Inter-Ordnance Optical Beacon Coordination for Swarm Defense
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Solution Overview
Problem
Defending against swarm attacks is challenging due to the difficulty in coordinating the targeting of multiple guided ordnances, leading to potential gaps in targeting all attacking vehicles, especially when the number of defending weapons is not significantly greater than the attackers, and the need for costly multiple deployments.
Innovation Solution
A system for in-flight target coordination among guided ordnances using inter-ordnance optical communications, where a leading ordnance emits an optical beacon and a trailing ordnance captures images to chart the trajectory and predict the target selected by the leading ordnance, allowing the trailing ordnance to select an alternate target and coordinate attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple weapons are deployed to defend against swarm attacks, then the probability of destroying all attacking vehicles increases, but the cost and complexity of the defense system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having each ordnance detect and track other ordnances in flight, observe their targeting decisions, and use this information to dynamically adjust its own target selection. This real-time feedback loop enables coordinated targeting without requiring complex pre-deployment coordination systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Each guided ordnance independently performs target selection and trajectory adjustment based on observations of fellow ordnances. The system is self-organizing, with each unit making autonomous decisions that collectively achieve coordinated targeting, eliminating the need for centralized control or complex inter-ordnance communication systems.
2Area of stationary object
If weapons are deployed at great distance from attacking vehicles, then the defense coverage area increases, but the ability to effectively target and destroy all vehicles decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ordnances are deployed in advance at strategic distances from the defended asset, positioned to cover multiple potential attack vectors. Each ordnance independently identifies and targets attacking vehicles as they approach, with the coordination mechanism ensuring comprehensive coverage without requiring the ordnances to be in close proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by deploying ordnances at various distances and angles around the defended asset. The inter-ordnance optical communication enables three-dimensional coordination, with each ordnance observing and adjusting its trajectory based on the positions and targets of fellow ordnances, creating a立体 (three-dimensional) defensive network.
3Ease of operation
If a single weapon fires and waits to observe the effect before firing again, then the weapon system is simpler to operate, but the swarm attack is more likely to be effective
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ordnances are launched in sequence to maintain continuous engagement with the swarm attack. Rather than one weapon firing and waiting, several ordnances are in flight simultaneously, each continuously tracking and engaging targets. The optical communication system ensures continuous coordination and target redistribution, maintaining uninterrupted defensive action throughout the attack.
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 that all attacking vehicles are targeted, reducing the likelihood of escape and minimizing the number of deployed weapons needed, thereby enhancing defense effectiveness and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The leading guided ordnance emits an optical beacon in a direction aft of the direction of ordnance travel
Implementation Method 2
a trailing guided ordnance captures images that contain the optical beacon emitted by the leading guided ordnance
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to coordinating targeting among multiple guided ordnances using inter-ordnance optical communications. An inter-ordnance communications channel is optically established between leading (14A) and trailing (14C) guided ordnances travelling in substantially the same direction. The leading guided ordnance (14A) emits an optical beacon (28) in a direction aft of the direction of ordnance travel, and a trailing guided ordnance (14C) captures images that contain the optical beacon (28) emitted by the leading guided ordnance (14A). The trailing guided ordnance (14C) is configured to chart a trajectory of the leading guided ordnance (14A). The trailing guided ordnance (14C) is configured to predict which, among multiple targets (12A, 12B, 12C) identified in the captured images, is a first target consistent with the charted trajectory of and therefore selected by the leading ordnance (14A). The trailing guided ordnance (14C) is further configured to select, based on the captured images, a second target that is within a navigable range of the trailing guided ordnance (14C).