Laser Weapon System Aperture Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser weapon systems are limited in their ability to effectively engage multiple targets or optimize target engagement due to the lack of development in interaction between multiple lasers and laser optics, leading to reduced coverage and increased risk of inadvertently targeting friendly assets or non-combatants.
Innovation Solution
A laser weapon system with a control system that determines the optimal combination of lasers and laser apertures to engage a target based on probability, using sensory input to manage multiple laser apertures and prevent electromagnetic radiation from being directed at unintended objects through real-time monitoring and masking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single laser weapon system uses one or more lasers coupled to a single dedicated set of laser optics, then the system structure is simple and easy to control, but the coverage area is limited and cannot effectively engage multiple targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser weapon system into multiple independent laser units, each with its own dedicated set of laser optics and aperture. This segmentation allows each laser-aperture pair to independently engage different targets within its field of regard, thereby increasing the system's ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously without requiring a single complex unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to manage multiple laser-aperture combinations and route electromagnetic radiation to appropriate apertures based on target location and system capabilities. This multi-functional control approach enables a single system to perform multiple target engagement functions while maintaining manageable complexity through centralized coordination.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple laser apertures are used to increase coverage, then the ability to engage targets in different directions is improved, but the risk of inadvertently targeting friendly assets or non-combatants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously receives sensory input about the positions of targets, friendly assets, and non-combatants, and uses this feedback to dynamically determine which laser-aperture combinations should be active. This real-time feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust its operation to maintain comprehensive coverage while avoiding harmful effects on protected objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes operational parameters by selectively activating or deactivating specific laser-aperture combinations based on the current operational context. When friendly assets or non-combatants are detected in the field of regard, the system changes the operational state of relevant apertures to prevent unintended targeting, thereby maintaining safety while preserving overall coverage capability.
3Reliability
If the control system monitors and masks objects to prevent unintended targeting, then the safety against friendly fire is improved, but the computational complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing masks for friendly assets and non-combatants before target engagement operations begin. These pre-defined masks serve as reference frameworks that guide the real-time control decisions, reducing the computational burden during dynamic operation while maintaining high reliability in preventing friendly fire incidents.
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
Enhances the ability to efficiently engage targets while minimizing the risk of hitting friendly assets or non-combatants by optimizing laser aperture usage and implementing a masking system to prevent unintended targeting.
Implementation Method 1
a laser for generating electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
laser optics for directing the generated electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
laser optics for directing the generated electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a laser weapon system, comprising: one or more lasers for generating electromagnetic radiation; laser optics for routing the electromagnetic radiation to laser apertures in the platform which direct the generated electromagnetic radiation at a target, the laser apertures having an associated field of regard; and a control system, the control system being arranged to control which combination of laser, laser optics and laser aperture is used to engage the target, based on a probability of successfully engaging that target in relation to the field of regard of the laser aperture of the combination.