Aircraft-Launched Guided Missile Control Via Optical Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for launching guided missiles from aircraft face issues with data cable damage, mechanical trigger jams, and limited launching capacity due to unreliable wireless data transmission, particularly affecting cruise missiles and flying drones.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for controlling guided missiles using light signals for data transmission between the aircraft and the missiles, along with a receptacle device that disintegrates during launch to facilitate safe and reliable deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data cables are used to transmit mission data to guided missiles, then data transmission is reliable, but data cables can be damaged and no more data can be transferred after release

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddata cable damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical data cable connections with optical data transmission using light signals. The guided missile is equipped with a light receiver that can receive optical signals from the aircraft, eliminating the need for physical data cables during launch and mission data transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical triggers are used to signal missile launch, then launch signaling is simple, but mechanical triggers can be jammed or unintentionally triggered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaunch signaling simplicityVSAvoidmechanical trigger reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical trigger systems with optical signaling. The aircraft sends light signals to the guided missile to initiate launch commands, eliminating mechanical contact points that could jam or be accidentally activated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless data transmission via radio waves is used, then data transmission is flexible, but data can be transmitted inadvertently to multiple guided missiles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission flexibilityVSAvoidtargeted data transmission accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical signals instead of radio waves for data transmission. The light receiver on the guided missile is designed to receive optical signals from the aircraft, providing directional and targeted communication that prevents inadvertent transmission to multiple missiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If traditional launching methods are used, then launching procedure is straightforward, but launching frequency and capacity are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaunching frequencyVSAvoidlaunching system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a receptacle device that can accommodate multiple guided missiles and is designed to disintegrate during launch. This segmented approach allows multiple missiles to be launched simultaneously or in sequence from a single receptacle, increasing launching capacity and frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle device is designed to undergo a phase transition from a solid structural form to a disintegrated state during the launch process. This controlled disintegration allows the receptacle to release multiple guided missiles without requiring complex mechanical ejection systems for each individual missile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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

Enhances data transmission security, avoids mechanical errors, and increases launching capacity and frequency by ensuring flexible and secure data exchange, while simplifying handling and reducing mechanical triggers.

Implementation Method 1

at least one mission command is transmitted by light signal from the aircraft to the guided missile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight signal transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4632310A1Method for controlling guided missiles, and guided missile, and aircraft
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH
  • EP4632310A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4632310A1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP4632310A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Proposed are a method for controlling at least one guided missile (3) to be launched by an aircraft (2) during flight, a guided missile (3) and an aircraft (2), wherein at least one mission command (N) is transmitted by light signal (L) from the aircraft (2) to the guided missile (3).