Conformal MIMO Missile Nose Antenna Layout Without Grating Lobes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radar antennas on missiles face challenges such as increased volume, mechanical stability demands, and aerodynamic issues due to protruding structures, while conformally integrated antennas suffer from ambiguities like grating lobes and are unsuitable for radar seeker heads.

Innovation Solution

A conformal, front-looking MIMO radar antenna arrangement on a missile with antenna elements arranged on its circumference, utilizing symmetry to determine radiation characteristics and employing MIMO methods to create virtual elements that reduce distances and prevent grating lobes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a planar array antenna is placed under an antenna dome, then target detection capability is improved, but the missile volume increases and mechanical stability demands increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget detection accuracyVSAvoidmissile volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar 2D array configuration to a conformal 3D surface integration on the missile nose. Antenna elements are distributed across the curved surface in three dimensions, enabling compact integration without requiring additional volume while maintaining detection accuracy through spatial diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna elements are integrated within and conformal to the missile nose structure itself. The radar antenna array is nested within the aerodynamic fairing, using the missile body as the mounting surface, thereby eliminating the need for separate antenna domes or protruding structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If antenna elements are arranged as protruding structures, then target detection capability is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget detection accuracyVSAvoidaerodynamic drag

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna elements are arranged conformally on the curved surface of the missile nose, following its aerodynamic contour. This curved surface integration eliminates protruding structures that would disrupt airflow, while the MIMO radar processing maintains target detection accuracy through signal correlation techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the missile nose surface are utilized for antenna element placement, with elements distributed according to their specific radiation pattern requirements. The conformal integration allows each element to be optimally positioned for its function while maintaining overall aerodynamic smoothness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of moving object

If conformal antennas are integrated into the missile body, then volume is reduced and aerodynamics are improved, but grating lobes and radiation pattern ambiguities occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemissile volumeVSAvoidradiation pattern accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) radar technology where transmitting and receiving elements are dynamically assigned to different antenna positions. This dynamic configuration allows the system to synthesize multiple virtual antenna patterns and resolve ambiguities through signal processing, eliminating grating lobe effects despite the conformal geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna array is segmented into multiple transmitting elements and receiving elements that are spatially separated and distributed around the missile nose circumference. This segmentation, combined with MIMO signal processing, allows the system to distinguish between different radiation directions and eliminate grating lobe ambiguities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration enables a compact missile design with precise target detection and tracking, maintaining aerodynamic integrity and eliminating ambiguities like grating lobes.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of antenna elements comprises a number of transmitting elements and a number of receiving elements for performing a multiple-input/multiple-output method

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a conformal, front-looking MIMO radar antenna arrangement on a missile... for detecting and/or tracking targets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP4369524A1Conformal MIMO radar antennas for drag reduction in missile applications

Publication Date: 2024.05.15 MBDA DEUTSCHIAND GMBH

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AI summary

An antenna array is revealed, comprising an antenna body and a plurality of antenna elements. The plurality of antenna elements includes a number of transmitting elements and a number of receiving elements for performing a multi-input, multi-output procedure. The antenna array forms a shell over the nose of a missile.