Missile Ladar Target Tracking Handoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semi-active laser homing missile guidance, the designator must maintain a direct line of sight to the target until missile impact, putting them at risk, especially during the final phase of the strike.
Innovation Solution
The missile emits a second signal after detecting the target reflection, allowing the designator to cease designation and move away, while the missile independently tracks and engages the target using encoded information, such as a high pulse repetition frequency LADAR signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the designator maintains continuous designation of the target using the first signal, then the missile can reliably detect and track the target, but the designator remains exposed to danger throughout the entire strike duration
Solution Approach 1:
The missile performs preliminary action by emitting the second signal and establishing independent target tracking capability before the designator ceases designation. This allows the designator to withdraw safely while the missile has already secured target acquisition, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable detection and ensuring designator safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The missile transitions to self-service by independently designating and tracking the target using its own emitted second signal, rather than relying continuously on the designator's first signal. This enables the designator to disengage safely while the missile maintains autonomous target tracking capability.
2Ease of operation
If the designator stops designating the target early, then the designator can perform other tasks and improve safety, but the missile may lose target acquisition capability
Solution Approach 1:
The second signal emitted by the missile acts as an intermediary mechanism that transfers target designation capability from the designator to the missile. This intermediary signal allows the designator to stop the first signal early while the missile maintains reliable target tracking through its own emitted signal, resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and tracking reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the missile uses semi-active laser homing guidance, then the guidance system can effectively track the target, but the designator must maintain line of sight to the target until missile impact
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system dynamically transitions from semi-active laser homing (relying on designator's first signal) to active laser guidance (using missile's own second signal). This dynamic transition allows the designator to disengage after a period, reducing exposure duration while the missile maintains precise target tracking through its autonomous signal emission and detection capability.
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 the designator to safely relocate by confirming the missile has taken over target tracking, enhancing safety and operational flexibility by switching from semi-active to active guidance mode.
Implementation Method 1
the designator designates the target using a first signal; the missile detects the first signal reflected off the target
Implementation Method 2
the missile emits a second signal to designate the target; the designator detects the second signal reflected off the target
Data Source
AI summary
A method of conducting a strike against a target using a designator and a missile. The following steps are conducted:(i) the designator designates the target using a first signal, such as a laser;(ii) the missile detects the laser reflected off the target;(iii) after detecting the reflected laser, the missile emits a second signal, such as a LADAR signal, to designate the target;(iv) the missile tracks the so-designated target;(v) the designator detects the LADAR signal reflected off the target; and(vi) in response to detecting the reflected LADAR signal, the designator stops the designation of the target. This may enable the designator to perform other tasks, while the missile tracks and engages the target.