FR2873804A1 - Aircraft masking system for military applications, has ignition unit with light sources controlled by main controller, and optical filters driving light from sources towards initialization units of cartridges to ignite initialization units - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has decoy cartridges (C1-Ci) received by decoy launchers (LL1-LLi), and transformers supplying electronic circuits of the cartridges. Main wired connection (B) exchanges information between a main controller (7) and circuits. An ignition unit has light sources (9) controlled by the controller, and optical filters (F1-Fi) driving light from the sources towards initialization units of the cartridges to ignite the units.

Description

The present invention relates to a decoy system, in particular for

aircraft.

  French Patent Application No. 03 02477, filed in the name of the applicant, discloses a decoying system, in particular for an aircraft, comprising: a) at least one main computer, b) at least one decoy launching device, c) at least one cartridge of deception received by said decoy launchers, this cartridge comprising an electronic circuit and initialization means, d) supply means for supplying said electronic circuit, e) means for exchanging information between said main computer and said electronic circuit and f) means for firing said initialization means, in which system said power supply means, said information exchange means and said firing means comprise contactless electromagnetic coupling means interposed between said launcher and said cartridge.

  Thanks to this last feature, such a decoy system makes it possible to eliminate any electrical contact between the cartridges and the lanceleurs, which is very favorable from the point of view of the reliability of the system.

  However, to be able to ignite the initializers (or igniters) of the cartridges, it is necessary to use power currents.

  Thus, for each decoy launchers, it is necessary to provide as many pairs of electric cables as there are cartridges, each pair of cables being connected to the terminals of the electromagnetic coupling means associated with each of the cartridges.

  When you know that a decoy can hold up to a hundred cartridges, we understand that we can end up with a very complex wiring.

  In addition to the fact that such wiring is difficult and expensive to implement, it weighs relatively heavy.

  This therefore goes against the constraints of aeronautics, a field in which each gained gram is important.

  Moreover, the bundles of cables used in these prior art systems may have a low resistance to electromagnetic attack, which is very detrimental to the military applications of such a system.

  The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a decoying system, in particular for aircraft, which makes it possible to considerably reduce the electrical wiring, with a view to greater simplicity and better resistance to electromagnetic attack, and to a cost and reliability. a lower weight.

  This object of the invention is achieved with a decoy system in particular for aircraft comprising: a) at least one main computer, b) at least one decoy launching device, c) at least one decoy cartridge received by said decoy launchers, Said cartridge comprising an electronic circuit and initialization means, d) means for supplying said electronic circuit, e) means for exchanging information between said main computer and said electronic circuit, and f) means for firing said initialization means, in which system said power supply means, said information exchange means and said firing means comprise contactless electromagnetic coupling means interposed between said lure-launcher and said cartridge this system being remarkable in that said firing means comprise at least one light source controlled by said main computer, and at least one optical fiber capable of driving light from said light source to said initialization means.

  Through the use of an optical transmission to ignite the cartridge initializers, one can dispense with the power wiring of the prior art, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

  The present invention is particularly advantageous in the case where the decoy lance has a large number of cartridges: it suffices to provide a single main optical fiber between the light source and the decoy launchers, the luminous flux being, at the the interior of the decoy lance, oriented towards each of the cartridges by so-called secondary branches of the main optical fiber.

  According to other optional features of the present invention: said power supply means and said information exchange means comprise a transformer whose primary circuit is integral with said decoy launchers and whose secondary circuit is secured to said cartridge and connected to to said electronic circuit, and a wired connection connecting said main computer to said primary circuit, allowing the circulation of low power currents and the transfer of information according to a CAN type protocol, said supply means comprise a photocell located in said cartridge and capable of being illuminated by at least a fraction of the light emitted by said light source and flowing in said optical fiber, said information exchange means comprise a light transmitting / receiving member disposed outside said lance -More and interfaced with said main computer, capable of communicating optically by means of said optical fiber with a light transmitting / receiving member disposed in said cartridge and interfaced with said electronic circuit, - the light emission wavelengths of said light source and said transmitting member / light receiving are different, - said decoy lance receives a plurality of cartridges, each cartridge being coupled electromagnetically without contact to said information exchange means and to an optical fiber connected to said light source, - said decoy system comprises a main optical fiber extending from said light source to said decoy launchers, means for distributing the light flux of said main optical fiber between as many secondary optical fibers as there are cartridges in said decoy launchers, and means for selectively cutting the luminous flux of said secondary optical fibers according to control signals sent by said main computer, said means for selectively cutting the luminous flux comprise a plurality of optical switches electrically controlled by a secondary computer itself electrically controlled by said main computer, - said means for selective switching of the luminous flux comprise a multi-channel optical switch controlled electrically by a secondary computer itself optically controlled by said main computer, - said multi-channel optical switch and said secondary computer are powered electrically by a solar cell illuminated by a light source disposed outside said decoy launchers, - said decoy system comprises a plurality of decoy launchers, a plurality of light sources controlled by said main computer and a plurality of optical fibers capable of conducting light from each of said light sources to the initialization means of each of the cartridges said light emitter, said light source comprises a laser diode, said optical fiber is electromagnetically coupled to said initialization means by light concentration means selected from the group consisting of a light concentrator integral with said decoy launchers, a concentrator light integral with said cartridge, and a light concentrator comprising a portion integral with said decoy launchers and another portion integral with said cartridge.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the light of the following description and the examination of the appended drawing, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system according to the invention comprising several decoy launchers, and - Figure 2 is a detailed schematic view of one of the decoy launchers of Figure 1, and - Figure 3 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the system according to the invention.

  Referring now to Figure 1 which shows a vehicle such as an aircraft 1 equipped with a system according to the invention.

  This system essentially comprises a control unit 3, a plurality of decoy launchers LL1 to LLi, and connection means 5 interposed between this control unit 20 and these decoy launchers.

  The control unit 3 comprises a main computer 7 interfaced with the navigation instruments (not shown) of the aircraft 1.

  The control unit 3 also comprises a plurality of light sources 9, formed for example by laser diodes, controlled by the main computer 7.

  Each of the decoy leaflets LLi accommodates, by means of suitable chargers known per se and not shown, a plurality of decoy cartridges C1 capable of throwing decoy charges towards the outside of the aircraft so as to remove a hostile potential of this aircraft.

  As is known per se, the charges decoy cartridges C1 to ci may be of the electromagnetic type or infrared or electro-optical, depending on the nature of the guiding means of the hostile.

  The connection means 5 comprise a plurality of so-called main optical fibers F1 to F1 extending between the light sources 9 and each of the decoy launchers LL1 to LLi.

  The connection means 5 also comprise a main wire link B extending between the main computer 7 and each of the decoy launchers LL1 to LLi.

  This main wired link preferably comprises two wires, and allows on the one hand the circulation of low power electric currents, and on the other hand the transfer of information according to a protocol of the CAN (Controller Area Network) type.

  The interface between the connection means 5 and the control unit 3 on the one hand and the decoy leaflets LL1 to LLi on the other hand can be provided by appropriate connectors K0 to Ki.

  Referring now to Figure 2 where we see in detail how the electromagnetic connection is made between on the one hand the main optical fibers F1 to Fi and the main wire link B, and secondly the cartridges Cl to ci.

  As shown in this figure, each main optical fiber Fi branched into a plurality of so-called secondary optical fibers f1 to fi by means of appropriate derivation means 11 known per se.

  Each of the secondary optical fibers fi arrives opposite an initiator (or igniter) INFi of a decoy cartridge Ci.

  Luminous flux concentration means known per se, comprising for example a converging lens, are interposed between the end of the secondary fiber fi and the corresponding initiator INFi.

  These means of concentration of the luminous flux can be either located on the decoy launchers LLi, or on the cartridge Ci, or even be distributed between these two elements.

  These means of concentration of the luminous flux have the role of focusing the light energy coming out of the secondary optical fiber fi on the initializer INFi of each cartridge Ci.

  The main wire link B is connected to a secondary computer 13 disposed inside the decoy launcher LLi.

  This secondary computer 13 is itself connected by a first secondary wire link b1 to a plurality of optical switches R1 to Ri respectively disposed on each of the secondary optical fibers f1 to fi.

  This secondary computer 13 is also connected by a second secondary wire link b2 to a plurality of transformers Ti to Ti associated with each of the cartridges C1 to ci.

  As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2, the primary circuits of each of the transformers Ti to Ti are integral with the lanceleurs LLi, and the secondary circuits of each of these transformers are integral with the cartridges C1 to ci.

  These secondary circuits are themselves connected to electronic circuits E1 to E1 mounted on each of the cartridges C1 to ci.

  It is to be understood at this stage of the description that both the secondary optical fibers f1 and the Ti-to-Ti transformers make it possible to perform electromagnetic coupling without contact of the cartridges C1 to ci with their associated decoy leaflets LLi.

  The operating principle and the advantages of the system which has just been described are as follows.

  When the detection means (radar) of the aircraft identify a hostile heading towards him, the central processing of this aircraft activates the main computer 7 of the control unit 3.

  Depending on the nature of the hostile and the area where it is located with respect to the aircraft, the main computer 7 will select the LLi or lancets LLi and cartridges Ci most appropriate to respond to the current threat.

  Once this choice has been made, the main computer 7 will be ready to proceed with the firing of the selected cartridges as soon as the computer of the aircraft 1 sends him the corresponding instructions.

  During all these operations, the main wire link B enables the exchange of information between the main computer 7 and the electronic circuits Ei of the cartridges Ci of decoy leaflets LLi appropriate, via the secondary computer 13 and the second secondary wire link b2.

  To carry out this information exchange, capacitors in the circuits Ei are first charged by means of a low-power current flowing in the secondary wire link b2.

  This charging makes it possible to supply the circuits Ei with electric current.

  Digital signal frames are then sent to the secondary wired link b2, for example according to a CAN type protocol, so as to establish a dialogue between the main computer 7 and the circuits E 1 through the secondary computer 13.

  The switching between the loading phases of the capacitors of the circuits Ei and the dialogue phases with these circuits can be managed by the main computer 7.

  The information exchanged during these dialogues can be of different natures.

  By way of example, this information can make it possible to identify the cartridges Ci vis-à-vis the main computer 7, or allow programming of these cartridges so as to implement a decoy sequence appropriate to the nature of the hostile.

  Once the main computer 7 has dialogued with the cartridges Ci of the decoy leaflets LLi appropriate through the secondary computer 13, the calculator sends a firing order 15 which has the effect of lighting at least one of the sources luminous 9.

  The luminous flux of this source is then conveyed by a main optical fiber 15 leading to the appropriate LLi decoy lance.

  This luminous flux thus arrives at the node 11 of this decoy lance LLi, and is distributed in each of the secondary optical fibers fi of this lanceleurres.

  The secondary computer 13 of each decoy lance then acts, via the first secondary wire link b1, on one or more optical switches Ri, so that these switches go from an initial position where they prevent the passage of a luminous flux to a shooting position in which they allow the passage of this stream.

  The INFi initializers of the cartridges concerned are then illuminated by a luminous flux having passed through the means of concentration interposed between the lure-25 and the cartridges.

  These means of concentration make it possible to concentrate the energy of the luminous flux on the initializers INFi and thus to put these to fire, thus allowing the firing of the cartridge carrying its decoy payload.

  As can be understood from the foregoing description, the connection between the control unit 3 and each decoy leapers LLi is by means of a simple wired link B low power and a single main optical fiber Fi.

  The wired link B allows the exchange of low power electrical energy and information between the main computer 7 and the electronic circuits Ei cartridges Ci prior to firing of these cartridges, and the main optical fiber Fi allows selective firing of these cartridges under the control of the secondary computer 13.

  It is therefore no longer necessary, as was the case in the prior art system, to provide an electric power cable for each of the cartridges of each decoy launchers.

  The connection means 5 are therefore very simplified, and can be connected on the one hand to the control unit 3 and the lure decoy LLi Ki connectors themselves having a very simple structure.

  Optical fibers have a much lower linear density than equivalent electric cables which, in combination with the fact that it is necessary to use a relatively very small number of optical fibers, makes it possible to obtain a significant weight gain compared to to the system of the prior art.

  It will further be noted that the use of optical transmission means between the control unit 3 and the LLi decoy launchers makes it possible to obtain an excellent resistance of the system to electromagnetic aggression.

  It will be noted that the system which has just been described can operate with a large number of LLi decoy launchers, the addition of such decoy launchers entailing no additional complexity.

  Note also that LLi decoy launchers may be located at any distance from the control unit 3, which was not the case with the decoy launchers of the prior art, in which a minimum distance from the control unit had to be complied with in order to limit the losses in power current load in the electrical wiring.

  Referring now to Figure 3, which shows another embodiment of the decoy system according to the invention.

  In this other embodiment, the control unit 3 comprises a plurality of MEi modules of light energy which are supervised by a main computer 7, itself interfaced with the navigation instruments (not shown) of the aircraft.

  For the sake of simplification, only the first ME1 of these MEi modules has been represented in detail.

  This module ME1 preferably comprises: a first light source 9a of high power (typically of the order of 10 to 15 watts), a second light source 9fl of medium power, and a light transmitting / receiving member 9y of low power (typically of the order of 100 milliwatts).

  The wavelengths of these three light sources are preferably different.

  The first and second light sources can be formed by laser diodes.

  The light transmitting / receiving member may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) and a phototransistor.

  The control unit 3 is connected to a plurality of decoy launchers LLi by appropriate connection means 5, comprising Ki connectors as in the previous embodiment.

  For the sake of simplification, only the first LL1 of these LLi decoy launchers has been represented in detail.

  This lure decoy LL1 comprises an electronic control module MC1 comprising a multichannel optical switch R, a light receiving member 9 'such as a phototransistor, a secondary computer 13 and a photocell A. The optical switch R communicates with the first light source 9a via a main optical fiber F1.

  The light receiving member 9 'communicates with the light transmitting / receiving member 9y through a branch G1 of the main optical fiber F1.

  In addition, this light-receiving member 9 'communicates electrically with the secondary computer 13.

  The photocell A communicates with the second light source 9 $ via an optical fiber H1, and this photocell is electrically connected to the optical switch R and the secondary computer 13.

  The decoy LL1 receives a plurality of decoy cartridges C1 to ci, of which only the first has been shown in detail, always for the sake of simplification.

  A secondary optical fiber f1 connects the multichannel switch R to light flux concentration means F, formed for example by a convergent lens integral with the cartridge C1.

  Inside the cartridge C1, a first optical fiber f11 on which is mounted an optical switch r connects the lens F to a first initializer inf1. A second optical fiber f12 connects the lens F to a solar cell a.

  A branch g1 of the second optical fiber f12 extends to a light transmitting / receiving member 9 ", itself electrically connected to an electronic circuit E which itself is electrically connected firstly to the optical switch r, and secondly to electrical energy storage means pF (which may comprise for example a capacitor) themselves connected to a second initializer inf2.

  Although this is not shown, for the sake of simplification, the photocell a is electrically connected to the optical switch r, the light transmitting / receiving member 9 ", the electronic circuit E and the storage means of electric power pF.

  The mode of operation and advantages of this embodiment are as follows.

  It will be assumed that, given the nature of the hostile and the area in which it is located with respect to the aircraft, the LL1 decoy launcher is appropriate.

  In this case, the main computer 7 triggers the ignition of the second light source 91? which, through the optical fiber H1 will illuminate the photocell A. The latter will supply electrical power to the secondary computer 13 and the optical switch R. The main computer 7 also controls the transmitting / receiving member light 9y which, via the fiber G1 and the receiving member 9 ', can communicate with the secondary computer 13, which can control the optical switch R so as to place it in one of its different positions possible.

  For ease of exposition, it will be assumed that the optical switch R has in this way been placed in the position shown in FIG. 3, allowing optical communication between the main optical fiber F1 and the secondary optical fiber f1. .

  Once this position is reached, the main computer 7 controls the ignition of a fraction (for example 10%) of the power of the first light source 9a, whose luminous flux reaches the photocell a via the optical fibers f1 and f12.

  This solar cell feeds in particular the electronic circuit E which, via the light emitting / receiving member 9y, the fibers F1, f1, f12, the branching g1 and the transmitting / receiving member 9 "light, can thus interact with the main computer 7.

  On the other hand, this photocell charges the electrical energy storage means pF.

  When this dialogue leads to the conclusion that it is necessary to fire the cartridge C1, the electronic circuit E controls the closing of the optical switch r, and the main computer 7 controls the ignition at full power of the first source bright 9a.

  This has the effect of igniting the first initializer inf1, and thus to remove the cartridge C1 LL1 decoy launching.

  In a second step, the electronic circuit E controls the discharge of the electrical energy storage means pF in the second initializer inf2, which makes it possible to bring out the lure (electromagnetic, infrared or electro-optical) of the cartridge C1.

  As can be understood from the presence of the photocells A and α, this embodiment makes it possible to have an optical connection only between, on the one hand, the light energy modules ME1 and the electronic control modules MC1, and on the other hand these control modules and cartridges Ci.

  It will further be noted that having two different wavelengths for the light emitted by the first light source 9a and by the member 9y makes it possible to clearly separate the dialogue function from the firing function, and therefore from avoid any inadvertent firing of Ci cartridges.

  Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown, provided by way of illustrative and non-limiting example.

Claims (13)

  1. A decoying system, in particular for an aircraft, comprising: a) at least one main computer (7), b) at least one decoy launching device (LL1 to LLi), c) at least one decoy cartridge (C1 to ci) received by said decoy launcher, said cartridge comprising an electronic circuit (El to Ei; E) and initialization means (INF1 to INFi; inf1, inf2), d) supply means (T1 to Ti; a) of said circuit electronic, e) information exchange means (B, b2; 9y, G1, F1, f1 to fi, f12, g1, 9 ") between said main computer (7) and said electronic circuit (El to Ei; E), and f) firing means (9, F1 to F 1, f 1 to f 1, f 1, f 1, f 1, f 11) of said initialization means, wherein said feed means, said means information exchange and said firing means comprise non-contact electromagnetic coupling means interposed between said decoy launchers and said cartridge, characterized in that said means of m fire are comprised of at least one light source (9; 9a) controlled by said main computer (7), and at least one optical fiber (F1 to Fi, f1 to fi) capable of conducting light from said light source (9; 9a) to said initialization means (INF1 to INFi inf1).   2. decoy system according to claim 1, characterized in that said supply means and said information exchange means comprise a transformer (Ti to Ti) whose primary circuit is integral with said decoy launchers (LL1 to LLi ) and whose secondary circuit is secured to said cartridge (Ci) and connected to said electronic circuit (El to Ei), and a wire connection (B, b2) connecting said main computer (7) to said primary circuit, allowing the circulation of currents low power and the transfer of information according to a CAN protocol.   3. decoy system according to claim 1, characterized in that said supply means comprise a photocell (a) located in said cartridge (C1 to ci) and capable of being illuminated by at least a fraction of the light emitted by said light source (9a) and flowing in said optical fiber (F1 to Fi, f1 to fi).   4. decoy system according to claim 3, characterized in that said information exchange means comprise a light transmitting / receiving member (9y) disposed outside said lanceleurre (LL1 to LLi) and interfaced with said main computer (7), capable of communicating optically via said optical fiber (F1 to Fi, f1 to fi) with a light transmitting / receiving member (9 ") disposed in said cartridge (C1 to ci ) and interfaced with said electronic circuit (E).   5. decoy system according to claim 4, characterized in that the light emission wavelengths of said light source (9a) and said light transmitting / receiving member (9y) are different.   6. decoy system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said decoy launchers (LL1 to LLi) receives a plurality of cartridges (C1 to ci), each cartridge being electromagnetically coupled without contact to said exchange means information (B, b2; 9y, G1, F1, f1 to fi) and an optical fiber (F1 to Fi, f1 to fi) connected to said light source (9; 9a).   7. decoy system according to claim 6 characterized in that it comprises a main optical fiber (F1 to Fi) extending from said light source (9; 9a) to said decoy launchers, means (11; R) for distributing the luminous flux of said main optical fiber (F1 to Fi) between as many secondary optical fibers (f1 to fi) as there are cartridges (C1 to ci) in said decoy launchers (LL1 to LLi), and means (b1, 13, R1-Ri; 13, R) for selectively cutting the light flux of said secondary optical fibers (f1-fi) as a function of control signals sent by said main computer (7).   8. decoy system according to claim 7, characterized in that said means for selective switching of the luminous flux comprise a plurality of optical switches (RI to RI) electrically controlled by a secondary computer (13) itself electrically controlled by said main calculator (7).   9. decoy system according to claim 7, characterized in that said means for selectively cutting the luminous flux comprise a multi-channel optical switch (R) electrically controlled by a secondary computer (13) itself optically controlled by said main computer (7).   10. decoy system according to claim 9, characterized in that said multi-channel optical switch (R) and said secondary computer (13) are electrically powered by a photocell (A) illuminated by a light source (9 $) arranged at outside said launcher (LL1 to LLi).   11. decoy system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of lanceleurres (LL1 to LLi), a plurality of light sources (9; 9a) controlled by said main computer (7) and a plurality of optical fibers (F1 to Fi, f1 to fi) capable of conducting the light of each of said light sources (9; 9a) to the initialization means (INF1 to INFi; inf1) of each of the cartridges (C1 to ci) ) said decoy launchers (LL1 to LLi).   12. decoy system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said light source (9; 9a) comprises a laser diode.   13. decoy system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said optical fiber (F1 to Fi, f1 to fi) is electromagnetically coupled to said initialization means (INF1, INFi; inf1) by means of concentration light source (F) selected from the group consisting of a light concentrator integral with said lanceleurres, a light concentrator integral with said cartridge, and a light concentrator comprising a portion integral with said lanceleurres and another portion integral with said cartridge.