MKV Interceptor Segmentation for Multi-Target Intercept
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current missile defense systems face challenges in intercepting multiple exo-atmospheric missiles with precision, as existing kinetic energy systems require sophisticated guidance and are hindered by weight, miniaturization, and control bandwidth limitations, particularly when dealing with Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs).
Innovation Solution
A Multiple Kill Vehicle (MKV) interceptor system is developed, where the Carrier Vehicle (CV) provides initial target acquisition and mid-course guidance, and each Kill Vehicle (KV) includes an imaging sensor subsystem for aimpoint selection and terminal intercept, using a divert and attitude control system to maintain track and perform precise maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all intelligence for target discrimination and guidance is located on the CV, then device complexity of individual KV is reduced, but measurement precision and response time deteriorate due to stand-off range latency
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance intelligence is segmented between the CV and individual KVs. The CV performs initial target acquisition and discrimination using its sensor subsystem, then hands off tracking responsibility to individual KVs. Each KV includes its own imaging sensor subsystem for autonomous aimpoint selection and terminal guidance, eliminating the latency associated with command-guided systems while distributing computational load.
2Measurement precision
If all functionality is miniaturized into each KV, then independence and precision of terminal intercept are improved, but weight and device complexity of individual KV become unmanageable
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor subsystems are segmented between the CV and KVs. The CV houses the first sensor subsystem for initial target acquisition and discrimination. Individual KVs contain imaging sensor subsystems for terminal guidance only. This segmentation allows KVs to be lightweight while maintaining terminal intercept precision, as they only carry the minimal imaging sensors needed for final aimpoint selection and tracking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If CV maintains stand-off range to track all targets, then all targets remain within field of regard, but latency and bandwidth limitations prevent precise aimpoint selection
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking function is segmented between the CV and individual KVs. The CV maintains stand-off range to track multiple targets simultaneously using its sensor subsystem. When a KV is released, the CV hands off tracking of the assigned target to that KV. The KV then autonomously tracks its assigned target at close range, eliminating the latency associated with stand-off command guidance while the CV continues to monitor multiple other targets.
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
The MKV interceptor effectively acquires, tracks, and intercepts multiple targets at precise aimpoints without overstressing the CV or KVs, overcoming latency, resolution, and bandwidth issues of command-guided systems, while distributing tasks between the CV and KVs to achieve cost-effective and precise intercepts.
Implementation Method 1
Each KV includes an imaging sensor subsystem for selecting a desirable aimpoint on the target post-handover and maintaining track on the aimpoint to terminal intercept
Data Source
AI summary
By sharing tasks between the CV and the KVs, the MKV interceptor provides a cost-effective missile defense system capable of intercepting and killing multiple targets. The placement of the acquisition and discrimination sensor and control sensor on the CV to provide target acquisition and discrimination and mid-course guidance for all the KVs avoids the weight and complexity issues associated with trying to “miniaturize” unitary interceptors. The placement of either a short-band imaging sensor and headlamp or a MWIR sensor on each KV overcomes the latency, resolution and bandwidth problems associated with command guidance systems and allows each KV to precisely select a desirable aimpoint and maintain track on that aimpoint to impact. An implicit divert and attitude control system (DACS) using tow or more divert thrusters performs KV divert and attitude maneuvers to respond to the command guidance pre-handover and to maintain track on the aimpoint to terminal intercept post-handover