Active Protection System Range Estimation Using Inertial Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current active protection systems (APS) on moving military platforms face challenges in maintaining pointing accuracy of electromagnetic beams when engaging semi-automatic command to line-of-sight (SACLOS) missiles due to unknown ranges, requiring complex and costly rangefinder techniques.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic range estimation method that maximizes dwell time of countermeasure beams on threats while the platform moves, using a threat cueing sensor, inertial navigation system, and optional acoustic and temperature sensors to adjust the countermeasure beam's position and direction, reducing the need for complex hardware and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex rangefinder techniques are used to provide range information, then the pointing accuracy of the electromagnetic beam is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical rangefinder systems with a computational approach using inertial navigation data and geometric calculations. The logic system computes range information by processing data from existing inertial sensors and threat cueing sensors, eliminating the need for separate rangefinding hardware while maintaining accurate beam pointing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes its own existing inertial navigation system and sensor data to determine range information, rather than relying on external or additional specialized equipment. The APS leverages data already collected for platform navigation and threat detection to compute the necessary range estimates for beam pointing accuracy.
2Duration of action of moving object
If optical augmentation or rangefinder techniques are used to locate enemy threats, then the dwell time of the countermeasure beam on the threat is improved, but the cost and complexity of the military platform increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the countermeasure beam pointing in real-time by continuously processing inertial navigation data and threat position information. The logic system calculates updated beam directions based on current platform motion and threat location, allowing the beam to track and maintain dwell on moving threats without additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the inertial navigation system and threat cueing sensor to continuously update beam pointing calculations. The logic system processes real-time data about platform position, velocity, and threat location to adjust the countermeasure beam direction, ensuring sustained dwell time on the threat throughout the engagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the platform rotates or translates away from the threat during engagement, then the platform mobility and operational flexibility are improved, but the pointing accuracy of the electromagnetic beam deteriorates due to unknown range
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of beam pointing direction using inertial navigation data and geometric relationships before the platform completes its rotation or translation. By pre-computing the necessary beam adjustments based on predicted platform position and threat location, the system maintains accurate pointing throughout the motion sequence.
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
Effectively neutralizes SACLOS missiles by maintaining beam accuracy and dwell time during platform movement, improving APS performance without adding significant cost or complexity to the military platform.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source provided at a second position on the platform and operably connected to the logic system, wherein the laser source emits a countermeasure beam directed at the estimated location of the threat guidance system to deter the threat away from the platform
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods of an active protection system (or “APS”) for a platform. The APS has a threat cueing sensor provided at a first position on the platform where the threat cueing sensor detects a threat launched from a threat guidance system at a distance away from the platform. The APS also has a logic system operably connected to the threat cueing sensor where the logic system is adapted to determine an estimated location of the threat guidance system via a distance away from the platform. The APS also has a laser source operably connected to the logic system where the laser source emits a countermeasure beam directed at the estimated location of the threat guidance system to deter the threat away from the platform.