High Power Microwave IED Detection and Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) pose a significant threat due to their ability to be remotely detonated and embedded in various environments, making them difficult to detect and neutralize effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing high power microwaves to detect IEDs by illuminating them with multiple radio frequency signals, determining their location using narrow beamwidth antennas and GPS data, and disabling or destroying them with a burst of high power RF radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple narrow band RF signal sources are used to illuminate the IED, then detection precision is improved through sum and difference frequency analysis, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent narrow band RF signal sources, each operating at a distinct frequency. This segmentation allows the system to analyze sum and difference frequencies separately, improving detection precision while managing complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The received RF signal is processed to extract multiple types of information simultaneously - sum frequencies, difference frequencies, and harmonics - from a single illumination event. This multi-functionality improves detection precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If narrow beamwidth antennas with known azimuth and elevation angles are used, then location precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor the RF signal returns and adjust the antenna pointing angles and beamforming weights. This feedback mechanism enables precise location determination through azimuth and elevation angle measurement while managing system complexity through adaptive control algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems with electronic beamforming and signal processing techniques. By using narrow beamwidth antennas with electronically controlled azimuth and elevation angles, the system achieves high location precision without the mechanical complexity of moving parts
3Reliability
If high power RF electromagnetic radiation is used to disable or destroy the IED, then effectiveness is improved, but risk of collateral damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system concentrates high power RF energy into a focused beam directed precisely at the detected IED location. By localizing the energy delivery to the specific target coordinates determined through azimuth and elevation measurement, the system maximizes effectiveness while minimizing collateral damage to surrounding areas
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and location using lower power RF illumination and signal analysis before delivering the high power disabling burst. This preliminary action allows the system to confirm target identity and precise location, ensuring the high power radiation is applied only when necessary and with maximum accuracy
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
The system effectively reduces false positives in detection, precisely locates IEDs, and renders them ineffective, thereby mitigating the risks associated with IEDs, including those buried or partially buried, from a safe distance.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the presence of a non-linear electronic component of the IED can be accomplished by simultaneously illuminating the device with multiple radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic signals and receiving a complex RF signal return which contains sum and/or difference frequencies and/or harmonics that are produced by interaction of the illumination signals with one or more of the IED's non-linear components
Implementation Method 2
The location of the IED can be more precisely determined by illuminating it using a narrow beamwidth transmit-receive microwave system whose azimuth & elevation angles are well known versus time
Implementation Method 3
IED position knowledge can be enhanced by employing a combination of information including the slant range to detected IED using the multi-frequency round trip propagation time from RF source to IED
Implementation Method 4
The IED can be disabled and/or destroyed by illuminating the device with a burst of comparatively higher power RF electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for mitigating the effectiveness of IEDs are disclosed. The method can include detecting IEDs by sensing the presence of a non-linear electronic component of an IED. The presence of a non-linear electronic component of the IED can be detected by illuminating the device with a high power microwave signal containing a plurality of radio frequencies of electromagnetic radiation and receiving sum and/or difference frequency components that are produced by interaction of the illuminating signals with a non-linear IED component and subsequently re-radiated.