Patent classifications
F41G7/2233
DIRECTED NAVIGATION OF ROUNDS
The system and method of directed navigation using an augmented semi-active laser seeker to provide initial altitude measurement and command denotation information for rounds. Using on-board sensors and communications links between members of a swarm, numerous targets can be engaged more quickly and precisely. The LCSAL can act as 3D LIDAR where the LCSAL's spatial resolution and the associated image from the imager can be correlated to the LCSAL pixel by pixel as time of arrival. The rounds trajectory can be refined due to coupling with accurate Target ID to provide optimum command detonation for specific target types.
SWARM NAVIGATION USING FOLLOW THE FORWARD APPROACH
The system and method of swarm navigation using a follow the forward approach. Using on-board sensors and communications links between members of a swarm, numerous targets can be engaged more quickly and precisely. In some cases, a designator is used to help a forward of the swarm navigate to a target using image-based navigation up until terminal guidance is used. A cascade of messages are projected back to a following round so that, each member of a swarm can determine a best target/round match and provide real-time, up-to-date information regarding targets' locations and each round's location, range to target, target selection, and the like.
Dynamic weapon to target assignment using a control based methodology
The system and method of dynamic weapon to target assignment (DWTA) using a control based methodology to dynamically assign each projectile to a target in a multiple target engagement situation. In some cases, closest proximity is used in a real-time, to accomplish the DWTA functional requirement and performance criteria. In some cases, g pulling acceleration and projectile fin deflection motion are also used to assess the best matched pair for each projectile and each target with an end goal of intercepting the target or guiding the projectile to an acceptable error basket for target destruction via detonation. For the closest distance criterion for projectile/target pairing, a cutoff time is used to ensure the pairing is conducted within an acceptable duration while still being able to intercept the target or meet a required miss distance basket (e.g., <3 m).
DYNAMIC WEAPON TO TARGET ASSIGNMENT USING A CONTROL BASED METHODOLOGY
The system and method of dynamic weapon to target assignment (DWTA) using a control based methodology to dynamically assign each projectile to a target in a multiple target engagement situation. In some cases, closest proximity is used in a real-time, to accomplish the DWTA functional requirement and performance criteria. In some cases, g pulling acceleration and projectile fin deflection motion are also used to assess the best matched pair for each projectile and each target with an end goal of intercepting the target or guiding the projectile to an acceptable error basket for target destruction via detonation. For the closest distance criterion for projectile/target pairing, a cutoff time is used to ensure the pairing is conducted within an acceptable duration while still being able to intercept the target or meet a required miss distance basket (e.g., <3 m).
Firing control system and firing control method
A threat degree of each of targets is numerized based on data obtained by observing the targets after launching of the flying objects. Also, the firepower of flying object is numerized based on the state of flying object after the launching. The optimal assignment of firepower is calculated based on the numerized threat degrees and firepower, and is shared by the flying objects. Each flying object intercepts the target specified based on the optimal assignment.
GLOBAL NEAREST NEIGHBOR (GNN) BASED TARGET TRACKING AND DATA ASSOCIATION
A modified GNN/DA subsystem processes angle only measurements from at least two sensors (but can be replicated to n sensors using a similar track fusion framework per sensor as a local track center and then fusing them via a multiple local track fusion architecture) to reconstruct a complete battle space picture consisting of multiple moving targets. In some cases, the sensor is an EO/IR camera and the moving targets are UAVs. The modified GNN/DA is used as part of a Fire Control Solution (FCS) either implemented on a ground-based vehicle or on-board a projectile.
SEAMLESS SMART MUNITIONS SYSTEM AND METHOD
Systems and methods for deploying smart munitions may provide targeting metadata generated by surveillance networks to munitions deployment and guidance systems for smart munitions. Targeting metadata may be received by a conduit system and automatically processed to generate guidance and deployment data actionable by a munitions deployment platform.
ROBUST ANGLE ONLY NINE STATE TARGET STATE ESTIMATOR (TSE)
The present system estimates target motion with nonzero acceleration (including maneuvering uncertainty) using angle only (AO) measurements. The present approach employs a mixed coordinate system framework by combining modified spherical coordinate (MSC) system and Reference Cartesian Coordinate (RCC) system to keep accurate information flowing from one frame to the other while eliminating the numerical sensitivity of the angle measurements to the TSE vector. This integrated coordinate systems framework is achieved due to the state vector information of two frames (RCC and MSC) is effectively preserved between processing cycles and state vector transformation steps. The AO TSE architecture and processing schemes are applicable to a wide class of passive sensors. The mixed coordinate system provides robust real-time slant range estimation in a bootstrap fashion, thus turning passive AO measurements into equivalent active sensor measurements with built-in recursive range information but with greatly improved TSE accuracy.
PROJECTILE GUIDANCE SYSTEM
A guidance system for deployment on-board a projectile includes a laser-seeking detector, an imaging device, and a control module. The laser-seeking detector is designed to detect the position of the projectile with reference to a laser spot on a target. The imaging device is designed to capture one or more images in front of the projectile. The control module is designed to control a flight direction of the projectile based on input received from the laser-seeking detector in a first mode, control the flight direction of the projectile based on input received from the imaging device in a second mode, and switch between the first mode and the second mode while the projectile is in flight towards the target. Both guidance technologies are leveraged to develop an improved guidance technique that provides highly accurate targeting and allows for a faster rate of fire to deal with multiple targets.
Fusion between AOA and TDOA
A navigation system for a swarm of guided projectiles, such as cruise missiles, having three or more projectiles launched at a target is provided. The projectiles can be in secure communication with one another and can operate as a single swarm using a fusion of angle of arrival and time difference of arrival of a detected signal to direct the projectiles to a point of impact on a target that is offset from an emitter generating the detected signal. The projectiles can further use knowledge of their relative position to maintain and/or adjust their flight path and/or speed to maintain their course to the point of impact in areas of GPS denial or unavailability.