Threat Analysis Toolkit for Dynamic Flight Path Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing flight path threats are inadequate as they rely on single position value assessments, which do not accurately represent distributed threat systems, leading to reduced ownship survivability and inaccurate mission success probabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically compute and recalculate threat data based on aircraft location, forming threat clusters and using centroid values to assess and adjust flight paths, allowing for real-time identification and mitigation of threats along the entire flight path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If single position value assessments are used to model radar threats as point sources, then the assessment algorithm becomes simpler and faster to compute, but the accuracy of threat assessment deteriorates because it does not properly represent distributed threat systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distributed threat system into multiple discrete threat sources, each with its own position, RCS, and detection probability. Instead of treating the entire threat as a single point source, the system divides it into individual radar threats that can be assessed separately and then aggregated to provide a comprehensive threat assessment along the flight path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-position assessment to multi-position along-flight-path assessment. By evaluating threat levels at multiple discrete positions along the flight path and interpolating between them, the system creates a continuous threat profile that accurately represents distributed threat systems while maintaining computational efficiency.
2Reliability
If comprehensive threat assessment along entire flight path is implemented, then ownship survivability is enhanced through accurate threat identification, but the computational complexity and processing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary threat assessments at discrete positions along the flight path before actual flight operations. By pre-calculating threat levels at multiple positions and storing this data, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time computations during flight, reducing computational complexity while maintaining high reliability for survivability decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assesses threat levels at more positions along the flight path than strictly necessary (excessive action), then uses interpolation to determine threat levels at intermediate positions. This approach ensures comprehensive coverage of distributed threat systems while managing computational complexity through selective detailed assessment rather than continuous computation.
3Ease of operation
If fixed position threat assessments are used at mission waypoints, then the assessment process is simpler to implement, but the accuracy deteriorates when flight paths are altered or new threats are encountered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic threat assessment system that adapts to altered flight paths. Instead of fixed position assessments, the system evaluates threat levels at multiple discrete positions along the entire flight path and can interpolate threat levels for new or altered routes. This dynamic approach maintains implementation simplicity while significantly improving adaptability to changing flight conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for managing an aircraft's flight path by identifying and categorizing potential threats in the aircraft's original flight path and determining an alternate flight path. The alternate flight path is selected from potential flight paths and has a threat value lower than any of the potential flight paths. The potential flight path candidates are generated from combinations of the original flight path coordinates, and coordinates that vary from the original coordinates by a set range.