Projectile Range-to-Go Measurement via RF Pulse Time-of-Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional guided munitions face challenges in accurately determining the range-to-go for command detonation, especially when targeting moving or small targets, as they rely on precise pre-launch range calculations and are ineffective in poor weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system using a radio frequency or laser short energy pulse to illuminate a target and detect the reflected energy by sensors on a projectile, allowing for real-time calculation of time-to-go and lateral offset, enabling accurate command detonation by measuring the time differential and projectile velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spin counters and pre-programmed detonation based on target range are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision of range-to-go deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical spin counters with an optical/radio frequency time-of-flight measurement system. Sensors detect the passage of a laser or RF pulse at the projectile's location and measure the time differential until the reflected pulse is detected, converting this time measurement into an accurate range-to-go calculation. This substitution of mechanical counting with electromagnetic wave-based time measurement dramatically improves precision while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Device complexity
If pre-launch range calculations are used for command detonation, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of detonation timing deteriorates for moving targets
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile performs its own range-to-go measurement autonomously using onboard sensors that detect the laser or RF pulse and its reflection from the target. This self-measurement capability eliminates the need for complex external tracking systems to continuously update range calculations for moving targets, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the time differential between pulse detection at the projectile and reflection detection at the target as feedback to continuously update the range-to-go calculation. This real-time feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to moving targets and maintain accurate detonation timing, improving reliability while keeping the device complexity manageable.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional techniques are used that rely on known target range, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the adaptability to moving targets and poor weather conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic range-to-go measurement system that actively measures the current distance to the target using time-of-flight principles, rather than relying on static pre-launch calculations. This dynamic measurement capability allows the system to adapt to moving targets and changing environmental conditions, significantly improving versatility while maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of standard sensor components.
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 enhances the accuracy of detonation by providing precise time-to-go and range-to-go calculations, improving the warhead's effectiveness against various targets, including moving and small targets, and operates effectively in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A laser or radio frequency pulse is used to determine a time zero as it passes a tail detector on a projectile
Implementation Method 2
A laser or radio frequency pulse is used to determine a time zero as it passes a tail detector on a projectile
Implementation Method 3
The energy of the short energy pulse is reflected off the target and is received by a second sensor on the nose of the projectile
Implementation Method 4
The clock is stopped when the target's reflected energy is detected by the second sensor at Treflected. The time differential represents the round trip time between the projectile and the target which can be converted to a range
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method for accurately determining range-to-go for the command detonation of a projectile. Using dual laser and/or radio frequency detectors on the tail and on the nose of a spinning projectile to determine the range-to-go, time-to-go, or lateral offset from the projectile to the target.