the present invention is of a method and apparatus for detecting a high velocity projectile and , upon detection , taking active countermeasures . the invention preferably employs a dual waveform implemented in digitally controlled adaptable radar . the first waveform is preferably a pulsed continuous wave ( cw ) waveform providing detection and velocity measurement capability over a wide variation in initial range to the target , but with only moderate range resolution . the second waveform detects targets only over a very narrow variation in range , but provides extremely accurate range resolution to control fusing . the purpose of the dual waveform is to implement both detection and precise fusing the same low cost radar . multiple polarizations are preferably used to help discriminate targets from clutter . tracking is ordinarily required to assure that a proximity fuse is not triggered by other objects entering its field of regard . the proximity fuse detonates the warhead at the correct time when the tracked target reaches a precisely calculated range . the present invention takes advantage of highly flexible digital waveform control to preferably implement both functions in one piece of hardware . the initial waveform , a high pulse repitition frequency ( hprf ), pulsed cw waveform , detects and identifies the target , providing initial range , velocity , acceleration , and estimated time and speed of arrival . with this information , tracking of the target becomes unnecessary . the second waveform , preferably a pulsed linear chirp waveform over a wide bandwidth ( typically 500 mhz or more ), sets up an “ electronic curtain ” at a desired range . this waveform detects a target over a very narrow set of ranges only , but provides very precise range and velocity information on targets entering this set of ranges . when the desired target “ pierces the curtain ”, this velocity information in conjunction with the previous estimates of time and velocity at arrival are used to assure that it is the correct target and to trigger the weapon &# 39 ; s warhead . because one only needs to examine a small range swath and the target always has a very high velocity , one can use very narrow filters and very small data sets to detect the approaching projectile . fig1 shows the invention 10 in schematic form , with optional distances indicated . radar system 24 generates the waveforms and detects and processes the return signals . a radar window 16 is established , capturing incoming projectiles ( such as from a rocket - propelled grenade launcher 12 and passing through optional break screen 14 along a flight path 26 with positive velocity 18 . upon detection of a signal 34 such as shown in fig2 ( distinguished from ground clutter 32 ), the radar system can direct deployment of one or more active countermeasures 22 ( such as pellets ejected with negative velocity 20 ). countermeasures other than deployment of pellets include those now known or known in the future in the art , including firing of a high - powered laser , firing of an intercepting missile ( with or without explosive effect ), deployment of a physical barrier , deployment of electronic countermeasures , and firing of a pulsed energy weapon . note that in the specification and claims , “ about ” or “ approximately ” means within twenty percent ( 20 %) of the numerical amount cited . although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments , other embodiments can achieve the same results . variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents . the entire disclosures of all references , applications , patents , and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference .