SAL Seeker Communication Interface for Laser-Guided Projectiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-guided projectiles rely on separate communication links, which can be cumbersome and costly, and unguided rockets lack communication capabilities, limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The SAL seeker on board the laser-guided projectile is repurposed as a communication interface, generating a pulsed optical beam encoded with data that is processed by the signal processor to provide both guidance and communication, allowing for the retrofitting of unguided rockets and integration into new designs, eliminating the need for additional communication links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate communication links are used for laser-guided projectiles, then communication capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SAL seeker is designed to perform both its traditional guidance function (detecting laser designator signals) and a new communication function (receiving data from communication devices). The seeker's detector assembly and signal processor are configured to recognize both guidance signals and encoded communication data, allowing a single component to serve multiple purposes and eliminate the need for separate communication hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The communication function is merged with the existing SAL seeker system by using the same optical detector and signal processing infrastructure. The seeker combines guidance signal detection and communication data reception in a unified system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both capabilities
2Reliability
If separate communication links are used for laser-guided projectiles, then communication capability is provided, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SAL seeker is designed to perform both its traditional guidance function (detecting laser designator signals) and a new communication function (receiving data from communication devices). The pulsed optical beam encoded with data is received by the seeker's detector assembly, which processes both guidance and communication signals through the same signal processor, allowing a single component to serve multiple purposes and eliminate the need for separate communication hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The communication function is merged with the existing SAL seeker system by using the same optical detector and signal processing infrastructure. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant components while maintaining both guidance and communication capabilities
3Device complexity
If SAL seeker is used for dual functions (guidance and communication), then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of guidance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing function is divided into separate processing paths within the seeker. The signal processor separates guidance signal processing from communication data processing, allowing each function to be handled independently with appropriate processing algorithms. This segmentation prevents interference between the two functions while maintaining the unified hardware structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pulse timing and coding schemes to separate communication data transmission from guidance signal reception. By encoding communication data in periodic pulse patterns that differ from guidance pulses, the seeker can distinguish between the two signal types and process them appropriately, maintaining guidance precision while enabling communication
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 solution enables efficient communication and guidance for both guided and unguided projectiles, reducing complexity and cost by utilizing the SAL seeker for dual functions, facilitating the development of smaller, lighter, and less expensive guided projectiles.
Implementation Method 1
A laser-guided projectile includes a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker to detect pulsed IR laser electro-magnetic radiation (EMR) scattered from the intended target
Implementation Method 2
The SAL includes a non-imaging optical system to capture and focus the scattered laser EMR onto a detector assembly
Implementation Method 3
A communication device generates a pulsed optical beam that overlaps the detection band of the SAL seeker
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A communication interface for a laser-guided projectile is configured to use the SAL seeker on board the laser-guided projectile as a communication link. A communication device generates a pulsed optical beam that overlaps the detection band of the SAL seeker. The pulsed optical beam is encoded with data for the SAL seeker. Computer-readable program code is loaded into and executed by the seeker's signal processor to process the signals generated in response to the pulsed optical beam to extract the data for the SAL seeker. Data is typically coupled to the projectile pre-launch but may be coupled in flight to the target.