Armed UAV Rotor Aiming Control for Reloadable Precision Strikes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current loitering munitions and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) face issues such as high cost-per-shot, lack of re-loadability, limited operational flexibility, and potential for civilian casualties due to their design and operational requirements.
Innovation Solution
An armed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with selectively rotatable rotor arm assemblies and a flight and targeting controller that adjusts pitch and yaw angles to aim and deploy projectiles, allowing for flexible operation, re-loadability, and reduced collateral damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If loitering munitions are used for self-destructive strikes, then reaction time against concealed targets is improved, but cost-per-shot increases and re-loadability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The weapon system is segmented into separate components: the UAV platform and the weapon payload. This allows the UAV to return to base and have weapons replenished, enabling multiple strikes without requiring the entire system to be discarded after one use.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV recovers and returns to base after weapon delivery, allowing the platform to be reused while the weapon is replaced. This recovers the value of the expensive UAV platform while discarding only the consumable weapon payload.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UCAVs are used for multiple strikes, then re-loadability is improved, but operational flexibility and portability deteriorate due to dedicated base requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static base-dependent operations to dynamic mobile operations. The UAV can take off from and land at various locations, enabling flexible deployment without fixed infrastructure while maintaining weapon replenishment capability through return-to-base operations.
3Reliability
If aircraft ordnance with greater effective casualty radius is used, then strike capability is improved, but civilian casualties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weapon system uses small-caliber projectiles with localized impact zones rather than large-area effects. This concentrates the harmful effect precisely at the target location while minimizing collateral damage to surrounding areas, achieving high strike capability with reduced civilian casualties.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an armed unmanned aerial vehicle ("UAV"), an armed UAV control system, and methods of use thereof. In one form, the armed UAV includes: an elongate body, a pair opposed side rotor arm assemblies extending from the sides of the body, a tail rotor arm assembly extending from a rear end of the body, a weapons system including at least one firearm associated with the body, and a flight and targeting controller operatively associated with the side rotor arm assemblies and the tail rotor arm assembly. The controller configured to: determine at least a pitch angle and yaw angle required to strike a target with the weapons system, based on target information received; and selectively control operation of each rotor arm assembly for aiming the weapons system, based on at least the pitch angle and the yaw angle determined.