Patent classifications
F41G7/346
Autonomous Flight Termination System and Method
An autonomous flight termination system for terminating vehicle flight after the vehicle is launched from an aircraft includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver; a termination unit selected from a cut-off switch connected to terminate vehicle flight when actuated, and a switch connected to detonate an explosive on the vehicle; a system controller for receiving a first signal indicating separation of the vehicle from the aircraft and a second signal from the GPS receiver to calculate an actual vehicle trajectory, and for sending a third signal to actuate the termination unit to terminate the flight of the vehicle when the actual vehicle trajectory is determined to be outside the safety bounds of a mission-planned flight trajectory; and a failsafe controller connected to receive operational data of the system controller, and to actuate the termination unit when the operational data indicates that the system is in an error state.
Vertical drop segmented munitions dispenser
A munitions dispenser employs a plurality of launch tubes mounted in an array as a segmented dispenser assembly. Each tube in the array is configured to carry a selected munition releasably coupled in a cylindrical bore of the tube for substantially vertical release through a lower aperture. A frame, mountable to an air vehicle, carries the array of launch tubes. A skin covers the array of launch tubes with the skin and frame with the array configured for nested engagement of multiple segmented assemblies.
System and method for navigation and targeting in GPS-challenged environments using factor graph optimization
A system and method for enhanced aircraft-based targeting senses RF emissions or other signals associated with a target while navigating a trajectory through a GPS-challenged airspace. While the target is being observed, the aircraft targeting system tracks GPS-challenged state vectors (e.g., via an onboard inertial reference system) and pressure altitudes consistent with each observation. When the aircraft emerges from the GPS-challenged airspace, the targeting system determines multiple GPS-driven subsequent absolute positions of the aircraft. The targeting system determines a refined estimate of the target location via batch factor graph optimization of measurements taken while inside and outside of the GPS-challenged airspace.
Extended range support module
An extended range support module for an undersea vehicle includes an outer hull capable of accommodating the undersea vehicle therein. A navigation module is positioned on the outer hull and capable of being joined to the undersea vehicle. Controllable fins are provided on the outer hull and joined to allow control by the navigation module. A buoyancy control system is positioned within the outer hull and joined to the navigation module. An extended fuel tank is provided inside the outer hull between the outer hull and the undersea vehicle. The extended fuel tank is joined to provide fuel to the undersea vehicle. The navigation module can have GPS, inertial sensors, and sonar sensors to aid in navigation.
Global positioning system (“GPS”) independent navigation system for a self-guided aerial vehicle utilizing multiple optical sensors
Disclosed is a Global Positioning System (GPS) independent navigation system (GINS) for a self-guided aerial vehicle (SAV). The SAV has a housing, where the housing has an outer surface, a length, a front-end, and a longitudinal axis along the length of the housing. The GINS includes a first optical sensor, a second optical sensor, a storage unit, and a comparator.
Method and System for Using Enhanced Location-Based Information to Guide Munitions
An ordnance munition is included in an intelligent ordnance projectile delivery system and equipped with targeting and/or guidance systems that allow the ordnance munition to collaborate with other devices to intelligently select targets and/or to guide the ordnance munition to its selected target. The ordnance munition may be configured to determine its rough location, generate first location information based on the rough location, and send the generated location information to a wireless transceiver that is in close proximity to the ordnance munition. The ordnance munition may receive and use location information from the wireless transceiver to determine its more precise location, generate second location information based on the determined more precise location, and alter its flight path based on the generated second location information.
Method and System for Using Enhanced Location-Based Information to Guide Munitions
An ordnance munition in an intelligent ordnance projectile delivery system may be equipped with targeting and/or guidance systems that allow the ordnance munition to collaborate with other devices to intelligently select targets and/or to guide the ordnance munition to its selected target. The ordnance munition may be configured to determine its approximate location, generate first location information based on the determined approximate location, and send the generated first location information to a second ordnance munition. The ordnance munition may receive information from the second ordnance munition, determine a more precise location of the first ordnance munition based on the information received from the second ordnance munition, and generate second location information based on the determined more precise location. The ordnance munition may alter its flight path based on the generated second location information.
Method and System for Using Enhanced Location-Based Information to Guide Munitions
An ordnance munition is included in an intelligent ordnance projectile delivery system and equipped with targeting and guidance systems that allow the ordnance munition to collaborate with other devices to intelligently select targets and/or to guide the ordnance munition to its selected target. An ordnance munition may determine its approximate location, generate first location information that includes two or three-dimensional location values based on the determined approximate location, and send the generated information to a wireless transceiver in close proximity. In response, the ordnance munition may receive and use information from the wireless transceiver to determine its more precise location. The ordnance munition may generate second location information that includes two or three-dimensional location information based on the determined more precise location, and use the generated second location information to alter its flight path.
Method and System for Using Enhanced Location-Based Information to Guide Munitions
An ordnance munition is included in an intelligent ordnance projectile delivery system and equipped with targeting and guidance systems that allow the ordnance munition to collaborate with other devices to intelligently select targets and/or to guide the ordnance munition to its selected target. The ordnance munition may determine its approximate current location, form a communication group with a wireless transceiver that is in close proximity, and send the approximate current location to the wireless transceiver and/or other devices in the communication group. In response, the ordnance munition may receive location information from the wireless transceiver and/or other devices that are in the communication group. The ordnance munition may determine its more precise location based on the information received from the wireless transceiver, and alter its flight path based in the updated and more precise location.
GROUND-PROJECTILE GUIDANCE SYSTEM
A range extension unit extends the range of a guided mortar bomb. The range extension unit includes a housing interface defining an internal cup that receives a rear portion of a guided mortar bomb, wherein the housing interface covers a rear portion of the mortar bomb. The housing interface, when coupled to the mortar bomb, collectively forms an aerodynamically shaped body with the mortar bomb. At least two deployable wings are attached to the housing interface, wherein the wings transition between a retracted state and a deployed state.