Modular Guided Projectile with Transverse Thrusters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artillery projectiles are limited by range and accuracy, with guided projectiles increasing complexity and cost due to integrated rocket motors and aerodynamic control surfaces, which also reduce range.
Innovation Solution
A modular guided artillery projectile system with interchangeable payload, guidance, and propulsion modules, featuring transverse thrusters for trajectory correction and deployable fins for stability, allowing for adaptable mission requirements and reduced costs by incorporating modules into unguided projectiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If integrated rocket motor and aerodynamic control surfaces are added to increase range and accuracy, then guidance capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile is divided into separate functional modules: a conventional artillery projectile body and a detachable guidance module. The guidance module contains transverse thrusters for trajectory correction but lacks aerodynamic control surfaces. This segmentation allows the projectile to achieve guidance capability without the complexity of fully integrated guided systems, as the guidance module can be attached to conventional projectiles and removed after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance module is designed to be compatible with multiple conventional artillery projectile types, allowing a single guidance module design to enhance various projectile varieties. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by standardizing the guidance component across different projectile platforms.
2Measurement precision
If aerodynamic control surfaces are added to modify trajectory, then guidance accuracy is improved, but projectile range is reduced due to increased drag
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the aerodynamic control surfaces from the guidance system, removing them entirely from the projectile design. Instead, trajectory control is achieved solely through transverse thrusters that provide vector thrust for course correction. This extraction eliminates the drag penalty associated with deployable fins and canards while maintaining guidance capability through alternative means.
3Adaptability or versatility
If guided artillery projectiles are developed to overcome range and accuracy limits, then engagement capability is improved, but cost increases due to complex guidance systems
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance module is designed as a disposable component that is attached to conventional artillery projectiles for specific missions. After use, the guidance module is discarded and a new one is attached to the next projectile. This approach is more economical than making the entire projectile guided, as the expensive guidance electronics and thrusters are reused across multiple projectiles rather than being built into each one.
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 range and accuracy while reducing complexity and cost by enabling modular configuration and efficient use of components, allowing for precision targeting and extended range without the drawbacks of traditional guided projectiles.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of transverse thrusters may be disposed in proximity to the center of mass of the guided artillery projectile such that actuation of one or more of the transverse thrusters generates a force transverse to the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
The guided artillery projectile may include a base that supports a plurality of fins. The fins may be configured to stabilize the flight of the guided artillery projectile
Data Source
AI summary
A modular artillery projectile and method of engaging a target. A modular artillery projectile may include a payload module, a guidance module coupled to the payload module and a rear module coupled to the guidance module. The payload module may be selected from a plurality of interchangeable payload modules containing different payloads. The guidance module may include a transverse propulsion system to propel the modular artillery projectile transversely to a longitudinal axis of the modular artillery projectile, a global positioning system receiver, and a control system to control the transverse propulsion system responsive to the global positioning system receiver to guide the modular artillery projectile to a predetermined target position.