Beam-Riding Missile Interception Using a Countermeasure Aerial Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack effective methods to intercept and neutralize beam-riding guided munitions, such as anti-tank guided missiles, without risking collateral damage to nearby assets.
Innovation Solution
An active protection system that utilizes an aerial platform to track and intercept the guiding beam of the incoming threat, allowing it to incapacitate the munition by flying along the beam in the opposite direction, thereby avoiding direct engagement with the target and reducing collateral damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an aerial platform is launched to intercept the guiding beam, then the threat is neutralized at a distance from the target, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An aerial platform serves as an intermediary between the protection system and the incoming threat. The platform launches from the protected asset, rides the guiding beam to the threat, and neutralizes it at a distance. This intermediary approach allows threat neutralization while maintaining safety distance from the target and reducing collateral damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical interception methods with an optical-guided aerial platform. The platform uses the electromagnetic guiding beam itself for navigation and targeting, substituting complex mechanical guidance systems with optical beam-riding capability. This reduces the mechanical complexity of the interception system while improving precision.
2Measurement precision
If the aerial platform uses the guiding beam for navigation, then precise targeting is achieved, but the risk of beam interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the aerial platform emitting its own guidance beam, the system inverts the approach by having the platform ride on the enemy's existing guiding beam. The platform detects and follows the electromagnetic radiation from the aiming station, using the threat's own guidance system against it. This inversion achieves precise targeting while avoiding the need for the platform to generate potentially interfering beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerial platform creates a virtual copy of the guiding beam's path by detecting and following its electromagnetic radiation signature. The onboard sensor detects the beam's presence and intensity, allowing the platform to replicate the beam's trajectory and reach the threat with high precision without needing independent navigation systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the interception occurs at a distance from the target, then collateral damage is reduced, but the interception time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial platform is launched immediately upon detection of the guiding beam, performing preliminary action before the threat reaches the target. The platform rides the beam in real-time, maintaining continuous pursuit of the threat throughout its flight path. This preliminary interception approach neutralizes the threat at optimal distance while minimizing total interception time.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerial platform maintains continuous useful action by constantly riding the guiding beam from launch to threat interception. The onboard sensor continuously detects the beam's electromagnetic radiation, and the flight control system continuously adjusts the platform's trajectory to stay aligned with the beam. This continuous action ensures efficient pursuit and minimizes interception time while maintaining safety distance.
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 intercepts and neutralizes beam-riding threats while minimizing risk to nearby assets by using the guiding beam to direct the countermeasure, enabling precise targeting and reducing potential harm.
Implementation Method 1
the aerial platform comprising an onboard sensor sensitive for detecting electromagnetic radiation of the guiding beam
Data Source
AI summary
The presently disclosed subject matter includes an active protection system and a method, dedicated for detecting, locating, and incapacitating beam-riding missiles and in that way protecting an asset from being targeted by the missile. According to some examples following receipt of a threat-indication, the active protection system estimates a location of a beam used for directing a threat (e.g., ATGM) to the target and launches an aerial platform that flies in the opposite direction along the beam until it meets and incapacitates the incoming threat.