Radar Stimulator Aircraft for Realistic Target Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar target generators (RTGs) are limited in simulating targets that move independently in bearing and elevation, restricting the range of scenarios that can be tested, as they require bulky and unwieldy land-based positioners to achieve realistic motion speeds and extents.
Innovation Solution
A radar stimulator aircraft that monitors its position relative to a radar system's antenna and controls its flight and radar signal emission to simulate moving radar targets with variable bearing, elevation, and radial distance, emitting synthetic radar echoes with adjusted power and Doppler effects to mimic real-world scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If land-based positioners are used to achieve realistic target motion speeds and extents, then the simulation fidelity is improved, but the device complexity and bulkiness increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical land-based positioner system with an aerial platform that uses flight control and signal processing to achieve target motion simulation. The mechanical complexity of horizontal positioners and elevation mechanisms is substituted by aerodynamic positioning and electronic signal manipulation, maintaining simulation fidelity while reducing device bulkiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from ground-based two-dimensional motion (horizontal positioner + elevation) to three-dimensional aerial motion. The aerial platform operates in the vertical dimension freely, enabling realistic target scenarios without the mechanical constraints of land-based systems. This dimensional change eliminates the need for complex mechanical positioners while achieving superior motion realism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If land-based positioners are used to simulate target motion, then the bearing changes can be achieved, but the speed and extent of motion are limited compared to real life scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic motion capabilities through aerial platform flight control, allowing rapid and extensive bearing changes that mirror real-life scenarios. The system dynamically adjusts platform position and orientation in three dimensions, enabling motion speeds and extents that exceed land-based positioner limitations while maintaining accurate bearing simulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent target elevation and bearing motions are simulated using land-based positioners, then the target scenario simulation is achieved, but the system becomes unwieldy and limited in performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal simulation platform that combines elevation and bearing motion capabilities in a single aerial system. The platform can simulate various target scenarios (maneuvering aircraft, missiles, helicopters) by integrating flight control with signal processing, eliminating the need for separate mechanical positioners and improving ease of operation through centralized control.
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 the simulation of a wide range of realistic radar target scenarios, including fast-moving targets, by maintaining a constant radial distance and continuously pointing antennas towards the radar system, thereby enhancing the fidelity and versatility of radar system testing.
Implementation Method 1
a radar stimulator aircraft controlling its flight and properties of radar signals emitted by the radar stimulator aircraft to stimulate a radar system
Implementation Method 2
Each delay may represent the signal propagation period for the radar signal to transit from the position of the radar stimulator aircraft to a simulated radar reflective component of a target and reflect back as a radar echo
Implementation Method 3
The radar stimulator aircraft may control the Doppler of the synthetic radar echoes emitted based on the rate of change of its radial distance relative to said at least one antenna of the radar system
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed that can include the steps of: in response to a radar stimulator aircraft receiving information for causing it to stimulate a radar system in a user specified manner, the radar stimulator aircraft monitoring the position of an onboard unit thereof relative to at least one antenna of the radar system; and based on the received information and the monitored position of the onboard unit the radar stimulator aircraft controlling its flight and the emission of radar signals thereby to stimulate the radar system in the user specified manner.