SWIR DIRCM Missile Tracking for Lightweight Aircraft Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DIRCM systems are bulky, heavy, and cumbersome, making them unsuitable for mounting on aircraft, and they suffer from limitations in tracking accuracy and effectiveness in adverse weather conditions, particularly in countering MANPADS and ATGMs.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight DIRCM unit with SWIR-based optical detectors and separate calibration detectors, combined with a tunable piezoelectric lens and closed-loop IR signal processing, enables accurate missile tracking and jamming across various weather conditions, including fog, rain, and snow, while supporting multiple laser emitters for diverse threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional DIRCM systems are used, then countermeasure capability against missiles is provided, but the systems are bulky, heavy, and cumbersome making them unsuitable for mounting on aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional DIRCM system is divided into separate functional modules: SWIR detector unit, calibration detector unit, piezoelectric lens unit, and laser emitter unit. Each module is independently packaged and can be selectively activated based on threat type and weather conditions, reducing overall system weight while maintaining full countermeasure capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple detector types (SWIR and calibration detectors) and multiple laser emitters that can function across various threat scenarios and weather conditions. This multi-functional architecture allows a single integrated system to handle MANPADS, ATGMs, and adverse weather conditions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Reliability
If conventional DIRCM systems are used, then countermeasure capability is provided, but tracking accuracy is limited particularly in adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A piezoelectric lens is introduced as an intermediary component between the SWIR detector and the incoming infrared radiation. The lens dynamically adjusts its focal length in response to changing atmospheric conditions (fog, rain, snow), compensating for atmospheric distortion and maintaining accurate missile tracking despite adverse weather interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control where the SWIR detector continuously monitors missile position and feeds this information back to the control system. The control system adjusts the piezoelectric lens and laser emitter parameters in real-time based on detected missile trajectory and atmospheric conditions, maintaining high tracking accuracy throughout the engagement.
3Measurement precision
If SWIR-based optical detectors with piezoelectric lens and closed-loop IR signal processing are used, then tracking accuracy is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (SWIR detector, calibration detector, piezoelectric lens, and laser emitters) are merged into a single integrated DIRCM unit with shared optical paths and control electronics. This consolidation reduces the overall number of separate systems required while maintaining enhanced tracking accuracy through the combined capabilities of all components.
4Weight of moving object
If compact DIRCM unit is designed, then size and weight are reduced, but effectiveness against diverse threats (MANPADS and ATGMs) may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including a piezoelectric lens that can change focal length in real-time and laser emitters that can adjust wavelength and pulse characteristics. These dynamic capabilities allow the compact unit to adapt its countermeasure strategy based on the specific threat type (MANPADS vs. ATGM) and atmospheric conditions, maintaining effectiveness against diverse threats without increasing physical size.
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 system provides enhanced tracking accuracy, reduced size and weight, improved reliability, and effective countermeasures against MANPADS and ATGMs, even in adverse weather, with reduced false alarms and increased operational range.
Implementation Method 1
A compact, lightweight DIRCM unit with SWIR-based optical detectors and separate calibration detectors, combined with a tunable piezoelectric lens
Implementation Method 2
a directed high-power laser transmitter or laser generator or laser emitter (e.g., that includes one or more laser sources)
Implementation Method 3
a Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) optical detector or optical sensor or imager
Data Source
AI summary
A device (800) for protecting an aircraft against missiles, includes a Short-Wave InfraRed based (SWIR-based) Missile Tracking Unit, having a SWIR-based optical imager that associated with an optical SWIR band filter. The device (800) further includes a SWIR signals processor; it analyzes the captured SWIR optical signals; and it performs a SWIR-based missile acquisition process, which is also based on raw angular position data of a missile as received from a Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS); and it performs a SWIR-based missile tracking process, which continuously and dynamically determines a precise angular position of the missile based on the captured SWIR optical signals. The device (800) includes a laser-based missile-jamming unit, having an internal laser emitter; and optionally also being operably associated with an external high-power laser emitter; to disrupt the missile, or to disrupt a guiding station of the missile.