payload on the pyrotechnically gimbaled targeting unit, allows pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22to be pointed toward an incoming projectile with little to no gimbaling in many common engagement scenarios wherein a rocket propelled grenade or other missile is launched toward the armored fighting vehicle's side from an elevation at or near ground level. This may be more fully appreciated by referring toFIG. 7, which illustrates an armored fighting vehicle110having two launch racks100(a) and100(b) mounted to its opposing sides and each supporting a countermeasure system. As shown inFIG. 7, when an incoming missile112is launched toward the side of armored fighting vehicle110from a near-ground level elevation, a pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22can be rapidly launched from launch rack100(b) and, when airborne, deploy its countermeasure payload to destroy incoming missile112at a predetermined standoff distance without significant in-air gimbaling of targeting unit22(illustrated inFIG. 7at114). As a result, the countermeasure system can effective defeat the incoming missile prior to vehicle impact, even when the missile is launched in close proximity to the armored fighting vehicle. In addition, as described in detail above, the pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit22can be gimbaled when airborne to defeat missiles fired at the armored fighting vehicle from virtually any direction, as further indicated inFIG. 7at116. Consequently, when deployed onboard an armored fighting vehicle, such as vehicle110shown inFIG. 7, the countermeasure systems provide the vehicle with complete hemispherical threat protection again tandem threats, multiple threats, and projectiles (e.g., rocket propelled grenades) launched in close proximity to the host vehicle.

The foregoing has thus provided embodiments of a countermeasure system that is scalable, compact, relatively lightweight, modular, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture and deploy onboard armored fighting vehicles or other platforms. In the above-described exemplary embodiments, the countermeasure system employs components, such as a gas generator, pyrotechnic thrusters, and a shaped charge warhead, which have proven reliable when utilized in other applications and devices. As a primary advantage, the above-described exemplary countermeasure systems provides full hemispherical protection against incoming threats, including multiple threats, tandem threats, and RPGs launched in close proximity to the armored fighting vehicle. The foregoing has also provided embodiments of a method for equipping a vehicle such as an armored fighting vehicle, with at least one countermeasure system utilizing a canted launch rack. For example, in embodiments, the method includes the steps of mounting a canted launch rack to the vehicle, and securing a first base launch unit containing a pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit to the canted launch rack. The method may also include the step of securing a second base launch unit to the canted launch rack laterally adjacent the first base launch unit.

Although primarily described above as an Active Protection System utilized to defeat incoming missiles, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the countermeasure system can also be utilized as a light skin armor penetrator to provide, for example, a vehicle barrier at a roadside checkpoint in military or civilian (e.g., homeland security) contexts. Embodiments of the countermeasure system can also be palletized and/or utilized to support infantry. In the latter regard, embodiments of the countermeasure system can be equipped with a global positioning system and/or network capability and serve as an intelligent claymore useful in perimeter defense, network ambush, and similar combat scenarios. In still further embodiments, the countermeasure system may be remotely controlled by military personnel utilizing a handheld communication unit.