Infrared Countermeasures Sensor Link for Secure Aircraft Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared countermeasures systems for military aircraft lack an efficient method to establish secure and undetectable communication links between aircraft while maintaining missile detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a wide field of view sensor and a narrow field of view sensor with a pointing actuator to form an infrared communications link, utilizing existing IRCM hardware, and configuring the system to emit and receive infrared light with data packets and acknowledgments, making the communication link difficult to detect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a communication link is established between aircraft using separate dedicated hardware, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the IRCM sensor system to perform both its original missile detection function and a new infrared communication function using the same hardware components. The narrow field of view sensor and pointing actuator are used dually for tracking missiles and establishing communication links, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication hardware and reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If dedicated communication hardware is added to aircraft, then communication reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same IRCM hardware components (sensor, pointing actuator, controller) are utilized for both missile detection and communication functions, eliminating the need for additional dedicated communication hardware that would increase aircraft weight
3Object-affected harmful factors
If narrow field of view sensor is used for communication, then detectability is reduced (harder to detect), but communication setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by first using the wide field of view sensor to detect and track potential communication partners, then using this information to pre-position the narrow field of view sensor before actual communication begins. This preliminary setup simplifies the subsequent communication establishment process
Solution Approach 2:
The wide field of view sensor acts as an intermediary that facilitates the establishment of narrow field of view communication links. It detects potential partners and provides guidance information that enables the narrow field of view sensor to acquire and maintain communication links more easily
4Adaptability or versatility
If wide field of view sensor is used for both missile detection and communication partner detection, then versatility is improved, but measurement precision for communication pointing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented between two sensors: the wide field of view sensor handles initial detection and tracking of both missiles and potential communication partners, while the narrow field of view sensor is dedicated to precise communication pointing and data exchange. This segmentation allows each sensor to optimize its performance for its specific function
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
Enables secure and undetectable communication between aircraft by using existing IRCM hardware, reducing the risk of interception, and allowing continuous missile detection without interfering with the countermeasures functionality.
Implementation Method 1
emit first infrared light from the narrow field of view sensor toward a remote infrared countermeasures system
Implementation Method 2
a wide field of view sensor configured to receive infrared light from any direction
Implementation Method 3
a pointing actuator configured to controllably reposition the narrow field of view sensor along the repositionable direction
Data Source
AI summary
During flight, a military aircraft can use an infrared countermeasures (IRCM) system. The IRCM system can use a wide field of view sensor to detect a spectral signature of a missile and record a coarse estimate of the angular location of the missile. Upon such detection, the IRCM system can trigger a narrow field of view sensor to more finely determine the angular location of the missile. The narrow field of view sensor can emit infrared light toward the missile, which can confuse the guidance system of the missile and can help redirect the missile away from the aircraft. During time intervals when the narrow field of view sensor is not actively locating a missile, the IRCM system can use the narrow field of view sensor to form an infrared communications link with a corresponding narrow field of view sensor of a corresponding IRCM system of another aircraft.