LIDAR Wind Velocity Mapping for Precision Airdrop Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current precision airdrop systems lack accurate and timely wind data, particularly near the ground, which degrades the accuracy of payload delivery due to reliance on estimated wind information from dropsonde data and pilot reports, and the ballistic nature of the payload's descent trajectory.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight LIDAR system is used on airborne vehicles or as a ground-based system to measure real-time wind velocities between the aircraft and the dropzone, generating a wind velocity map that informs the computation of an optimal aerial release point for precision airdrops, utilizing coherent radiation and optical fibers to determine Doppler shifts and create a three-dimensional wind profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wind data is estimated from dropsonde data and pilot reports, then the system can operate without additional sensing equipment, but the accuracy and timeliness of wind information is insufficient for precision airdrops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wind measurement methods (dropsondes, pilot reports) with optical LIDAR sensing. The LIDAR system uses laser radiation and Doppler shift detection to measure wind velocities, substituting mechanical/procedural approaches with optical physics-based measurement, thereby achieving higher accuracy and real-time capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces LIDAR as an intermediary sensing system between the aircraft and the atmosphere. The LIDAR transceiver acts as a mediator that interacts with atmospheric particles (aerosols, moisture) to indirectly measure wind characteristics through scattered radiation and Doppler shifts, providing accurate wind data without direct mechanical contact.
2Loss of information
If LIDAR system is implemented to measure real-time winds, then wind data accuracy and timeliness is improved, but the system complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system performs multiple functions: it measures wind velocities at various altitudes, generates three-dimensional wind maps, provides real-time atmospheric profiling, and supports precision airdrop operations. This multi-functionality justifies the system complexity by delivering comprehensive wind information that单一 measurement method cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The LIDAR system uses naturally occurring atmospheric particles (aerosols, water droplets, ice crystals) as scattering targets, eliminating the need for artificial tracers or additional infrastructure. The atmosphere itself provides the necessary scattering medium, making the system self-sufficient and reducing external dependencies.
3Measurement precision
If LIDAR transceivers are positioned at multiple locations, then three-dimensional wind mapping capability is improved, but the system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system divides the atmospheric measurement volume into multiple target areas or altitude layers. By segmenting the sensing space and using multiple transceivers or beam directions, the system constructs a three-dimensional wind map with high vertical and horizontal resolution, achieving detailed wind profiling without requiring a single heavy monolithic sensor.
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
This approach significantly enhances the accuracy of precision airdrops by providing real-time wind data, reducing the risk of payload drift and ensuring more precise targeting, even in challenging atmospheric conditions such as rain or snow, and is adaptable for use on various platforms including aircraft and ground vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
determine, for each of the one or more transceivers, a corresponding one or more Doppler shifts based on the respective one or more reference beams and the corresponding one or more scattered signals
Implementation Method 2
Scattered radiation is received from the target areas
Implementation Method 3
The optical mixer is configured to receive the one or more scattered signals from the corresponding one or more transceivers, receive one or more reference radiation beams from the coherent source
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using a light detection system for increasing the accuracy of a precision airdrop is described. Radiation is transmitted to target areas between an airborne vehicle and a dropzone target. Scattered radiation is received from the target areas. Respective wind characteristics are determined from the scattered radiation and a wind velocity map is generated, based on the respective wind characteristics, between the airborne vehicle, and at least the dropzone target. An aerial release point for the precision airdrop is computed based on the generated wind velocity map and a location of the dropzone target.