Surrogate RPG Conductive Warhead for Shield Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing the effectiveness of shield technologies against rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) requires live firings, which are costly and pose safety concerns due to the need for actual RPGs and specialized facilities.
Innovation Solution
A surrogate RPG with a warhead featuring an outer and inner conductive portion spaced apart, equipped with an electrical circuit and indicators to monitor conductivity changes upon impact, allowing for safer and more cost-effective testing of RPG defeat technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If live RPGs are used for testing shield effectiveness, then measurement accuracy is improved, but safety risks and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a surrogate RPG that copies the essential external dimensions and conductive properties of a real RPG warhead. The surrogate includes an outer conductive portion and inner conductive portion spaced apart, replicating the electrical conductivity characteristics of an actual RPG without containing explosive materials. This allows accurate testing of shield technologies while eliminating safety hazards associated with live explosives
Solution Approach 2:
The surrogate RPG is designed as a low-cost, disposable testing object that can be easily manufactured and replaced. By using non-explosive materials and simple conductive structures, the surrogate can be produced at minimal cost compared to actual RPGs, enabling multiple test firings without the high costs and safety concerns of using real weapons
2Measurement precision
If live RPGs are used for testing, then testing accuracy is improved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surrogate RPG replicates only the essential testing characteristics of a real RPG - specifically the external dimensions, shape, and electrical conductivity properties. By copying only what is necessary for shield effectiveness testing rather than using the complete complex weapon system, the patent dramatically reduces testing costs while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The surrogate is designed as an inexpensive disposable object that can be manufactured from simple conductive materials. The low cost allows for multiple test firings and iterations without the prohibitive expenses associated with acquiring and firing actual RPGs, thereby reducing overall testing costs while maintaining accurate data collection
3Measurement precision
If actual RPGs are used in test firings, then data accuracy is improved, but facility requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surrogate RPG copies the essential geometric and electrical properties of a real RPG warhead that are necessary for shield interaction testing. By replicating only the relevant characteristics (external shape, conductivity) rather than the complete weapon system, the patent simplifies facility requirements while maintaining data accuracy for shield effectiveness evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable nature of the surrogate allows for simplified facility design without the need for expensive specialized explosive handling infrastructure. The simple conductive structure can be tested using basic measurement equipment rather than complex facilities required for live RPG testing, reducing overall system complexity
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 accurate and reusable testing of RPG shield effectiveness, allowing for the design improvement of RPG defeat technologies while reducing safety and cost concerns associated with live firings.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical circuit configured to monitor conductivity between the inner and outer conductive portions
Data Source
AI summary
A surrogate RPG includes a warhead with an outer conductive portion and an inner conductive portion spaced from the outer conductive portion. A sabot includes an electrical circuit configured to monitor conductivity between the inner and outer conductive portions. The surrogate RPG can be used to test the effectiveness of various RPG defeat technologies.