Innovative EW-radar integrated system

Abstract

The invention relates to a system designed to transmit and receive radiofrequency signals which comprises a plurality of hardware and software resources, which include: radar resources configured to perform radar functions; EW resources configured to perform electronic warfare functions; shared resources operable by the radar resources so as to perform the radar functions and by the EW resources so as to perform the electronic warfare functions.

Description

[0001] " INNOVATIVE EW-RADAR INTEGRATED SYSTEM"

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This Patent Application claims priority from European Patent Application No . 23425014 . 0 filed on April 19 , 2023 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference .

[0004] Technical Field of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to an innovative EW-Radar integrated system .

[0006] State of the Art

[0007] As is broadly known, a RADAR ( acronym for "Radio Detection And Ranging" ) is a system which, by making use of the radiofrequency, in particular of the microwave electromagnetic spectrum, determines the position ( i . e . distance ( or range ) , azimuth and elevation) and possibly also the speed of both fixed and movable targets , such as planes , ships and vehicles .

[0008] The Radar is an active system which requires the transmission of a signal ( TX ) which is then received (RX ) . The variations of the characteristics ( in the time , frequency and phase domains ) of the received signal with respect to those of the transmitted signal are processed by suitable processes for establishing the parameters of the target .

[0009] On the other hand, as is always broadly known, the term "Electronic Warfare" (EW) indicates systems and techniques which aim to obtain a tactical and strategic or war advantage by means of the use of the electromagnetic spectrum .

[0010] More speci fically, the EW techniques can be classified into three main categories :

[0011] • ES ( acronym for "Electronic Support" ) , which is the branch of the EW with the task to immediately recogni ze the threats present in the environment through the detection, the classi fication, the recording, the identi fication and the locali zation of the radiofrequency (RF) band emitters of the hostile military systems ; the ES systems are passive apparatuses , i . e . do not radiate , namely remain electronically silent during their operation;

[0012] • EA ( acronym for "Electronic Attack" ) , which is the branch of the EW applied against the weapon systems , the radar systems and the wireless communications and involves the use of electromagnetic energy (EM) , direct energy or anti-radiation weapons for attacking structures or equipment with the intention to degrade , neutrali ze or destroy the fighting capabilities of the enemy; the electronic attack (EA) , depending on the mission carried out , can be divided into of fensive and defensive ; the EA systems can be active ( radiating) or passive ( re-radiating) ;

[0013] • EP ( acronym for "Electronic Protection" ) , which is the branch of the EW with the task to reduce or eliminate the ef fects of the electronic attack o f the enemy on the friendly sensors , such as radars and radios ; the EP systems are passive apparatuses , i . e . do not radiate , namely remain electronically silent during their operation .

[0014] Nowadays , various examples of avionics and naval systems exist where an attempt has been made to fuse the EW and the Radar together into one single apparatus . Unfortunately, though, in the design of all these systems , the focus has been more the fusion of the RF data and on the fast exchange of information and commands rather than on the development of a truly integrated, modular and scalable EW-Radar configuration based on the sharing of common resources , hence the final results do not result to be satis factory in various operational scenarios .

[0015] Object and Summary of the Invention

[0016] In the light of what explained in the foregoing, the Applicant felt the need to carry out a very thorough research in order to try developing an EW-Radar integrated system capable of overcoming or mitigating, at least in part , the disadvantages and the limits of the technologies of known type , thereby conceiving the present invention .

[0017] Therefore , the obj ect of the present invention is to provide an innovative EW-Radar integrated system which is capable of overcoming or mitigating, at least in part , the disadvantages and the limits of the currently known technologies .

[0018] These and other obj ects are achieved by the present invention since it relates to a system according to what defined in the appended claims .

[0019] In particular, the present invention relates to a system designed to transmit and receive radiofrequency signals , comprising a plurality of hardware and software resources which include :

[0020] • radar resources configured to perform radar functions ;

[0021] • EW resources configured to perform electronic warfare functions ; and

[0022] • shared resources operable by the radar resources so as to perform the radar functions and by the EW resources so as to perform the electronic warfare functions .

[0023] Preferably, the shared resources are radar-type resources operable by the radar resources so as to perform the radar functions and by the EW resources so as to perform the electronic warfare functions .

[0024] Conveniently, the shared resources include both radartype resources operable so as to perform radar functions , and EW-type resources operable so as to perform electronic warfare functions .

[0025] Conveniently, the shared resources include one or more antennas , preferably an Active Electronically Scanned Array .

[0026] Conveniently, the radar resources are configured to also perform electronic warfare functions and the EW resources are configured to also perform radar functions .

[0027] Conveniently, wherein the EW resources are integrated in the radar resources .

[0028] Preferably :

[0029] • the radar resources include a radar scheduler ( 6 ) configured to schedule and manage the activities to be carried out / carried out by said radar resources ;

[0030] • the EW resources include an EW scheduler ( 5 ) configured to schedule and manage the activities to be carried out / carried out by said EW resources ;

[0031] • the hardware and software resources also include an EW-Radar scheduler ( 4 ) configured to manage and coordinate the radar scheduler ( 6 ) and the EW scheduler ( 5 ) .

[0032] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] In order to better understand the present invention, some preferred embodiments (but absolutely non-limiting, let alone binding, provided by mere exempli fying example ) will now be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings (not in scale ) , wherein :

[0034] • Figure 1 schematically illustrates a first EW-Radar integrated system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] • Figure 2 schematically illustrates a second EW-Radar integrated system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] • Figure 3 schematically illustrates the use of a higher level scheduler for managing and coordinating an EW and radar scheduler according to an aspect of the present invention .

[0037] Description of Embodiments of the Invention

[0038] The following description is provided in order to enable a person skilled in the art to understand, make and use the invention . Various modifications to the embodiments set forth will be immediately clear to persons skilled in the art and the general principles disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without , however, thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention as defined in the appended claims .

[0039] Therefore , the present invention i s not to be understood as limited to the sole embodiments described and shown, but it is to be given the broadest scope of protection in accordance with the characteristics defined in the appended claims .

[0040] The present invention has the obj ective to improve the ef ficacy level of integrated mission solutions in the field of the systems dependent on the spectrum ( in particular Radar and EW) , managing operations which the new doctrine calls "Electro Magnetic Spectrum Operations" (EMSO) .

[0041] More speci fically, the present invention relates to the functional architecture which allows implementing an architectural layer which sees the single Radar and EW subsystems ( old approach) as functions of a single system (new approach) , designing from the very outset an integrated solution which incorporates innovative functions which are possible only through the cooperat ion / integration and which simultaneously overcomes at the root the problems caused by the integration a posteriori of subsystems originated separately .

[0042] Contrary to the currently known systems , in the case of the present invention, the design concentrated on the development of a truly functional EW-Radar integration based on the sharing of common resources and on the centrali zed management of the behaviours of the integrated system . The fusion of the RE data and the fast exchange of information and commands are only a part of the problem dealt with ; actually, they are an inevitable consequence of the new architectural approach .

[0043] In the performance of a modern mission, a very important and innovative role can be carried out by the cooperation of the AESA ( acronym for "Active Electronically Scanned Array" ) Radar with the EW system, sharing the high and low level processes / capabilities already present in the EW system for drastically improving the performances of a series of EW and Radar functions (which both the EW and the Radar are still capable of carrying out with their own sensors / front-end, even i f with inferior results ) , plus a series of "new functions" which are possible only with the cooperation within a truly integrated system (utili zation of said AESA) .

[0044] More speci fically, designing from the outset the EWR ( i . e . EW + Radar ) system as a single system, a new system is generated capable of delivering innovative performances not achievable individually by the two initial subsystems .

[0045] In the following, the functions owing to which an improvement is obtained are indicated and which individually the EW or the Radar are already capable of delivering even i f with inferior results :

[0046] • EW : o EA (Electronic Attack) ; o Upgraded ES (Electronic Support ) :

[0047] - Recovery of the Radar Advance Factor (RAF) also in case of detection of emissions that are barely observable ;

[0048] • Radar : o Improved EP (Electronic Protection) .

[0049] Adding of "new functions" which are possible only with the cooperation within a truly integrated system (utili zation of said AESA) :

[0050] • EW : o Accurate ranging of the emitters ;

[0051] • Radar : o Non-cooperative target recognition (NCTR) ; o Radar mode having passive operation .

[0052] In addition to what described so far, the integration of the EW functional ities with the Radar opens up a whole range of possible " smart" implementations such as : 1 ) the utili zation of the Identi fication information ( capability for the ESM function ) , which allows optimi zing the scheduling of the resources , the waveforms to be transmitted and the operational techniques to be implemented;

[0053] 2 ) the utili zation of said AESA opening of the Radar allows improving the data correlation process because characteri zed by the same angular accuracy;

[0054] 3 ) the alternated passive mode with LPI ( acronym for "Low Probability of Detection" ) emissions , allows tracing targets with extremely high accuracy and extremely low likelihood of being intercepted .

[0055] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a high-level architecture of a first EW-Radar integrated system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which includes an AESA Radar 1 and a DASS 2 ( acronym for "Defensive Aid Sub-System" ) .

[0056] The AESA Radar includes an AESA 11 , an antenna control and supply module 12 , a multichannel receiver 13 , a processor 14 and a Radar-DASS interface 15 .

[0057] The DASS 2 includes an ESM processor 21 , an ESM Front- End 22 , ESM antennas 23 , an ECM processor 24 , a technique generator 25 , a waveform generator 26 and one or more ECM AESAs 27 .

[0058] In the architecture shown in Figure 1 , the two EW subsystems ( i . e . DASS 2 ) and Radar 1 , although maintaining their identity, by means of the sharing of hardware (HW) and algorithmic processes , generate a third "new" subsystem, made possible by a flexible and modular design of the HW and software ( SW) solutions of the Radar and of the EW system, which allows integrating the two subsystems by means of the direct connection of the AESA antenna of the Radar to the low power disturber sections and the receiving / processing sections .

[0059] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a high-level architecture of a second EW-Radar integrated system according to a second embodiment of the present invention which can be considered a scaled by-product of the first embodiment thought for less ambitious applications and for smaller platforms .

[0060] As is illustrated in Figure 2 , in this case an AESA Radar 3 is obtained which comprises an AESA 31 , an antenna control and supply module 32 , a multichannel receiver 33 , a processor 34 and an EW-Radar module (ERM) 35 which, in turn, includes an ESM processor 351 , an ESM Front-End 352 , an ECM processor 353 , a technique generator 354 and a waveform generator 355 .

[0061] As it is easily inferable , this second architecture exploits a new module integrated in the AESA Radar 3 (EW- Radar module - ERM 35 ) which hosts the EW functions to be integrated in the AESA Radar 3 ( this solution can also be considered as spin-of f of the previous one ) .

[0062] In both cases , the design of the integration of such systems has to also keep into account their highly dynamic nature which leads to complex interactions between the layers of these systems at more levels and with di f ferent time constraints .

[0063] A complex mechanism ( often called scheduler ) is thus generated which includes processes for managing the resources which takes care of both the a priori programming for the optimi zation of the activities (predictive system) and of the real-time performance of the same with the solution of the a priori unpredicted conflicts ( reactive system) .

[0064] Generally, the components of the EW (RWR and Jammer ) system are already operatively integrated and managed by a common scheduler at EW level , which assures the compatible operation thereof of the entire EW section . Also the multi functional radar has a scheduler which manages the operativity thereof .

[0065] Since they are systems dependent on the allocation of portions of the spectrum in periods of time ( dwells ) , they can be managed through a common scheduler, of higher level (both predictive and reactive ) , for managing and coordinating the EW activities required within the scope of the Radar scanning strategy .

[0066] Therefore , the presence of a centrali zed scheduler in this type of modern, digital and multi function systems allows the correct behaviour of the subsystems and assures the performances thereof .

[0067] Figure 3 schematically illustrates what described above , i . e . the use of a higher level scheduler ( called in Figure 3 EW-RADAR Manager and indicated by reference numeral 4 ) which manages and coordinates the EW scheduler 5 and the radar scheduler 6 .

[0068] Based on the previous description, the multiple innovative characteristics of the present invention and the countless technical advantages thereof are immediately clear for a person skilled in the art .

[0069] In conclusion, it is important to note that , although the invention described above refers in particular to very precise example embodiments , it is not to be considered limited to such example embodiments , falling within its scope all the variations , modi fications or simpli fications covered by the appended claims .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A system designed to transmit and receive radiofrequency s ignals , comprising a plurality of hardware and software resources ; characteri zed in that said hardware and software resources include :• radar resources configured to perform radar functions ;• EW resources conf igured to perform electronic warfare functions ; and• shared resources operable by the radar resources so as to perform the radar functions and by the EW resources so as to perform the electronic warfare functions .2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the shared resources are radar-type resources operable by the radar resources so as to perform the radar functions and by the EW resources so as to perform the electronic warfare functions .

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the shared resources include both the radar-type resources operable so as to perform radar functions , and EW-type resources operable so as to perform electronic warfare functions .4 . The system according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the shared resources include one or more antennas .5 . The system of claim 4 , wherein the shared resources include an Active Electronically Scanned Array .

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the radar resources are configured to also perform electronic warfare functions and the EW resources are configured to also perform radar functions .7 . The system according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the EW resources are integrated in the radar resources .8 . The system according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein :• the radar resources include a radar scheduler ( 6 )configured to schedule and manage the activities to be carried out / carried out by said radar resources;• the EW resources include an EW scheduler (5) configured to schedule and manage the activities to be carried out / carried out by said EW resources;• the hardware and software resources also include an EW-Radar scheduler (4) configured to manage and coordinate the radar scheduler (6) and the EW scheduler (5) .

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