Ground-Based Anti-Missile System Using Phased Array Directed-Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft protection against Man Portable Air Defense (MANPAD) missiles relies on costly aircraft-mounted missile defense systems, which are not feasible for ground-based systems due to the need for direct laser targeting.
Innovation Solution
A ground-based anti-missile system comprising a sensor array generating tracking data and a control node that directs a phased array directed-energy unit to radiate guided missiles with electromagnetic radiation, disrupting their tracking systems and preventing them from hitting their targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aircraft-mounted missile defense systems are used, then individual aircraft can be protected from MANPAD threats, but the cost increases significantly and each aircraft must be individually outfitted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the defense function from the target platform. Instead of integrating missile defense systems into each aircraft, the invention separates the protection capability into an independent ground-based system that serves multiple aircraft, thereby reducing individual aircraft complexity while maintaining protection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The ground-based system provides universal protection capability for multiple aircraft simultaneously. The laser apparatus and tracking system serve as a shared resource that can defend any number of aircraft within its operational envelope, eliminating the need for each aircraft to have its own dedicated defense system
2Reliability
If aircraft-mounted laser systems are used to disrupt MANPAD infrared targeting, then missile tracking is disrupted, but the systems are costly and must be mounted on each individual aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a ground-based laser apparatus as an intermediary between the defense system and the aircraft. This intermediary delivers the disruptive laser energy to the missile seeker without requiring the aircraft themselves to generate or direct the laser beams, thereby maintaining the disruption capability while eliminating the need for aircraft-mounted systems
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having aircraft-mounted systems project laser energy forward from the aircraft, the invention inverts the approach by having ground-based systems project laser energy upward to intercept the missile in its flight path. This inversion allows the laser to be directed into the missile seeker from below rather than requiring the aircraft to project it from above
3Device complexity
If ground-based laser systems are used, then cost is reduced and multiple targets can be protected, but the laser cannot be directed into the missile seeker since it is pointed at the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic beam steering capability that allows the laser beam to track and follow the missile as it flies toward the aircraft. The ground-based laser can dynamically adjust its pointing direction in real-time to maintain illumination on the moving missile target, making ground-based operation feasible despite the changing geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses tracking data from the sensor array to provide feedback for laser beam direction control. The tracking information about the missile's position and velocity is fed back to the laser control system, enabling real-time adjustment of the laser beam pointing to maintain accurate targeting of the moving missile
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 solution allows for the protection of multiple targets in a defined area without the need for individual aircraft-mounted defense systems, effectively countering guided missiles by disrupting their tracking capabilities, thereby enhancing security without the high costs associated with aircraft-mounted systems.
Implementation Method 1
a phased array directed-energy unit radiating the guided missile based on targeting data from the control node such that the radiation disrupts an electronic component of the guided missile
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosed system, device and method for an anti-missile system generally includes a ground-based sensor array generating tracking data of a guided missile tracking a target. A control node in communication with the ground-based sensor array generates targeting data from the tracking data. A phased array directed-energy unit in communication with the control node radiates the guided missile with microwave radiation based on the targeting data received from the control node, where the microwave radiation disrupts an electronic component of the guided missile such that the guided missile discontinues tracking the target.