Decoy

FIELD

The present invention relates to decoys, particularly to foldable decoys for military purposes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS

Military decoys can be fabricated to its shape by for example, using glass- or carbon-fibre composites with added elements providing spectral signature at number of electromagnetic radiation bands, such as thermal infrared and radar bands. With such a technique, the military decoys can resemble exactly to their original counterparts and produce a credible spectral fingerprint. However, transporting require a towing equipment, storing requires a lot of space, and they are very expensive.

Another well known decoy technology is to use inflatables. Such decoys are easy to transport, require a little space for storing, and can be equipped with spectral fingerprint producing elements. The problem related to these is that they are not credible under modern military surveillance technologies. They are producing rounded edges, which affect to their spectral signature and they are vulnerable against elements. In addition, compressed air is needed to produce the decoy.

Third option is to use a frame covered by a sheet or a web to create an object that resembles to an original military vehicle or other equipment. Such decoys have credible size and shape when observed over a far distance, they are cheap, lightweight and easy to transport. Further, spectral attributes can be produced with add-on elements. They also require a little space for storing. However, building up such a frame with required size (a size of a typical military vehicle is about 7×3×3.5 m) is rather complicated and requires many parts. Further, the spectral response may be limited, and it does not tolerate medium or close distance observation.

An object of the present invention is thus to provide a decoy for military purposes, which decoy provides a solution at least some of the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a decoy, which is easy to transport, assemble and disassemble, and require a little space for storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a decoy comprising a support structure comprising a plurality of support modules, each of which support modules comprises a plurality of support panels fixedly or hingedly attached together, and a cover structure configured to be joined with the support structure, which cover structure comprises at least one cover module, which cover module comprises a plurality of cover panels hingedly attached together. The plurality of support modules are spaced apart from each other, and the plurality of support panels and/or the plurality of cover panels are configured to be folded between an operational state and a folded state.

Some embodiments may include one or more features from the following itemized list:

- the plurality of the support modules each form a closed perimeter when in the operational state
- the plurality of the support modules cover an area, when observed in an observing dimension, and the at least one cover module covers the area, when observed in the observing dimension
- the plurality of the support modules comprises at least two parts comprising a plurality of support panels, which parts are connected to each other by quick release fasteners
- the plurality of support modules have at least one open side in the operational state
- the plurality of support modules are integrated together by at least one holder
- the plurality of support modules are further integrated together by at least one holder in one or more than one dimension
- the plurality of support modules are spaced apart from the cover structure
- the plurality of support modules comprise reinforcing structures inside the support modules
- the at least one holder comprises a plurality of openings that form an assembly jig for the support modules
- the at least one assembly jig comprises legs
- the plurality of support modules comprises legs
- the cover structure comprises a plurality of cover modules which are overlapping with each other
- the decoy comprises at least one side structure attached to at least one side of the support structure
- the at least one side structure covers another side of the decoy than the cover structure does
- the at least one side structure is attached to at least one side of the support structure by quick release fasteners or lock-to-shape structures
- the plurality of support modules comprises hingedly attached side panels
- the cover structure is attached on the support structure by quick release fasteners or lock-to-shape structures
- the support structure comprises a male counterpart and the cover structure comprises a female counterpart of the connection between the support structure and the cover structure
- the decoy comprises comprising additional components characteristic to the original counter part of the decoy, such as a turret, a pipe, a launcher system, a radar, a tank or an artillery
- the decoy comprises a camouflage material cover on an outer surface of the decoy
- the decoy comprises a plurality of thermal elements, such as an add-on foil or an electronic decal, for thermal signature control
- the decoy comprises a plurality of near infrared and short wave infrared bands reflective or emitting elements
- the decoy comprises a plurality of radar bands reflective or absorbing elements

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a decoy in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates support panels of a support module in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a support module in a folded state in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates two parts of a support module in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a support module in an operational state in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a support structure in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates cover panels of a cover module in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8A illustrates a decoy comprising a holder in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8B illustrates a assembly jig in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a decoy comprising a side structure in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates support modules comprising hingedly attached side panels in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a decoy comprising a turret and a pipe in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention.

EMBODIMENTS

In the present context, the term “operational state” refers to a state of parts in which they are used after an assembly.

In the present context, the term “folded state” refers to a state of parts in which they are folded for transport, for example.

In the present context, the term “hinge” refers to a joint or mechanism, which connects objects, such as panels, and allows an angle of rotation between the objects. The hinge can be a mechanical hinge made of for example, metal or plastic. Alternatively, the hinge can be a piece of tape connecting the objects. A first portion of the tape can be attached to a first panel and the second portion of the tape can be attached to a second panel next to the first panel thus forming a hinge, which connects the panels and allows an angle of rotation between the panels. The tape can be attached to the panels during the assembly of a in decoy. Alternatively, the hinge can be formed by making a cut or a groove on one surface of a panel, along which cut or groove the panel can be folded. The decoy can comprise several different types of hinges.

In the present context, the expression “hingedly attached together” means that objects, such as panels, are connected together by at least one hinge as described above.

In the present context, the expression “fixedly attached together” means that objects, such as panels, are connected together to form a permanent closed predetermined perimeter.

A modern military decoy is recommended to meet two general criteria. First of all, its size and shape and the spectral fingerprint from ultraviolet (UV) to radar frequencies is recommended to match to its original counterpart. Secondly, it is recommended to be mechanically feasible. The latter means that the decoy is preferably easy to transport without towing, and it is easy to assemble and disassemble in various field conditions (e.g. self-explanatory, minimum amount of parts, assembly and disassembly without tools, can be erected in wind, during raining and snowing, on uneven terrain). Preferably, the decoy is lightweight, tolerates high and low temperatures, is movable by hands when assembled, and is cheap (far below 1% of the price of its original counterpart). Preferably, the decoy requires a little space for storing and withstands the storing conditions. At least some of the present embodiments provide a solution to the above-mentioned problems.

According to an embodiment, a decoy 100 comprises a support structure 110 comprising a plurality of support modules 111, each of which support modules 111 comprises a plurality of support panels 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 hingedly attached together, and a cover structure 120 configured to be joined with the support structure 110, which cover structure 120 comprises at least one cover module 121, which cover module 121 comprises a plurality of cover panels 122, 123, 124, 125 fixedly or hingedly attached together. The plurality of support modules 111 are spaced apart from each other. The plurality of support panels 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 and/or the plurality of cover panels 122, 123, 124, 125 are configured to be folded between an operational state and a folded state.

The decoy provides a simple- and self-explanatory assembly and disassembly due to minimum number of parts, which need to be connected. The decoy do not contain small loose parts. Further, no tools are required for assembly and disassembly. The decoy is durable, lightweight and small size when packed providing ease of storage and transport by hand even in forest. Spacing the plurality of support modules apart from each other allows a person to move between the support modules during assembly of the decoy. Thus, placing the cover structure on the support modules is easier, for example.

Folding between the operational state and the folded state can be provided by the hinged attachments between the plurality of support panels 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 and the plurality of cover panels 122, 123, 124, 125. The panels can be relatively rigid, so the folding only occurs at the hinged attachments.

At least part of the support panels 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 and at least part of the cover panels 122, 123, 124, 125 can be connected with hinges. So, a 3D-shape of the support modules 111 and the cover module(s) 121 can be formed by folding the support panels and the cover panels in a predetermined position and back to the folded state. The hinges can be arranged so that the outermost or the uppermost panels of the support panels and the cover panels can be opened outwards. The support panels and the cover panels can be connected with each other so that they can be only constructed to produce the pre-determined 3D-structure. The support panels and the cover panels can be connected with each other and locked in to the shape by quick release fasteners, such as ¼ turn quick release fasteners, or lock-to shape structures, or by using pins or cotters. This enables an easy and fast assembly and forming of the predetermined military decoy object such as a tank, car, artillery, missile launcher system, radar station or other type of vehicle, airplane, naval ship or a building.

The support modules 111 and/or the cover module(s) 121 can comprise fasteners to lock the support modules 111 and/or the cover module(s) 121 in the operational state. The fasteners can have “wings” so that they can be turned to a locked position without tools, such as Allen keys.

The fasteners and the hinges can be attached to the panels of the support modules 111 and/or the cover module(s) 121 so that they are not loose and can not be easily lost. The fasteners and the hinges can be attached to the panels with pull rivets having washer between the sheet and the rivet. A bolt and a nut attachment can be also used, but they may be complicated to produce, and may easily loosen and lost if glue or similar are not used with the nut.

The support panels 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 can be fixedly attached together. Thus, support modules 111 can form a permanent closed predetermined perimeter. This enables of forming more rigid support modules 111. Thus, the decoy 100 becomes more rigid. This also facilitates the assembly of the decoy 100. Furthermore, the support modules 111 can be used for storage and transport of the cover modules 121 by placing the cover modules 121 inside the support modules 111.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of support modules 111 comprises reinforcing structures (not illustrated) inside the support modules 111. The reinforcing structure can be a pipe structure or a cross bracing. Alternatively, the reinforcing structure can be a support panel arranged inside the support module 111, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The reinforcing structures support the support modules 111 so that the support modules 111 becomes more rigid. Consequently, the support modules 111 are able to carry the weight of the cover structure 120.

A greatest dimension of the cover panels 122, 123, 124, 125 can be for example, under 1 m. If the cover panel is a freestanding part, i.e. it is only supported from one end of the cover panel, the greatest dimension is preferably under 0.5 m, more preferably under 0.25. This prevents the cover panel from bending.

The support panels 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 and the cover panels 122, 123, 124, 125 in the folded state can require only a small volume. So, towing is not necessarily required and a panel pack comprising a plurality of support panels 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 or the cover panels 122, 123, 124, 125 can be moved even by bare hands. In order to be easily movable, a size of each panel package in the folded state can be under 2×2 m, preferably under 2×1 m, more preferably under 2×0.8 m. A weight of the each panel package in the folded state can be preferably below 25 kg.

The support panels 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 and the cover panels 122, 123, 124, 125 can be manufactured from lightweight but rigid material, for example, corrugated plastic or foam board, such as KAPA®. A thickness of the corrugated plastic can be for example, 3-7 mm, preferably about 5 mm, so that they can be folded to transport package and opened to form the required parts of the structures.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of the support modules 111 are configured to extend in a first dimension.

According to an embodiment, the at least one cover module 121 is configured to extend in a second dimension, which is perpendicular to the first dimension.

According an embodiment, the plurality of the support modules 111 cover an area, when observed in an observing dimension, and the at least one cover module 121 covers the area, when observed in the observing dimension.

The support structure 110 can comprise for example, 1-10 support modules 111, preferably 2-4 support modules 111. Preferably, one support module 111 is placed on or near the front of the decoy, one support module 111 is placed on or near the back of the decoy and at least one support module 111 is placed between these said support modules 111 in the second dimension. The support module 111 placed on or near the front of the decoy can have 3D form of a nose of the decoy and the support module 111 placed on or near the back of the decoy can have 3D form of a tail of the decoy.

Alternatively, the support module 111 placed on or near the front of the decoy and/or the support module 111 placed on or near the back of the decoy can be substituted by a separate panels. The separate panels can have at least partly 3D form of the nose and the tail of the decoy.

According to an embodiment, the cover structure 120 comprises a plurality of cover modules 121, which are overlapping with each other. Thus, the structure of the decoy is more durable.

The cover structure 120 can comprise for example, 1-10 cover modules 121.

For example, a distance between the support modules 111 can be 0.5-1 m in the second dimension. Thus, the distance is sufficient wide to a person to move between the support modules, but not too wide to cause the cover modules to bend.

According to an embodiment, the cover structure 120 is attached on the support structure 110 by quick release fasteners or lock-to-shape structures (not illustrated). This enables attaching the cover structure on the support structure without tools. Thus, the assembly of the decoy is simple and fast. Further, the decoy is more durable due to the attachment between the cover structure and the support structure.

According to an embodiment, the support structure 110 comprises a male counterpart and the cover structure 120 comprises a female counterpart of the connection between the support structure 110 and the cover structure 120 (not illustrated). This enables attaching the cover structure on the support structure without tools. Thus, the assembly of the decoy is simple and fast.

FIG. 1 illustrates a decoy 100. The decoy comprises a support structure 100 comprising four support modules 111 and a cover structure 120 comprising three cover modules 121. The support modules 111 are spaced apart each other.

FIG. 2 illustrates support panels 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 of a support module 111. The panels are connected together thus forming a panel package. The panel package can be folded between the operational state and the folded state.

FIG. 3 illustrates a support module 111 in a folded state. The support module form a thin panel package, which can be easily moved by hand and takes only a little pace when transported.

Preferably, the support modules 111 comprise one part comprising a plurality of support panels hingedly attached together. Therefore, the support modules are easy to assemble and connecting of different parts of the support modules is not needed.

However, the plurality of the support modules 111 can comprise at least two parts 111a, 111b comprising a plurality of support panels, which parts are connected to each other by quick release fasteners. The at least two parts can be folded in smaller and lighter panel packages than the support module, wherein all the panels are attached together. So, handling of the panel packages is easier.

FIG. 4 illustrates two parts 111a, 111b of a support module 111. Circles indicate openings allowing manipulation of quick fasteners by hand when the support module is closed. Arrows indicate a possible direction of folding of the panels between the operational state and the folded state. Short dashes indicate folds. The panel A12 is configured to be folded and locked against the panels A2, A3, B2 and B3 to obtain a predetermined 3D shape. The panels A2 and B3 are configured to form sides of the support module in the second dimension. The panels A3 and B2 are configured to support the cover structure when assembled, thus preventing curving of the cover structure which could result in a wrong type of radar response.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of the support modules 111 each form a closed perimeter when in the operational state. Thus, the structure of the support modules becomes rigid.

Alternatively, the plurality of the support modules 111 each can form an open perimeter when in the operational state. Thus, at least one side of the support module 111 can be at least partially open. In other words, the at least one side of the support module 111 can have at least one opening. This allows a person to move inside the support module from the side of the support module. This is turn can make the assembly of the decoy easier.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of support modules 111 have at least one open side in the operational state. This allows a person to move inside the support modules during assembly of the decoy. Thus, placing the cover structure on the support modules is easier, for example.

FIG. 5 illustrates a support module 111 in an operational state. Circles 117 indicate openings allowing manipulation of quick fasteners by hand when the support module is closed. The placement and number of the opening is exemplary and can thus vary. The support module extends in the first dimension and has two panels extending in the second dimension inside the support module. The two panels are configured to support the cover structure when assembled, thus preventing curving of the cover structure. Further, the two panels are configured to divide the support module into three sections. A top of the support module is open.

FIG. 6 illustrates a support structure 110. The support structure comprises four support modules 111. One support module is placed on the front of the support structure, one support module is placed on the back of the support structure and two support modules are placed between these said support modules in the second dimension. The support module placed on the front support structure has 3D form of a nose of the decoy and the support module placed on the back of the support structure has 3D form of a tail of the decoy.

FIG. 7 illustrates cover panels 122, 123, 124, 125 of a cover module 121. Arrows indicate the direction of folding.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of support modules 111 are integrated together by at least one holder 140. The plurality of support modules 111 can be integrated together in the second dimension. Preferably, the support modules 111 are integrated together by at least two holders 140. This allows all the support modules to be moved simultaneously.

The at least one holder 140 can extend on a surface or through the plurality of support modules 111. The at least one holder 140 can be unitary, preferably it is assembled from parts, which are joined together by quick release fasteners or male-female connectors. The plurality of support modules 111 can be attached to the at least one holder 140 by quick release fasteners.

FIG. 8A illustrates a decoy 100 comprising a holder 140. A support structure 110 of the decoy 100 comprises four support modules 111 and a cover structure 120 of the decoy 100 comprises three cover modules 121. The four support modules 111 are connected together by one holder, which extends through the support modules 111 in the second dimension.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of support modules 111 are further integrated together by at least one holder 141 in one or more than one dimension and/or spaced apart from the cover structure 120. Therefore, the plurality of support modules 111 can be connected to each other for example, in both the first and second dimensions, making it easier to move them as a single unit.

According to an embodiment, the at least one holder 141 comprises a plurality of openings that form an assembly jig 142 for the support modules. Then, the assembly jig is an external skeleton inside which the support modules are build up. The assembly jig makes folding of the support modules to the operational state easier by supporting the support modules especially in wind and uneven terrain. Furthermore, the assembly jig enables the moving of the supporting structure and thus whole decoy by hand. The assembly jig forms a solid frame for the decoy tolerating the mechanical stress during the transferring of the decoy. The support structure can be mechanically attached to the frame by quick release fasteners.

The at least one holder 140 in the second dimension and/or the at least one holder 141 can be for example, a pipe, a square pipe, a frame, or a profile. The at least one holder 140 in the second dimension and/or the at least one holder 141 can be made of for example, metal, preferably aluminium.

The at least one holder 141 or the at least one holder 140 extending in the second dimension can comprise one or more than one support structure(s) or support structure layer(s). The at least one holder 141 or the at least one holder 140 extending in the second dimension can have a three-dimensional (3D) structure. This makes the holder(s) 141, 140 more rigid. In addition, this facilitates moving of the decoy by the holder(s).

According an embodiment, the plurality of support modules 111 comprises legs (not illustrated). The legs lift up the plurality of support modules 111 from the ground and makes folding of the support modules to the operational state easier on uneven terrain.

According an embodiment, the at least one assembly jig 142 comprises legs 143. The legs lift up the at least one assembly jig from the ground and makes an assembly of the decoy easier.

The at least one holder 140, 141 and/or the assembly jig 142 can comprise a plurality of moving means, such as wheels or runners. The moving means can be configured to be connected to the holder 140, 141 and/or the assembly jig 142 before or during assembly of the decoy 100. The moving means can be configured to be connected to the legs 143 of the assembly jig 142. The moving means facilitate moving of the decoy after assembly. Therefore, there is no need for disassemble the decoy before moving the decoy to another location.

FIG. 8B illustrates an assembly jig 142. The assembly jig 142 comprises holders 140 extending in the second dimension and holders 141 extending in the first dimension. The holders form solid frames around every support module 111 and around the whole support structure 110. Further, the assembly jig 142 comprises legs 143. The legs are placed to connection points of the holders 140 extending in the second dimension and the holders 141 extending in the first dimension. In other words, the legs are placed in outer corners of the support modules 111. However, the legs can be also placed on the assembly jig between the outer corners of the support modules in the first dimension. The plurality of support modules 111 are spaced apart from the cover structure 120. Further, cover modules 121 are spaced apart from each other in the first dimension.

According to an embodiment, the decoy 100 further comprises at least one side structure 130 attached to at least one side of the support structure 110. Preferably, the decoy 100 comprises two side structures 130, which are attached to both sides of the support structure 110 in the second dimension. The at least one side structure 130 can comprise a plurality of side panels hingedly attached together. The side panels can be shaped to correspond the form of the side of the decoy. Thanks due to the side structure, a side surface of the decoy is uniform. In addition, patterns or protrusions can be formed on the side surface.

According to an embodiment, the at least one side structure 130 covers another side of the decoy 100 than the cover structure 120 does.

According to an embodiments, the at least one side structure 130 is attached to at least one side of the support structure 110 by quick release fasteners or lock-to-shape structures. This enables a simple and fast attachment of the side structure without tools.

FIG. 9 illustrates a decoy 100 comprising a side structure 130. The side structure comprises seven side panels 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, which are hingedly attached together. The side panels are shaped to correspond the form of a side of the decoy. The first panel 131 has a shape of a side of a tail and the last panel 137 has a shape of a side of a nose of the decoy.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of support modules 111 comprises hingedly attached side panels 138, 139, which side panels 138, 139. The side panels 138, 139 can be configured to extend in the second dimension between the plurality of support modules 111. The side panels can be folded between the operational state and the folded state by the support modules. The side panels can be locked to the operational state by quick release fasteners, such as ¼ turn quick release fasteners, or lock-to shape structures, or by pins or cotters. Thanks due to the side panels, a side surface of the decoy is uniform and a separately attached side panel 130 made of plurality of panels 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137 attached to each other are not needed. In addition, patterns or protrusions can be formed on the side panels.

FIG. 10 illustrates support modules 130 comprising hingedly attached side panels 138, 139. Arrows indicate an exemplary direction of folding the side panels between the operational state and the folded state.

According to an embodiment, the decoy 100 further comprises additional components, such as a turret 150 or a pipe 160. The additional components can also resemble, but is not limited to, a missile launcher system, an artillery, a radar, a tank, a container or other structure characteristic for the original counterpart of the decoy.

The turret 150 can comprise a plurality of panels, which are hingedly attached together and are configured to be folded between the operational state and the folded state. Similarly, the pipe 160 can comprise a plurality of parts, which can be connected together by quick release fasteners, such as ¼ turn quick release fasteners, or lock-to shape structures, or pins or cotters. In addition, the other additional components, such as a missile launcher system, an artillery, a radar, a tank or a container can comprise a plurality of panels, which are hingedly attached together and are configured to be folded between the operational state and the folded state. Thus, the additional components, such as the turret and the pipe, are easier to transport and carry in terrain by hands than in a full sized.

The turret can comprise at least one assembly jig. The assembly jig can be made of the form of an internal skeleton on which the turret are built up. The at least one assembly jig can comprise a plurality of pipes or square pipes, which are configured to be connected together by for example, quick release fasteners, such as ¼ turn quick release fasteners, or lock-to shape structures. The at least one assembly jig can be made of for example, metal, preferably aluminium. The at least one assembly jig stiffens a structure of the turret.

The pipe 160 can be made from corrugated plastic, for example. The pipe 160 can have a double layered structure. The pipe can have a telescopic structure. So, in the folded state, parts of the pipe are nested. When the pipe is pulled to the operational state, the parts are automatically locked to a desired form and size.

FIG. 11 illustrates a decoy 100 comprising a turret 150 and a pipe 160. The turret 150 comprises a plurality of panels. The turret 150 is configured to be placed on the deck structure 120. The pipe 160 is connected to the turret 150.

According to an embodiment, the decoy 100 further comprises a camouflage material cover on an outer surface of the decoy 100. The camouflage material can be, but is not limited to, a paint, a fabric, a textile, a fibre based product, or a fibre reinforced composite or a laminate, which is configured to be placed on the decoy after assembling the decoy. The camouflage material helps the decoy to blend in with its surroundings. On the other hand, it makes the decoy credible even for close range observation.

According to and embodiment, the decoy 100 further comprises a plurality of thermal elements, such as an add-on foil or an electronic decal, for thermal signature control. The thermal elements can be connected directly on a frame, they can be separate elements, or they can be integrated with the camouflage material. The thermal elements can be passive or active in which case they can be controlled individually or in groups containing at least two thermal elements. The passive element can be for example, a coating or an added component having different thermal emissivity than its surrounding. The active element can be for example, a resistive heater or a Peltier element. The thermal elements are used to provide an authentic thermal signature for the decoy.

According to an embodiment, the decoy 100 further comprises a plurality of near infrared (NIR) and short wave infrared (SWIR) bands reflective or emitting elements.

According to an embodiment, the decoy 100 further comprises a plurality of radar bands reflective or absorbing elements. The plurality of elements can reflect or absorb the radar bands at 1 GHz-20 GHz. The radar bands reflective element can be for example, an electrically conductive paint, a coating or aluminium foil. The radar bands reflective element makes the decoy visible with radar imaging. The radar bands absorbing element can be for example, a radar absorbing paint, coating or a foil or a semi-transparent, at radar band, coating placed for example λ/4 apart of underlying surface. The radar bands absorbing elements decrease the radar cross-section area of the decoy and can be used to increase the authenticity of the decoy.

It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention.

The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of “a” or “an”, i.e. a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

100
decoy

110
support structure

111
support module

111a
first portion

111b
second portion

112-116
support panel

117
opening

120
cover structure

121
cover module

122-125
cover panel

130
side structure

131-137
side panel

138-139
side panel

140
holder

141
holder

142
assembly jig

143
leg

150
turret

160
pipe

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