Airborne Laser Weapon System Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current airborne laser weapon systems face limitations in mobility, range, and operational reliability due to the need for large and heavy components, which restrict their use in high-speed and long-endurance applications, and pose safety risks with free-jet laser transmission.
Innovation Solution
A modular airborne laser weapon system design where the static ground-based components, including pump sources and energy supplies, are separated from the airborne platform, with optical waveguides transmitting energy and control signals, allowing for a lightweight and agile system with enhanced reliability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large and heavy components are used in airborne laser weapon systems, then laser power and energy supply are improved, but mobility and operational reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a ground-based static part containing the laser generator and power supply, and an airborne movable part containing only the beam transmitter. This segmentation allows the heavy components to remain on the ground while the airborne platform remains lightweight and mobile.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical waveguide (fiber optic cable) serves as an intermediary to transmit laser energy from the ground-based generator to the airborne beam transmitter. This allows power transmission without requiring heavy components on the airborne platform.
2Length of stationary object
If free-jet laser transmission is used, then beam transmission distance is improved, but safety risks and operational reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
An optical waveguide acts as a safe intermediary medium to replace free-jet laser transmission. The waveguide confines the laser energy within its structure, eliminating the safety hazards of uncontrolled laser beams propagating through the atmosphere while maintaining transmission capability over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the free-space optical transmission mechanism with a waveguide-based transmission mechanism. This substitution provides controlled, confined energy transmission that is inherently safer and more reliable than free-jet transmission.
3Power
If heavy components are carried on airborne platform, then laser weapon effectiveness is improved, but spatial dynamics and agility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the heavy laser generator from the airborne platform, placing it on the ground. Only the lightweight beam transmitter is carried on the platform, maintaining agility and spatial dynamics while still delivering high-power laser capability through the optical waveguide connection.
4Reliability
If optical waveguides are used for energy transmission, then safety and reliability are improved, but transmission range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide serves as an intermediary that can be extended over long distances. The waveguide structure protects the laser energy transmission while maintaining safety, and its length can be increased to accommodate larger transmission ranges as needed.
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 system achieves long endurance, low costs, and increased operational reliability with robust and flexible design, maintaining high beam quality and spectral irradiance without the limitations of free-jet transmission, enabling effective engagement of dynamic targets with high spatial dynamics and precision.
Implementation Method 1
lasers pumped via optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
optical waveguides transmitting energy
Implementation Method 3
airborne laser weapon system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to weapons technology. In particular, the present invention relates to an airborne laser weapon system (2). The laser weapon system (2) is divided into two units: a ground-based unit (12a) and an airborne unit (12b). The comparatively heavy components of the laser weapon system, such as the generator, cooling elements with cooling fluid, accumulators, pump diodes, beam coupler, and an operator's control station, are concentrated or arranged in the ground-based unit (12a). The comparatively light components, which ultimately determine the quality of the laser beam, such as the laser element(s), in particular its output stage(s), aiming drive, telescope, and the sensors required for this purpose, are located on the airborne platform (12b) and are connected to the ground-based unit (12a) by means of a comparatively long, e.g., several kilometers, light-filter line (18).