Lead Follower KV Network for Missile Defense Target Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ballistic missile defense systems require a large number of Ground-Based Interceptors (GBIs) to achieve a high Probability of Engagement Success (Pes) due to limited ready inventory and In-Flight Interceptor Communications System (IFICS) capabilities, restricting the number of targets that can be engaged.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a lead KV to collect and process sensor data, transmitting it to follower KVs, allowing them to autonomously select and maneuver targets, thereby reducing the number of KVs needed and increasing the number of threats that can be engaged by launching multiple interceptors in a 'string' configuration, enabling cooperative engagement and data sharing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large number of GBIs are launched to achieve high Probability of Engagement Success, then the Pes is improved, but the limited ready GBI inventory and IFICS sites restrict the number of targets that can be engaged

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveProbability of Engagement SuccessVSAvoidnumber of targets that can be engaged

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple KVs are merged into a cooperative network where they share sensor data and target information through IFICS communications. The KVs function as a unified system rather than independent units, allowing the fleet to engage multiple targets effectively while maintaining high Pes for each engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

KVs transmit sensor data and target observations back to other KVs in real-time through IFICS communications. This feedback loop allows follower KVs to adjust their target selection and engagement strategies based on data from lead KVs, improving overall system reliability and target engagement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If each KV acts autonomously to make final target selection decisions, then the KV independence is improved, but the number of KVs required to achieve Pes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveKV autonomous decision-makingVSAvoidnumber of KVs required

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

IFICS communications serve as an intermediary between KVs, allowing them to share processed mission data and sensor observations. This mediator enables autonomous KVs to make informed decisions based on collective intelligence without requiring centralized control, reducing the total number of KVs needed while maintaining autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Each KV is equipped with both autonomous target selection capability and communication functionality. This multi-functionality allows KVs to operate independently when needed while also collaborating with the fleet, reducing the overall number of KVs required to achieve the same engagement success probability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If multiple interceptors are launched in a string configuration with lead and follower KVs, then the number of threats that can be engaged is improved, but the complexity of KV coordination and data sharing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of threats that can be engagedVSAvoidKV coordination and data sharing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interceptor fleet is segmented into lead and follower KVs with distinct roles. The lead KV performs initial target acquisition and discrimination, while follower KVs use this data to select additional targets. This segmentation simplifies coordination complexity by assigning specific functions to different KVs rather than requiring all KVs to perform all functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lead KV performs preliminary target acquisition, discrimination, and data processing before follower KVs make their target selections. This preliminary action reduces the computational and coordination burden on follower KVs, simplifying the overall system complexity while enabling engagement of multiple threats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3262369B1Long range KV-to-KV communications to inform target selection of follower kvs

Publication Date: 2019.05.01 RAYTHEON CO

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AI summary

A KV-based missile defense system and method of strategic engagement provides performance improvement for both singleton and raid scenarios by launching multiple interceptors that place a follower KV in a trailing position with respect to a lead KV. Knowledge of the target cloud gained by the lead KV is transmitted to the follower KV and incorporated to inform the target selection of the follower KV. The follower KV trails the lead KV with sufficient spacing in time and distance to select a target and maneuver to engage the target pre-acquisition. This also allows the follower KV to receive and incorporate knowledge of target impact by the lead KV. This knowledge may be transmitted back to another follower KV and so forth in a "string" of KVs to inform target selection and down to the ground to inform strategic engagement.