Dual-Mode Aerial Fuzing for In-Flight Target Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial munitions with fixed fuzing systems are ineffective for versatile missions due to limitations in target adaptability, leading to resource waste and unsuccessful attacks.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode fuzing system for aerial munitions that allows real-time selection between proximity and impact detonation modes, enabling versatile mission capabilities by integrating a proximity sensor, impact sensor, and a remotely controllable fuze setter, with a Turbine Alternator Unit (TAU) for arming the fuze during flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aerial munitions are equipped with fixed fuzing systems (either proximity or impact), then the munition can effectively target specific destination types, but the munition cannot adapt to different target types or mission requirements, resulting in resource waste and ineffective attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal fuzing system that can perform multiple functions by integrating both proximity and impact fuzing capabilities into a single munition. The system includes a proximity sensor, impact sensor, and a switching mechanism that allows the munition to adapt to different target types (soft targets requiring proximity detonation vs. hard targets requiring impact detonation), thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate specialized munitions for each target type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic fuzing system where the fuze mode can be changed during flight before munition release. The fuze setter includes a switching mechanism that allows real-time selection between proximity and impact modes based on target identification, making the system adaptable rather than fixed. This dynamic capability enables the munition to respond to varying mission requirements and target characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If aerial munitions use proximity fuzing for soft targets, then detonation effectiveness is improved, but the same munition cannot effectively target hard surfaces requiring impact fuzing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal munition system that can effectively target both soft and hard surfaces by integrating dual fuzing modes. The system includes both proximity sensor and impact sensor with associated detonation mechanisms, allowing the same munition to be reliably effective against diverse target types by selecting the appropriate fuzing mode based on target characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of aerial munitions with different fuzing systems are loaded on aircraft, then target coverage is improved, but aircraft loading capacity is reduced and mission flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single aircraft to carry a maximized munition load by replacing multiple specialized munitions with a single type of universal munition that can adapt to different targets. The dual-mode fuzing system allows one munition type to perform the roles previously requiring multiple different munition types, thereby increasing the quantity of munitions that can be loaded while maintaining mission versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple specialized munitions into a single unified munition design. By combining proximity and impact fuzing systems into one munition platform, the patent eliminates the need to carry separate munition types for different target types, consolidating multiple functions into a single weapon system.
4Ease of operation
If the fuze mode is selected after takeoff based on target characteristics, then mission adaptability is improved, but the complexity of real-time fuze selection and switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic fuze selection system that allows mode switching during flight based on target identification. The fuze setter includes a switching mechanism that can change the operational mode (proximity or impact) after takeoff but before munition release, enabling real-time adaptation to target characteristics while maintaining operational simplicity through automated or pilot-controlled selection.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology subject of the present application generally concerns an aerial munition unit comprising a proximity fuze functionality and an impact fuze functionality, selectable by a crew member of an aircraft bearing the munition, after the aircraft has taken off and prior to munition release, to render active or operable the proximity fuze functionality or the impact fuze functionality.