Missile Salvo Trajectory Offsets for Simultaneous Target Arrival
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Solution Overview
Problem
Planning and executing a salvo mission where multiple missiles arrive at the same target simultaneously without interfering with each other is challenging due to the limited bandwidth and computing capabilities on aircraft, which can lead to interference and impact issues when all missiles follow the same route.
Innovation Solution
Each missile receives identical mission data and a unique identity, allowing it to calculate a unique offset trajectory in three dimensions and time, ensuring they arrive at the target approximately simultaneously without interfering with one another.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all missiles follow the same route to reach the target simultaneously, then the coordination and simultaneous arrival is achieved, but interference and impact between missiles occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing temporal offsets and spatial deviations as additional dimensions to the trajectory planning. Instead of all missiles following the identical same-dimensional path, each missile is assigned a unique trajectory that varies in time (launch offsets, flight time adjustments) and space (lateral deviations, altitude variations), thereby achieving simultaneous arrival at the target while avoiding interference through multi-dimensional trajectory differentiation.
2Measurement precision
If mission planning is performed on ground with exact launch times, then simultaneous arrival can be planned, but the mission lacks flexibility if aircraft fail to reach launch area in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling adaptive trajectory calculation that responds to changing mission conditions. The system allows for dynamic re-planning where trajectories are adjusted based on actual launch conditions, aircraft position, and target status. This dynamic approach replaces static pre-planned trajectories with flexible, real-time adaptable paths that maintain simultaneous arrival capability while accommodating delays or changes in mission parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating multiple trajectory options and offset parameters that can be quickly applied during execution. The system prepares a set of predetermined trajectory variations and timing offsets that can be selectively activated based on actual mission conditions, allowing rapid adaptation without requiring complex real-time calculations during the critical launch phase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If central computing machine performs re-planning communication, then mission can be re-planned, but the bandwidth and computing capabilities are not available in air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling each missile to autonomously calculate and adjust its own trajectory based on received mission parameters and pre-programmed offset algorithms. Instead of relying on a central computing machine to continuously control each missile's path, the missiles independently process their own navigation and timing adjustments using embedded processors and stored trajectory data, thereby eliminating the need for complex airborne computing infrastructure while maintaining re-planning capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A method for planning and launching two or more missiles 10, to be included in the same mission, and where this is done from one or more aircraft 20 in such a way that the missiles arrive at same target 30 approximately at the same time without interfering with each other on the way to the target 30. The planning of the mission is performed by sending a set of identical mission data to the missiles 10 prior to launch; letting each missile be assigned a unique identity, letting each missile calculate identical trajectories and a unique offset to this, in one or more of four dimensions, where a resulting offset trajectory 40, 41, 42 is unique for each missile and based on said identical mission data and unique identity, and launching the missiles 10 included in the same mission.