Compact DRFM Decoy for Aircraft Radar Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar decoys lack advanced Doppler compensation, pulse tracking, and secure data storage, making them ineffective against modern RF-guided missiles and posing a security risk due to sensitive data being stored with the dispensed payload.
Innovation Solution
A decoy system with an ejectable unit equipped with memory for threat information, signal processing, and DRFM-based jamming capabilities, allowing for secure data storage and advanced jamming waveforms, and featuring a compact design with DRFM, MMICs, and FPGA technology for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensitive data is stored in the ejectable unit with the dispensed payload, then the decoy can operate independently, but a security risk arises that cannot be easily overcome
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage system is segmented into two separate locations: volatile RAM in the ejectable unit for operational data and non-volatile NVM in the launch tube for sensitive information. This segmentation allows the ejectable unit to operate independently while preventing security risks associated with storing sensitive data in the dispensed payload.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensitive data is extracted from the ejectable unit and stored separately in the launch tube's non-volatile memory. Only non-sensitive operational data remains in the ejectable unit's volatile memory, eliminating the security risk while preserving independent operation capability.
2Power
If a large and complex Digital RF Memory based jammer is used on-board the aircraft, then higher jammer powers and greater capability are achieved, but the system complexity and integration costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the large, complex, permanent on-board jammer system with small, inexpensive, expendable decoy units. Each decoy contains a simplified DRFM-based jammer that provides adequate power for its intended short-duration mission, eliminating the need for a complex permanent installation while maintaining effective jamming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes a complex mechanical/electrical on-board jammer system with a more compact DRFM-based system using MMICs and FPGA technology. This substitution reduces system complexity, size, and integration requirements while maintaining or improving jammer power output.
3Device complexity
If Doppler compensation and pulse tracking are not implemented in the decoy, then the device complexity is reduced, but the decoy cannot produce the obscuration waveform in range and Doppler essential for effective protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements Doppler compensation and pulse tracking by changing the operational parameters of the DRFM system. The signal processing means dynamically adjusts frequency, phase, and timing parameters to generate accurate obscuration waveforms in both range and Doppler domains, ensuring effective protection while maintaining reasonable device complexity through efficient algorithms.
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
The decoy effectively jams and diverts radar threats away from aircraft platforms, providing robust protection against multiple threats with secure data handling and minimal platform integration costs.
Implementation Method 1
a decoy for protecting a platform against radar-based threats... an antenna for receiving and transmitting RF signals
Implementation Method 2
signal processing means for processing received RF signals; and comparing means for comparing the processed signals with the predetermined information
Implementation Method 3
the signal processing means on determining a threat transmits an altered RF signal via the antenna such that the received signal is jammed and the threat is lured away from the platform
Implementation Method 4
a complex Digital RF Memory (DRFM) based jammer that fits within a volume of 0.5 l... the jamming waveform is generated by a large and complex Digital RF Memory (DRFM) based jammer
Data Source
AI summary
Modern military aircraft are prime targets for surface to air and air to air RF guided missiles. Modern missile systems in particular are difficult to counter and have an array of Electronic Protection Measures at their disposal. Expendable Active Decoys provide effective protection for fast jet platforms by creating a realistic false target that seduces the missile away from the protected platform. They can be fitted to almost all military platforms as they are expended from standard chaff and flare dispensers. Simple repeater devices have been produced in the past but they lack the sophistication to defeat modern threats. Digital RF Memory based jammers have the necessary capability but have always been too large due to their complexity. A system architecture, design features and technologies are disclosed to reduce the size of a Digital RF Memory 12 based jammer to fit within a volume 0.5 l.