Portable target locator apparatus and method of use

Abstract

A portable target locator for use by a ground observer to accurately determine the location of a target and transmit location information and firing instructions to an unmanned vehicle so the unmanned vehicle can locate the target and perform an operation based on the firing instructions. The apparatus comprises optics for permitting a user to see a magnified view of the target; a location determining component for determining a location of the apparatus; rangefinder for determining a range from the apparatus to the target; an Azimuth sensor for determining an Azimuth from the apparatus to the target; a processor for determining the location of the target based on the location of the apparatus, the range to the target, and the Azimuth from the apparatus to the targets, a transmitter for transmitting the location information and the firing instructions to the unmanned vehicle, and a portable handheld housing.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to target location devices and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to a portable target locator apparatus for determining a location of a target and for sending location information and other information to an unmanned vehicle so the vehicle can locate the target and perform operations in accordance with the transmitted information. BACKGROUND [0002] The U.S. military increasingly relies on Close Air Support (CAS) to protect troops on the ground, especially when the troops are in close proximity to enemy forces or civilians. Manned aircrafts are commonly used for CAS operations because pilots or other operators of the aircrafts can accurately determine the locations of desired targets through visual observation and can make ultimate firing decisions. Target location acquisition is often aided by one or more ground observers or “men in the loop” who locate desired targets and communicate target location informa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a portable target locator that allows a ground observer to provide information to an unmanned aircraft or other vehicle. It accurately determines the location of a target and transmits both target location information and firing instructions to the unmanned vehicle so it can locate the target and apply weaponry to it based on the firing instructions. The invention can also be used to locate non-military targets or objects such as fires, biohazards, chemical hazards, persons in need of rescue, and supply drop zones. The invention includes optics for a magnified view of the target, a location determining component, a rangefinder, an Azimuth sensor, a processor, an input device, and a transmitter.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, CAS operations are very dangerous for manned aircrafts due to enemy anti-aircraft weaponry.

Armed, unmanned aircrafts are not currently used for CAS operations because the lack of pilots to observe targets and receive instructions and feedback from ground observers makes accurate target identification and location more difficult.

However, most if not all of these devices are designed for use with manned aircraft and therefore require a pilot or other operator to make ultimate targeting and firing decisions.

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