Targeting Munition Shards with Laser Diodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current targeting systems for military air strikes expose aircraft and ground operators to risk by requiring continuous targeting emissions and prolonged aircraft presence over the target, increasing vulnerability to ground fire and detection.
Innovation Solution
A targeting munition system that deploys a 40 mm grenade with a payload of shards, each equipped with a laser diode emitting at a predetermined frequency, which breaks apart upon impact to provide infrared illumination for terminal guidance, allowing for 'fire and forget' targeting without continuous operator involvement and reducing exposure to ground fire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ground forces continuously laze the target using hand-held designators or pods, then target designation is maintained for munition guidance, but ground operators and aircraft are exposed to extended risk from ground fire and detection
Solution Approach 1:
The targeting system performs preliminary action by deploying the targeting munition to establish the laser designation before the main munition arrives. The targeting munition is fired first, impacts the target, and begins emitting laser immediately, so the designation is already in place when the payload munition reaches the target area, eliminating the need for continuous ground operator lazing during the critical exposure period
Solution Approach 2:
The targeting munition acts as an intermediary between ground forces and the payload munition. Instead of ground operators directly lazing the target throughout the entire operation, the targeting munition serves as a temporary autonomous designator that bridges the gap, allowing ground forces to disengage while maintaining the laser designation for the arriving munition
2Measurement precision
If aircraft locate and designate targets using pods requiring target lock, then accurate targeting is achieved, but aircraft must remain exposed over the target for extended time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary targeting action by having the targeting munition establish the laser designation and provide terminal guidance signals before the payload munition arrives. This allows the aircraft to release the munition and exit the target area immediately, rather than having to maintain position for extended periods to provide continuous laser guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The targeting munition provides self-service by autonomously maintaining the laser designation and providing terminal guidance signals after impact. Once the targeting munition impacts and begins emitting, it independently sustains the laser beam and guidance signals without requiring continuous control input from the aircraft or ground operators, enabling the aircraft to disengage safely
3Reliability
If hand-held designators are used for JDAM targeting, then target designation is provided, but ground operators must maintain continuous emission on target increasing their risk profile
Solution Approach 1:
The targeting munition performs self-service by autonomously generating and maintaining the laser designation after impact. It independently powers its own laser diode and maintains the emission on target without requiring continuous human operation, thereby eliminating the need for ground operators to remain exposed to maintain the designation
Solution Approach 2:
The targeting munition serves as an intermediary device that replaces the vulnerable human operator in the laser designation role. It acts as a temporary autonomous designator that bridges the gap between ground forces and the payload, allowing operators to disengage while the munition maintains the designation
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 enables reduced risk for strike aircraft and ground operators by allowing indirect targeting, minimizing detection, and reducing training requirements, while providing effective terminal guidance for munitions and reducing exposure time to ground fire and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the shards includes a laser diode configured to emit targeting emission in response to the targeting munition impacting an area at or proximate to a target
Implementation Method 2
provide infrared illumination for terminal guidance
Data Source
AI summary
A targeting munition for a targeting system and method includes a payload including a plurality of shards. At least one of the shards includes a laser diode configured to emit targeting emission in response to the targeting munition impacting an area at or proximate to a target.