Adaptive Missile Radar Sensor Control for Accurate Target Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing missile guidance systems lack accuracy in target navigation and recognition, necessitating improved target guidance and detection methods.
Innovation Solution
A control method for a missile radar sensor integrated on the missile's circumference, with adaptive adjustment of operating parameters based on target and missile data, including time-dependent modulation and real-time synchronization with changing environmental conditions, to enhance detection and tracking accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional radar sensor control methods are used, then the system structure remains simple, but target detection and guidance accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously adapting the radar sensor's operating parameters (transmit power, pulse repetition frequency, bandwidth) in real-time based on the missile's flight phase, distance to target, and detected signal conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes detection accuracy at each stage of flight without requiring a completely complex system architecture, as the adaptation is driven by feedback from the radar's own measurements and flight data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple radar operating parameters simultaneously including transmit power level, pulse repetition frequency, and signal bandwidth based on flight phase and target distance. These parameter changes allow the radar to optimize its performance for different operational conditions (search, track, terminal guidance) without hardware modifications, improving measurement precision through software-controlled parameter adaptation.
2Reliability
If radar operating parameters are fixed, then the control system is simple, but signal-to-noise ratio and detection reliability deteriorate under varying flight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the radar return signal strength, noise level, and flight conditions, then using this information to automatically adjust operating parameters. The system measures the signal-to-noise ratio in real-time and adjusts transmit power and pulse repetition frequency accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that improves detection reliability without manual intervention or overly complex external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system serves itself by automatically adjusting its own operating parameters based on its own performance measurements and flight condition data. The control unit within the radar system makes autonomous decisions about parameter adjustment based on pre-programmed logic and real-time measurements, eliminating the need for complex external control systems while maintaining high detection reliability across varying conditions.
3Measurement precision
If radar transmit power is increased continuously, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing pulse-based transmission with variable pulse repetition frequency rather than continuous transmission. The radar transmits in periodic pulses, adjusting the duty cycle and pulse energy based on distance to target and flight phase. This allows the system to achieve adequate signal-to-noise ratio through concentrated energy bursts rather than continuous high-power transmission, significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmit power parameter dynamically based on flight phase and estimated target distance. During early search phase, lower power with higher pulse repetition frequency is used. As the missile approaches the target, transmit power is increased selectively during terminal guidance phase when high signal-to-noise ratio is critical. This parameter adaptation ensures adequate signal-to-noise ratio only when necessary, optimizing energy usage throughout the flight.
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 target detection and guidance accuracy by adaptively adjusting radar sensor parameters, improving reliability and interference immunity, and optimizing signal-to-noise ratio for precise navigation.
Implementation Method 1
a missile radar sensor (5) moved along a flight path (4) with a guided missile (2), in particular a missile-integrated missile radar sensor, which is or can be mounted or integrated on or in the missile (2), for example, for the purpose of target acquisition
Data Source
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AI summary
The underlying invention relates in particular to a control method for at least one missile radar sensor (5) moved with a missile (2) along a flight path (4), wherein the missile radar sensor (5) is configured to detect a target object (1), wherein the operating parameters for modulating (M) the missile radar sensor (5) during movement along the flight path (4) are adaptively adjusted depending on target object data about the target object (1).