Projectile Casing Ejection for Rapid Loitering Munition Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loitering munitions are limited by the need to travel to the target area under their own power, consuming time and energy, which reduces their dwell time and operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A projectile design with a separable casing that houses loitering ammunition, using a programmable time fuse to eject the ammunition during flight, allowing it to reach the target area more quickly, potentially increasing dwell time or range without the need for a large energy storage unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If loitering munitions travel to the target area under their own power, then they can reach the target area, but they consume time and energy which reduces dwell time
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into two independent phases: a ballistic projectile phase that delivers the loitering munition to the target area, and an independent loitering phase that begins after ejection. This segmentation allows the loitering munition to benefit from the high-speed ballistic delivery without bearing the energy cost of the entire journey, resolving the contradiction between delivery speed and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballistic projectile acts as an intermediary carrier that transports the loitering munition to the target area. The projectile provides the initial velocity and range, while the loitering munition only needs to perform the final ejection and loitering maneuvers. This intermediary approach allows the loitering munition to achieve long-range delivery without requiring a large energy storage unit.
2Speed
If loitering munitions travel to the target area under their own power, then they can reach the target area, but the duration of loitering in the target area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mission profile is segmented into a ballistic delivery phase and an independent loitering phase. The ballistic projectile handles the time-critical delivery function, while the loitering munition handles the duration-critical loitering function after ejection. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different temporal requirements to different phases of the mission.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballistic projectile performs the preliminary action of delivering the loitering munition to the target area before the loitering phase begins. This preliminary ballistic delivery establishes the loitering munition's position in the target area without consuming the loitering munition's energy resources, thereby maximizing the available dwell time for the loitering mission.
3Length of moving object
If a large energy storage unit is used to increase range, then the range is extended, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The range function is segmented between the ballistic projectile (which provides the majority of the range through its initial velocity) and the loitering munition (which only needs to cover the final approach distance). This segmentation allows the loitering munition to have a compact energy storage unit while still achieving extended overall range through the ballistic delivery phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballistic projectile serves as an intermediary that extends the effective range of the loitering munition system without requiring the loitering munition itself to have a large energy storage unit. The projectile's ballistic trajectory provides the long-range delivery capability, while the loitering munition maintains a compact design suitable for precision loitering and engagement.
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 rapid delivery and increased dwell time of loitering munitions, enhancing operational flexibility and range by combining the projectile's and loitering munition's ranges, with reduced energy requirements.
Implementation Method 1
An expelling charge, a programmable time fuse and loitering ammunition are arranged within the casing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A projectile for firing from a barrel weapon, comprising a projectile casing with a first casing section and a second casing section, which adjoin one another at a junction, wherein an expelling charge, a programmable time fuse, and loitering ammunition are arranged in the projectile casing. A weapon system comprising such a projectile is disclosed.