WO2016079747A1

WO2016079747A1 - Delivery of intelligence gathering devices

Info

Publication number: WO2016079747A1
Application number: PCT/IL2015/051127
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yariv GERSON
Original assignee: Gerson Yariv
Priority date: 2014-11-23
Filing date: 2015-11-23
Publication date: 2016-05-26

Abstract

A deployment system for terrestrial intelligence gathering devices, comprising: a long range carrier such as a missile or aircraft or the like to carry the device towards the target deployment location; and a deployment container containing an intelligence gathering device and held by the long range deployment subsystem for release at altitude; the deployment container having a descending and landing mechanism to gently and accurately land the intelligence gathering device at or near the target deployment location, the deployment container configured to release the device upon landing for deployment.

Description

DELIVERY OF INTELLIGENCE GATHERING DEVICES

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to delivery of intelligence gathering devices and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to their delivery into hostile territory.

Modern defense strategies require the gathering of intelligence, whether during actual hostilities or during periods of calm, and electronic sensors and signal interception devices are an important part of the intelligence gathering process. Intelligence gathering may be carried out by the planting of intelligence gathering devices in hostile locations or the sending of intelligence gathering devices to hostile territory. The intelligence gathering devices may use one or more sensors or interception devices, for example optical or infra-red cameras, broadcast interception devices, interception devices for electronic signals in general, in particular terrestrial manmade or artificial signals, and radar equipment. In addition, the intelligence gathering devices may be stationary, portable or mobile, such as robots, unmanned boats, unmanned aerial vehicle or unmanned land vehicles.

Placing of the equipment in hostile territory requires use of soldiers or agents and thus endangers personnel. In addition other resources, such as aircraft, ships or submarines may be required to put men and equipment in position, not only endangering them but also denying the resources for other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiments provide for the delivery of the intelligence gathering device into enemy territory by means of launching, for example on a missile. Intelligence can then be gathered by the device and transmitted back to home territory. The device may gather optical or infra-red data, or may intercept electromagnetic signals, or may use radar or may illuminate targets with a laser beam to guide incoming fire. The device may subsequently be left in position or may self-destruct.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a deployment system for terrestrial intelligence gathering devices, comprising: a long range carrier configured to carry the device toward the target deployment location; and

a deployment container containing an intelligence gathering device and held within or by the long range carrier deployment subsystem for release at altitude the deployment container being configured with a descending and landing mechanism to gently and accurately land the intelligence gathering device at or near the target deployment location, the deployment container configured to release the device upon landing.

In an embodiment, the long range carrier comprises one member of the group consisting of a missile, a ballistic missile, a cruise missile, an aircraft, a fighter aircraft, a cargo aircraft, and a helicopter.

In an embodiment, the long range carrier comprises a platform carrier and a launchable carrier.

In an embodiment, the platform carrier comprises one member of the group consisting of an aircraft a fighter aircraft, a cargo aircraft, a helicopter, a ship, and a submarine and the launchable carrier comprises one member of the group consisting of a missile, a ballistic missile, and a cruise missile.

In an embodiment, the long range carrier comprises a high speed launchable vehicle and wherein the descending and landing mechanism comprises a speed absorption mechanism.

In an embodiment, the speed absorption mechanism comprises re-entry capability.

In an embodiment, the speed absorption mechanism comprises one member of the group consisting of a container geometry, air braking mechanism and one or more parachutes.

An embodiment may comprise a lander releasably held in the deployment container and configured to contain the intelligence gathering device during the landing, the lander configured to release the device upon landing.

In an embodiment, the container/descending and landing mechanism comprises a glider.

In an embodiment, either one of the container and the lander comprises a steering & guidance system. In an embodiment, the guidance system comprises one member of the group consisting of an inertial guidance system, a laser guidance system, an optical/image recognition based guidance system, a radio based navigation system, a radar based guidance system, a satellite-based navigation system and a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, either one of the deployment container and the lander comprises a parachute.

In an embodiment, the deployment container or the lander comprises a parachute detaching mechanism configured to detach the parachute at an altitude above ground prior to landing.

In an embodiment, the deployment container comprises a roll up mechanism configured to roll up the parachute for stowage after landing.

An embodiment may include a cushion for softening a landing.

In an embodiment, the parachuting comprises using guidance to guide steering during the parachuting.

In an embodiment, either one of the deployment container and the lander comprises a float for deployment of the device on water.

In an embodiment, the deployment container or the lander comprises a geometrical configuration that defines a predetermined landing orientation for either one of the container and the lander.

In an embodiment, either one of the deployment container and the lander comprises a righting mechanism for placing itself in an upright orientation upon landing.

An embodiment may provide an unmanned vehicle carrying the intelligence gathering portable device or integrated with the device to form a mobile device, either one of the deployment container and the lander being configured to release the vehicle upon landing.

An embodiment may comprise an unmanned vehicle carrying the intelligence gathering portable device or integrated with the device to form a mobile device and a stationary base, either one of the deployment container and the lander being configured to release the vehicle and deploy the base upon landing.

In an embodiment, the base comprises a mechanism for recharging the vehicle and either one of the portable and the mobile intelligence gathering device. In an embodiment, the base comprises a mechanism for communication and relay between either one of the intelligence gathering portable and mobile device and a home base.

In an embodiment, the unmanned vehicle is configured to place the intelligence gathering portable Device in a location for carrying out the intelligence gathering.

In an embodiment, the unmanned vehicle is configured to carry the intelligence gathering Mobile or portable device over an intelligence gathering path.

In an embodiment, the intelligence gathering device comprises a mast and wherein at least one sensor is raisable on the mast to a surveillance position.

In an embodiment, the unmanned vehicle comprises a mast and wherein at least one sensor is raisable on the mast to a surveillance position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a deployment method for terrestrial intelligence gathering devices, comprising:

initially deploying the device by carrying the device in an initial deployment vehicle towards a target deployment location; and

finely deploying the device by releasing the device from the initial deployment vehicle in a deployment container;

softly landing the deployment container at or near the target deployment location; and

releasing the device from the deployment container upon landing, to carry out intelligence gathering form the target deployment location.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a deployment system for terrestrial intelligence gathering devices, comprising:

a long range carrier configured to carry the device towards the target deployment location; and

a deployment container containing a lander, the deployment container held within or by the long range deployment subsystem for release at altitude ; and

a lander releasably held in the deployment container and configured to gently and accurately land the intelligence gathering device at or near the target deployment location upon release from the container, the lander configured to release the device upon landing. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof using an operating system.

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced. In the drawings:

Fig. 1A is a simplified block diagram showing deployment of an intelligence- gathering device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. IB is a simplified block diagram showing deployment of an intelligence- gathering device according to a variation of the embodiment of Fig. 1 A;

Fig. 1C is a simplified block diagram showing deployment of an intelligence- gathering device according to a further variation of the embodiment of Fig. 1 A;

Fig. 2A is a simplified block diagram showing the container of Fig. 1A in greater detail;

Fig. 2B is a simplified block diagram showing the container and lander of Fig.

IB in greater detail;

Fig. 3A is a simplified block diagram showing a stationary version of the intelligence-gathering device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3B is a simplified block diagram showing a vehicle for carrying a portable version of the intelligence-gathering device at the target area according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3C is a simplified block diagram showing a version which includes a device and vehicle which are integrated to form a self propelled or mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3D is a simplified block diagram showing a version which includes a mobile device or a vehicle for carrying a portable device and further including a stationary segment comprising a base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a simplified flow chart showing a deployment process according to the present embodiments;

Fig. 5 is a simplified diagram showing a scenario in which a device according to the present embodiments is deployed from a ballistic missile;

Fig. 6 is a simplified diagram showing use of a gliding container delivering an intelligence gathering device from a ballistic missile to a landing site according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a simplified diagram illustrating delivery of an intelligence gathering device using a cruise missile; Fig. 8 is a simplified diagram illustrating alternative ways of delivering an intelligence gathering device to a target area from a fighter aircraft, according to embodiments of the present invention; and

Fig. 9 is a simplified diagram illustrating different ways of providing command and control and retrieving data from intelligence gathering devices (mobile, portable and stationary) according to the present embodiments. The figure also shows devices being used as base stations for mobile devices or vehicles carrying portable devices and the use of relays to communicate with home. The above creates an ad hoc intelligence network in enemy territory. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiments relate to standoff launch and release, in the terrestrial environment, of intelligence gathering devices and to gathering intelligence from the devices. The intelligence gathering devices may be remotely controlled or they may be autonomous.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1A illustrates a deployment system 10 for terrestrial intelligence gathering devices. A long range carrier 12 may be any kind of vehicle that can carry a payload reliably over a significant range in or into enemy territory. Typical Long Range Carriers may include a ballistic missile with a guidance system, a cruise missile, an aircraft, such as a fighter aircraft or other warplane, a cargo aircraft, or a helicopter. An unmanned drone aircraft may be considered but will probably not have the capability to carry such payloads. A projectile launched from a gun may also be considered for suitable ranges but will probably not have the capability to carry such payloads and also has the disadvantage that the payload must be resistant to the very high forces at launch.

The purpose of the long range carrier 12 is to carry the device over a significant range and into relative proximity of the target deployment location and then release the device typically within a deployment container 14. The container may be released at high speed and at altitude and may include a descending & Landing mechanism 16 to gently and accurately land the intelligence gathering device at or near the target deployment location. The container may open to release the intelligence gathering device 18 upon landing.

Reference is now made to Fig. IB, which is a schematic block diagram showing a variation of the system of Fig. 1A. In Fig. IB, parts which are the same as in Fig. 1A are given the same reference numerals and are not described again except as needed for an understanding of the present embodiment.

In Fig. IB the container is released from the long range carrier as before. However the container has no landing system of its own. Instead, at a predetermined location or altitude or speed, the container 14 opens to release a lander 19. The lander is not released until the speed has been significantly reduced and thus the lander does not have to absorb significant levels of velocity, which task may be left to the container. The lander may open a parachute to ensure a soft landing, and in an embodiment may release the parachute at a preset altitude before landing, to ensure that the parachute does not land on top of the lander and interfere with operation.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1C, which is a schematic block diagram showing another embodiment of the system. In Fig. 1C, parts which are the same as in previous Figs, are given the same reference numerals and are not described again except as needed for an understanding of the present embodiment.

In fig. 1C the long range carrier includes 2 carriers: a platform carrier 11 and a launchable carrier 13. The launchable carrier is carried by the platform carrier and launched, thus, greater ranges of carriage can be achieved. Typical platform carriers 11 for this embodiment may include an aircraft, such as a fighter aircraft or other warplane, cargo aircraft, or helicopter, or a ship, or a submarine. Typical launched carriers may include a ballistic missile, and a cruise missile. Reference is now made to Fig. 2A, which is a block diagram showing in greater detail the container 14 of Fig. 1A.

The container may be released from a high speed long range carrier 12 such as a ballistic missile. In such a case the container may comprise a speed absorption mechanism 22 to slow down after release. Speed absorption mechanisms may include the container geometry, which may generally be shaped to slow down travel through air or to glide and thus achieve greater range of deployment. Additionally or alternatively, an air braking mechanism may be provided. Forms of air braking mechanisms are extendable surfaces, a parachute and wings (fixed or extendible or rotary). A system of one or more parachutes may be deployed at preset altitudes or preset airspeeds or preset location to slow down the container.

The landing system 16 may further include a soft landing subsystem 20 to ensure that the container lands gently on the ground, irrespective of the altitude at which it is released. The term "gently" as used herein means landing with an impact that is less than the maximum design impact of the device being deployed so that the device is not damaged, and need not equate to what a human would regard as gentle. The soft landing subsystem is not independent of the speed absorption mechanism as air brakes and parachutes may carry out both functions.

In one embodiment the soft landing mechanism may comprise one or more wings for landing. In a further embodiment a motor may be included so that powered flight is used to land the container. The wings may be fixed or rotary.

As well as parachutes and air-braking mechanisms, the soft landing mechanism may include a cushion. The cushion can be inflatable.

In an embodiment the parachutes are detached prior to landing so that the device is not inadvertently covered by the parachute and rendered inoperable.

In an embodiment, the container may include its own steering and guidance system 24. The guidance system may be independent of the long range carrier. Guidance systems may include an inertial guidance system, a laser guidance system, an optical/image recognition based guidance system, a radio based guidance system such as TACAN, a radar based guidance system, a satellite based guidance system such as GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and IRNASS systems or other guidance methods and combination of such systems. In some cases the Device may be intended for deployment on water. In such a case the deployment container may include a float, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

The container may comprise a geometrical configuration that defines a predetermined landing orientation.

Additionally or alternatively, the container may include a righting mechanism 26 for placing itself in an upright orientation upon landing. As a further variation, the device 18 carried within the container may be able to turn itself upright if necessary. The righting mechanism may comprise a system of extractable legs. Alternatively, the container may be in the form of a specific shape with walls that open, so that it is always thrown onto the base when the walls open.

The container may have an opening, or may open by splitting or by unfolding itself.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2B, which is a block diagram showing in greater detail the container 14 and the lander 19 of Fig. IB.

The container is released from the long range carrier as before. However the container has no landing system of its own. Instead, at a predetermined altitude or speed or location, the container 14 opens to release a Lander 19. The lander is not released until the speed has been significantly reduced and thus the lander does not have to absorb significant levels of velocity, which task may be left to the container.

In this embodiment the container, together with the lander, carry out the functionality as described above for Fig. 2A.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3A which is a simplified block diagram illustrating in greater detail the device 18 of Fig. 1A. The device is released from the lander 19 or container 14 upon landing, and may need to set itself upright or be pointed in the right direction using optional orientation mechanism 31. As a further variation, the righting mechanism may comprise a system of extractable legs. Alternatively, the device 18 may be packed within an envelope in a specific shape, with walls that open, so that it is always thrown onto the base when the walls open.

The Device may include a mast and elevation subsystem 34. The Intelligence gathering Sensor 28 may simply be raised up the mast to begin surveillance. Depending on the circumstances the Device 18 may have only some of the subsystems mentioned. For example, if the lander is self-uprighting, then the device may not need its own uprighting mechanism. In some cases, for example if the device is placed on top of a hill, elevation is not required.

The device may be equipped with one or more Intelligence gathering sensors 28. The sensors may be optical or IR sensors. The optical sensors may include optical night vision sensors. Interception sensors may include SIGINT devices for intercepting EM signals, ELINT for intercepting radar, and COMINT for intercepting communications. The sensor can be a radar, or, in the case of a waterborne device, sonar for monitoring say submarine traffic.

The device may be battery powered, and some arrangement may be made for recharging the battery. Alternatively the device may include solar panels, although this has the disadvantage of exposing the device and making it easy to find.

Typically the device may have a communication system 36 through which the intelligence information gathered by the device may be sent to a home base and command and control may be received in order to operate the device.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3B which is a simplified block diagram of a variation of the device 18 which includes a vehicle 30 for carrying the intelligence gathering sensors 28 and other subsystems of the portable or mobile device. Typical vehicles may include an unmanned ground vehicle, unmanned aerial vehicle (fixed wing or rotary wing), and an unmanned boat. The vehicle may have a movement/propulsion/robotics subsystem 32. The movement/propulsion/robotics subsystem 32 may allow the Vehicle to move, using wheels chains or legs, or a propeller, the latter if in water or in air.

The vehicle is intended to place the intelligence gathering portable device in a location for carrying out the intelligence gathering, for example to find a concealed place with a view of the location to be surveyed or where target signals can be intercepted. Alternatively, the device may be intended to gather intelligence from several locations or while on the move along a surveillance path. In such a case the vehicle carries the portable device over the route between the locations or on the intelligence gathering, or surveillance path. Reference is now made to Fig. 3C which is a simplified block diagram of a variation in which the vehicle and the portable device are integrated into a single structure, to produce a self-propelled or mobile device 38.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3D which is a simplified block diagram of a variation which includes a mobile device 38 or a vehicle 30 for carrying the portable device and a base 37.

The vehicle 30, portable device and mobile device 38, due to their limited size and weight may have power for a short time of operation and a short range of communication. The base 37 will serve as relay for communication with the home base and for recharging the device and vehicle with energy. The base may be battery powered, and some arrangement may be made for recharging the battery. Alternatively the base may include solar panels, although this has the disadvantage of exposing the base and making it easy to find.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which is a flow chart illustrating the process of delivering an intelligence gathering Device to hostile territory to carry out intelligence gathering according to an embodiment of the present invention. A ballistic missile, cruise missile, aircraft etc is launched 42 from friendly territory and reaches a predetermined location in or near enemy territory. Alternatively, a missile (ballistic or cruise) is launched from an aircraft, ship, submarine, etc and reaches a predetermined location in or near enemy territory. A container is released 44 from the missile, aircraft etc and descends to a landing point 48. The container may itself land or may release a lander 46. The container or lander opens to release 50 the stationary or mobile device, or a vehicle carrying the portable device on the ground, in the air or in water.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is a simplified flow chart illustrating the process of deploying a terrestrial intelligence gathering device in hostile territory according to embodiments of the present invention.

A capsule (used as a container 14) carrying the device, may be located within a missile (used as a long range carrier), typically in the space reserved for the warhead. Initially the missile is launched 60, and the missile's engine puts the missile in the appropriate trajectory. At a predetermined point 62, typically after the missile's engines have cut out, the missile releases a capsule (used as a container 14) which slows down due to descent within the atmosphere. It is noted that the capsule may have been released at a very high altitude and speed, requiring re-entry into the atmosphere. In such a case the capsule is provided with re-entry capability. At a certain point a parachute opens 64 and slows the capsule down to landing speed. The parachute may have steering capability which may be controlled by the capsule and the capsule's guidance system, thus enabling landing at a precise location. The parachute may be detached just before landing 66 and the stationary or mobile device or vehicle carrying the portable device exits the capsule and deploys.

In an embodiment the capsule releases a sub-capsule or a lander or the device itself, which, upon release, is left to land separately. The released component may use, or may also use, a parachute.

In addition to or instead of, a parachute, a cushion may expand to absorb the landing shock.

Landing may be guided in order to land on a precise location using a steerable parachute, jet propulsion, a powered propeller or simply aerodynamic steering.

Reference is now made to Fig. 6, which is a simplified flow chart illustrating the process of deploying a terrestrial intelligence gathering device in hostile territory according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Initially a missile is launched 70, and the missile's engines may put the missile in the appropriate trajectory. At a predetermined point 72 the missile releases a glider 74, which serves as container 14 to carry the device 18. The glider slows down due to its descent through the atmosphere, and in the case of release at very high altitude and speed, it may have re-entry capability. At a certain point a parachute opens 76 and slows the glider down to landing speed to give a precise and controlled landing. As before, the parachute can be detached just before landing 66 and the stationary or mobile device or vehicle carrying the portable device exits the container and deploys.

Alternatively the glider may carry a lander 19 that contains the device 18. The glider releases the lander at low altitude and low speed 78. The lander may then be brought gently to land at a precise point with a parachute.

Reference is now made to Fig. 7, which is a simplified flow chart illustrating the process of deploying a terrestrial intelligence gathering device in hostile territory according to embodiments of the present invention. In the scenario of Fig. 7, a cruise missile is used as the long range carrier 12. The cruise missile 80 typically follows a programmed path and approaches the delivery site. The cruise missile can fly low and may optionally increase altitude 82 before deploying a parachute 84 to give itself a soft and precise landing. Without increasing altitude the parachute may be ineffective. Upon landing, the stationary or mobile device or vehicle carrying the Portable device is released. In this embodiment the cruise missile is used as a long range carrier 12 and as a container 14 with landing capability 16.

As an alternative, at predetermined point 86 the cruise missile releases a container 14 and a parachute opens, which brings the container to a soft landing at a precise point. The parachute is detached just before landing 88 and the stationary or mobile device or vehicle carrying the portable device exits the container and deploys.

Reference is now made to Fig. 8, which is a simplified flow chart illustrating the process of deploying a terrestrial intelligence gathering device in hostile territory according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

In the scenario of Fig. 8, a fighter aircraft 90 is used as the long range carrier.

The device itself may conveniently be stored in the container which is installed on the aircraft as an under-wing store. The container can be ballistic 92 or gliding 94. The container is released from the aircraft and arcs or glides its way down until it reaches a predetermined point or height 96, at which point a parachute is deployed 98 to give the container a soft and precise landing. Upon landing the stationary or mobile device or vehicle carrying the sensor is released 100.

As an alternative, at predetermined point or height 96 the container opens 102 to release a lander and a parachute opens 106 which brings the lander to a soft and precise landing. The parachute can be detached just before landing 100 and the stationary or mobile device or vehicle carrying the portable device exits the lander and deploys.

As well as a fighter aircraft, a cargo aircraft or helicopter can be used, in which case the container may be carried inside the fuselage and released through opening doors.

Reference is now made to Fig. 9, which is a simplified diagram illustrating a scenario in which mobile, portable and stationary devices according to the present embodiments have been deployed, are gathering intelligence, receive command and control and communicate the intelligence back. A portable intelligence gathering device 18 mounted on a vehicle 110 transmits intelligence to and receives instructions from home station 122 through relay AC 116 or satellite 118. Base station 112 transmits instructions and receives intelligence from a mobile device fixed wing drone 114. Base station 112 is in two-way communication with its home station 122, on home territory through aircraft 116 or satellite 118, serving as relays. An unmanned boat mounted with intelligence gathering Portable device 120 is in two way communication with home station 122 on home territory. Base station 124 is in two way communication, receiving intelligence and sending instructions to hovering rotary wing drones 126 and/or 128 and sending the intelligence and receiving instructions from home station 122. Stationary device 125 gathers intelligence, sending the intelligence and receiving instructions from home station 122.

The devices, whether intelligence gathering or base station devices, may have data storage capacity, allowing them to gather the data and transmit later on.

The use of such devices as relay stations or base stations for other devices provides a way to create an ad hoc intelligence gathering network in enemy territory.

The devices may have a stationary part or base and a portable or mobile part mounted onto or integrated into a vehicle. The stationary part may be used to recharge or refuel the mobile or portable part. For example a base station may have a rotary wing drone that could fly away and come back to obtain a new battery or battery charge. The stationary part can also be used for long range communication with home as the mobile or portable device may have a short communication range.

Devices may be put in position and left dormant until woken up by an appropriate signal.

At the end of the intelligence gathering operations the devices may be gathered, or may self-destruct or may simply be left in position. A terrestrial device on the ground may self-destruct by means of an explosion, a marine device may be exploded or sunk, and a flying device may be crashed or exploded.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant kinds of aircraft, missile, drone, and intelligence gathering devices and sensors and guidance and navigation systems will be developed and the scopes of the corresponding terms are intended to include all such new technologies a priori. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term "consisting of means "including and limited to".

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment, and the above description is to be construed as if this combination were explicitly written. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention, and the above description is to be construed as if these separate embodiments were explicitly written. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A deployment system for terrestrial intelligence gathering devices, comprising: a long range carrier configured to carry the device toward the target deployment location; and

a deployment container containing an intelligence gathering device and held within or by the long range carrier deployment subsystem for release at altitude the deployment container being configured with a descending and landing mechanism to gently and accurately land said intelligence gathering device at or near said target deployment location, the deployment container configured to release said device upon landing.

2. The deployment system of claim 1, wherein said long range carrier comprises one member of the group consisting of a missile, a ballistic missile, a cruise missile, an aircraft, a fighter aircraft, a cargo aircraft, and a helicopter.

3. The deployment system of claim 1, wherein said long range carrier comprises a platform carrier and a launchable carrier.

4. The deployment system of claim 3, wherein said platform carrier comprises one member of the group consisting of an aircraft a fighter aircraft, a cargo aircraft, a helicopter, a ship, and a submarine and said launchable carrier comprises one member of the group consisting of a missile, a ballistic missile, and a cruise missile.

5. The deployment system of claim 1, wherein said long range carrier comprises a high speed launchable vehicle and wherein said descending and landing mechanism comprises a speed absorption mechanism.

6. The deployment system of claim 5, wherein said speed absorption mechanism comprises re-entry capability.

7. The deployment system of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said speed absorption mechanism comprises one member of the group consisting of a container geometry, air braking mechanism and one or more parachutes.

8. The deployment system of claim 1, further comprising a lander releasably held in said deployment container and configured to contain said intelligence gathering device during said landing, the lander configured to release said device upon landing.

9. The deployment system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container comprises a glider.

10. The deployment system of claim 1 or claim 8, wherein either one of said container and said lander comprises a steering & guidance system.

11. The deployment system of claim 10, wherein said guidance system comprises one member of the group consisting of an inertial guidance system, a laser guidance system, an optical/image recognition based guidance system, a radio based navigation system, a radar based guidance system, a satellite-based navigation system and a combination thereof.

12. The deployment system of claim 1 or claim 8, wherein either one of said deployment container and said lander comprises a parachute.

13. The deployment system of claim 12, wherein said deployment container or said lander comprises a parachute detaching mechanism configured to detach said parachute at an altitude above ground prior to landing.

14. The deployment system of claim 12, wherein said deployment container or said lander comprises a roll up mechanism configured to roll up the parachute for stowage after landing.

15. The deployment system of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cushion for softening a landing.

16. The deployment system of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said parachuting comprises using guidance to guide steering during said parachuting.

17. The deployment system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein either one of said deployment container and said lander comprises a float for deployment of said device on water.

18. The deployment system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said deployment container or said lander comprises a geometrical configuration that defines a predetermined landing orientation for either one of said container and said lander.

19. The deployment system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein either one of said deployment container and said lander comprises a righting mechanism for placing itself in an upright orientation upon landing.

20. The deployment subsystem of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an unmanned vehicle carrying said intelligence gathering portable device or integrated with the device to form a mobile device, either one of said deployment container and said lander being configured to release said vehicle upon landing.

21. The deployment subsystem of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an unmanned vehicle carrying said intelligence gathering portable device or integrated with the device to form a mobile device and a stationary base, either one of said deployment container and said lander being configured to release said vehicle and deploy the base upon landing.

22. The deployment subsystem of claim 21, wherein said base comprises a mechanism for recharging said vehicle and either one of said portable and said mobile intelligence gathering device.

23. The deployment subsystem of claim 21, or 22, wherein said base comprises a mechanism for communication and relay between either one of said intelligence gathering portable and mobile device and a home base.

24. The deployment subsystem of either one of claims 20 and 21, wherein said unmanned vehicle is configured to place said intelligence gathering portable device in a location for carrying out said intelligence gathering.

25. The deployment subsystem of either one of claim 20 and 21, wherein said unmanned vehicle is configured to carry said intelligence gathering Mobile or portable device over an intelligence gathering path.

26. The deployment subsystem of claim 1, wherein said intelligence gathering device comprises a mast and wherein at least one sensor is raisable on said mast to a surveillance position.

27. The deployment subsystem of either one of claims 20 or claim 21, wherein said unmanned vehicle comprises a mast and wherein at least one sensor is raisable on said mast to a surveillance position.

28. A deployment method for terrestrial intelligence gathering devices, comprising: initially deploying the device by carrying the device in an initial deployment vehicle towards a target deployment location; and

softly landing the deployment container at or near said target deployment location; and

releasing said device from said deployment container upon landing, to carry out intelligence gathering form said target deployment location.

29. The deployment method of claim 28, wherein said initial deployment vehicle comprises one member of the group consisting of a missile, a ballistic missile, a cruise missile, an aircraft, a fighter aircraft, a cargo aircraft, and a helicopter.

30. The deployment method of claim 29, wherein said initial deployment vehicle comprises a high speed launchable vehicle and wherein said deployment container comprises a speed absorption mechanism.

31. The deployment method of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein said speed absorption mechanism comprises re-entry capability.

32. The deployment method of claim 30 or claim 31, wherein said speed absorption mechanism comprises one member of the group consisting of a container geometry, air braking mechanism and one or more parachutes.

33. The deployment method of any one of claims 28 to claim 32, wherein said deploying comprises gliding.

34. The deployment method of any one of claims 28 to 33, further comprising a lander releasably held in said deployment container to contain said intelligence gathering device during said landing, the lander releasing said device upon landing.

35. The deployment method of any one of claims 28 to 34, wherein either one of said deployment container and said lander comprises a steering and guidance system.

36. The deployment method of any one of claims 28 to 35, wherein said landing comprises parachuting.

37. The deployment method of claim 36, wherein said parachuting comprises detaching said parachute at an altitude above ground prior to landing.

38. The method of claim 36, further comprising rolling up the parachute for stowage after landing.

39. The deployment method of any one of claims 28 to 38, comprising inflating a cushion for softening a landing.

40. The deployment method of claim 36, wherein said parachuting comprises using guidance to guide steering during said parachuting.

41. The deployment method of any one of claims 28 to 40, comprising providing a float for deployment of said device on water.

42. The deployment method of any one of claims 28 to 41, comprising providing at least one of said deployment container and said lander with a geometrical configuration that defines a predetermined landing orientation for said capsule.

43. The deployment method of any one of claims 28 to 42, comprising placing either one of said deployment container and said lander in an upright orientation upon landing.

44. The deployment method of any one of claims 28 to 43, further comprising providing a terrestrial unmanned vehicle for carrying said device, said device being a portable intelligence gathering device or integrated with the vehicle to form a mobile device, and releasing said terrestrial unmanned vehicle from either one of said deployment container and said lander upon landing.

45. The deployment method of any one of claims 28 to 44, comprising providing an unmanned vehicle carrying said intelligence gathering portable device or integrated with the said device to form a mobile device and a stationary base, either one of said deployment container and said lander being configured to release said vehicle and deploy the base upon landing.

46. The deployment method of claim 44 or claim 45, comprising transporting said intelligence gathering device on said terrestrial vehicle to a location for carrying out said intelligence gathering.

47. The deployment method of claim 44 or claim 45, wherein said terrestrial vehicle is an unmanned vehicle with sensors, the method comprising transporting said intelligence gathering device over an intelligence gathering path.

48. The deployment method of any one of claims 28 to 47, wherein said intelligence gathering device comprises a mast, the method comprising raising at least one sensor on said mast to a surveillance position.

49. The deployment method of claim 44, or claim 45, wherein said terrestrial vehicle comprises a mast, the method comprising raising at least one sensor on said mast to a surveillance position.

50. A deployment system for terrestrial intelligence gathering devices, comprising: a long range carrier configured to carry the device towards the target deployment location; and

a lander releasably held in said deployment container and configured to gently and accurately land said intelligence gathering device at or near said target deployment location upon release from said container, the lander configured to release said device upon landing.