UAS Targeting Coordination for Continuous Positive Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) face challenges in maintaining positive identification of targets from initial identification to final contact, especially when multiple aircraft are involved and geographical coordinates need to be accurately selected and confirmed for targeting.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first aircraft captures and transmits video streams and targeting coordinates to a Ground Control System (GCS), allowing a second operator to select and confirm targeting coordinates, guiding a second aircraft for terminal homing, with continuous positive identification maintained by the first aircraft, and confirming target impact through video streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a first aircraft captures and transmits video streams and targeting coordinates to a Ground Control System for selection and confirmation, then the accuracy of target identification is improved, but the time required for target engagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first aircraft performs preliminary target identification and transmits video streams and coordinates to the Ground Control System before the second aircraft is launched. This preliminary action allows the GCS to pre-process and confirm targeting coordinates, ensuring accurate identification while preparing the second aircraft for rapid engagement without delays during the actual attack phase.
2Reliability
If multiple aircraft are involved in the targeting process with coordinate selection and confirmation, then the reliability of target engagement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The targeting system is segmented into distinct functional roles: the first aircraft performs target identification and video transmission, the Ground Control System handles coordinate selection and confirmation, and the second aircraft executes the engagement. This segmentation distributes complexity across separate components rather than concentrating it in a single system, improving reliability through specialized functions while managing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the first aircraft maintains continuous field of view and positive identification of the target during the engagement process, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The Ground Control System acts as an intermediary that receives video streams from the first aircraft, processes targeting coordinates, and provides confirmation to the second aircraft. This intermediary handles the complex task of maintaining positive identification and coordinate verification, reducing the operational burden on pilots while ensuring continuous measurement precision through automated video analysis and coordinate confirmation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of targeting, which involves capturing a first video of a scene about a potential targeting coordinate by a first video sensor on a first aircraft; transmitting the first video and associated potential targeting coordinate by the first aircraft; receiving the first video on a first display in communication with a processor, the processor also receiving the potential targeting coordinate; selecting the potential targeting coordinate to be an actual targeting coordinate for a second aircraft in response to viewing the first video on the first display; and guiding a second aircraft toward the actual targeting coordinate; where positive identification of a target corresponding to the actual targeting coordinate is maintained from selection of the actual targeting coordinate.