Polarized RF Sensory System for Non-GPS Aerial Refueling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) refueling systems face challenges due to dependence on GPS signals, which can be jammed or disrupted, necessitating a non-GPS relative navigation (RelNav) system for safe and accurate refueling operations.
Innovation Solution
The Polarized RF Sensory System (PRFSS) provides a GPS-independent relative navigation technology using a Polarized RF Scanning Reference Source and Sensor Cavities, offering direct angular orientation and position measurements, capable of guiding RPAs to the contact position and aligning boom and receptacle without the need for GPS, with low power requirements and resistance to jamming or spoofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If differential GPS is used for relative navigation during refueling, then the system achieves mature technology with real-time safety metrics, but the system becomes vulnerable to GPS signal jamming or satellite disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary RF sensory system that mediates between the tanker and receiver aircraft for relative navigation. Instead of relying on external GPS signals, the system uses RF transmissions between the aircraft themselves to establish relative position and orientation, creating a self-contained navigation channel that cannot be jammed by external GPS interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS-based electronic navigation system with an RF-based sensory system that uses electromagnetic field interactions between sensor cavities and RF sources on the aircraft. This substitution creates a direct physical coupling between the aircraft for navigation purposes, making the system independent of external satellite signals
2Object-affected harmful factors
If EO/IR vision systems or laser systems are used for non-GPS relative navigation, then GPS dependency is reduced, but the systems have not established themselves as reliable solutions and may have higher power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the navigation system by using RF frequency ranges and cavity resonance phenomena instead of optical or laser frequencies. This parameter change enables operation in conditions where optical systems fail (adverse weather, non-line-of-sight) while maintaining reliability through the well-established physics of RF cavity interactions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-GPS relative navigation system is developed, then resistance to jamming is improved, but the system complexity and development challenge increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service navigation system where each aircraft carries both RF sources and sensor cavities, allowing them to mutually determine their relative position and orientation without requiring complex external infrastructure. The system uses the aircraft's own RF emissions and cavity responses to generate navigation data, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the novel physics involved
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 PRFSS enables reliable and accurate refueling of RPAs in various conditions, including non-line-of-sight scenarios and adverse weather, by providing a differential sensory signal for alignment and engagement, with high precision and low signal-to-noise ratio immunity, suitable for both manned and automated systems.
Implementation Method 1
The 'Sensor Cavities' can be configured for maximum sensitivity to orientation relative to the direction of the transmitted polarization plane of the scanning reference source
Implementation Method 2
Polarized RF Scanning Reference Source and properly designed 'Sensor Cavities'
Data Source
AI summary
A method for remotely guiding a refueling boom of a tanker to engage with a fueling receptacle of an aircraft while the tanker and the aircraft are in flight. The method comprising: transmitting a polarized RF scanning pattern from one of the refueling boom and refueling receptacle; detecting the polarized RF scanning pattern at one or more cavity sensors disposed on the other of the refueling boom and the refueling receptacle; and controlling a position of the refueling boom relative to a position of the refueling receptacle based on the detected polarized RF scanning pattern at the one or more cavity sensors.