May 12, 2026

US12624928 - Explosively formed active water barrier RPG protection system and method for maritime vessels

Disclosed is a method and system to provide protection for maritime vessels from multiple threat types including shoulder launched rocket propelled threats, ballistic (howitzer), and larger scale missile systems. According to an exemplary embodiment, the protection system is based on the ballistic launch (from the protected vessel) of an explosive charge(s) aimed ˜5 meters away from the vessel and ˜1 meter beneath the waterline followed by detonation to enable the formation of a water wall. Through the formation of a water wall, incident threats can be initiated (piezo fuze) and passivated through dynamic interaction with the water formation. In addition, the upward velocity of the water wall can enable an upwards rotation of the incident threat changing the orientation of the warhead jet formation (for shape charge warheads) above the vessel.

Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
Inventors: Raymond Gamache, William G. Szymczak
Filing date: 2023-01-05

defensemilitaryexplosiveprotection

The patent describes an active defense system for maritime vessels that utilizes a launcher to deploy an explosive charge underwater, creating a protective water barrier against various threats such as rockets and missiles. This system integrates infrared detection and radar tracking to optimize the timing and positioning of the explosive detonation, enhancing the vessel’s defensive capabilities.

Claim 1

1 . An active defense system comprising: a launcher configured to launch an explosive countermeasure into water; an active infrared (IR) detection device configured to detect a target projectile and cue a radar; the radar configured to track the target projectile; and a targeting system configured to enable the launcher, based at least in part on detection of the target projectile, an interception position, and an engagement window timing, wherein the explosive countermeasure is configured to detonate at a target distance and form a water barrier. a launcher configured to launch an explosive countermeasure into water; an active infrared (IR) detection device configured to detect a target projectile and cue a radar; the radar configured to track the target projectile; and a targeting system configured to enable the launcher, based at least in part on detection of the target projectile, an interception position, and an engagement window timing, wherein the explosive countermeasure is configured to detonate at a target distance and form a water barrier.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12624928

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12624928