Tracking projectiles for target designation

Abstract

A system and method for munitions delivery that includes a projectile that, when implanted into a target, can transmit information, such as location and position information, to a computing device that can relay this information to a weapon system that can precisely deliver the munitions to the target.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The field of the invention is munitions tracking and delivery. [Background technology]

[0002] The Background Description contains information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. No admission is made that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Accurate munitions delivery is critical. In combat, erroneous munitions delivery can result in unintended casualties and damage. Laser designators, GPS-guided munitions, and other improvements have increased the accuracy and precision with which weapons can be delivered. However, limitations remain. Many of these systems require the target to remain stationary or within visual range to be effective. Thus, if the target moves or becomes obscured, the ability to track the target for munitions delivery may be lost. Furthermore, to maintain target designation on a moving target, the marking device (e.g., laser designator) must move with the target or the target may move out of range and be lost.

[0004] Thus, a need remains for a precision munitions delivery system that can account for moving targets in multiple environments and conditions and remain effective for extended periods of time. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods by which a projectile comprising an electronic component and a transmitter can transmit a signal to a computing device which can determine a location of the projectile based on the signal and relay this location information to a weapon system which uses the location information to deliver a munition to the projectile's location.

[0006] The signal emitted by the projectile may include location information, such as GPS location information, In an embodiment, the signal may be a beacon signal that the launched weapon system and / or munitions can detect and use to guide the munitions to a target.

[0007] The weapon system used to deliver the munitions may be an aircraft, a cannon or artillery vehicle, a drone, or other weapon system. The computing device may be integrated into the weapon system in embodiments. In other embodiments, the computing device may be separate from the weapon system (such as at a command post or base).

[0008] In embodiments, the signal may be transmitted directly from the projectile to the computing device. In other embodiments, an intermediate device may be used to relay the signal from the projectile to the computing device. For example, a relay system may be embedded in a drone or other vehicle that is within range of the projectile's signal, and then relays the signal to a more distant computing device and / or weapon system.

[0009] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

[0010] All publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. If the definition or use of a term in an incorporated document is inconsistent with or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the document does not apply.

[0011] The following description contains information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. No admission is made that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0012] In some embodiments, numbers expressing properties such as amounts of ingredients, concentrations, reaction conditions, etc., used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the present invention are understood to be modified in some cases by the term "about". Thus, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and the appended claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters are interpreted by taking into account the number of reported significant digits and applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the present invention are approximations, the numerical values ​​set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values ​​presented in some embodiments of the present invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0013] Unless the context dictates to the contrary, all ranges set forth herein are to be construed as inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges are to be construed as including only those values ​​that are commercially practical. Similarly, all lists of values ​​are to be deemed to include intermediate values, unless the context dictates to the contrary.

[0014] As used throughout the description herein and the claims that follow, the meanings of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0015] The description of ranges of values ​​herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of individually referring to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each separate value is incorporated into this specification as if it were individually described herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Any and all examples provided with respect to specific embodiments herein, or the use of exemplary language (e.g., "etc.") are intended merely to better describe the invention and do not impose limitations on the scope of the invention as otherwise claimed. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0016] Grouping of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein is not to be construed as limiting. Each group member can be referenced and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in or deleted from a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed herein to include the group as modified and thus to satisfy the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram of the system of the subject invention, the weapon system shown being an aircraft. [Figure 1B] 1 is a schematic diagram of the system of the subject matter of the present invention, the weapon system shown being an artillery vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a projectile for use in the systems and methods of the present subject matter. FIG. 3 provides a flow chart of processing performed by a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0019] It should be noted that any language directed to computers should be read to include any suitable combination of computing devices, including servers, interfaces, systems, databases, agents, peers, engines, controllers, or other types of computing devices acting individually or collectively. It is understood that a computing device comprises a processor configured to execute software instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., hard drive, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). The software instructions preferably configure the computing device to provide roles, responsibilities, or other functions as described below with respect to the disclosed apparatus. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces exchange data using standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP, HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchange, web services APIs, known financial transaction protocols, or other methods of electronic information exchange. The data exchange is preferably performed over a packet-switched network, the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, a VPN, or other types of packet-switched networks.

[0020] The following description provides a number of exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of the elements of the present invention, the subject matter of the present invention is considered to include all possible combinations of the elements disclosed. Thus, if one embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment includes elements B and D, the subject matter of the present invention is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates a system according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. 1A, the system 100 includes a projectile 110 that is embedded in a target 120. The target 120 can be a vehicle (as seen in FIG. 1), a person, an animal, or other stationary or moving target.

[0022] As described further below, the projectile 110 includes electronic and transmitter components that generate a transmission signal 130 that is detected by a computing device 140 within range of the transmission signal 130 .

[0023] In an embodiment, the computing device 140 can then communicate information about the projectile 110 (and thus the target 120) to a munitions delivery system 170 (in this case a bomber) carrying the munitions 160. Contemplated munitions delivery systems 170 can include manned aircraft, drones, cannons, ship-based weapon systems, other ground vehicle-based weapon systems, fixed ground-based weapon systems, and the like. In an embodiment, the munitions delivery system 170 and the munitions 160 can be a single system, such as a loitering weapon, such as a cruise missile, a "suicide" drone, and the like. For example, FIG. 1B illustrates a system in which the weapon system 170 is an artillery vehicle.

[0024] In embodiments, the bomber 170 may not be within reach of the computing device 140. In these embodiments, the computing device 140 relays the information to the computing device 150 (which may be at a base of operations, a larger vehicle, etc.), which then relays the information to the bomber 170. Thus, in embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the computing device 140 or the computing device 150 may be a relay device that can receive a relatively short-range communication signal 130 and then transmit the information to one or more of the bomber 170 and / or munitions 160 over a long-range communication network. In embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the computing device 140 may be on a drone or other autonomous vehicle that is prowling or positioned within the communication range of the projectile 110.

[0025] In embodiments of the present subject matter, munitions 160 may be smart weapons with their own internal communication and guidance systems. In these embodiments, the system may communicate information from projectile 110 directly to munitions 160 in addition to, or instead of, bomber 170. This communication with munitions 160 may occur while munitions 160 are still attached to bomber 170 and after launch, while munitions 160 are in flight toward their target.

[0026] An example of a suitable projectile system that may be used for the purposes of the present subject matter is shown in Figure 2. The system of Figure 2 is discussed in more detail in applicant's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 900,226, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0027] The projectile 110 comprises an electronic component 210 that is enclosed within the housing exoskeleton 220 when the projectile is assembled. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the electronic component 210 includes a transmitter and is therefore coupled to the antenna 240 for signal transmission. When assembled, a core 260 is inserted into a first end of the deceleration sleeve 230. The core 260 is made of a material that deforms upon impact and upon entry into the target body. For example, the core 260 may be a lead core or may be made of another suitable material (e.g., a polymer, a composite, copper, steel, or other hard or soft metal).

[0028] The deceleration sleeve 230 houses the housing exoskeleton 220, including the electronic components 210, all of which are housed within the outer jacket 250. The outer jacket 250 is then installed to complete the assembly of the bullet 200. Note, however, that in the assembled bullet, the tip of the core 260 is exposed and is not completely encased by the outer jacket 250. This can be seen from FIG.

[0029] As seen in FIG. 2, the projectile 110, charge 270, case and detonator 280 are then assembled into a completed cartridge 290. The electronic component 210 may include a tracking device (e.g., a GPS device or other positioning system) designed to track the location of the device when it is active. It typically includes a transmitter capable of transmitting data to a remote computer, such as for communicating location data and other types of data. The electronic component 210 may also include components such as a biomonitor (which may monitor biometric aspects of the target, such as heart rate, temperature, type of target hit, etc.), a microphone, etc. Typically, in addition to having hardware for the specific purpose of the projectile 110 (e.g., sensors, transmitters, etc.), the electronic component 210 includes a processor and physical memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, solid-state memory, etc.) that stores programming for the electronic component 210 to perform its functions. The electronic component 210 also includes a battery or other type of portable power source for powering various parts of the electronic component 210.

[0030] The electronic component 210 shown in FIG. 2 is housed in a potting material that is molded to fit within the housing exoskeleton 220. To house the electronic component 210, the electronic component 210 is placed into a mold and then the potting material is injected into the mold, encapsulating the electronic component 210. The potting material then hardens around the electronic component 210, leaving the electronic component 210 assembled such that the potting material is of the appropriate shape to fit within the housing exoskeleton 220. Alternatively, the electronic component 210 can be placed into the housing exoskeleton 220 and the potting material injected directly into the exoskeleton 220 such that the potting material encapsulates the electronic component and hardens to the shape of the inside of the exoskeleton 220.

[0031] The potting material can be a polymer or other material that can be molded in this manner. The electronic component 210 is shown inside the potting material for illustrative purposes in FIG. 2. The potting material can be transparent or translucent so that the electronic component 210 can be seen, or it can be opaque so that the inner electronic component 210 cannot be seen.

[0032] 2 illustrates an antenna 240 that is external to the electronic component 210. The antenna 240 enables wireless communication to / from the electronic component 210 over a variety of wireless communication technologies (e.g., WiFi, cellular communications along various spectrums (e.g., 4G, 5G, etc.), RF, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.). Thus, the signal 130 may be an RF signal or other type of wireless communication signal.

[0033] It is contemplated that the electronic component 210 can have an internal antenna in addition to / instead of the external antenna 240. Having an internal antenna in addition to the external antenna 240 can provide the electronic component 210 with additional wireless communication modalities and can enable simultaneous data transmission between these modalities. For example, the external antenna 240 can be a long-range RF antenna and the internal antenna can be a short-range antenna such as a Bluetooth or NFC antenna. Another advantage of having both an internal antenna and an external antenna is that the external antenna may be damaged during deployment. If this occurs, the internal antenna (which may be of the same or different wireless technology) serves to provide a backup method for the electronic component 210 to transmit / receive data.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the housing exoskeleton 220 itself can be used as an antenna instead of, or in addition to, the external antenna 240. A projectile having this feature is described in applicant's own U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 487,990, entitled "Ordnance Delivery System Using a Protective Housing as an Antenna," filed Sep. 28, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0035] It is contemplated that the electronic component 210 may communicate with cellular towers, satellites, repeaters, networking devices, mobile devices, and other computing devices. Thus, the electronic component 210 may communicate directly with the computing device of the controller or may relay signals indirectly via various types of communication technologies.

[0036] In some embodiments, the communication capabilities of electronic component 210 are transmit only. In other embodiments, electronic component 210 can also receive data transmissions. This can include additional instructions, updates, etc. that can change the functionality of electronic component 210 after deployment.

[0037] In an embodiment, the electronic component 210 can communicate with other electronic components 210 of other projectiles 200 to form an ad-hoc mesh wireless network. This can be used to relay a more complete representation of the situation to the computing device of the controller. It can also be used to relay signals from one or more projectiles 200 back to the computing device 140 / 150 or the bomber 170. For example, a series of projectiles 200 can be fired at various locations near the intended target, at such a distance that each projectile 200 is within the communication range of the two other projectiles in the chain, forming a communication chain that leads from the intended target back within the communication range of the operator (in this example, the bomber 170). In this way, the operator (which can also be the shooter) can track the location of a target that may be outside the transmission range of a single projectile 200. Similarly, this method can be used to target multiple targets at once, and the bomber 170 can track and eliminate multiple targets simultaneously without the need for additional equipment in the field.

[0038] FIG. 3 provides a flow chart of processing performed by system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In step 310, the projectile 110 enters the target 120 and begins transmitting a signal 130 via the transmitter of the projectile 110. The signal 130 may include information such as the location of the projectile 110, as well as other collected sensor information. The location information may be obtained from an on-board GPS module, by triangulation with cellular towers, or by other methods. The location information of the signal 130 may also include location information such as altitude. Other signal information may include information such as temperature, humidity, etc., gathered via corresponding on-board sensors. If the target is a living being (e.g., an animal or human), the sensor information may include biometric information such as heartbeat detection, temperature, detected chemicals, etc.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the processor of electronic component 210 can be programmed to delay the initiation of transmission of signal 130 based on a detected condition or situation related to the target.

[0040] For example, in an embodiment, the processor of the electronic component 210 can determine that the projectile 110 (and thus the target in which it is embedded) is moving based on a signal from a GPS device. The processor can be programmed to begin transmitting the signal 130 upon determining that the projectile 110 has stopped moving for a certain amount of time. This can be a determination that the projectile 110 has stopped moving completely for a certain amount of time, is moving for a certain amount of time but below a speed threshold, or has only moved within a certain distance for a certain amount of time. Once this threshold is met, the processor begins transmitting the signal 130. This embodiment addresses a use case where an operator desires to determine the operator's base relative to a target. By delaying transmission until the target has arrived back at their base of operations, the projectile 110 minimizes the chances of detecting the emission of its signal 130 while the target is still on route.

[0041] In a variation of these embodiments, the electronic component 210 can be programmed to passively listen to the surrounding signal environment. If the electronic component 210 determines that the surrounding signal environment will cause interference with the transmitted signal 130 (either due to the presence of electronic jamming or an environment unfavorable to data transmission), the electronic component 210 can delay transmitting the signal 130. It can then continue to passively monitor its electronic environment continuously or periodically until the processor determines that it is more favorable to transmit. At that point, transmission can begin.

[0042] In another variation of these embodiments, electronic component 210 can transmit an initial state transmission via the antenna. Computing device 140 receives this signal and transmits a response confirming a successful "check-in" by projectile 110. After receiving this confirmation, electronic component 210 begins transmitting signal 130.

[0043] If the electronic component 210 does not receive a response from the computing device 140 (because the computing device 140 did not receive the initial check-in message or because a return message was not detected by the electronic component 210), the electronic component 210 may delay sending the signal 130. After the initial check-in message, the electronic component 210 may periodically send subsequent check-in messages until a response is received. Once a response is received, the electronic component 210 may begin sending the signal 130. In embodiments, the electronic component 210 may be programmed with a maximum number of check-in attempts and / or a maximum amount of time to attempt a check-in without a successful response. In these embodiments, the electronic component 210 may be programmed to begin transmitting the signal 130 once a maximum time and / or number of attempts threshold is reached.

[0044] It is contemplated that the delay functions described above can be pre-programmed into the electronic component 210 by an operator prior to launch of the projectile 110. This programming can be performed via a computing device capable of communicating with the projectile 110 at some point prior to launch of the projectile. This can occur prior to loading the projectile 110 into the weapon or while the projectile 110 is in the weapon prior to launch.

[0045] In an embodiment, electronic component 210 may incorporate a time delay for initiating transmission of signal 130 to allow for a weapon system 170 (e.g., bomber, cannon, etc.) to be in position / within range of a potential weapon system 170. For example, an operator having knowledge or an estimate of the time it will take for weapon system 170 to be in position / ready to fire may program this delay into electronic component 210 such that transmission of signal 130 begins when weapon system 170 is likely to be ready.

[0046] In embodiments, this delay may include the check-in functionality discussed above to confirm that the weapon system 170 has acquired the target and is in position / ready to deliver its munitions 160. In these embodiments, the electronic component 210 may begin transmitting the signal 130 upon receiving confirmation by the weapon system 170 and / or another computing device 140 that the weapon system 170 is ready.

[0047] The skilled reader will appreciate that the delay features described above not only serve to avoid detection of the projectile 110 by an enemy, but also serve to conserve the on-board battery of the projectile 110 by avoiding transmissions during undesirable / suboptimal times.

[0048] In an embodiment, the electronic component 210 can be programmed to use frequency hopping transmission techniques to avoid signal jamming. This signal hopping can be a default setting or can be responsive to detected jamming / very noisy signal environments. It is also contemplated that signal hopping can be incorporated into the delayed transmission embodiments described herein as well.

[0049] At step 320, computing device 140 receives signal 130 and at step 330 relays the information in signal 130 to computing device 150 or to bomber 170 and / or munitions 160. In an embodiment, signal 130 may be received directly by device 150. In yet other embodiments, the signal may be received directly from projectile 110 by bomber 170 and / or munitions 160 (if bomber 170 and / or munitions 160 are within range of signal 130).

[0050] In step 330, one or more of device 140, device 150, bomber 170 (via an on-board computing device), or munitions 160 determine the location of projectile 110 based on signal 130 and / or the information contained within signal 130. In an embodiment, the information in the signal may include location information (e.g., GPS information) or other information that may be used to determine the location of projectile 110. In an embodiment, signal 130 itself may be used as a beacon by one or more of device 140, device 150, bomber 170, or munitions 160 to determine the location of projectile 110.

[0051] In embodiments in which device 140 and / or device 150 determine the location of projectile 110 , the location information is then relayed to bomber 170 and / or munitions 160 . In an embodiment, the computer onboard bomber 170 and / or the munitions 160 may establish a lock on the projectile 110 based on the acquired information.

[0052] At step 340, the munition 160 is launched by the bomber 170. While the munition 160 is in flight, the processes of steps 320 and 330 are repeated so that the munition 160 can remain locked onto the position of the projectile 110 even if the projectile 110 begins to move (due to movement of the object in which the projectile 110 is embedded). This process continues to be repeated until impact by the munition 160.

[0053] In embodiments of the present subject matter, the information contained in the signal 130 can be relayed to other computing devices and displayed to a user. For example, location information can be transmitted to a computing device at a command post and displayed on a map. In another example, location and position information can be relayed to nearby soldiers equipped with augmented reality ("AR") systems. The location and position of the projectile 110 can then be overlaid in real time onto these AR systems.

[0054] It is also contemplated that the systems and methods of the present subject matter may be used to track and deliver munitions to targets underwater. Due to the medium, underwater wireless communication is different than communication outside of water. Thus, in these embodiments, the projectile 110 may carry equipment for underwater acoustic communication. In these embodiments, the unmanned vehicle may track the target based on signals from the projectile 110 and periodically surface to communicate the location to other devices via long-range wireless communication.

[0055] In these embodiments, the weapon system 170 can be any weapon system capable of delivering the projectile 110 for underwater applications. Thus, the weapon system 170 can be a manned or unmanned vehicle, such as an aircraft, ship, submarine, etc. In these embodiments, the projectile 110 can be deployed via an underwater propulsion delivery system, a harpoon, a spear, or other suitable underwater deployed projectile. The munitions 160 can include torpedoes or other propulsive underwater weapons capable of following a signal to a target. In a variation of these embodiments, the munitions 160 can include naval mines that include a controller programmed to detonate based on proximity or other signals from the projectile 110.

[0056] In underwater applications, the projectile 110 may also include a noise-generating module (e.g., a speaker or other acoustic transducer, a vibrating mechanism, etc.) that can generate noises to enable other submarines or vessels to track the projectile 110 (and thus the target). These noises can be pings or other noises that alert nearby aircraft to the relative position of the projectile.

[0057] Sound and / or underwater acoustic communication signals can be used by munitions such as torpedoes to acquire and track targets carrying embedded projectiles 110 . In these underwater embodiments, the electronic component 210 of the projectile 110 may include a sensor capable of providing depth information (e.g., a pressure sensor or other sensor capable of detecting depth). In these embodiments, the processor is programmed to detect when the projectile 110 is at a depth less than the threshold depth. At this point, the electronic component 210 begins transmitting the signal 130. In a variation of these embodiments, the electronic component 210 may begin transmitting the signal 130 based on a determination that the projectile 110 is above the waterline.

[0058] The projectile 110 can be launched in a variety of ways. In an embodiment, the projectile 110 is launched by a weapon (e.g., a rifle or other firearm) that is manually operated by a human user. In other embodiments, the projectile 110 can be launched by a weapon mounted on a vehicle. It is contemplated that the vehicle can be manned or unmanned. Examples of contemplated unmanned vehicles include unmanned aerial vehicles ("UAVs"), unmanned ground vehicles ("UGVs"), and unmanned undersea vehicles ("UUVs"). These unmanned vehicles can have a projectile launcher attached to them or integrated into the system, and the projectile 110 can be automatically launched at a target or remotely piloted and launched by a remote human operator.

[0059] As used herein, unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (where the two elements that are coupled to each other are in contact with each other) and indirect coupling (where one or more additional elements are between the two elements). Thus, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used interchangeably.

[0060] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications beyond those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present invention is not to be limited except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms shall be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" shall be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced element, component, or step may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly referenced. When the specification, claims, or claims refer to one or more of the group consisting of A, B, C, and N, the sentence shall be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A+N, B+N, etc.

Claims

1. 1. A system for target designation, comprising: A projectile, an electronic component programmed to generate a signal; a transmitter configured to transmit the signal; and 1. A computing device comprising: receiving the signal from the transmitter; determining a location of the projectile based on the signal; collecting information regarding the location of the projectile; Based on the information regarding the location of the projectile, the projectile has ceased movement for a predetermined period of time; the projectile was traveling below a predetermined velocity threshold for the predetermined period of time; or that the projectile has traveled less than a predetermined distance for a predetermined period of time; relaying information regarding the location of the projectile to a weapon system based on the determination; and 1. The weapon system, comprising: a weapon system programmed to deliver the location of the projectile to a munition based on the relayed information.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said weapons system comprises an aircraft weapons system and said munitions comprises an aircraft launched munitions.

3. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said weapon system comprises an artillery weapon system and said munitions comprise an artillery launched munitions.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the signal includes location information.

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the location information comprises GPS location information.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the signal comprises a beacon signal.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the computing device is integrated into an autonomous vehicle.

8. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the computing device is programmed to relay the information to a second computing device, the second computing device being programmed to relay the information to the weapon system.

9. The munitions include smart weapons, and the computing device includes:

10. The system of claim 1, which is a computing device programmed to continuously relay the information regarding the location of the projectile to the munition after the munition is launched by the weapon system.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the weapon system is one or more of a ship or a submarine, and the munitions include an underwater munitions.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the underwater propelled munitions include torpedoes.

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