Integrated Pod Merging Target Designation and Reconnaissance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current target designation and illumination, and aerial reconnaissance systems require separate optronic equipment, leading to inefficiencies such as long 'sensor to shooter' loops, high costs, and increased size and weight due to the need for multiple pods or aircraft, which is problematic for quickly moving targets and economically burdensome.
Innovation Solution
Combining target designation and illumination functions with aerial reconnaissance in a single 'pod' by adding an additional LV deflection device, utilizing an optical element that can move at speed Vr to compensate for aircraft displacement, and incorporating a detector capable of integrating photon signals over a specific duration, allowing for simultaneous operation of both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate optronic equipment is used for target designation/illumination and aerial reconnaissance, then each function can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the system size, weight, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines target designation/illumination functions and aerial reconnaissance functions into a single integrated pod system. The pod contains both laser designators and imaging sensors (such as infrared detectors) that share common mounting structures and control systems, eliminating the need for separate pods and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The pod is designed with multi-functional capabilities, where a single platform can perform both target designation/illumination and aerial reconnaissance tasks. The system includes versatile components that can operate in different modes depending on mission requirements, making the pod adaptable to various operational scenarios without requiring additional specialized equipment.
2Reliability
If separate aircraft are used for reconnaissance and target designation, then each function can be optimized for its specific role, but the operational time and coordination complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both reconnaissance sensors and target designation lasers in a single pod mounted on one aircraft. This allows the same platform to simultaneously perform area surveillance and immediate target marking, eliminating the time delay associated with transferring target information between separate aircraft and enabling rapid response to moving targets.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pods are attached to the same aircraft, then both functions can be provided on one platform, but the size, weight, and load-carrying capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components (reconnaissance sensors, laser designators, control systems) into a single integrated pod structure. This consolidation reduces the total volume and weight compared to mounting separate pods, while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities through shared mounting structures and coordinated operation.
4Reliability
If separate systems are used for reconnaissance and target designation, then each system can be optimized independently, but the overall cost and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines reconnaissance and target designation systems into a single integrated pod, reducing the total number of systems that need to be manufactured, maintained, and operated. This integration lowers overall program costs while maintaining functional optimization through coordinated design of shared components and control systems.
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 combination enables faster and more economical execution of both target designation and illumination, reducing the time and resources required, while maintaining compatibility with aircraft maneuvers and reducing the need for multiple systems or aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
this additional device comprises an optical element for deflecting the LV and means capable of moving this element at the speed Vr
Implementation Method 2
a detector able to operate according to a period D, and to integrate the photon signal corresponding to the instantaneous field for a duration I
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention concerns a system for target designation and/or illumination in a scene, which is designed to be fixed to an aircraft and comprising at least one optical path (1) equipped with a matrix sensor (2) forming an image of the scene, each image corresponding to an instantaneous field centered about a line of sight LV, and equipped with a device for deflecting the line of sight at a specific speed Vd enabling the target designation and illumination function to be provided through scanning. It comprises an additional device (3) for deflecting the line of sight at a speed Vr enabling an air reconnaissance function to be further provided through counter-scanning.