Towed IR Flare System for Aerial Target Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial target marking technologies, such as gas or fuel burners and radio emitters, are ineffective in providing a narrow-band infrared radiation compatible with anti-aircraft defense missiles, and lack precise signal calibration and location.
Innovation Solution
A towed IR flare system with a dual IR radiation source, secured by steel cables and controlled by an electronic unit, emits a narrow-band infrared signal compatible with anti-aircraft defense missiles, allowing precise calibration and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional heat sources (gas or fuel burners) are used for marking aerial targets, then the device structure is simple, but the radiation source cannot emit in a narrow band of the spectrum compatible with anti-aircraft defense missiles
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent IR flares (at least two) that can be separated and deployed individually. Each flare contains its own combustion chamber and infrared emitter, allowing the system to achieve spectral compatibility through multiple specialized sources rather than a single complex source, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces steel cables as intermediaries to deploy and position the IR flares. The cables allow the flares to be separated from the main aerial target and positioned at optimal distances for marking, enabling spectral compatibility without requiring the main target structure itself to generate the infrared radiation.
2Measurement precision
If conventional radio emitters are used for marking aerial targets, then the device structure is relatively simple, but the signal cannot be precisely calibrated and located
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates control units that can monitor and adjust the deployment and operation of the IR flares. This feedback mechanism allows for precise calibration of the infrared signal intensity and positioning, ensuring the marking signal is optimally calibrated for detection by anti-aircraft defense missiles while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The IR flares are pre-positioned and secured to the aerial target before deployment. The steel cables are pre-attached and configured to deploy the flares to predetermined optimal positions. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the flares are activated, they are already in the correct location and configuration for precise signal calibration without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
3Productivity
If a single IR radiation source is used, then the device structure is simple, but the marking effectiveness at various distances (short, medium, and long) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the radiation source into multiple independent IR flares that can be deployed separately. This segmentation allows each flare to cover different distance ranges (short, medium, and long), with the combined effect providing comprehensive marking effectiveness across all ranges without requiring a single overly complex multi-range radiation source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the marking capability from a single-point source to a distributed multi-point source configuration. By deploying multiple flares at different positions and distances from the aerial target, the system creates a three-dimensional infrared marking field that enhances detectability and effectiveness across various detection ranges, transforming a one-dimensional limitation into a three-dimensional solution.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention provides an aerial target provided with a towed IR flare system characterized by being made up of a support device for an assembly (D) fixed to the tip of the wing (14) of the mentioned aerial target, acting as a support for the following elements: .- a fixing support (1) that will be used for screwing the assembly (D) to the wing (14) of the aircraft, .- a double L-shaped front support (18) located in the front portion of the part (D) that will be used for aligning the braided steel cables (6') and (6), and on the sides of the mentioned part (18), there are located, perpendicular thereto, respective shafts (19') and (19") bearing respective rollers (4') and (4") along with respective clutches (3') and (3") intended for winding/unwinding respective braided steel cables (6') and (6") which, following passage through cable alignment supports (5') and (5"), are secured to the IR flares (8') and (8") by means of flare securing elements (9') and (9") after going through the through holes (7') and (7") and wherein the internal control elements would be an electronic control unit (11), a battery for powering the assembly (10), respective magnetic switches for activating IR beacons (12') and (12"), a pyrotechnic sequencer (13), a protection sequencer (16) to prevent the accidental firing of flares (8') and (8"), an autopilot (15), and a target controller (CCS) is present as an external element.