Air Space and Ground Attack System

An air space and ground attack system includes a neutron beam generator operable to emit neutron beamlets from a radioactive neutron source. A plurality of carbon tubes grouped into a plurality of subsections are disposed within the neutron beam generator, downstream from the beam generator. A radiation pipe, constructed of a plurality of elongated elongated tubes, is supported by a cradle that extends along the length of the radiation pipe. The cradle is constructed of a first and a second side that are attached and supported by a series of support braces. The radiation pipe is disposed downstream from the beam generator so that neutron beamlets produced by the neutron source pass from the beam generator through the radiation pipe. Neutron beams can be used to create gamma radiation which can in-turn disable electronic equipment, such that are found in enemy aircraft, missile guidance systems, communication systems found in ground targets and/or the like.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to satellites in geostationary orbit. More particularly to satellites in geostationary orbit equipped with air space and ground attack systems. Other embodiments include medium range neutron-beam weapons systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The existence of the neutron was discovered in 1932 by James Chadwick. Neutrons can be generated in many ways, such as, by way of example, certain types of radioactive decay involving neutron emission and certain types of nuclear reactions.

There is a general desire to provide satellites with the capability to transmit controllable neutron beams. Such neutron beams can be used to create gamma radiation and to disable electronic equipment, such as that found in enemy aircraft, missile guidance systems, command and control centers and/or the like. Such neutron beams can also be used as anti-personnel weapons on a large scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of systems now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new satellite-based ballistic missile defense system wherein the same can be used to disable a ballistic missile while the missile is in flight or in their silos by exposing the missile to a neutron beam.

In one aspect, an air space and ground attack system that operates to disable an air-born target or a target on the ground by exposing either target to a neutron beam is provided. The system includes a neutron beam generation system having a neutron beam generator disposed within the neutron beam generation system. The beam generator operable to emit neutron beamlets from a neutron source. A plurality of tubes are grouped into tube subsection and disposed within the neutron beam generation system and are configured to receive the neutron beamlets from the neutron source. A radiation pipe and a radiation pipe cradle configured to support the radiation pipe, wherein the radiation pipe constructed of a series of elongated tubes positioned end to end disposed along the length of the radiation pipe cradle.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This document talks mostly about the air space and ground attack system (ASG)10and a satellite in a geostationary orbital (SGO) that has it. The Satellite Based Ballistic Defense system (BMD) is a neutron beam generator firing a neutron beam from a satellite in a low orbit. The BMD is used mostly against Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) that have been just launched from land. These missiles will be attacked when they have climbed to a high altitude. The ASG has a range long enough that it can fired from a SGO at targets in on land. The SGO moves at the same speed as the earth rotates. This orbit puts the satellite 36,000 km above the earth. The ASG's beam can be aimed at one point on earth for an extended length of time. This allows it to start attacking ICBMs when they are still sitting in their silos ready to be launched. Important ground targets can also be attacked. It is important to note that the BMD is a short-range version of the ASG. The BMD uses the same sized neutron beam generator as the ASG does and the beam has the same power.

The BMDs and ASGs are superior to older directed energy weapons. An BMD or ASG does not waste any time between targets mixing chemicals together to create a laser beam. It has a simple construction with only one moving part so it will have few technological problems, most of the parts used are inexpensive and the BMD beam can be generated for 2 years.

The ASG is producing neutrons continuously that are formed into a beam which passes through the atmosphere, the beam emits gamma rays along the whole length of it and in all directions. So the ASG's beam only has to be close the missile to destroy it. This beam can be aimed at the missile for a prolonged period of time if the missile doesn't explode right away. If the missile is above the atmosphere the beam can be widen so it is easier for the beam to hit it. The ASG I refer to are only used in SGO.

Using an ASG has addition benefits over the BMD. An ASG can have its beam generator aimed at its target constantly. The neutron beam is contained until it has to actually fire.

Because the ASG is constantly aimed at the target only one is needed as opposed to BMD where five are needed so they can always have the same orbital path warheads will take in view. The ASG can start attacking the computers in an ICBM as soon as its silo door opens. This gives the ASG more time to make sure missile is destroyed. The ASG can also attack ground targets. A beam sent from a BMD can't deal with ground targets because its beam at high altitude will be moving sideways through the atmosphere at orbital speed. All of an BMD's beam's neutrons will be absorbed by the atmosphere. The beams sent from an ASG are at all most 70 degrees to the ground so the beam can be slowly move up and down streets, military bases, or in a circle around multi-store buildings. Unlike early direct energy beams, the ASG can attack computers in air defense systems. This will eliminate the need to have send in a stealth bomber.

The ASG can take on a present day hostile ballistic missile aircraft. For example, it takes 23 ships equipped with anti-ballistic missiles to defend the U.S. against missiles launched from other countries. Several ASGs stationed over the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean would be a lot less expensive than maintaining 23 ships. The ASG can fire at missiles no matter where they are on its path. If one of these missiles is fired at a coastal city from approximately 100 miles off the coast, the anti-missile might have less time to do to destroy it. The ASG could turn its beam on seconds after it was launched giving it a much better chance of destroying it. Also, the ASG can be used covertly and used against personnel, as anyone near the beam gets bombarded with Gamma rays. Therefore the ASG can be used to kill everyone on the ship so no more missiles can be launched.

A satellite equipped with the medium ranged generator (MNG) is used to attack hostile spacecraft that are too difficult for the ASG to attack. These targets include vehicles moving too fast in a high orbit trying to attack the ASG. Other orbiting targets include, targets that are out of range of the SNB and too difficult for the ASG to hit. The MNB would be as flexible in attacking targets that are in different directions. The satellites holding the MNB will be in an orbit that are low to medium in height. The effective range of the MNB would be a great deal longer than the SNB but a lot less than the ASG.

FIG. 1shows cross section of a neutron beam generation system12and an elongated tube14from the side. The generator12is made up of carbon tube sections or radiation tubes supported by a larger structure16. Which is surrounded by lead shielding18. InFIG. 1, the neutrons20are given off by the radio-active source26. The neutrons traveling almost dead straight, move up the tubes22. The narrowing process for the angles of the neutrons20starts. The generator12is made of a suitable plurality of tubes22. The generator12is about 10 cm. in thickness24(seeFIG. 7).FIG. 7is not drawn to scale. InFIG. 1the tubes22in the generator are aligned with the tubes22in the tube extensions14. InFIG. 1the neutron20is sent out from the radioactive source26it enters the start28of the tube22. When emitted from the neutron source26, neutrons20may be traveling at speeds in a vicinity of 2×104miles per second enter the tube22. The neutrons20not entering the tubes22are absorbed by the lead shielding18. The tubes22are separated into sections that are divided by lead shielding18. All the tubes22shown inFIG. 1have cross-sectional dimensions of about 10×10 micrometers.

FIG. 2is top view of the beam generator seen from line2-2inFIG. 1. The beam generator12is about 30 cm.×30 cm. in width30. I simplifiedFIG. 2and did not show all the components that you would see in a working model. I just show the support structure16as a back ground. The hundreds of thousands of tubes22and their shielding18that you would normally see from line2shown inFIG. 1are only shown as shaded area34.

FIG. 3shows high velocity neutrons20in only one of the carbon or radiation tubes22used in the beam generator12. InFIG. 3only a portion of the tube22is shown. This part of the tubes22shown here is about 5 cm. long36. The tube22is set against a support structure16only inFIG. 3. InFIG. 3the neutron20is sent out from the radioactive source26it enters the start28of the tube22. It is enter the tube at a high velocity. Its path38is at an angle40and it is first deflected at the point42in the tube22. After it is deflected the angle40it is now traveling at is slightly less than the angle40. When the neutron20strikes the tube at points44and46the neutron angle40is reduced in the same way. This happens multiple times as the neutron20moves down the tube22and through the different tube extensions14. The width of the tube22is about 10 micrometers48. The only difference between the tubes22used in the generator12and the ones22used in the extenders14are their length. The tubes22in the generator12and extenders14are as perfectly attained as possible. The angle of the moving neutron20to side of the tube22is greatly exaggerated.

FIG. 4is a cross section of the radiation tube12seen from the side. It is to show in detail how the angles of the neutrons20are reduced as they move down the tube22. This Fig. only shows the neutrons20that hit the center of the atoms50in the tube. Most of the neutrons20hit a point that is off the center of the atom50. In theory, the neutron20hitting atoms50off center will increase the energy it loses at each deflection point42,44,46. The hollow part of the carbon tube22are the carbon atoms50. Line54divides the atoms50. All the tubes22in the tube extender14are the same shape size and length. In the beam generator12, tubes22are the same diameter as in the tube extender14. InFIG. 4the line56is parallel to the sides of the tube22. The neutron20is traveling on path38before it strikes atom50at point44. Just after the neutrons20hits point44on atom50its kinetic energy forces it to move along the curved line58. As neutron20moves along the curved line58the curvature of the atom50is flatten out and it is no longer being pushed up the atom50. So the momentum of the neutron20is now great enough that it takes off on a path that is represented by line60. Line60is the path of the neutron after it moves away from take-off point62. When the elongated tubes14are connected together, end to end, the radiation pipe64is formed. The neutron20will move unobstructed from the beam generator12to the very end63of the radiation pipe64.

When the neutron is moving along line58it is causing the neutron to change its trajectory. The neutron does not just bounce off the carbon atom50like light reflexes off a mirror. This is because as neutron20moves long line58it is being forced upward. So in a millisecond neutron20has to move along the horizontal direction66while being forced to move the vertical direction68. Because the force is expended over time and distance work is done. The work done here slightly reduces the velocity (on path60) of the neutron20and it reduces the force (on direction68) slightly. This means the departure angle40of the neutron20is slightly less the angle70it hit this atom50.

Carbon or radiation tubes22can be used as the elongated tubes14because their carbon atoms are all the same size and distance apart. If the radiation tubes are formed out of other material used in the Spray and Grow method there may be atoms of different sizes and lay outs on the sides of the tubes.

The sides of the tubes is they are not flat at subatomic level. If you had a camera in a neutron20and it was approaching the side of the tube at a one degree angle you could see the size difference between the neutron20and atoms50that make up the sides of the tubes22. The view from its camera it would look like you were coming up to large number of very wide hills all squeezed together. The gaps between the hills would be very slight. Most of the area of the atoms50the neutrons20can hit is relatively flat because of the size difference between the atoms50and the neutrons20. Also because of slight angle the neutron20is approaching the atom50.

One thing about neutrons20is they are not round, they are elliptical in shape. They can rotate on two axes at the same time. In theory, if the neutron20hits point44moving side-ways instead of head on, it will most likely change the direction it is spinning it.

How narrow the angle (in degrees) the neutron20is when it leaves the very end of the radiation pipe64is determined by the ratio of the width of the tube22to its length, and the mechanics involved in its being repeatedly deflected off the sides of the tube22. The longer and narrower the tube22is, the more times it is going to be deflected.

The ASG10is about 80 meters long is because the angle of the neutron20in the tube22is being reduced so its bounces are further and further apart. The angle of the neutron20after one bounce can be reduced by a factor of 10. This may sound like a lot but the difference between 1/10,000 and 1/100,000 is microscopic. Of course there is a slight loss of energy each with each deflection.

As the difference between the angles becomes less and less, the loss of velocity and energy is further and further reduced. Because the distance after the neutron angle is reduced to 1/10,000 and 1/100,000 of a degree the neutrons may travel to say 20 meters between the 2nd and last bounce. A beam like this will be only able to travel 40,000 km and only expand so it is 3 meters wide. This will allow it to penetrate the atmosphere so it can attack ground targets. The neutron traveling at angles between about 1/10,000 and 1/100,000 of a degree don't reflect off end of the carbon tube22within the elongated tubes14that makes up the radiation pipe64because there angle is too low.

FIG. 5shows a cross section of the tubes22and shielding18inside the beam generator12. InFIG. 5some of the neutrons20move down the tubes22others20move down the gap72between the tubes22and some are absorbed by the shielding18. Most of the neutrons20going down the gaps72eventually come to a stop. This is because they are forced to travel into the narrow space where the tubes are touching.

InFIG. 5the tubes22are all the same size, however they are not drawn to scale. The only difference between the construction of the generator12and the tube extensions14is the extensions14do not have the lead shielding18between the support tubes74. The support tubes74are used to group the tubes into subsections76. The support tubes74keep all the tubes22evenly pressed together and keep them straight. The support tubes74are just thinner than the carbon tubes used in the generator12or the tube extensions14. In cross section, the tubes22used in the extensions14would show no lead shielding18.

The shielding18in the beam generator12is needed otherwise the neutron20coming from the radioactive source26would form a wide cone of neutrons20. This would be radiation hazard. In general the carbon tubes22are grouped into sections76so they can be aligned properly and so shielding18can be used between the subsections76. The subsection76is in one corner of the generator12. It should be understood that a larger number of tubes22can be used within each subsection76. In theory, there would be a lot more tubes22in a subsection76. Because the tubes22are only so many nano-meters wide, it is easier to position them in an organized pattern. This will make it possible to align subsection76instead of trying to just align thousands of tubes22that are loosely packed into the elongated tube14.

FIG. 6shows the full length of the ASG10and its main components. This ASG10is producing a neutron beam78. The ASG10is attached to a satellite80. The satellite80positions and aims the ASG10so it can fire the beam78at its target. Because of the length of the ASG10a support brace82for the cradle84is used to help keep the ASG10precisely aimed at its target. The generator12can be seen at end of the ASG10. All the elongated tubes14are joined end to end, as shown inFIG. 6, to become the radiation pipe64. The radiation pipe64is about 72 meters in length86. The adjustment gap88is between the generator12and the end64of the radiation pipe64. There is about 1 millimeter of space between the elongated tubes14used in the ASG10. This space is used so if there is a problem with alignment of the elongated tubes14there is enough clearance between them to move and realign them.

The adjustment gap88can be lengthened or shortened to change the diameter of the beam. To attack a ground target you want the beam as narrow as possible. For ground targets if the beam is to wide this will cause the beam's neutrons to interact with the air at high altitude and all the gamma rays to be generated at high altitude. If the ICBM that is targeted is at a very high altitude the beam is widen so its neutrons will pass through the missile and the gamma rays generated by ASG10will attack the missiles computers.

FIG. 6shows eight elongated tubes14mounted a support cradle84. This structure is mounted on to the satellite80. The eight elongated tubes in the cradle84are referred to as radiation pipe64. Each elongated tube14is about 9 meters long and about 30 cm. in diameter. Rocket thrust94(FIG. 8) from rocket motors90are used to change the direction of the beam78. These motors90can be quite small because of the length of the cradle84. For example, the beam only has to be moved back and forth 1/1000 of a degree to sweep back and forth. The rocket motors90are attached to the end piece92of the cradle84and move ASG10with thrust94.

In an alternative embodiment, the last length65of radiation pipe64would rotate 180 degrees out of the beam78, so neutron beam78can surround the ICBM with a wider beam78. There are several reasons you need beams of different diameters. When the beam is78is passing through the lower atmosphere it relies on the gamma rays being radiated from the beam78to attack the missile. When ICBMs are stationary and in the lower atmosphere they are treated like ground targets. At the edge of the atmosphere and in outer space there are very few gamma rays are being radiated by the beam78. So only the neutrons in the beam78passing through the missile will generate gamma rays. This will allow a beam78to be wider than the warhead. If the target is about 1 meter wide and 2 meters long you would want a beam about 4 meters in diameter. A beam with a larger diameter allows more room for error.

FIG. 7shows a side view of a cross section of ASG10, this fig. illustrates the main components of ASG10that are closest to the satellite80. It shows how the variable gap between beam generator12and the end of the cradle84of the radiation pipe64is made possible. Beam generator12having a thickness24of about 10 cm. The gap88extends from the beam generator12to the end piece of the cradle84. The frame98of the base for the ASG10has a length100of approximately 2 meters. The radiation pipe64moves over the distance102inside of the base of the ASG10.

The motor104moves the cradle84back and forth. The outer shell106of the radiation tubes22forms the elongated tube14. Inside box108are the gears and pulleys that transfer the force generated by the motor104. The force of the pulleys is transferred to the cradle84by the moving brackets110. The cradle guide112is connected the cradle84and in practice, cradle guide112is longer than what is shown in theFIG. 7. The cross beams82connect the side pieces of the cradle84together and adds strength to the cradle84. The boxes114contain the sensors, motors and brackets. The sensors detect any misalignment of the elongated tube14and they signal the motors to realign the elongated tubes14. The brackets connect the motors and the sensors to beams in the cradle84. InFIG. 6, the cradle guide is not covered by the frame98. Frame98has an edge16.

FIG. 8illustrates the end piece92of the cradle84. Four rocket motors90are attached to it. For illustrative purposes, only 2 rocket motors90are shown. A cross section of the cradle84is illustrated inFIG. 8. This view does not show the satellite80at the other end of the cradle84or the neutron beam78coming out of the radiation pipe64.

FIG. 9is a schematic magnified depiction of neutron beam78traveling in the direction of arrow116. Neutron beam78may be generated by any of the neutron beam transmission systems described herein. Neutron beam78may comprise one or more constituent neutron beamlets produced by beam generator12. Such beamlets may join together to become, effectively, a wider single beam78of neutrons20after traveling hundreds or thousands of kilometers. Such beamlets may join to produce the composite neutron beam78because the beamlets start close together and then they evenly spread out.FIG. 7shows neutron beam78penetrating the outer atmosphere where the neutrons20(schematically depicted as circles inFIG. 9) in beam78interact with air molecules118(schematically depicted as squares inFIG. 9).

In some applications, beam78will penetrate the outer atmosphere when traveling to a target at or near the surface of the earth (not shown inFIG. 9). However, this is not necessary and, in some applications, such as where the target is a missile and/or the like, beam78need not be directed at the surface of the earth per se, but may nevertheless pass through a portion of the earth's atmosphere. When beam78passes through the air in the atmosphere or through any solid object (e.g. an aircraft or missile body), collisions between neutrons20and air molecules118(or any other molecules) will generate gamma rays120(schematically depicted as wavy arrows inFIG. 9). Neutron beam78may become about 5-20 times wider (than when originally emitted from its corresponding beam transmission system) by the time it reaches the outer atmosphere. In some embodiments, the cross section of beam78passing through the atmosphere is in a range of 0.25 m-10 m in diameter. In general, however, the cross-section of beam78may have other sizes which may depend on the distances between the neutron source and the various collimating tubes.

Because of the width of beam78, a large number of air molecules118may interact with neutrons20at or near tip122and sides124of beam78. Air molecules118that penetrate into beam78may be deflected or broken up by collisions with neutrons20. These collisions may create sub atomic particles126(schematically depicted as diamonds inFIG. 9), gamma rays120and other secondary radiation (not expressly shown). Most air molecules118do not penetrate too far into beam78because the high neutron density in beam78. The deflected molecules118move at an angle relative to the direction of travel116of beam78and are forced to leave beam78. Deflected molecules118may collide with other air molecules118and may prevent other molecules118from penetrating beam78. Most of the secondary collisions happen in the area at or near the tip122and/or the sides124of beam78which may be referred to as pressure cloud128. When beam78is moving through the atmosphere, the strongest part of beam78is in the region of this pressure cloud128, which may help to preserve the neurons in the center and behind tip122of beam78. In this manner, pressure cloud128may help to preserve the number of neutrons beam78.

FIG. 10shows a cross section of a small area130inside the elongated tube14that uses channels. These channels are used as radiation tubes22. InFIG. 10the walls132and floors133of the channels134have a thickness136of about five (5) micrometers. The channel floors133are shown inFIG. 11after they have been etched by the light source and the mask. The channels134have a thickness138that are about 15 micrometers wide.

An alternative embodiment of the ASG10includes a Multi Range Beam Generator (MRBG). The purpose of the MRBG is to solve the problem caused by the large gap in the effective ranges of the ballistic missile defense system (BMD) and ASG10. The main problem are high velocity spacecraft traveling in a very high orbit. The BMDs are orbiting at a very low altitude and don't have the range to hit them. The ASGs have the range to hit them but they is not able to swing around fast enough to attack the spacecraft. The other problem with swinging the ASG around too fast is that all the elongated radiation tubes14are thrown out of alignment. So the ASG has to spend additional time re-aligning them. The MRBG can produce 3 beams that each can have three different set effective ranges. This same system can be used with the ASG in a geo-stationary orbit.

When you are trying to hit a missile with a beam you want the beam to be wider than the missile. Even though the neutron beam78can stay on the missile for a minute, you may have a lot of targets to destroy in a short time. If the target is about 1 meter wide and about 2 meters long you would want a beam that is about 4 meters in diameter. A beam with a larger diameter allows more room for error. The problem you face with the wider beam is that it can only produce a beam of 4 meters in diameter for a distance of 300 km. Except a lot of the targets might be 1000 km to 5000 km away in the same orbit or in an orbit much higher. At those distances, the beams created by the BMD would be 12 meters to 100 meters wide. A beam of that diameter will be too wide and will weaken it too much. The problem with the weakened beams is solved by the MRBG because it can also produce a beam with a diameter at of 4 meters at 1000 km and 5000 km. The MRBG has the beam pass through different lengths of elongated radiation tubes to create these different beams.

FIG. 11is a schematic cross-section depiction of a MRBG according to a particular embodiment. System140comprises two elongated radiation tubes142mounted in a relatively low orbit (e.g. 200 km-500 km) to satellite146, discussed below in relation toFIG. 13. The radioactive source26produces about one million beamlets, and the lead shielding18are configured in the same way as they are in the Satellite Based Ballistic Missile Defense System (SBN), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/008,520 which is incorporated by reference herein. Lead shielding18is needed in the walls to contain the cone shaped flow of neutrons coming out of the beam generator12, this neutron cone can be angled 5-10 degrees from the center of the cone. The lead shielding18is included in the elongated tube14that is attached to the radioactive source26and prevents the satellite80and its computers from being contacted and damaged by neutrons in the cone.

FIG. 12is the view seen looking down the length of the MRBG140. This view is seen from line12-12inFIG. 11.FIG. 12illustrates elongated radiation tube141of the MRBG140in a first position after it has been rotated. It also shows the end view of the arms162and motors used by the elongated radiation tube141. The arms146shown in this fig. are not drawn to scale.FIGS. 11 and 12show how the elongated radiation tube142is positioned and the position of one142of them after it has been rotated. InFIG. 12the lead door that is at the end of the elongated radiation tubes is not shown. Door assembly300connects the ends of the rods and the frame that holds the lead door.

FIG. 13shows the top view of the satellite used to deploy the MRBG140. This fig. shows the parts that connect it to the satellite and how the MRBG140can be repositioned. In this fig. the same attachment is used as inFIG. 13to attach it to the satellite144.

InFIGS. 11 and 12the hydraulic arms150that connect the satellite144to system140will be longer when the system140is moved outside the satellite. The arms150will be longer than the elongated radiation tubes141,142and will be able to rotate 180 degrees without hitting the satellite144.

System140may be used as a weapon by emitting a neutron beam78. Neutron beams78emitted by system140can provide anti-electronics (anti-computer) weapons. By way of non-limiting example, neutron beam78can be used to create gamma radiation and which can in turn disable electronic equipment, such as that found in enemy aircraft, missile guidance systems, communication systems and/or communication systems and/or the like.

The elongated radiation tubes141,142(ET) used in MRBG140. The eight elongated radiation tubes14make up the radiation pipe inFIG. 6. The ET14used in the MRBG is the same ones used ASG10expect they are of different lengths. The ET14work in the same way to narrow the angle the neutron beam78in the ASG

In the MRBG140the beam78can move through two different lengths of ET141,142. The elongated radiation tubes141,142used here are shorter versions of the elongated tubes14used the ASG10attack system. Inside the ASG10there are eight 8 meter long elongated radiation tubes14and they make up the radiation pipe64(seeFIG. 6). In the MRBG140both radiation pipes can be rotated in or out of the beam to change its effective range.

Arrow152indicates the direction the ET142is rotated in. The ET142is rotated about 90 degrees.FIG. 12shows a rotation of 90 degrees andFIG. 11shows a rotation of 180 degrees.

Motor154is used to rotate the elongated radiation tube141. Motor154is used to rotate the elongated radiation tube141, 90 degrees. InFIGS. 11 and 12, a doted outline of elongated radiation tube141to illustrate the idea of how ET142would be configured.

In the MRBG140the motors154,164that rotate the elongated radiation tube141are mounted on to the support rods166. The motor154is attached on rod156inFIGS. 11 and 12. The motor154uses shaft160to turn arm162and this rotates elongated radiation tube141, 180 degrees. On the other side of the dia. the motor numbered164is attached on to rod166inFIGS. 11 and 12. The motor164uses shaft168to turn arm146and this rotates elongated radiation tube142, 180 degrees.

InFIGS. 11 and 12, rods156,158,166are mounted to anchor plate170. In the MRBG140the anchor plate170is fixed on to the support plate172. The motor is connected to the support rod158by brackets. The elongated radiation tubes141,142used are of three lengths (seeFIG. 11). The first arrangement of radiation tubes (beamlets)12is attached to the radiation plate26. The radiation tubes12are approximately 0.1 meters long and it12does not rotate. The next one, ET142to it is about 2 meters long and it142rotates. The next one over is ET141and it is about 4 meters long. When the net two longer elongated radiation tubes141/142are in line with the beamlet array12the beam78is narrowed to its maximum. Beam78is inline when it is passing through both radiation tubes141,142.

InFIG. 11both pipes are in the stream so it have maximum range. The radiation tubes can have a combined length of about 6 meters.

System144is made up of a satellite equipped with two elongated radiation tubes141/142. System140may be used as a weapon by emitting a neutron beam78. To produce the beam with the shortest effective range both pipes are rotated so the beam is not moving through them. To create a medium and long-range beam, the other 2 pipes are turned so the beam is moving through them.

The MRBG (FIG. 11) uses the basic beam generator12that is used in the BMD but now the beam can move through radiation pipes to increase its effective range.

To contain the beam the lead door176is closed. It is closed and held by it's a mechanism that is attached to the end construction. The rocket motors used to maneuver the system140with its thrust94, not shown inFIG. 12.

InFIG. 12the end structure which houses the lead door176and rocket propulsion system.FIG. 12shows how it would look like when seen from line12-12inFIG. 11.FIG. 12shows the columns158that support it. There is no switch to turn the neutron beam78off. It can operate for 2 to 3 years after when the uranium base source26is manufactured. After that the uranium starts to become depleted.

FIG. 13is a schematic depiction of a satellite144which is equipped with a plurality (e.g. two in the illustrated embodiment) of neutron beam generator180and182. Satellite144may be orbiting in the direction indicated by arrow184. As will be described in greater detail, neutron beam generation system186are coupled to the satellite144by corresponding swiveling detachable coupling188which permit beam generator186to fire at a corresponding plurality of targets at the same time.

Beam generator186may be housed within satellite144(e.g. in a compartment190,192) until such time as one or more of the beam generator186are needed. Beam generator186may be independently deployed.FIG. 13shows a first beam generator180in a state of partial deployment and a second beam generator182which is fully deployed and ready to fire at a target. Satellite144may be equipped with rocket thrusters194for adjustment of the position and/or orientation of the satellite144with rocket thrusters194and suitable sensors196for the detection and/or Tracking of targets (e.g. enemy missiles and/or aircraft being launched). Satellite144may also comprise communications equipment through which it may receive positional information about potential targets which may be used in addition to (or as an alternative to) sensors196for detection and/or tracking of targets.

Neutron beam generation system186may be deployed by hydraulic arms150which may extend in the directions of arrows198to move neutron beam generation system186away from satellite144. Second neutron beam generator182has been extended away from satellite144by arms150; first neutron beam generator system180is partially extended away from satellite144on its arms150.

As discussed above, neutron beam generation system186may be connected to satellite144by detachable couplings188. Once arms150are extended, neutron beam generation system186may be separated from rigid contact with arms150and satellite144. In particular, referring toFIG. 12, components206,207may separate from one another. An example of the second beam generator182is shown in theFIG. 13, where the second beam generator182is separated from rigid contact with satellite144and is connected to satellite144by retraction cables208and communications cables210. Once decoupled, in this manner, rocket thrusters194may be used to move neutron beam generation system186to adjust their orientation and to aim toward targets.

In operation, the following sequence may take place according to some embodiments. When a target (e.g. an enemy missile) is detected, a neutron beam generation system186is pushed out of its storage compartment190/192by hydraulic arms150. The telescoping arms208move plate206away from neutron beam generator180/182. The target is located and/or tracked using information from sensors196or based on information communicated to satellite144from other source(s) and neutron beam generation system186are aimed at the target (e.g. using pivotal motion of pivotable plates212and/or rocket thrusters194after decoupling of detachable plates207). At an appropriate time, lead transmission curtain176may then be moved out from in front of door assembly300to allow transmission of a neutron beam toward the target.

When the resultant neutron beam78impinges on the target or passes close to the target, the gamma rays generated by neutron beam78will disable the electronics associated with the target. In some cases where the target is a missile, neutron beam78will cause the missile's warhead to detonate. Plates206and207rotate around an axis145. In some instances, neutron beam78may not cause the missile's warhead to detonate on a first pass. In such instances, the neutron beam transmission system186may be rotated 180°. This may be done by retracting cables208, so that rotational components212are re-attached to one another to facilitate pivotal motion. Then neutron beam generation system186is detached again for accurate aiming using rocket thrusters196, as before.

Where satellite144is equipped with a plurality of neutron beam transmission systems186, they may be independently deployed to attack multiple targets. Controller may comprise components of a suitable computer. In general, controller comprises any suitably configured processor, such as, for example, a suitably configured general purpose processor, microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), other type of programmable logic device, pluralities of the foregoing, combinations of the foregoing, and/or the like. Controller504has access to software which may be stored in computer-readable memory (not expressly shown) accessible to controller504and/or in computer-readable memory that is integral to controller504. Controller504may be configured to read and execute such software instructions and, when executed by the controller504, such software may cause controller504to implement some of the functionalities described herein.

Certain implementations of the invention comprise controllers, computers and/or computer processors which execute software instructions which cause the controllers, computers and/or processors to perform a method of the invention. For example, one or more processors in a controller or computer may implement data processing steps in the methods described herein by executing software instructions retrieved from a program memory accessible to the processors. The invention may also be provided in the form of a program product. The program product may comprise any medium which carries a set of computer-readable signals comprising instructions which, when executed by a data processor, cause the data processor to execute a method of the invention. Program products according to the invention may be in any of a wide variety of forms. The program product may comprise, for example, physical (non-transitory) media such as magnetic data storage media including floppy diskettes, hard disk drives, optical data storage media including CD ROMs, DVDs, electronic data storage media including ROMs, flash RAM, or the like. The instructions may be present on the program product in encrypted and/or compressed formats.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments are discussed herein, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub combinations thereof.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub combinations thereof.