Projectile Trajectory Estimation Using Reduced-Noise Position Smoothing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating the position, velocity vector, and impact point of guided projectiles from noisy or jammed measurements are inadequate, leading to inaccuracies in trajectory correction and target alignment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a canard assembly, guiding sensors, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to smooth raw position data using curve fits and projectile dynamics models, providing reduced noise position and velocity estimates, and predicting impact points, enabling early trajectory correction and improved target accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If raw position data from GPS is used directly for trajectory estimation, then the measurement process is simple, but the position and velocity estimates have high noise and bias
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining a trajectory model (curve fit) that represents the expected shape of projectile flight. This model is established before processing the GPS data, allowing the system to constrain and guide the smoothing process along the predicted trajectory path, thereby reducing noise while maintaining processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary trajectory model that acts as a mediator between the noisy GPS measurements and the final position/velocity estimates. This model smooths the raw data by fitting it to the expected trajectory shape, effectively filtering noise while preserving the underlying motion pattern.
2Manufacturing precision
If trajectory correction is delayed, then the guidance system is simpler to operate, but the projectile impacts farther from the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously comparing the actual GPS position measurements with the predicted trajectory model. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of deviations from the expected path, allowing the guidance system to initiate correction maneuvers earlier and more accurately to achieve better impact point precision.
Solution Approach 2:
By establishing the trajectory model in advance and continuously comparing actual positions against it, the system performs preliminary assessment of trajectory accuracy. This allows earlier detection of deviations and initiates correction before the projectile is too close to the target, reducing impact error.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to aid in guidance, navigation and control of a guided projectile including a precision guidance munition assembly is provided. The system and method obtain raw position data during flight of the guided projectile, the raw position data including a plurality of position data points from the guiding sensor for determining positions of the guided projectile, establish a window including a portion of the plurality of position data points, smooth the portion of the plurality of position data points in the window, and determine a reduced noise position estimate of the guided projectile, based, at least in part, on the smoothed portion of the plurality of position data points in the window. The system and method may determine a velocity estimate of the guided projectile and predict an impact point of the guided projectile relative to a target.