Drone-Guided Missile Targeting With Operator-Assisted Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neutralization systems for targets, such as tanks, rely on a missile detecting an electromagnetic signal for guidance, limiting their use and requiring the missile to identify the target, which restricts their operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a drone that transmits target position information to a control station and a missile, allowing an operator to participate in target identification and guidance, with the option for direct or indirect transmission of this information, and utilizing flying machines for relay and transport functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the missile uses electromagnetic signal detection for target guidance, then the missile can autonomously locate and neutralize the target, but the system's operational flexibility is limited and the missile must carry complex identification equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the target identification and electromagnetic signal detection functions from the missile and relocates them to a separate drone. This allows the missile to be simpler and more versatile, while the drone handles the complex detection tasks. The missile receives only position information from the drone, eliminating the need for complex onboard sensors and identification equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone serves multiple functions: it acts as both the target identification platform and the guidance information provider for the missile. This multi-functional approach increases system versatility, as the same drone can support different missile types and target scenarios without requiring the missile itself to be specialized for each function.
2Reliability
If the missile carries electromagnetic signal detection equipment for target identification, then the missile can independently identify and engage targets, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electromagnetic signal detection equipment from the missile and places it on the drone. This extraction reduces missile complexity while maintaining the capability for target identification, as the drone performs this function externally and transmits position data to the missile.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone acts as an intermediary between the target and the missile. Instead of the missile directly detecting and identifying the target with complex onboard sensors, the drone serves as a mediator that collects target information and relays position data to the missile, simplifying the missile's equipment requirements.
3Loss of time
If the operator is removed from the neutralization loop for automated missile guidance, then the response time is reduced, but the ability to make informed target identification decisions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the neutralization process into distinct phases: the drone handles target approach and identification, the operator reviews position information and makes the engagement decision, and the missile executes the neutralization. This segmentation allows the operator to be involved in critical decision-making while maintaining overall response efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the operator through the transmission of position information from the drone to the control station. This feedback loop enables the operator to make informed decisions about target engagement based on accurate, real-time data, combining automated data collection with human judgment.
Data Source
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AI summary
- Target neutralization system using a drone and a missile. - The neutralization system (1) comprises a drone (2) configured to be able to fly towards a target and transmit at least some target position information, the neutralization system (1) also comprising at least one missile (6) capable of being guided towards the target in order to neutralize it and at least one control station (8), the control station (8) comprising a receiving unit (9B) capable of receiving at least the position information transmitted by the drone (2) and a display unit (10A) capable of presenting this information to an operator, the missile (6) being configured to be able to be guided towards the target using said position information received by the control station (8).