Gravity-Guided Kinetic Projectile Steering for Precise Aerial Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapons deployed from aerial vehicles often rely on explosive or incendiary materials, which can be costly and pose risks, and lack effective guidance systems for precision targeting.
Innovation Solution
A projectile delivery system for aerial vehicles that uses kinetic projectiles driven by gravity, equipped with an onboard steering system and a base system for target tracking and guidance, allowing for precise targeting without explosives or incendiaries, using adjustable aerodynamic control surfaces and RF communication for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If explosive or incendiary materials are used in aerial weapons, then destructive capability is improved, but cost and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of explosives into a beneficial kinetic impact mechanism. By eliminating explosive materials and using purely kinetic projectiles driven by gravity and aerodynamic forces, the system achieves destructive capability through controlled impact while removing the associated costs and safety risks of handling, storing, and deploying explosive materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy-based explosive system with a physics-based kinetic system. Instead of using chemical reactions to generate destructive force, the system uses gravitational potential energy conversion, aerodynamic drag, and controlled impact mechanics to achieve the same target engagement objective without explosives or incendiaries.
2Device complexity
If traditional aerial weapons are used without guidance systems, then device complexity is reduced, but targeting precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile incorporates an integrated guidance system with onboard sensors, processors, and control actuators that enable autonomous navigation and self-correction during flight. The system uses self-contained inertial measurement units, GPS receivers, and onboard steering mechanisms to automatically adjust trajectory and maintain precise targeting without requiring external guidance infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance system integrates multiple functions into a single unified platform: target acquisition through onboard sensors, navigation through GPS and inertial systems, trajectory correction through steerable control surfaces, and terminal guidance through active sensing. This multi-functional integration achieves high precision targeting while managing system complexity through consolidation rather than separate specialized systems.
3Measurement precision
If kinetic projectiles with onboard steering systems are used, then targeting precision is improved, but projectile complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile system is divided into distinct functional modules: a core projectile body containing the kinetic warhead, an integrated guidance module with sensors and processors, a steering mechanism with control surfaces and actuators, and a power system. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently and facilitates maintenance and replacement without affecting the entire projectile system.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile employs variable parameters during flight to optimize performance: adjustable control surface deflection angles for trajectory correction, variable thrust or aerodynamic forces for speed modulation, and dynamic attitude adjustments for optimal aerodynamic efficiency. These parameter changes enable precise targeting while managing complexity through adaptive control rather than fixed mechanical 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
Enables precise, cost-effective targeting of ground-based targets with kinetic projectiles, reducing risks associated with explosives and enhancing operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
release the kinetic projectile from the projectile holder such that the kinetic projectile is driven toward a target by gravity
Implementation Method 2
a steering mechanism operable to change an attitude, orientation, and/or direction of flight of the kinetic projectile
Data Source
AI summary
A weaponized aerial vehicle includes an aerial vehicle and a projectile delivery system mounted on the aerial vehicle for flight therewith. The projectile delivery system includes a projectile and a base system. The projectile includes: a projectile body; an onboard steering system including a steering mechanism operable to change an attitude, orientation, and/or direction of flight of the projectile, and a steering actuator operable to control the steering mechanism; and an energetic payload. The base system includes: a projectile holder; a target tracking system; and a projectile guidance system including a projectile tracking system and a projectile control system. The base system is configured to: release the projectile from the projectile holder such that the projectile is driven toward a target by gravity; track the target; track the released projectile; and automatically control the onboard steering system of the projectile to steer the projectile to the target.