RF Orthogonal Interferometry Projectile Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectile guidance systems are vulnerable to GPS jamming and spoofing, especially in GPS-denied or GPS-limited environments, and pseudolite deployments are risky and susceptible to jamming due to their reliance on GPS-like waveforms.
Innovation Solution
A navigation method using radio frequency orthogonal interferometry (RF/OI) for guiding projectiles, which generates a reference frame with RF waveforms and provides range and mission information, allowing for accurate guidance resistant to jamming and spoofing, and transitioning to short-range guidance systems for precise targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS navigation is used for projectile guidance, then navigation performance is achieved, but vulnerability to jamming and spoofing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an RF orthogonal interferometry illuminator as an intermediary system that creates artificial reference signals (pseudolites) for the projectile to track. Instead of relying on external GPS satellites that can be jammed, the system uses locally-generated RF signals transmitted through the atmosphere, providing a secure reference frame that cannot be easily spoofed or jammed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic navigation system with a ground-based RF orthogonal interferometry system. The projectile uses RF signal processing and orthogonal waveform correlation to determine its position, substituting the vulnerable GPS architecture with a more secure terrestrial reference system that operates independently of satellite signals.
2Measurement precision
If pseudolites are deployed along the path to provide GPS-like transmissions, then navigation aid is provided, but risk to installer and susceptibility to jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pseudolite navigation function with the RF orthogonal interferometry illuminator into a single integrated system. Instead of deploying separate pseudolite devices along the trajectory, the illuminator generates orthogonal RF waveforms that serve both as illumination signals and navigation references simultaneously, eliminating the need for vulnerable intermediate pseudolite installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the navigation reference function from the vulnerable pseudolite concept and integrates it directly into the RF orthogonal interferometry system. The navigational reference signals are embedded within the illuminator's RF waveforms, removing the need for separate pseudolite hardware that would be exposed to physical threats and jamming.
3Reliability
If RF orthogonal interferometry is used for navigation, then resistance to jamming and spoofing is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF orthogonal interferometry illuminator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides target illumination, generates navigation reference signals, and establishes a secure reference frame. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and simplifies the overall architecture despite the advanced signal processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs orthogonal waveform parameters (frequency, phase, time coding) to create uniquely identifiable navigation signals that are inherently resistant to jamming and spoofing. By carefully controlling these RF parameters and using orthogonal signal relationships, the system achieves high reliability without requiring overly complex hardware architectures.
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
The RF/OI system achieves GPS-like navigation performance with enhanced jam resistance and accuracy, with a circular error probable (CEP-50) of about 30 meters and ±5 m range accuracy, effectively guiding projectiles in GPS-denied environments.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency orthogonal interferometry illuminator configured to generate a reference frame projected in the direction of a target area having radio frequency orthogonal interferometry waveforms
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method of projectile flight management using a combination of radio frequency orthogonal interferometry for the long range navigation and guidance of one or more projectiles and a short range navigation and guidance system to provide for more accurate targeting, especially in GPS-denied and GPS-limited environments.