Autonomous Kill Vehicle Interceptor for MIRV Defense
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current missile defense systems face challenges in developing an effective Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs) interceptor due to weight, miniaturization, and control bandwidth constraints, particularly in acquiring, tracking, and intercepting multiple targets with existing unitary kill vehicle systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of a Multiple Autonomous Kill Vehicle (A-MKV) interceptor system, where each kill vehicle is equipped with autonomous management capabilities, reduced mass/power/volume requirements, and a network-centric approach, allowing for efficient deployment and target engagement with redundancy to mitigate single-point failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple kill vehicles are deployed to intercept multiple targets, then the capability to engage multiple targets is improved, but the weight and complexity of the interceptor system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interceptor system is segmented into multiple independent kill vehicles, each capable of autonomous operation. This allows the system to handle multiple targets simultaneously without requiring a single oversized interceptor, thereby managing weight while maintaining multi-target engagement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical or standardized kill vehicle modules are used instead of a single complex interceptor. This modular copying approach maintains versatility for multiple targets while controlling overall system weight through standardization and efficient design of each individual module.
2Device complexity
If each kill vehicle is made autonomous to reduce control bandwidth requirements, then the control system complexity is reduced, but the mass/power/volume requirements of each individual kill vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each kill vehicle is equipped with autonomous guidance, navigation, and control capabilities, allowing it to independently acquire, track, and intercept targets without continuous ground control. This self-service capability reduces the complexity of the central control system while distributing the mass and power requirements across multiple smaller autonomous units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the kinematic reach of each kill vehicle is increased to prosecute a large target cloud, then the effectiveness of target engagement is improved, but the mass and power requirements of each kill vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The kill vehicles are designed with dynamic propulsion and maneuvering capabilities that allow them to adjust their kinematic reach based on mission requirements. This enables the system to prosecute large target clouds when needed while maintaining the ability to operate with reduced mass and power consumption for specific engagement scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a MKV interceptor including multiple kill vehicles with autonomous management capability and kinematic reach to prosecute a large threat extent. Each KV can self-manage its own KV deployment and target engagement for a determined target volume assigned by a designated master KV. At least one KV is master capable of managing the post-separation of all of the KVs without requiring updates to the mission plan post-separation. The autonomous capability and increased kinematic reach provides for a more efficient use of boosters and more effective engagement of the threat.