Projectile On-Board Velocity Tracking via Synchronized Waveform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional precision guidance systems rely on expensive hardware for range and velocity tracking, leading to significant over and under range errors due to variations in launch velocity, which can result in large errors in artillery shell trajectories.
Innovation Solution
An on-board range and velocity tracking method using a synchronized waveform transmitted via a pulse beacon, with a rear-facing receiver on the projectile to calculate time delay and determine position and velocity relative to the fire control system, reducing the need for costly hardware and mitigating jamming through staggered waveforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS tracking or RADAR/LIDAR systems are used for position and velocity tracking, then tracking capability is provided, but expensive hardware is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a time-synced waveform as a virtual copy of a master clock signal, transmitted via pulse beacon, to enable position and velocity tracking without requiring expensive GPS or RADAR/LIDAR hardware on the projectile. The waveform carries timing information that allows the fire control system to calculate position and velocity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electronic tracking hardware (GPS receivers, RADAR, LIDAR) with a simple waveform transmission and timing measurement system. The on-board processor measures time delay of the waveform to determine position and velocity, substituting hardware complexity with signal processing
2Productivity
If velocity at launch is used to establish range and trajectory, then trajectory calculation is enabled, but velocity variations of 2-3% result in large range errors of 1-3 Km
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring the actual position and velocity of the projectile during flight using waveform time delay measurements. This real-time feedback allows the fire control system to detect velocity deviations and compensate for range errors, achieving three-meter accuracy despite initial velocity variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary synchronization of the time waveform with the master clock before projectile launch. This preliminary timing setup enables accurate measurement of flight parameters and allows for pre-calculated trajectory adjustments based on expected velocity variations
3Measurement precision
If a synchronized waveform is transmitted via pulse beacon for tracking, then position and velocity determination accuracy is improved to three-meter accuracy, but the system requires precise timing synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary synchronization of the time waveform with the master clock before projectile launch. This preliminary timing setup is embedded into the pulsed waveform, providing the on-board processor with reference timing information needed to achieve three-meter accuracy without requiring complex real-time synchronization mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pulse beacon as an intermediary to transmit the synchronized waveform from the fire control system to the projectile. The beacon carries the time-synced signal that mediates between the master clock and the on-board processor, enabling accurate timing measurements without direct connection
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
Achieves high accuracy in range and velocity determination, with 3-meter accuracy over 1 Km and 2 Km, allowing for precise guidance and reducing the impact of velocity variations, thereby improving target accuracy and reducing the burden of range correction.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting the synchronized waveform via a pulse beacon along with a code used to identify the waveform
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method of weapon on-board range and velocity tracking using a synchronized clock and a pulse beacon on a fire control system, or the like, coupled with an on-board rear-facing detector and processor. A round or a UAS may use this system to accurately estimate range with respect to the fire control system, over time, and the round's or UAS's velocity at various times along its flight path. The system provides for smaller miss distances, and the like.