RF-Guided Kinetic Projectile Steering for Precise Aerial Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current weapon delivery systems from aerial vehicles lack precision and efficiency, particularly in guiding kinetic projectiles without onboard propulsion or explosive materials, which limits their ability to accurately target and engage ground-based targets with minimal collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A projectile delivery module integrated with an aerial vehicle, featuring a kinetic projectile with an onboard steering system and a base system that includes a target tracking and guidance system, allowing for gravity-driven projectiles to be steered towards targets using adjustable aerodynamic control surfaces and RF communication for real-time trajectory adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If kinetic projectiles without onboard propulsion are used, then projectile complexity and cost are reduced, but precision and accuracy in guiding the projectile to the target deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external guidance system consisting of a base system with RF transmitter and projectile control system that acts as an intermediary between the operator and the kinetic projectile. The base system communicates steering commands to the projectile's onboard steering system via RF signals, enabling precise guidance without requiring complex onboard propulsion or navigation systems in the projectile itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical guidance systems (such as onboard engines, complex guidance computers, or active control mechanisms in the projectile) with a remote electronic control system. The base system on the aerial vehicle generates and transmits electronic steering commands that control the projectile's aerodynamic steering surfaces, substituting mechanical complexity in the projectile with electronic control at the launch platform.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional weapon delivery systems are used, then explosive materials can be delivered, but collateral damage increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes explosive materials from the kinetic projectile design, creating a purely kinetic kill vehicle. The projectile relies solely on its kinetic energy and aerodynamic steering capability to engage targets, eliminating the harmful effects of explosions while maintaining target engagement capability through precision guidance and kinetic impact.
3Weight of moving object
If gravity-driven projectiles without onboard propulsion are used, then projectile mass and complexity are reduced, but trajectory control and steering capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an aerodynamic steering system with movable control surfaces (such as fins or canards) on the kinetic projectile that can be dynamically adjusted during flight. These control surfaces are actuated by steering actuators that receive commands from the base system, enabling real-time trajectory control and steering capability while maintaining a simple, lightweight projectile design without onboard propulsion.
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 precise and efficient engagement of ground-based targets with reduced collateral damage by utilizing gravity-driven kinetic projectiles that can be accurately steered using the aerial vehicle's guidance system, enhancing operational effectiveness and reducing the complexity and cost of the projectile design.
Implementation Method 1
release the kinetic projectile from the projectile holder such that the kinetic projectile is driven toward a target by gravity
Implementation Method 2
a steering mechanism operable to change an attitude, orientation, and/or direction of flight of the kinetic projectile
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile delivery module to be mounted on an aerial vehicle includes a projectile delivery system including a kinetic projectile and a base system. The kinetic projectile includes a projectile body, an RF receiver, and an onboard steering system including: a steering mechanism operable to change an attitude, orientation, and/or direction of flight of the kinetic projectile; and a steering actuator. The base system includes: an RF transmitter to communicate with the RF receiver; a projectile holder; a target tracking system; and a projectile guidance system including a projectile tracking system and a projectile control system. The base system is configured to: release the kinetic projectile from the projectile holder such that the kinetic projectile is driven toward a target by gravity; track the target using the target tracking system; track the released kinetic projectile using the projectile tracking system; and automatically control the onboard steering system using the projectile control system to adjust a trajectory of the falling kinetic projectile to steer the kinetic projectile to the target.