Active Chaff Signal Generation for Radar Evasion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aircraft to evade radar detection and missiles, such as passive chaff and on-board jamming, are either penetrable by advanced detection systems or expose the jamming aircraft to detection and interception.
Innovation Solution
An active chaff system comprising a signal generator, signal spreading device, microprocessor, and high-drag aerodynamic envelope is released by an aircraft to emit signals that draw radar or missiles away from the aircraft, using a radio transmitter or light emitting diode, and spread these signals isotropically to effectively evade detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If passive chaff is used to scatter radar waves, then radar detection is interfered with, but the chaff cloud can be penetrated by range-gating techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary active electronic component (signal generator) within the chaff cloud that mediates between the radar threat and the protected aircraft. This active component generates deceptive signals that actively interfere with radar detection, going beyond the passive scattering of traditional chaff and making range-gating penetration ineffective.
Solution Approach 2:
The chaff cloud is equipped with self-service capabilities through integrated power sources and signal generators that enable the chaff particles to actively generate deceptive radar signals on their own, without requiring external jamming aircraft. This self-service approach creates a more reliable and persistent protection effect.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If jamming aircraft remains in vicinity of threat radar, then radar suppression is maintained, but the aircraft is exposed to detection and interception
Solution Approach 1:
The chaff cloud acts as an intermediary between the protected aircraft and the radar threat, maintaining radar suppression at a distance from the protected aircraft. This intermediary approach allows the suppression function to be sustained without requiring the protected aircraft to position itself in vulnerable locations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The active chaff system effectively diverts radar or missile attention away from the aircraft, providing time for evasive maneuvers while being environmentally compatible and degradable, with a duration of 5 to 30 minutes in the air.
Implementation Method 1
a signal generator for generating at least one signal to assist an aircraft in evading at least one of radar detection and a missile
Implementation Method 2
a signal spreading device for spreading a generated signal
Implementation Method 3
a substantially high-drag aerodynamic envelope
Data Source
AI summary
An active chaff may be released by an aircraft to assist the aircraft in evading at least one of radar detection and a missile. The active chaff may include a signal generator, a signal spreading device, a microprocessor, a power source, and a substantially high-drag aerodynamic envelope. The signal generator may emit a signal to assist the aircraft in evading radar detection and/or a missile. The signal spreading device may spread the generated signal. The microprocessor may control the signal generator and the signal spreading device. The power source may power the signal generator and the microprocessor. Each of the signal generator, signal spreading device, microprocessor, and power source may be located on or within the substantially high-drag aerodynamic envelope.