Radial Launcher Array for Rapid Defensive Countermeasure Aiming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing defensive systems against ballistic threats like RPGs and missiles are inadequate in providing rapid and precise countermeasure delivery, especially in engaging multiple threats simultaneously and avoiding collateral damage, as they often rely on expensive and complex steerable countermeasures or methods that cannot achieve the necessary aiming speed and coverage for aircraft and ground vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A rapid aiming and launch system with a central hub of radially affixed launchers or launch tubes that rotate 360 degrees, allowing for continuous rotation and simultaneous engagement of multiple threats with adjustable elevation, enabling millisecond-level aiming and firing of countermeasures, including non-explosive types like pellet countermeasures, to intercept incoming missiles effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional turret systems with ring gears and motors are used for aiming countermeasures, then the system structure is simple, but the aiming speed is too slow to engage ballistic threats effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the aiming function into multiple independent radial launchers that can be selectively activated, rather than rotating a single turret. Each launcher is positioned at a fixed radial angle and can be independently fired, eliminating the need for slow mechanical rotation while maintaining 360-degree coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static radial launchers to a dynamically selectable array where the effective firing position is determined by computational selection rather than mechanical movement. The system dynamically calculates which radial launcher should fire based on threat direction, achieving rapid reaiming without physical rotation.
2Measurement precision
If steerable countermeasures are used to engage threats, then the system can precisely target threats, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the countermeasure steerable to track the threat, the system inverts the approach by making the launcher array steerable. The radial launchers are fixed in position but the entire array can be rotated to point different launchers at the threat, achieving precision targeting through launcher selection rather than countermeasure steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple identical radial launchers positioned at different angles, creating redundant firing positions. This allows the system to achieve precise targeting by selecting the appropriate pre-positioned launcher rather than steering a single countermeasure, reducing the complexity of steering mechanisms.
3Weight of moving object
If a single launcher system provides 360-degree coverage, then the system size and weight are reduced, but the aiming speed decreases when engaging multiple simultaneous threats
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the 360-degree coverage into multiple radial launchers distributed around the platform. Each launcher covers a specific angular sector, allowing simultaneous engagement of multiple threats in different directions without requiring the entire system to rotate or reposition.
Solution Approach 2:
Each radial launcher is designed to be universally capable of engaging threats from its specific angular position. The launchers can fire different types of countermeasures (pellets, explosive projectiles, etc.) and can be selectively activated based on threat direction, providing multi-functional coverage across all azimuths.
4Speed
If rapid rotation of the launcher array is implemented to achieve fast aiming, then the aiming speed improves, but the system complexity and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The radial launchers are pre-positioned at fixed angular intervals around the platform before any threat is detected. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for rapid rotation during engagement, as the system can immediately select and fire the appropriate pre-positioned launcher based on the threat's angular position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical rotation mechanism with a computational selection system. Instead of physically rotating the launcher array to track threats, the system uses sensors to detect threat direction and computationally determines which pre-positioned radial launcher should fire, substituting mechanical movement with electronic control and calculation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for rapid aiming and firing of weapons and defensive countermeasures against rocket-propelled grenades or other ballistic devices suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships.