SWIR Surveillance UAV Platform for Rapid Deployment and Precision Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surveillance systems lack the capability for persistent, real-time monitoring and targeting in remote or hostile environments, with limitations in rapid deployment, networked communication, and integrated sensor systems, leading to inefficiencies in detecting and tracking entities of interest.

Innovation Solution

An aerial surveillance system utilizing a short-wave infrared (SWIR) platform with a deployable powered parachute or parafoil system, enabling remote deployment and recovery, secure communication, and real-time geo-location tracking, along with a tethered power system for extended flight times and stealth operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If existing surveillance systems are deployed in remote or hostile environments, then coverage area is expanded, but deployment speed and setup time are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurveillance coverage areaVSAvoiddeployment and setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The surveillance system is divided into modular components including the UAV platform, sensor systems, communication modules, and power systems that can be independently deployed and configured. This segmentation enables rapid assembly in remote environments while maintaining comprehensive surveillance coverage capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates pre-configured sensor packages, pre-established communication protocols, and pre-positioned launch/recovery platforms that enable immediate operational capability upon deployment. The UAVs are pre-equipped with targeting and surveillance systems, eliminating setup delays in hostile environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If remote deployment and recovery capabilities are implemented, then operational safety in hostile environments is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational safetyVSAvoiddeployment system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UAV system incorporates autonomous navigation, self-deployment, and automated recovery capabilities. The platforms can independently navigate to launch sites, deploy themselves, and return for recovery without requiring complex ground support equipment or extensive manual intervention, thereby maintaining safety while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical deployment mechanisms with automated control systems and software-based management. Remote deployment is achieved through electronic command and control rather than physical manipulation, reducing the mechanical complexity while enhancing operational safety in hostile environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If integrated sensor systems and networked communication are implemented, then surveillance effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurveillance effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated sensor systems operate in periodic cycles, alternating between active surveillance modes and lower-power states. The networked communication systems transmit data in periodic bursts rather than continuous streams, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective surveillance coverage through coordinated sensor activation and data sharing across the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor systems are designed with multi-functionality, where single sensor packages can perform multiple surveillance tasks (detection, tracking, identification, characterization) simultaneously. This universality reduces the total number of sensors required in the network, thereby lowering overall energy consumption while maintaining comprehensive surveillance effectiveness through integrated multi-purpose sensor operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10890927B2Persistent surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle and launch/recovery platform system and method of using with secure communication, sensor systems, targeting systems, locating systems, and precision landing and stabilization systems

Publication Date: 2021.01.12 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

Apparatus and methods are provided for providing persistent aerial vehicle surveillance capabilities, including launch and recovery platforms, secured communication, sensor systems, targeting systems, locating systems, and precision landing and stabilization systems for such uses as assisting with base defenses, monitoring parking lots or facilities, providing security monitoring, assisting farmers, performing recon of enemy beaches or use by mortar teams in hostile fields of operations. One embodiment can include an aerial surveillance system using an aerial short wave infrared surveillance system platform for use when quick response in reaction to real-time conditions is preferred while relaying the geo-location and other monitoring assistance via a wireless, fiber optic type link, or an ADHOC GPS system. Embodiments of this disclosure provides a user with precise targeting, without manned air assets, and a highly mobile base of operations with swift relocation possibilities in a denied or hostile environment.