Airdrop CARP Adjustment via Real-Time Data Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airdrop methods often result in inaccurate deliveries due to changing conditions after Computed Air Release Point (CARP) calculation, leading to supplies and personnel not reaching their intended destinations, causing potential disasters and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a ground system with sensors providing real-time data via a data link to an airborne system, allowing for continuous calculation and adjustment of the CARP, and providing real-time status updates to ground personnel, using a combination of GPS, meteorological sensors, and tactical data link units like Link 16 for accurate and timely adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If airdrop data is transmitted via radio voice transmission or dropped device, then ground personnel can communicate with flight crew, but the conditions may change after CARP calculation resulting in inaccurate airdrop delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical methods of data transmission (radio voice transmission, dropped devices) with a direct data link communication system between ground and airborne computers. This electronic data link enables real-time transmission of sensor data and CARP calculations without the time delays and reliability issues of the previous methods, directly resolving the contradiction between transmission reliability and time loss.
2Measurement precision
If manual input of airdrop information is used, then flight crew can enter data into computer, but the process is time-consuming and conditions may change during input
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic data collection and processing where ground sensors self-measure environmental parameters and the airborne computer automatically calculates CARP based on received data. This eliminates the manual input process entirely, allowing continuous updates without time delays while maintaining high precision through automated sensor measurements and calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data link as an intermediary communication channel between ground sensors and the airborne computer. This intermediary enables direct automated data transfer, replacing the manual input process and allowing real-time transmission of airdrop information without human intervention, thus improving both efficiency and accuracy.
3Reliability
If aircraft loops back to complete airdrop after dropped device data collection, then additional data can be obtained, but at least one more pass over drop zone is required increasing time and risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection and CARP calculation continuously during the approach to the drop zone, rather than requiring a separate reconnaissance pass. Ground sensors continuously measure conditions and transmit data via the data link, allowing the airborne computer to calculate and update CARP in real-time before the actual airdrop, eliminating the need for additional loop-back passes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous data collection and processing throughout the airdrop mission. Ground sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions and transmit data via the data link, enabling the airborne computer to continuously update the CARP calculation. This continuous action replaces the discrete, intermittent process of dropping a device and looping back, reducing mission time while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for aiding airdrop computations is described. The system includes a ground system, a data link, and an airborne system. The ground system accumulates substantially real time drop zone GPS and meteorological data, which is transferred to the airborne system via the data link. The airborne system makes adjustments to a release point of the airdrop based on the data received from the ground system. Additionally, the airborne system provides airdrop status to the ground system via the data link.