Methods and apparatuses for detecting and neutralizing remotely activated explosives

Abstract

A system and apparatus for detecting and neutralizing remotely activated explosive devices in a combat zone, especially one of relatively limited geographic area such as an urban setting. The apparatus is configured for mounting on or within an airborne drone and includes both transmitting and receiving circuits and antennas. The apparatus detects radio transmissions by analyzing received signals using standard RF direction finding techniques and a spectrum analyzer or other signal processing circuitry. Signals may be classified as threats using predetermined criteria, and the direction of threat signals may be assessed to allow for a determination of an enemy position from which an explosive is to be detonated. The apparatus also transmits a jamming signal which may serve to detonate devices within the dynamic RF footprint of the transmitting antenna. The drone also includes a highly directional low frequency audio device which is periodically directed randomly and at suspected enemy positions.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A system for locating and destroying explosive devices comprising:
 a remotely controllable mobile support element including transmitter, receiver, and disrupter sections;   said transmitter section including a transmitting antenna configured to broadcast a detonation signal over a predetermined area;   said receiver section including a receiving antenna array configured to receive RF signals over a wide bandwidth;   said disruptor section including an acoustic device for emitting a pressure wave;   a microprocessor positioned within said mobile support element and connected to send control signals to, and receive operating data from said transmitter, receiver, and disruptor sections;   a control means associated with said mobile support element and adapted for receiving said operating data, said control means also adapted for sending said control signals to said transmitter, receiver, and disruptor sections; and,   a base station including means for receiving and storing said operating data from said control means.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12  wherein said system includes at least two of said remotely controllable mobile support elements, each of said mobile support elements associated with a corresponding one of said control means;
 said receiving and storing means at the base station adapted for receiving and storing combined operating data from said at least two remotely controllable mobile support elements, said base station including means for broadcasting said combined operating data to each of said corresponding control means.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein said pressure wave is of sufficient energy to detonate pressure or impact sensitive explosive devices. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13  wherein said detonation signal is broadcast over a predetermined range of frequencies, said predetermined range of frequencies modified in accordance with said combined operational data. 
     
     
         16 . The system of claim  1  wherein said control means is positioned within a vehicle, said control means adapted for manual entry of operational data.