Detachable Communications Link for Fire Control Solution Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing countermeasures for short-range threats like rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) often require quick deployment but may not be effective due to limited reaction time and are not universally suited to all units, especially in urban environments where RPGs are commonly used.
Innovation Solution
A communication link system between a fire control system and a launcher that transmits a fire control solution to a projectile after launch, enabling rapid guidance and intercept of incoming threats, using a tether or electrical connector for continuous signal transfer until the projectile exits the launcher.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If countermeasures are deployed quickly to neutralize short-range threats, then reaction time is reduced, but effectiveness is limited due to insufficient time for proper guidance and targeting
Solution Approach 1:
The fire control solution is pre-calculated and transmitted to the effector before launch, and the communication link is established in advance. This allows the guidance data to be ready and transferred during the brief flight time, resolving the contradiction by preparing the guidance information beforehand so that rapid deployment does not sacrifice targeting effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated communication link (tether or electrical connector) serves as an intermediary to transmit fire control solutions from the fire control system to the effector. This mediator enables reliable data transfer during the rapid launch sequence, ensuring that effectiveness is maintained even when deployment speed is high
2Reliability
If a fixed communication link is used between fire control system and effector, then signal transmission is reliable, but system adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The communication link is designed to be detachably coupled, allowing it to be connected or disconnected as needed. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to different operational scenarios and effector types while maintaining reliable signal transmission when the link is engaged, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
3Loss of time
If fire control solution is transmitted after launch, then reaction time is maximized, but communication link must be established rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The communication link is pre-positioned and ready for immediate engagement at launch. By preparing the communication pathway in advance and designing it for rapid connection, the system can transmit the fire control solution immediately after launch without significant delay, thus minimizing time loss while managing the complexity through pre-planned configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for communications between a fire control system and an effector according to various aspects of the present invention may include a communications link. The communications link may be coupled to a launcher for the effector and the effector. The communications link is detachably coupled to at least one of the launcher and the effector. The communications link may be adapted to transmit a fire control solution to the effector after initiating the launch.