Active countermeasures systems and methods
Described are systems and methods for actively countering certain forces experienced by, for example, a person within a vehicle. Adverse effects of blast waves of a mine or other explosive device (including improvised explosive devices [IEDs]) may be mitigated by the countermeasures systems, which may include any or all of a first responder unit (FRU), a control display assembly (CDA), processors, sensors, and an electronic safe and arm device (ESAD). Each component assembly may be incorporated into a line replaceable unit (LRU) if desired, although such incorporation is not necessary.
1. A force-countering system for a vehicle, comprising:
a. a first sensor configured for direct or indirect connection to or integration into the vehicle;
b. a processor directly or indirectly communicating with the sensor so as to receive data therefrom;
c. an arming device directly or indirectly communicating with the processor so as to receive data therefrom;
d. a power control assembly comprising plural switches which, when closed in a pre-determined sequence during a pre-determined time period, provide power directly or indirectly to the arming device; and
e. a first countermeasure (i) configured for direct or indirect connection to or integration into the vehicle and (ii) comprising a first mass ejectable relative to the vehicle following command of the arming device.
2. A force-countering system for a vehicle, comprising:
a. a first sensor configured for direct or indirect connection to or integration into the vehicle;
b. a processor directly or indirectly communicating with the sensor so as to receive data therefrom;
c. an arming device directly or indirectly communicating with the processor so as to receive data therefrom;
d. a power control assembly comprising plural switches which, when closed in a pre-determined sequence during a pre-determined time period, provide power directly or indirectly to the arming device;
e. a first countermeasure (i) configured for direct or indirect connection to or integration into the vehicle and (ii) comprising a first mass ejectable relative to the vehicle following command of the arming device; and
f. a power switch accessible externally of the vehicle and which, when opened, prevents powering of the arming device.
3. A force-countering system according to claim 1 in which the sensor senses an acceleration of the vehicle.
4. A force-countering system according to claim 1 in which the first countermeasure comprises a cartridge comprising a housing containing the first mass and a charge.
5. A force-countering system according to claim 1 further comprising a bank of barrels configured to receive the first countermeasure.
6. A force-countering system according to claim 1 further comprising an initiator and a detonation cord connecting the arming device and the first countermeasure.
7. A force-countering system according to claim 1 in which the first mass either is disintegrable following ejection or comprises multiple disintegrated particles.
8. A force-countering system according to claim 1 further comprising a second sensor located remote from the first sensor.
9. A force-countering system according to claim 1 further comprising a second countermeasure (a) located remote from the first countermeasure and (b) comprising a second mass ejectable relative to the vehicle following command of the arming device.
10. A force-countering system according to claim 9 in which the second mass may be ejected independently of ejection of the first mass.
11. A force-countering system for a vehicle, comprising:
a. a first sensor configured for direct or indirect connection to or integration into the vehicle;
b. a processor directly or indirectly communicating with the sensor so as to receive data therefrom;
c. an arming device directly or indirectly communicating with the processor so as to receive data therefrom;
d. a power control assembly comprising plural switches which, when closed in a pre-determined sequence during a pre-determined time period, provide power directly or indirectly to the arming device, in which the plural switches comprise (i) a non-momentary switch, (ii) a momentary switch, and (iii) an arm enable switch covered by a movable cover; and
e. a first countermeasure (i) configured for direct or indirect connection to or integration into the vehicle and (ii) comprising a first mass ejectable relative to the vehicle following command of the arming device.
12. A force-countering system according to claim 11 in which power is provided to the arming device when the non-momentary switch is closed first, the momentary switch is closed second, and the arm enable switch is closed third.
13. A force-countering system according to claim 12 in which power is provided to the arming device when the non-momentary switch is closed first, the momentary switch is closed second, and the arm enable switch is closed third within 0.5-6 seconds after closure of the momentary switch.
14. A force-countering system for a vehicle, comprising:
a. first and second sensors configured (i) for direct or indirect connection to or integration into the vehicle and (ii) to sense an acceleration of the vehicle;
b. a processor directly or indirectly communicating with the first and second sensors so as to receive data therefrom;
c. an arming device directly or indirectly communicating with the processor so as to receive data therefrom;
d. a power control assembly comprising plural switches which, when closed in a pre-determined sequence during a pre-determined time period, provide power directly or indirectly to the arming device;
e. a first countermeasure (i) configured for direct or indirect connection to or integration into the vehicle and (ii) comprising a first cartridge comprising a first housing containing a first charge and a first mass ejectable relative to the vehicle following command of the arming device; and
f. a second countermeasure (i) configured for direct or indirect connection to or integration into the vehicle, (ii) comprising a second cartridge comprising a second housing containing a second charge and a second mass ejectable relative to the vehicle following command of the arming device, the second mass being ejectable independently of the first mass.
15. A force-countering system according to claim 14 further comprising third and fourth countermeasures.
16. A force-countering system according to claim 15 in which each of the first, second, third, and fourth countermeasures comprises multiple cartridges.
17. A force-countering system according to claim 16 further comprising first, second, third, and fourth banks of barrels for containing, respectively, the first, second, third, and fourth countermeasures.