Missile Launcher Testing via Simulation Computer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Missile launchers require frequent functionality testing at various locations without affecting the weapon system control center, and tests must be conducted safely without live missiles, while ensuring operational readiness and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A testing device integrating a missile simulation unit and a test computer that simulates the weapon system control center, allowing for wireless or wired data transmission, and includes a signal adaptation device to mimic missile presence, enabling comprehensive testing of missile launch processes and internal system monitoring through telemetry interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a missile launcher is tested with live missiles at the weapon system control center, then comprehensive functionality testing can be performed, but the weapon system control center operation is disrupted and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simulated missile launcher system that replicates the functionality of the real missile launcher. The simulation computer runs control programs identical to those in the weapon system control center, and the missile simulation unit mimics missile behavior. This copying approach allows comprehensive testing without involving the actual control center or live missiles, eliminating safety risks and operational disruptions while maintaining testing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simulation computer as an intermediary between the test environment and the weapon system control center. This intermediary handles all test operations, data processing, and control functions locally, preventing any direct interaction with the control center. The simulation computer acts as a mediator that isolates the control center from testing activities while preserving the ability to conduct thorough functionality tests
2Reliability
If the missile launcher is tested at the weapon system control center, then integrated system testing can be performed, but the control center must be permanently manned and always active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential testing and control functions from the weapon system control center and relocates them to a portable simulation computer. The simulation computer contains a control program that replicates the control center's functionality, allowing the missile launcher to be tested independently. This extraction eliminates the requirement for a permanently manned control center while preserving integrated system testing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation computer is equipped with a control program that is a copy of the weapon system control center's control program. This copying enables the simulation computer to execute identical control logic and processing routines, providing integrated system testing functionality without requiring the actual control center infrastructure. The test results and system behavior are replicated accurately, maintaining testing validity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a missile simulation unit is used to simulate missile presence, then testing can be performed without live missiles, but the weapon control computer must not detect that a missile simulator is connected
Solution Approach 1:
The signal adaptation device creates exact copies of missile communication signals and data formats. It replicates the electrical connection device's communication protocol, data structure, and signal characteristics, allowing the missile simulation unit to interface with the weapon control computer indistinguishably from a real missile. This copying approach enables safe testing without live missiles while maintaining signal compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The signal adaptation device dynamically adjusts signal parameters to match those of a real missile connection. It modifies voltage levels, data rates, protocol timing, and communication formats to ensure compatibility with the weapon control computer's expected inputs. These parameter changes allow the simulation unit to present itself as a legitimate missile without requiring physical modification of the control computer
Data Source
AI summary
The inspection and test apparatus has an inspection and testing computer that is formed as a simulator for a portion of the functions of a weapon system center (3). The inspection and testing computer is connected with a weapon control computer (14) for transmitting data. A missile simulation unit is connected with a checking and testing computer for exchanging data and with communication terminals of electrical connection units (100,120). Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a missile launcher assembly; and (2) a method for checking and testing operability of missile launch device.