Intercept Aircraft Kinetic Projectile Package for Drone Disablement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air defense systems are inadequate for a wide spectrum of drones, with net-based solutions ineffective against larger and faster drones, and traditional systems costly for medium-cost drones, posing security risks due to the inability to effectively disable or eliminate potentially threatening drones.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic interception system using an intercept aircraft equipped with a radar/kinetic projectile package that predicts the path of an unwanted drone, detonates an explosive below the drone to disable it with shrapnel, and self-destructs to prevent technology reverse-engineering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If net-based air defense systems are used to capture or disable unwanted drones, then small and slow consumer drones can be effectively countered, but larger and faster drones cannot be disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from net-based passive capture to kinetic projectile-based active interception by changing the fundamental operational parameters of the defense system. The kinetic energy of projectiles is adjusted to match the size and speed of different target drones, enabling effective engagement across the full spectrum from small consumer drones to large fast drones.
Solution Approach 2:
The defense system employs dynamic prediction of target drone paths and adjusts projectile launch timing and trajectory accordingly. The system continuously tracks target motion and calculates intercept points, enabling adaptive response to drones of varying speeds and maneuverability patterns.
2Reliability
If traditional air defense systems are used to defend against medium-cost drones, then these drones can be countered, but the cost is not effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive kinetic projectiles as disposable interceptors that are launched to collide with and disable target drones. These projectiles are far cheaper than traditional air defense missiles, providing cost-effective engagement of medium-cost drones while maintaining reliable disablement capability through kinetic impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex traditional air defense systems with a simpler kinetic impact mechanism. Instead of using sophisticated guided missiles with multiple subsystems, the patent uses basic projectile launchers that rely on kinetic energy transfer, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining effectiveness against medium-cost drones.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If self-destruction of radar/kinetic projectile package is implemented, then technology reverse-engineering is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of technology capture into a benefit by implementing self-destruct mechanisms. The radar and kinetic projectile package are designed to self-destruct upon completion of their mission or if captured, transforming the threat of technology reverse-engineering into a protective feature that eliminates the risk while providing assurance of technology protection.
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
Effectively disables a wide range of drones, including larger and faster ones, by damaging critical flight components while preventing the capture and reverse-engineering of defensive technology.
Implementation Method 1
detonates an explosive below the drone to disable it with shrapnel
Implementation Method 2
kinetic interception of the target aircraft that includes a self-destruction
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided to defend against intruding aircraft using an intercept aircraft to detonate a radar/kinetic projectile package in proximity to the unwanted aircraft. The projectile device shoots projectiles through the intruding aircraft to disable it. The intercept aircraft includes a radar, a projectile device, and processors operating on radar data to detect the intruding aircraft and predict its path. The intercept aircraft is flown to an intercept point on the predicted path, where the intercept aircraft waits for the intruding aircraft and then detonates an explosive launching the projectiles through the intruding aircraft thereby disabling it and also achieving the self-destruction of the radar/kinetic projectile package and one or more parts (e.g., secret or proprietary parts) of the radar and/or the intercept aircraft.