Variable-Offset Projectile Guidance for Launch-Location Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser-guidance kits for projectiles are detectable by targeted points-of-interest (POIs), allowing them to identify the launch location and prepare for attacks, compromising military operations.
Innovation Solution
A guidance protocol that operates within the projectile, using onboard devices like gyroscopes and accelerometers to guide the projectile without external light sources, biasing its trajectory to confuse the POI about the launch location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external independent light sources are used to guide the projectile to the target, then the projectile can be accurately guided to the desired target, but the targeted POI can detect and identify the light source, revealing the launch location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external independent light source from the guidance system. Instead of using an external laser to paint the target, the system uses only the projectile's onboard sensors and processing to navigate to the target area, eliminating the detectable light signature that reveals launch location
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile uses its own onboard devices (gyroscopes, accelerometers, processors) to determine its trajectory and guide itself toward the target area without requiring external illumination or guidance signals, making the system self-sufficient and undetectable
2Reliability
If the projectile is guided directly to the targeted POI, then the guidance is precise and effective, but the POI can prepare for the attack by detecting the guidance signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-programs the projectile with angular offset modes that cause it to initially travel toward a false location rather than the actual target. This preliminary misleading action prevents the POI from detecting the true attack intent while the projectile maintains its guidance capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of guiding the projectile directly to the target, the system inverts the guidance approach by initially guiding it to a false location (angular offset from target). The projectile only reveals its true destination when it is too late for the POI to react, effectively using deception as the primary guidance mode
3Object-affected harmful factors
If angular offset modes are implemented to misdirect the POI, then the launch location is concealed, but the projectile must accurately bias its trajectory to the correct target area
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the angular offset during flight based on real-time sensor data and processing. The offset is not a fixed mechanical setting but a programmable parameter that can be modified during the projectile's trajectory to maintain accuracy while preserving the deception effect
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance system changes the trajectory parameters (angular offset from target) as a programmable variable rather than a fixed mechanical setting. This allows precise control over the deception angle while maintaining the ability to accurately reach the true target area, with the offset parameter adjustable based on flight conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Conceals the launch location from the POI, creating confusion and enhancing the effectiveness of military operations by misdirecting the projectile's path.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gyroscope and at least one accelerometer of the guidance kit determine a down acceleration direction asserted on the projectile
Implementation Method 2
at least one gyroscope operatively connected with the at least one processor
Implementation Method 3
at least one accelerometer operatively connected with the at least one processor
Data Source
AI summary
A guidance kit for a projectile and method for suppressing a point-of-interest (POI) at a desired location away from the POI. The guidance kit includes at least one processor in the guidance kit. The guidance kit also includes a guidance protocol operatively in communication with the guidance kit and the at least one processor and having a set of angular offset modes. The guidance protocol of the guidance kit is configured to guide the projectile to at least one location relative to a desired point-of-interest (POI) upon or in response to activation of at least one angular offset mode of the set of angular offset modes.