UAV-mounted MLS transmitters for precision landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing precise landing approach systems, such as ILS and MLS, face limitations including narrow operational scope, high costs, susceptibility to interference, and low precision in polar regions, particularly when traditional ground-based transmitters are unavailable or ineffective.
Innovation Solution
An MLS-type precise landing approach system utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or a swarm of UAVs equipped with azimuth, elevation, and DME transmitters, along with an automatic calibrating and optical navigation system, allowing for autonomous operation and calibration, independent of GPS signals, to ensure safe landing in emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground-based transmitters are used for MLS system, then precision landing approach is achieved, but the system is susceptible to interference and has limited operational scope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static ground-based transmitter system into a dynamic mobile system by mounting MLS transmitters on UAVs. This allows the system to adapt to different locations and environmental conditions, expanding operational scope while maintaining landing precision through real-time positioning and signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by moving transmitters from ground level to aerial positions. This dimensional change allows signal transmission over obstacles and terrain features that block ground-based signals, thereby expanding operational scope without compromising landing precision.
2Ease of operation
If traditional ILS system is used, then landing guidance is provided, but the system has narrow operational scope and high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal landing guidance system that can operate in diverse environments by deploying UAVs equipped with MLS transmitters. The system can serve multiple locations and conditions, providing landing guidance capability while adapting to various operational scenarios that traditional ILS cannot handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the fixed mechanical ground-based ILS infrastructure with mobile UAV-based MLS system. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive ground infrastructure, reducing costs while expanding operational scope through the flexibility of aerial deployment.
3Measurement precision
If ground-based MLS transmitters are deployed, then precise landing is achieved, but the system requires calibration and proper distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the UAV-based MLS system to perform self-calibration by utilizing its own position data from GPS and inertial sensors. The system automatically adjusts and verifies signal transmission parameters, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment and procedures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining landing precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mobile solutions like MMLS or D-ILS are used, then emergency landing is possible, but the systems are military-oriented and require ground transmitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by placing transmitters on mobile UAVs rather than on the ground. This inversion eliminates dependency on ground transmitter infrastructure, enabling civilian emergency landing operations in locations where ground-based systems cannot be deployed, while reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave-based radio system for realising a precise landing approach (MLS), characterised in that an azimuth antenna transmitter and/or an elevation signal transmitter and/or a DME transmitter, and preferably all three said transmitters, are placed aboard an unmanned aerial vehicle, and in particular on a drone. The object of the disclosure is also a method for realising a precise landing approach using such a system.