Radar Tracking Ballistic Missiles Using Wideband RF Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ballistic missile defense systems face challenges in accurately tracking missiles with multi-stage booster rockets due to uncertainty about booster activation, deactivation, and thrust, which complicates radar and tracking systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize wideband RF energy detection to determine if a booster is propelling a missile, adjusting tracking trajectories accordingly between ballistic and non-ballistic modes, employing phased-arrayed signals and computer processing to differentiate between these scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If radar systems track ballistic missiles using standard ballistic trajectory assumptions, then tracking is simplified and resources are conserved, but tracking accuracy deteriorates when multi-stage boosters are activated
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between ballistic and non-ballistic tracking modes based on detected RF energy levels. When wideband RF energy exceeds a threshold, the system transitions from simplified ballistic trajectory assumptions to more complex non-ballistic tracking that accounts for booster thrust, thereby adapting tracking complexity to actual missile propulsion conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary detection mechanism (wideband RF energy sensor) that monitors for booster activation. This intermediary provides early warning of propulsion changes, allowing the tracking system to adjust before significant trajectory deviations occur, thus maintaining accuracy without continuous complex processing
2Measurement precision
If the radar system continuously monitors for booster activation using wideband RF energy detection, then trajectory accuracy is maintained, but system complexity and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial monitoring by setting a threshold for wideband RF energy detection. Instead of continuously analyzing all RF signals, the system only triggers complex non-ballistic tracking when RF energy exceeds the threshold, thereby reducing computational load while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system is segmented into two distinct modes: ballistic tracking mode for missiles without active boosters and non-ballistic tracking mode for missiles with active boosters. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accuracy in both scenarios
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 enables more efficient allocation of radar resources, improving the tracking and targeting of ballistic missiles by distinguishing between booster-propelled and non-booster-propelled trajectories, thereby enhancing the capability to detect and engage threats effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The radar system detects and tracks objects, e.g., a missile, plane, boat, or the like, by periodically transmitting beams of electromagnetic waves in a certain direction from radar sensors. The beams of electromagnetic waves have certain sweep areas or beam widths. Objects within the beam width cause an electromagnetic wave to be reflected back towards the radar sensors.
Implementation Method 2
detecting a wideband radio frequency (RF) energy at a first radar sensor tracking the object and determining in a computer process if a booster is propelling the object based on the wideband RF energy
Data Source
AI summary
A method for tracking an object using radar includes detecting a wideband radio frequency (“RF”) energy at a first radar sensor tracking the object and determining in a computer process if a booster is propelling the object based on the wideband RF energy. The object is tracked in a computer process based on a ballistic trajectory if the booster is not propelling the object, and the object is tracked in a computer process based on a non-ballistic trajectory if the booster is propelling the object.