Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a false target deployment system, a craft including a false target deployment system, and a decoy pod of a false target deployment system.

Background of the Invention Water borne vessels, aircraft and land based vehicles can be damaged or destroyed by an enemy's airborne missiles which detect and track their targets using radar, passive microwave, infrared, and/or laser based detectors. Often, the military ship or vehicle commander has less than several seconds to take evasive action from the time the incoming threat is detected. Even then, modern missiles can track and follow the target, especially slow moving targets such as ships and tanks.

Attempts to destroy the incoming missiles are often futile, although the Phalanx Close in Weapons System shoot-down mechanism used on board ships has proven somewhat successful. However, even with the Phalanx system, the momentum of a warhead of an incoming missile can still reach the ship causing severe damage.

As an alternative to trying to shoot the incoming threat out of the sky, a number of false target deployment systems have been developed with a view to deceiving the threat into chasing a decoy instead of the real target. The decoys typically include one or more features which are designed to simulate the real target in some manner. The deployment of a decoy may increase the odds of survival. However, the success of any such false target deployment system is based on the ability to deceive the threat into tracking it instead of the real target. There has been an improvement in radar and ^' infrared detection of military targets. In consideration of the advances in modern warfare technology, a variety of missiles have been developed and deployed which employ state of the art sensing means so as to determine the position and structure of potential targets. Examples of such missiles include the "Sidewinder" heat seeking missile, and the "Exocet", a radar guided missile. In order to counter the aforementioned prior art, practice was to use various decoy means which burn or otherwise emit infrared (thermal) radiation to provide a suitable positional and structural perception of the intended target. Decoys if physically and spectrally configured properly will provide a means for ships, aircraft, and land based vehicles to evade infrared or radar-guided weapons.

Prior art decoys frequently used weapon systems that employed hydrocarbon gels, flares or pyrotechnic compositions to produce a thermal decoy signature to attract the heat seeking weapon away from the real intended target. For decoys against radar guided weapons prior art decoys used metal-coated gas inflated objects.

A problem with the old decoy systems is that modern, infrared detection devices have become so accurate and their resolution of target characteristics have become so improved that they are able to differentiate the prior art decoys from the desired target. Many currently deployed guided weapons can differentiate a one percent change in temperature and thus can accurately differentiate such decoy means from the temperature and size profiles of the actual target. The improved weapons can determine whether it is a jet engine, missile exhaust, or a tank and its occupants. In many missile systems, the algorithm in the target-seeking apparatus of the projectile is sophisticated enough to "look" for thermal gradients in an engine block or exhaust system and thus are not confused by prior art infrared decoy signatures.

A problem with prior art decoys is that they do not satisfy the need for a rapidly deployable simulation decoy which can accurately mimic the thermal profile and/or radar signature of the intended target and deceive the aforementioned high resolution infrared and radar seeking capabilities of current systems. The decoy disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,669 is a missile or satellite decoy whose radar signature is tuned to match the radar signature of an actual missile or satellite. The decoy shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,032 is an aircraft towed decoy whose radar signature is tuned to exceed the radar signature of the real aircraft. These decoys may be useful in deceiving a threat into tracking a false target. However, they may not be quickly deployable in the event of a fast approaching threat. Further, they may also lack any means to simulate the actual target's infrared signature or to reflect laser energy in the same manner as the potential real target. The decoy shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,166,597 includes a heater blanket used to simulate the infrared signature of a re-entry vehicle. However, its structure is not suitable for simulating ships or land vehicles such as tanks.

Further, the prior art decoys typically suffer from the limitation that they do not look like the actual target. That is, the size and shape of the decoy may not necessarily simulate the size and shape of the real target. In tank warfare especially, if a decoy does not actually have the profile and surface distribution similar to a tank, adept land or air based reconnaissance personnel or weaponry will not be deceived. It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above mentioned difficulties, or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention, there is provided a false target deployment system for land, air or water based craft including:

(a) one or more decoy pods coupleable to pod seats formed in outer peripheral sections of the craft; and

(b) fasteners for coupling the decoy pods to the pod seats,

wherein the fasteners are adapted to decouple one or more of the decoy pods from their respective pod seats to create one or more false targets when an incoming threat is detected.

Preferably, the fasteners include explosive devices in communication with a deployment actuator, the explosive devices being detonateable on receipt of a deployment signal from said deployment actuator. Preferably, the explosive devices jettison one or more of the pods from the craft so as to interpose the pods between the incoming threat and the craft.

Preferably, the fasteners include interlocking mechanical couplings. Preferably, the mechanical couplings include mechanical arms, each being couplable at one end to a body section of the craft and at another end to a pod.

Preferably, the craft is a water based vessel including a vessel command control system and a pod control system for each pod of said pods, wherein

(a) the pod control system for performing the steps of:

(i) generating data representing a current position of the pod;

(ii) sending said position data to the vessel command control system;

(iii) receiving data representing drive commands from the vessel command control system; and

, (iv) driving a propulsion system of the pod in accordance with said drive commands; and

(b) the vessel command control system for performing the steps of:

(i) receiving data representing positions of the pods;

(ii) generating data representing drive commands for each of the pods so that they are aligned in a defensive configuration; and

(iii) sending data representing drive commands to each pod.

According to the present invention, there is also provided, a craft including a false target deployment system including:

(a) one or more decoy pods coupled to pod seats formed in outer peripheral sections of the craft; and

(b) fasteners coupling the decoy pods to the pod seats, wherein the fasteners are adapted to decouple one or more of the decoy pods from their respective pod seats to create one or more false targets when an incoming threat is detected. Preferably, the fasteners include explosive devices in communication with a deployment actuator, the explosive devices being detonateable on receipt of a deployment signal from said deployment actuator. Preferably, the explosive devices jettison one or more of the pods from the craft.

Preferably, the fasteners include interlocking mechanical couplings. Preferably, the mechanical couplings include mechanical arms, each being couplable at one end to a body section of the craft and at another end to a pod.

Preferably, the craft is a water based vessel including a vessel command control system and a pod control system for each pod of said pods, wherein

(a) the pod control system performs the steps of:

(0 generating data representing a current position of the pod;

(ii) sending said position data to the vessel command control system;

(iii) receiving data representing drive commands from the vessel command control system; and

(iv) driving a propulsion system of the pod in accordance with said drive commands; and

(b) the vessel command control system performs the steps of:

(i) receiving data representing positions of the pods;

(ii) generating data representing drive commands for each of the pods so that they are aligned in a defensive configuration; and

sending data representing drive commands to each pod.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a decoy pod for a craft, including a body section shaped for location in a seat formed in an outer peripheral section of the craft and a fastener for coupling the body section to the craft. Preferably, an outer peripheral section of the pod is coplanar with an outer peripheral section of the craft so that the pod forms a continuous surface with the craft when located in a seat. According to the present invention, there is also provided a decoy pod for a water based vessel, including a decoy section extending upwardly from a lower keel section, wherein the keel section includes a retractable keel member which extends downwardly from the keel section when the pod is deployed in water. Preferably, the pod includes a pod control system for performing the steps of:

(a) generating data representing a current position of the pod;

(b) sending said position data to the vessel;

(c) receiving data representing drive commands from the vessel;

(d) driving a propulsion system of the pod in accordance with said drive commands.

Preferably, the pod includes means for simulating the shape, infrared signature, thermal signature, and radar signature characteristics of the vessel.

Advantageously, the false target deployment system and associated craft is able to rapidly deploy the pods in the event of an incoming threat being detected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described, by way of non- limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a front perspective view of a vessel;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a top view of the vessel shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of a front perspective view of the vessel shown in Figure 1 arranged in another condition of use- Figure 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a right side view of the vessel shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a top view of the vessel shown in Figure 1 arranged in another condition of use; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of a plan view of the vessel shown in Figure 5 arranged in another condition of use;

Figure 7a is a diagrammatic illustration of another vessel shown in use;

Figure 7b is a diagrammatic illustration of part of the vessel of 7a shown in another condition of use;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of the vessel shown in Figure 7a shown in yet another condition of use;

Figures 9a to 9c are diagrammatic illustrations of a fastener of the vessel shown in Figure 1 arranged in different conditions of use;

Figure 10a is a diagrammatic illustration of a side view of a decoy pod of the vessel shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 10b is a diagrammatic illustration of a front view of the decoy pod shown in Figure 10a arranged in another condition of use;

Figure 10c is a diagrammatic illustration of a back view of the decoy pod shown in figure 10a;

Figures 1 1a to l ie are diagrammatic illustrations of cross-section views of the vessel shown in Figure 2 through the line X-X where the views show different conditions of use; Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a control system for the vessel shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 13 is a flow diagram showing steps performed by the vessel command system of the system shown in Figure 12; and

Figures 14a and 14b are diagrammatic illustrations of an alternative decoy pod of the vessel shown in Figure 1 shown in different conditions of use. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

The craft 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 includes a false target deployment system 12 including eight decoy pods 14 coupled to pod seats 16 formed in outer peripheral sections of the craft 10 and fasteners 18 for coupling the decoy pods 14 to the pod seats 16. The fasteners 18 are adapted to decouple one or more of the decoy pods 14 from the craft 10 to create false targets when an incoming threat is detected. The false target deployment system 12 is suitable for use with any land, air or water based craft 10. However, for simplicity, the system 12 is described hereafter with reference to the craft 10 being a seagoing vessel 10. As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the vessel 10 is capable of rapidly deploying the decoy pods 14 in the event that an inbound threat 20, such as a torpedo or missile, is detected. The decoy pods 14 are preferably deployed in such a way that they are interposed between the vessel 10 and the incoming threat 20 with a view to being targeted for destruction by the incoming threat in place of the vessel 10. As particularly shown in Figure 6, the vessel 10 can then also take evasive manoeuvres, such as changing course direction from Dl to D2 to evade the threat 20. The decoy pods 14 are preferably of suitable shape and size to deceive the incoming threat into believing that one or more of them are the vessel 10.

The pod seats 16 are shaped to at least partially seat therein respective decoy pods 14. Outer peripheral sections of the pods 14 are preferably coplanar with the outer peripheral surface 21 of the vessel 10 when seated in respective pod seats 16. The outer peripheral surfaces of the pods 14 are preferably made of the same material as the outer peripheral surface of the vessel 10. In doing so, the pods 14 are able to simulate the shape, infrared, and radar signatures of the vessel 10.

Although the vessel 10 is shown in Figure 1 to include eight decoy pods 14, the vessel 10 can alternatively include any suitable number of decoy pods 14 and corresponding pod seats 16. The pods 14 are of such height as the track of an incoming missile. For example, the height, Hp, of each the pod 14 is preferably nine meters. The pods 14 are preferably at least two thirds of the height, Hv, of the vessel 10. The width, Wp, of each pod 14 is preferably similar to the width, Wv, of the vessel 10. With these dimensions, the pods 14 are able to simulate the height, Hv, and width, Wy, of the vessel 10.

In one embodiment, the fasteners 18 include explosive devices and in communication with a deployment actuator 22, where the explosive devices are detonateable on receipt of a deployment signal from the deployment actuator 22. The explosive devices jettison the pods 14 from the vessel 10 into the water.

As shown in Figure 2, the explosive devices are in communication with the deployment actuator 22 over a physical communication network 24 which includes a plurality of data communication cables 26. The physical communication network 24 is a copper wire network. Alternatively, the explosive devices are in communication with the deployment actuator 22 over a wireless communication network.

In another embodiment, the fasteners 18 include the interlocking mechanical couplings 28 shown in Figures 9a to 9c. The mechanical couplings 28 include mechanical arms 30 each being coupled at one end 32 to a body section of the vessel 10 and at another end 34 to a decoy pod 14.

The mechanical arms 30 include hook shaped members 36 shaped to receive and seat therein rod members 38 of the pods 14. The mechanical arms 30 include hydraulic pistons 40 operable to pivot the hooks 36 about fixed axes 42 so as to release rod members 38 seated therein and thereby separate the pods 14 from respective pod seats 16 of the vessel 10. As shown in Figure 2, the vessel includes a deployment actuator 22 operable to actuate the hydraulic pistons 40 to separate the decoy pods 14 from respective seats 1 of the vessel 10 so that the pods 14 fall under gravity towards the water. When actuated, the hydraulic pistons 40 force a rod shaft member 44 to extend towards respective pods 14. As the rod shaft members 44 extend from X] to X ₃ , the hooks 36 pivot about respective fixed axes 42 and thereby rotate from an upright "U" position where they are arranged to retain the rod members 38 to an side on "C" position where the rod members 38 can fall out of the hooks 36.

The fasteners 18 can alternatively include any other suitable means for retaining the pods 14 in seats 16 for later selective deployment. The deployment actuator 22 preferably includes one or more switches or buttons located in the bridge 46 of the vessel 10. In one embodiment, the actuator includes one button in communication with all fasteners 18 which, when activated, sends a signal to all fasteners 18 to deploy all decoy pods 14 simultaneously. Alternatively, the actuator 22 is adapted to send release signals to fasteners 18 of specific pods 14.

In a further alternative arrangement, the deployment actuator 22 is adapted to automatically generate release signals to all fasteners 18 to deploy all pods 14 when an incoming threat is detected by the vessel's inbound threat detection system. Such threat detection systems are known in the art and are not described here in further detail.

As particularly shown in Figures 10a to 10c, the decoy pods 14 include a decoy section 50 extending upwardly from a lower keel section 52. The pod 14 also includes a retractable keel member 54 which extends downwardly from the keel section 52 when the pod is deployed in water in the manner shown in Figures 1 la to l ie. Preferably, the keel member 54 extends from the keel section under gravity when the pod 14 is deployed in water. The keel member 54 is otherwise held in place by the seat 16. Alternatively, the keel member 54 can be extended by way of any suitable electrical or mechanical means such as an electrically operated hydraulic arm (not shown).

The decoy pods 14 preferably include means for simulating the shape of the vessel 10 thereby providing a false target for the threat 20. The decoy pods 14 also preferably include means for simulating the infrared signature of the vessel 10 thereby providing a false target for the threat 20. The decoy pods 14 also preferably include means for simulating the radar signature characteristics of the vessel 10 thereby providing a false target for the threat 20.

As shown in Figure 12, the vessel 10 includes a system 100 for controlling the pods 14. The system 100 controls the operation of the pods 14 once they are deployed in the water. Alternatively, the system may also control release of the decoy pods 14 from the fasteners 18. The system 100 includes a vessel command control system 102 and a pod control system 104 for each decoy pod 14. The vessel command control system 102 is in communication with the pod control systems 104 over the communications network 106 using standard communications protocols.

Each pod control system 104 includes the following interconnected with a bus 107: a. a propulsion system 108;

b. a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver 110;

c. an emitter/receiver 1 12;

d. an operator interface 114;

e. computer readable memory 1 16;

f. one or more central processing units 118.

When deployed, each pod control system 104 performs the steps of: a. using the GPS receiver to generate data representing a current position of the pod 14;

b. using the emitter to send the position data to the vessel command control system 102;

c. using the receiver to receive data representing drive commands from the vessel command control system 102; and

d. driving the propulsion system 108 of the pod 14 in accordance with the drive commands.

The vessel command control system 102 includes the following interconnected with a bus 120: a. a propulsion system 122;

b. a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver 124; c. an emitter/receiver 126;

d. an operator interface 128;

e. computer readable memory 130;

f. one or more central processing units 132.

The vessel command control system 102 performs the steps shown in Figure 13 of: a. searching, at step 152, for possible threats;

b. if a threat is detected, then determining, at step 154, the velocity of the incoming threat;

c. deploying, at step 156, the pods 14;

d. receiving, at step 158, data representing positions of the pods 14;

e. generating, at step 160, data representing drive commands for each of the pods 14 so that they are aligned in a defensive configuration;

f. sending, at step 162, data representing drive commands to each pod 14;

g. making evasive manoeuvres, at step 164.

The steps of sending position data to the vessel command control system 102 and sending data representing drive commands to each pod 14 are preferably effected over a wireless communications network 106.

The propulsion system 108 includes a pair of bow thrusters 56a and 56b arranged on opposite sides of the decoy pod 14. The pod control system 104 is able to manoeuvre the pod 14 by engaging the thrusters 56a, 56b to operate at the desired times. For example, the system 104 can operate the thrusters 56a, 56b so that the planar surface of the pod faces the oncoming treat 20. The pods 14 preferably include sea anchors 58 for deployment in accordance with said drive commands.

The vessel command control system 102 and the pod command systems 104 are preferably implemented using any suitable combination of software and hardware devices that communicate using standard communications protocols. In one embodiment, the decoy pods 14 include shutters 60 that can be arranged to rotate between the closed position shown in Figure 14a and the open position shown in Figure 14b. Operation of the shutters 60 is controlled by the pod control system 108 in response to command signals received from the vessel command control system 102. The shutters 60 can be arranged to assist in locating the pods 14 in optimal decoy positions with respect to an incoming target. For example, the shutters can be opened to decrease wind resistance of the decoy section 50 so the pod 14 sits upright in the water. Alternatively, the shutters 60 can be positioned to capture ^' the wind so as to drive the pods towards optimal decoy positions with respect to an incoming target.

The shutters 60 can preferably be operated individually by the pod control system 108.

In an alternative embodiment, the shutters 60 can be arranged horizontally.

As above-mentioned, the decoy pods 14 are constructed of a material that matches that of the vessel 10. Further, on deployment, the magnetic signature of the pod keel 54 matches that of the hull of the vessel 10. Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.