UAV Ballistic Flight Path Sensing for Accurate Firing Solutions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for assessing environmental conditions prior to launching projectiles are often inaccurate and inefficient, particularly in environments where wind conditions are difficult to measure, such as barren areas or those with clear skies, leading to subjective observations that require significant practice and may not account for varying conditions along the ballistic trajectory.
Innovation Solution
The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to collect and process environmental data along a ballistic flight path, converting the trajectory into coordinates for navigation and automatically assessing wind conditions and calculating firing solutions, thereby improving accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional wind sensors are placed in static positions between the launching device and target, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because environmental conditions at the target and between the FFP and target differ from conditions at the FFP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ballistic trajectory into multiple segments by deploying UAVs at different positions along the flight path (e.g., at the FFP, mid-trajectory, and near the target). Each UAV independently measures environmental conditions at its specific location, segmenting the measurement task to capture spatial variations in wind and other conditions that a single static sensor cannot detect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from ground-based static measurement to three-dimensional aerial measurement by deploying UAVs that can navigate at various altitudes and positions along the ballistic trajectory. This dimensional change allows measurement of environmental conditions in the actual flight path of the projectile, not just at ground level between FFP and target.
2Device complexity
If shooters rely on natural indicators such as mirage and vegetation to make subjective observations, then the device complexity is minimized, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate in barren environments with clear skies where mirage is difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human visual observation system with electronic sensor systems mounted on UAVs. These sensors objectively measure wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and other environmental parameters, substituting the unreliable human eye and brain interpretation of natural indicators with precise electronic detection that works reliably in all visual conditions including barren environments and clear skies.
3Measurement precision
If shooters practice making subjective observations with partners using weather meters, then the measurement precision may improve with practice, but the productivity deteriorates due to the considerable time and practice required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where UAVs independently navigate predetermined flight paths, autonomously collect environmental data using onboard sensors, and transmit measurements to the firing control system without requiring human observers or partners. This self-service capability eliminates the time-consuming training and coordination of human observation teams while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback by having UAVs continuously measure environmental conditions along the ballistic trajectory and immediately transmit this data to update firing solutions. This rapid feedback loop eliminates the delay inherent in human observation and practice, allowing shooters to adapt to changing conditions without the considerable practice time required for developing human observational skills.
4Measurement precision
If practice shots are used to understand environmental condition impacts, then the measurement precision may improve through observation, but the productivity deteriorates due to the time required for multiple practice shots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of environmental conditions along the entire ballistic trajectory using UAVs before the actual firing operation. This advance measurement provides accurate wind and environmental data for calculating the firing solution, eliminating the need for multiple practice shots to gather information. The preliminary action of measuring conditions beforehand allows shooters to proceed directly to productive firing with confidence in the accuracy of environmental assessments.
Data Source
AI summary
Automated systems and methods for collecting environmental data along a ballistic trajectory are disclosed. The systems and methods may comprise automatically estimating the ballistic trajectory of a projectile. The systems and methods may comprise automatically converting the ballistic trajectory into a ballistic flight path comprising a plurality of coordinates. The systems and methods may comprise electronically communicating the ballistic flight path to a guidance system of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The guidance system may be configured to cause the UAV to navigate along the ballistic flight path. The systems and methods may comprise automatically collecting environmental data along the ballistic flight path.