Multi-Rotor Munition Delivery With Bump-Fire and Radio Triggers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing military drone systems lack maneuverability, are expensive, require dangerous close-range operation, and face regulatory complexities due to their classification as weapons-grade systems, limiting their use and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A multi-rotor drone system configured with field-selectable payloads, including HEDP and AP munitions, equipped with FPV capabilities and a bump-fire mechanism, allowing remote operation and targeted explosive delivery to vulnerable points on armored vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed-wing drone systems like Switchblade are used, then weapons-grade system capabilities are achieved, but maneuverability and ability to hover before attacking are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the delivery mechanism (multi-rotor drone) from the munitions payload, allowing the drone to be a standard civilian platform while the payload provides weapons-grade capability. This segmentation enables maneuverability of the drone while maintaining explosive effectiveness through detachable specialized payloads.
2Reliability
If weapons-grade drone systems are deployed, then explosive delivery capability is achieved, but regulatory complexities and import/export restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the delivery system from the munitions, the drone itself can be classified as a standard civilian UAV subject to minimal regulation, while the payload container with explosives is the regulated component. This allows broader deployment of the delivery platform without weapons-grade restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The munitions are extracted as separate, replaceable payloads that can be attached in the field. The delivery drone operates as a non-regulated platform, and only when equipped with explosive payloads does the system become weapons-grade, reducing regulatory burden on the delivery mechanism itself.
3Weight of moving object
If short-range weapons like RPGs are used, then portability is achieved, but operator safety is compromised due to close-range operation
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical launching of RPGs is replaced with an automated aerial delivery system. The operator remotely pilots the drone to deliver explosives directly to the target, eliminating the need for close-range manual weapon operation and significantly improving operator safety.
4Reliability
If Javelin missiles are used, then anti-armor capability is achieved, but cost and lack of guidance precision increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single multi-rotor drone platform can be equipped with various payloads including different types of explosive containers, shaped charges, and fragmentation devices. This universal platform replaces multiple specialized weapon systems, reducing overall cost while maintaining anti-armor capability through FPV-guided precision delivery.
5Adaptability or versatility
If multi-rotor drones with FPV capabilities are used, then maneuverability and remote operation are improved, but regulatory classification as weapons systems worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a civilian-grade multi-rotor drone with FPV capabilities and separate munitions payloads. The drone itself remains classified as a standard UAV, while the payload container with explosives determines the weapons-grade classification, allowing the maneuverable platform to operate under less restrictive regulations.
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
Enables safe, efficient, and cost-effective engagement of armored targets from a distance, reducing regulatory burdens by separating the delivery system from the explosives, enhancing maneuverability, and providing precise munitions deployment.
Implementation Method 1
The container may be configured with a shaped charge and a wide area fragmentation pattern charge for maximum damage
Implementation Method 2
The container may come prefigured with a hole or other receptacle for placing a blasting cap, therein
Implementation Method 3
When the drone collides with a target, the bump-rod engages the target first, being extended outwards beyond the rotors and/or frame of the drone, and causes a switch within the payload container or on the drone's frame to close and activate a blasting cap
Data Source
AI summary
A Munitions Payload Delivery System (MPDS) is provided. One embodiment of the MPDS comprises a multi-rotor drone configured to carry a munition in the form of a HEDP linear-shaped charge or Armor Piercing munition or other-shaped munition. The drone, in one embodiment, includes a camera that provides a remote operator with a real-time video feed so the operator can pilot the drone to a specific target on a battlefield. Once a target is selected, the operator ignites the munition by flying the drone into the target, landing the drone on the target, or activating a radio fire button. In one embodiment, each of these mechanisms closes a switch on board the drone connecting a voltage to a blasting cap inside the payload.