Guided Missile Control via Light Signals for Aircraft Launch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for launching guided missiles from aircraft face issues with data cable damage, mechanical trigger jams, and limited launching capacity and frequency due to unreliable wireless data transmission, particularly in cargo holds of transport aircraft.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for controlling guided missiles using light signals for data transmission and a receptacle device that disintegrates during flight to facilitate safe and reliable launching, allowing for increased capacity and frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data cables are used to transmit mission data to guided missiles, then data transmission is reliable, but the cables can be damaged and no more data can be transferred after release

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidpost-release data transmission capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with optical communication systems. Light signals are transmitted through the cable during launch and then continue wirelessly through air or space after release, eliminating the mechanical limitation while maintaining data transmission reliability throughout all phases of missile operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions the transmission medium parameter from purely mechanical (cable) to a hybrid state that includes optical/wireless capabilities. This parameter change allows the system to adapt from cable-bound transmission to wireless transmission after cable release, solving both reliability and post-release adaptability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If mechanical triggers are used to signal missile launch, then the trigger is simple and reliable, but the triggers can be jammed or unintentionally triggered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger reliabilityVSAvoidtrigger system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical trigger systems with optical sensing systems. Light signals are used to detect and confirm launch conditions, eliminating mechanical components that can jam or be accidentally activated. The optical system provides more reliable detection with fewer failure modes while adding minimal complexity through the use of standard optical sensors and signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless data transmission via radio waves is used, then data can be transmitted without cables, but data can be transmitted inadvertently to multiple missiles simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless data transmission capabilityVSAvoidtargeted data transmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radio wave transmission with optical transmission (light signals). Light has narrower beam spread and can be more precisely directed and targeted compared to radio waves. This substitution maintains wireless transmission capability while significantly improving the ability to target specific missiles individually, eliminating the problem of inadvertent transmission to multiple targets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If traditional launching methods are used, then the launching process is simple, but the dropping frequency and launching capacity are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaunching operation simplicityVSAvoidlaunching capacity and frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional data transmission system that works through cables during launch, through air after release, and supports multiple communication protocols. This universal system enables simultaneous control of multiple missiles with different launch configurations, increasing launching capacity and frequency while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized interfaces and automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures secure, flexible, and high-capacity launching of guided missiles by avoiding mechanical and wireless transmission errors, simplifying handling, and enhancing reliability and safety during flight operations.

Implementation Method 1

at least one mission command is transmitted by light signal from the aircraft to the guided missile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight signal transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS20250321083A1Method for controlling guided missiles, and guided missile, and aircraft

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH

AI summary

A method for controlling at least one guided missile to be launched by an aircraft during flight, a guided missile and an aircraft, wherein at least one mission command is transmitted by light signal from the aircraft to the guided missile. The light signal may be transmitted to a transceiver temporarily connected to or integrated into the guided missile.