Coordinated Missile Radar Search Using Segmented Sub-Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for searching an airspace using radar are inefficient, leading to potential undetected targets or objects due to fixed search patterns and reduced detection probability, especially in adverse weather conditions and three-dimensional search areas.
Innovation Solution
A method involving at least two missiles equipped with radar, dividing the search area into non-overlapping sub-search areas to maximize detection probability, with each missile searching its assigned sub-area cooperatively within a predetermined total search time, using active electronically scanned array antennas for adaptive beam alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed search pattern is used with mechanically swiveling radar antennas, then the search area can be scanned with optimized parameters, but the detection probability is reduced and search efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The search area is divided into multiple sub-search areas that are assigned to different missiles. Each missile independently searches its assigned sub-area, eliminating the need for mechanical swiveling and fixed patterns. This segmentation enables parallel searching, improving both detection probability and search efficiency simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If radar antennas are mechanically swiveled to scan the search area, then airspace scanning can be performed with optimized parameters, but the search time is extended and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The search area is divided into multiple sub-search areas that are assigned to different missiles. Each missile independently searches its assigned sub-area, eliminating the need for mechanical swiveling and fixed patterns. This segmentation enables parallel searching, improving both detection probability and search efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-radar sequential scanning approach to a multi-missile parallel searching approach. By distributing the search task across multiple spatial dimensions (multiple missiles at different positions), the system achieves simultaneous coverage of the entire search area, dramatically reducing total search time.
3Device complexity
If a single radar searches the entire search area, then the search can be performed with simple coordination, but the detection probability is reduced and search time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The search area is divided into multiple sub-search areas that are assigned to different missiles. Each missile independently searches its assigned sub-area, eliminating the need for mechanical swiveling and fixed patterns. This segmentation enables parallel searching, improving both detection probability and search efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple missiles, each equipped with radar capabilities, are combined to perform the search task. Their individual detection capabilities are merged through coordinated searching of divided sub-areas, achieving a combined detection probability that is significantly higher than any single radar could achieve alone.
4Reliability
If the search area is covered with overlapping sub-search areas, then detection probability may be improved through redundancy, but redundant searches increase search time and reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The search area is divided into multiple sub-search areas that are assigned to different missiles. Each missile independently searches its assigned sub-area, eliminating the need for mechanical swiveling and fixed patterns. This segmentation enables parallel searching, improving both detection probability and search efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sub-search area is assigned to a specific missile based on local optimization criteria. The division ensures that each missile searches its assigned area with optimal detection probability, while the overall arrangement of sub-areas minimizes overlap and maximizes search efficiency across the entire search area.
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 ensures maximum detection probability for targets or objects in a three-dimensional search area within a specified time, minimizing the risk of undetected threats and collisions, while optimizing search time and reducing redundant searches.
Implementation Method 1
One such sensor is radar, which is also one of the most widely used sensors for situational awareness. Radar can detect objects or targets at long ranges.
Implementation Method 2
This type of radar can control the radar beam almost instantaneously for different solid angles (a solid angle is defined as horizontal and vertical angles, also called azimuth and elevation), thus enabling adaptive beam steering.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for searching a search area, a missile, and a missile formation. According to the method, at least one radar is arranged in at least two missiles, and the method comprises: determining a total search time for searching the search area, dividing the search area into at least two sub-search areas, and searching the at least two sub-search areas with the respective radars of the at least two missiles, wherein the at least two missiles perform the search cooperatively, and wherein the sub-search areas are selected such that a detection probability is maximized.