Swarm Projectile Navigation Using AOA and TDOA Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems for guided projectiles face challenges in accuracy, particularly when targeting locations offset from the geolocated emitter and in GPS-denied environments, leading to potential missed strikes and navigation system drift.
Innovation Solution
A multiple projectile navigation system that detects and analyzes incoming signals from a target emitter using angle of arrival (AOA) and time of arrival (TOA) data, processed with correlative interferometry direction finding and Kalman filters, allowing for precise geolocation and coordinated flight path adjustments among multiple projectiles to ensure simultaneous targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single projectile is fired at a single target using geolocation of an emitter, then the navigation system can guide the projectile to the target, but the accuracy is insufficient and the target may be missed due to errors in geolocation, flight path, or target movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines AOA and TDOA measurement systems into a unified navigation architecture, where multiple projectiles share sensor data and processing resources to achieve superior geolocation accuracy and strike reliability that neither system could achieve alone
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where AOA and TDOA measurements are constantly updated and processed to refine geolocation estimates in real-time, allowing the navigation system to compensate for target movement and maintain accurate targeting throughout the projectile's flight
2Reliability
If multiple missiles are fired simultaneously at the same target, then the probability of hitting the target increases, but each missile experiences navigation system drift in GPS-denied areas causing them to veer off course
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where AOA and TDOA measurements are constantly updated and processed to refine geolocation estimates in real-time, allowing the navigation system to compensate for target movement and maintain accurate targeting throughout the projectile's flight
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses AOA and TDOA measurements as intermediary data that bridge the gap between GPS-denied inertial navigation and accurate target geolocation, allowing missiles to maintain precise navigation without relying on GPS signals
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the emitter is offset from the desired point of impact on the target, then striking the emitter may destroy communication systems but may not disable the target's offensive or defensive capabilities, but guiding directly to the emitter results in missed strikes at the desired location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the targeting function into two independent components: geolocation of the emitter using AOA/TDOA measurements, and calculation of the offset point of impact on the target, allowing the system to accurately locate the emitter while independently determining the desired strike location on the target body
4Object-affected harmful factors
If GPS denial is implemented in an area surrounding the target, then the target's navigation countermeasures are activated, but the projectile's inertial navigation system drifts causing it to veer off course over time and distance
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses AOA and TDOA measurements as intermediary data that bridge the gap between GPS-denied inertial navigation and accurate target geolocation, allowing missiles to maintain precise navigation without relying on GPS signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS-dependent electronic navigation system with a passive acoustic and temporal measurement system that uses AOA and TDOA of emitter signals, eliminating dependence on GPS infrastructure and resisting GPS denial countermeasures
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
This system significantly increases the accuracy of missile strikes, maintaining precision even in GPS-denied areas by eliminating navigation system drift and ensuring multiple projectiles hit the desired point of impact simultaneously, enhancing the likelihood of successful target engagement.
Implementation Method 1
guided munitions include an antenna or a sensor array that can detect emitter pulses
Implementation Method 2
applying a correlative interferometry direction finding (CIDF) process to the incoming signal data to provide the AOA of the detected signal
Implementation Method 3
analyzing the incoming signal via a processor and at least one non-transitory storage medium carried by at least one of the at least three projectiles to provide the time of arrival (TOA) of the incoming signal relative to the location of each projectile
Implementation Method 4
processing the AOA and TOA measurements with at least one Kalman filter to geolocate the target
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation system for a swarm of guided projectiles, such as cruise missiles, having three or more projectiles launched at a target is provided. The projectiles can be in secure communication with one another and can operate as a single swarm using a fusion of angle of arrival and time difference of arrival of a detected signal to direct the projectiles to a point of impact on a target that is offset from an emitter generating the detected signal. The projectiles can further use knowledge of their relative position to maintain and/or adjust their flight path and/or speed to maintain their course to the point of impact in areas of GPS denial or unavailability.