Target assignment projectile

Abstract

A system for communicating with a projectile in flight toward an intended target includes a barrel-launched projectile and a remote receiver. The barrel-launched projectile includes an ordnance portion, an active communications apparatus and an onboard speed control. The active communications apparatus includes an onboard receiver, an electromagnetic wave reception device, and an active transmitter. The electromagnetic wave reception device includes at least one from the group consisting of an antenna and a photo receptor and is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic wave reception device is connected to provide a signal derived from the electromagnetic signal to the onboard receiver to deploy the onboard speed control. The active transmitter is connected and configured for transmitting a signal to the remote receiver during flight and before activation of the speed control. The transmitted signal is directed within a cone angle extending in a direction opposite of the barrel-launched projectile's flight direction. The onboard speed control includes a shaped explosive charge. Deploying the onboard speed control initiates explosion of the shaped explosive charge. The explosion of the shaped explosive charge adjusts velocity of the barrel-launched projectile.

Claims

1. A projectile capable of impacting a target comprising: an ordnance portion; an onboard speed control coupled to the ordnance portion and having a shaped explosive charge, wherein the shaped explosive charge adjusts the velocity of the ordnance portion after firing of the projectile; and an active transmitter coupled to the ordnance portion, wherein the active transmitter transmits a signal within a cone angle extending in a direction opposite of the projectile's flight direction after the projectile has impacted the target.

2. A projectile according to claim 1, further including an active communication apparatus in electronic communication with the onboard speed control, the active communication apparatus having a reception device.

3. A projectile according to claim 2, wherein the reception device is an electromagnetic wave reception device.

4. A projectile according to claim 3, wherein the electromagnetic wave reception device is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal.

5. A projectile according to claim 2, wherein the reception device is configured to receive a signal so as to deploy the onboard speed control.

6. A projectile according to claim 2, wherein the reception device is one of an antenna and a photo receptor.

7. A projectile according to claim 2, further comprising a power supply for providing energy to at least the active communication apparatus.

8. A projectile according to claim 7, wherein the power supply includes a use detection apparatus for activating the power supply after the occurrence of a use event.

9. A projectile according to claim 8, wherein the use event is one of a launch event and an impact event.

10. A projectile according to claim 2, wherein the reception device is configured to receive a signal representative of a distance of the projectile to the target and to communicate the distance to the onboard speed control, and wherein the onboard speed control is configured to detonate the shaped explosive charge when the distance is at or less than a predetermined value.

11. A projectile according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor capable of detecting one or more of a vibration, a motion, a chemical, a biological agent, a nuclear decay particle, a sound, and an electromagnetic signal.

12. A projectile according to claim 1, further including a probe coupled to the ordnance portion, wherein the shaped explosive charge is detonated on contact of the probe with the target.

13. A projectile according to claim 1, wherein the ordnance portion is constructed of an energy absorbing material.

14. A projectile capable of impacting a target comprising: an ordnance portion; an onboard speed control coupled to the ordnance portion and having a shaped explosive charge, wherein the shaped explosive charge adjusts the velocity of the ordnance portion after firing of the projectile; an active communication apparatus in electronic communication with the onboard speed control, the active communication apparatus having a reception device and an active transmitter, wherein the active communication apparatus is coupled to the rear of the ordnance portion, and wherein the active transmitter transmits a signal within a cone angle extending in a direction opposite of the projectile's flight direction after the projectile has impacted the target.

15. A projectile according to claim 14, wherein the ordnance portion is constructed of an energy absorbing material and wherein the energy absorbing material encases a penetration device.

16. A projectile according to claim 14, further including a plurality of light sources in electronic communication with the active communication apparatus, and wherein the active communication apparatus sequentially excites ones of the plurality of light sources.

17. A projectile according to claim 16, wherein the communication apparatus further includes a lens assembly configured to project the light transmitted from one of the plurality of light sources at a first angle and to project the infrared energy transmitted from another of the plurality of light sources at a second angle.

18. A projectile according to claim 14, wherein the ordnance portion and the communication apparatus are arranged such the ordnance portion extends in the direction of flight ahead of the communication portion, and wherein the ordnance portion is sized and configured so that upon impact the communication apparatus is undamaged and attached to the target.

19. A projectile according to claim 14, further comprising a deployable fin configured for slowing the projectile.

20. A projectile according to claim 14, wherein the reception device is configured to receive a signal representative of a distance of the projectile to the target and to communicate the distance to the onboard speed control, and wherein the onboard speed control is configured to detonate the shaped explosive charge when the distance is at or less than a predetermined value.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a projectile including an ordnance portion and a communication apparatus;

(3) FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view depicting the use of the projectile of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the projectile of FIG. 1 after deployment;

(5) FIG. 4 is block diagram of the communication apparatus of the projectile of FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the system board of the communication apparatus of the projectile of FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the communication apparatus of the projectile of FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the power supply of the communication apparatus of the projectile of FIG. 1; and

(9) FIG. 8 is a three dimensional view of the Olin's range limited training ammunition (RLTA) showing the fins that slow it down or stop it in mid-flight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(10) Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a projectile 10, including an ordnance portion 12 and a communication apparatus 14, that is configured to be launched from a launcher 16 (e.g., a handgun, a rifle, or a cannon, for example). Examples of projectile 10 include a bullet, a rocket led grenade, a dart, or an artillery shell, for example. In order to facilitate stable flight, projectile 10 is configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis 18 once launched. Alternative methods for stabilizing the projectile include: deployable fins 17 constructed out of e.g., spring steel or titanium that extend after leaving the launching barrel; or a Sabot 19 that encases the projectile and provides aerodynamic control surfaces. Typically, the rotation of projectile 10 about longitudinal axis 18 is achieved by incorporating rifling (i.e., one or more spiral grooves; not shown) into the inner surface of the barrel 20 from which projectile 10 is launched, which are engaged by the outer surface 22 of projectile 10. Accordingly, when projectile 10 is launched from launcher 16, as projectile 10 moves through barrel 20 in the direction of arrow 24, an interference fit is formed between projectile 10 and barrel 20, forcing the outer surface 22 of projectile 10 to engage the rifling on the inner surface of barrel 20, resulting in projectile 10 rotating (in the direction of either arrow 26 or arrow 28) about longitudinal axis 18.

(11) As discussed above, projectile 10 is launched from a launcher (e.g., Barrett 82A1 sniper rifle 16) at various targets, such as: buildings 30, communications antenna 32; airplanes 34; tanks 36; and miscellaneous structures (e.g., stadium 38).

(12) Referring also to FIG. 3, typically projectile 10 is configured to partially penetrate a target (e.g., tank 36) such that the communication apparatus 14 of projectile 10 is still visible, thus allowing projectile 10 to communicate with a remote device (to be discussed below). Concerning the structure of projectile 10, communication apparatus 14 is positioned at the rear of projectile 10 and ordnance 12 is positioned at the front of projectile 10. Accordingly, ordnance 12 absorbs the majority of the energy dissipated when projectile 10 impacts a target, thus shielding communication apparatus 14 from these potentially deforming and destructive forces.

(13) In one embodiment the means of absorbing impact energy is a thermoplastic material that deforms on impact. In another embodiment the means of absorbing impact energy is an explosive charge or a shaped detonation projecting energy in the forward direction. For the embodiment in which the means of absorbing impact energy is an explosive charge or a shaped detonation projecting energy in the forward direction the explosion may be initiated on contact with a probe extending from the nose of the projectile.

(14) One example of this approach uses a core of impact deformable thermoplastic that melts on impact and sticks the mushroomed bullet to the target. A variation on this approach is to use a metal (such as solder or a combination of solder with low melting point metal alloys such as Safety-Silv 45 from J. W. Harris) with a low melting point that melts on impact and causes the mushroomed bullet to adhere to the target.

(15) In another embodiment the means of absorbing impact energy is a tip structure that includes multiple materials in structural forms capable of dissipating enough impact energy so that the beacon survives. One example of such a structure is a dense honeycomb structure sandwiched between a rigid base plate (made from titanium or steel for example) and a lead front tip.

(16) Another way to reduce the impact velocity is to ignite a small propellant charge prior to impact. A propellant material can be provided in a tip structure that reduces the bullet's forward energy before impact.

(17) As projectile 10 is designed to partially penetrate a target, the material from which ordnance 12 of projectile 10 is constructed varies depending on the intended target. For example, if projectile 10 is designed to imbed itself into a wooden structure (e.g., a structure in a terrorist training camp) or an aluminum structure (e.g., the vertical stabilizer of a fighter jet), the ordnance portion may be constructed of a relatively soft material, such as lead. However, if ordnance 12 is designed to imbed itself into armored plate, such as the plating used on tanks (e.g., an M1A1 tank) or armored personnel carriers (e.g., a Bradley fighting vehicle), ordnance 12 may be contracted of a sturdier material, such as depleted uranium. In other instances, the projectile is configured to attach to the surface it impacts. For example, a soft metal/thermoplastic-encased ceramic (e.g., silicon carbide), carbon fiber or hard metal (e.g., tungsten) pin 42 can be used to decelerate then affix the projectile to the target surface. The thermoplastic material can adhere the projectile to the target surface. For thinner metal surfaces (e.g., sheet metal bodies of automobiles or light trucks), a threaded screw-shaped penetration device (not shown) may be used to attach the projectile.

(18) Additionally and as is known, the kinetic energy of an object in flight may be adjusted by varying the speed at which the object moves through the air. Accordingly, the powder charge used to propel projectile 10 into flight may be varied based on the material from which the intended target is constructed (e.g., the sturdier the target, the higher the impact velocity of the projectile). Range-limiting fins 44, as found in range-limited target ammunition (RLTA), may be utilized to control both the velocity and range of projectile 10 or cause it to fall out of flight at a predetermined distance from its launch point.

(19) An alternative strategy is to incorporate speed control into a supersonic projectile so that the velocity can be reduced rapidly either at impact or when the projectile is close to the target. On-board speed control allows an operator to communicate the distance from the target to the bullet so that the velocity reduction mechanism is activated at the proper moment for a soft impact.

(20) Referring also to FIG. 4, communication apparatus 14 includes a power supply 50 for providing power to communication apparatus 14. An example of power supply 50 is a model 4019-100 lithium battery manufactured by Electrochem Power Solutions Incorporated of Canton Mass. Depending on the type of communication to be performed by communication apparatus 14, one or more types of transmission or reception devices may be employed. For example, if communication apparatus 14 is to perform light-based communication, one or more light sources 52-59 may be employed. A typically example of light sources 52-59 is a model SMC 630 light emitting diode manufactured by Epitex Incorporated of Kyoto Japan. However, other forms of light sources, such as lasers and devices that upon impact release light from chemical reactions and/or combustion may be utilized, provided they are capable of withstanding the acceleration and deceleration experienced by projectile 10.

(21) The light sources may be lasers or light emitting diodes that emit in the infrared, near infrared, short wave infrared, mid wave infrared or long wave infrared.

(22) Light sources 52-59 are each driven by transmitter 60. A typical example of transmitter 60 is a PIC12FG75 manufactured by Microchip Technology Incorporated of Chandler Ariz. For light-based transmission, transmitter 60 is configured to systematically activate light sources 52-59 so that a desired light pattern is achieved.

(23) Referring also to FIGS. 5 and 6, light sources 52-59 are often configured in a circular pattern and light sources 52-59 are individually sequentially activated such that a sweeping light pattern is generated that repeatedly rotates about the perimeter of the circular pattern formed by the light sources. This in turn results in the generation of, in this example, eight discrete light pulses (e.g., light pulses 61-68) that are generated by light sources 52-59 respectively.

(24) Alternatively, if enhanced illumination is desired, multiple light sources may be activated simultaneously. For example, light sources 52, 53 may be simultaneously activated, and then light source 52 may be deactivated at the same time that light source 54 is activated. Subsequently, light source 53 may be deactivated at the same time that light source 55 is activated, resulting in a sweeping light pattern in which two adjacent light sources are always activated. Alternatively still, non-adjacent light source pairs may be simultaneously activated, such as: light sources 52, 56; followed by light sources 53, 57; followed by light sources 54, 58; and so on.

(25) Regardless of the manner in which light sources 52-59 are activated, the light pulses 61-68 (respectively) generated by light sources 52-59 are provided to a lens assembly 70, which is configured to shape the light pulses into a desired pattern. For example, if the pattern desired is a sweeping conical light pattern, a convex lens assembly 70 may be used, such that light pulses 61-68 are redirected to form diverging light pulses 71-78. Each of the diverging light pulses 71-78 is projected at a unique radial angle (with respect to the longitudinal axis 18 of projectile 10). For example, if eight light sources are evenly spaced about a circular pattern and a convex (or concave) lens assembly is used, the radial angles for diverging light pulses 71-78 would be 0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270, and 315 respectively. As shown in FIG. 6, the longitudinal angle of a diverging light pulse (i.e., the angle between the longitudinal axis 18 and a diverging light pulse e.g., light pulse 71) varies based on the curvature of lens 70 and the point 80 (along the curvature) at which a light pulse (e.g., light pulse 61) strikes lens 70, such that the longitudinal angle increases as the curvature of the lens increases. Therefore, if light sources 52-59 are arranged in a linear pattern and the individual light sources are sequentially energized, the longitudinal angle of the diverging light pulses 71-78 will vary as the individual light sources are sequentially activated (as shown in FIG. 4). The light sources may be disposed radially around the perimeter of the projectile or by means of an array of reflective surfaces (mirrors), the light from the backward pointing light sources may be reflected in such a way as to direct out the sides of the projectile.

(26) Depending on the application, light sources 52-59 are typically configured to provide light in the infrared spectrum (i.e., having a frequency of approximately 31012-4.31014 Hertz); the visible spectrum (i.e., having a frequency of approximately 4.31014-7.51014 Hertz), or the ultraviolet spectrum (i.e., having a frequency of approximately 7.51014-31017 Hertz).

(27) In addition to light-based communication, communication apparatus 14 may be configured for RF communication. If configured for RF communication, transmitter 60 would be configured to facilitates such communications. For example, a modulator circuit (not shown) may be incorporated into transmitter 60 so that a data signal could be modulated onto a carrier signal. Additionally, an encryption circuit (not shown) may be incorporated into transmitter 60 so that the data signal may be encrypted prior to being transmitted. Additionally, if configured for RF communication, an antenna 82 is electrically coupled to the transmitter 60 so that the modulated signal 84 can be broadcast to the remote device (not shown). Concerning the type of data broadcast, a global positioning system (GPS) device 86 may be included so that longitudinal and latitudinal location data (concerning projectile 10) can be broadcast to the remote device (not shown). Additionally, a microphone 88 and/or a video camera 90 may be included to broadcast audio data and/or video data to the remote device.

(28) In one embodiment the electronic driver circuit is connected to a sensor for providing locally derived data to a remote observer. The sensor may be one that is capable of detecting vibration, motion, chemicals, biological agents, nuclear decay particles, sound, or electromagnetic signals or position. One embodiment may include capability for recording or integrating these sensed characteristics over time.

(29) In addition to broadcasting data (e.g., light pulses, GPS data, audio data and/or video data), communication apparatus 14 may be configured to receive data. If configured to received data, a receiver 92 is included that allows communication apparatus 14 to receive e.g., a light-based data signal 94 via a photoreceptor 96 (coupled to receiver 92) and/or an RF-based data signal 98 via an antenna 100 (coupled to receiver 92).

(30) As power supply 50 stores a finite amount of energy, light-based data signal 94 and/or RF-based data signal 98 may include an encoded data signal (not shown) that energizes a portion of communication apparatus 14. For example, when initially launched, communication apparatus 14 may be configured such that upon launch and impact with a target (e.g., a terrorist safe house), transmitter 60 and light sources 52-59 are disabled and only receiver 92 and photoreceptor 96 are enabled. Assume that projectile 10 is being used to illuminate the target for destruction by a laser-guided bomb, and that the light sources are LED's that provide an IR guidance signal that the laser-guided bomb uses for tracking purposes. If the terrorist safe house is not going to be destroyed for one week, at some time just prior to the attack, an RF or light-based data signal may be transmitted to communications apparatus 14 instructing communication apparatus 14 to energize transmitter 60 and light sources 52-59, thus allowing power source 50 to conserve power until the point in time when it is required to transmit the IR guidance signal (as opposed to the entire week prior to the attack). Further, as the IR guidance signal may be seen using night vision goggles, it is desirable to limit the transmission time, as transmitting the signal too early may result in projectile 10 being discovered and destroyed.

(31) As stated above, projectile 10 is designed to partially penetrate the target at which it is shot so that communication apparatus 14 can communicate with a remote device (not shown). Therefore, communication apparatus 14 must be able to withstand the acceleration experienced by projectile 10 at the time of launch, and the deceleration experienced by projectile 10 at the time of target impact.

(32) Accordingly, the individual components (e.g., transmitter 60) of communication apparatus 14 are typically constructed using surface-mount component technology, in which the individual components actually make contact with and are soldered to the system board 102 with flexible conductive epoxy and inherently flexible solders. Therefore, there is very little gap between the lower surface of the component and the upper surface of the system board, and the likelihood of damaging the component and/or connections between the component and the system board (when the projectile is launched and/or impacts the target) is reduced because the components are allowed a certain amount of movement upon impact. Further, system board 102 may be constructed of a resilient material (e.g., fiberglass reinforced plastic) that is less prone to shattering and/or fracturing. Component to component wiring and component to board wiring, other than the surface mounted attachments, is accomplished using loops of malleable gold wire and ultrasonic welded wedge type wire bonds. After surface mount and wire bonding the entire circuit is encapsulated in a semiflexible epoxy such as Summers Optical P-92.

(33) Additionally, system board 102 is typically positioned such that the plane of the system board 102 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 18 of projectile 10. Typically, the housing 104 of communication apparatus 14 includes a mounting structure 106 (that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 18 of projectile 10) onto which system board 102 is mounted. Typically, system board 102 is constructed such that the lower surface of system board 102 is flat, thus allowing the lower surface of the system board 102 to make contact with mounting structure 106 (thus eliminating any gaps between system board 102 and mounting structure 106.

(34) Actual construction of the electronics portion of the IR beacon is done using g-hardened multichip module techniques. The use of IR lasers and integrated circuits in chip form minimizes assembly size. These circuit elements are stacked, bonded, and edge-connected to minimize metal interconnect lengths and to reduce overall package volume. Rigid polymers surrounding this assembly enhance mechanical stability. Proper chip layout, battery location and assembly within the IR beacon ensures gyroscopic stability for optimum trajectory.

(35) Referring also to FIG. 7, in order to enhance the shelf life of power supply 50 within projectile 10, power supply 50 typically includes a use detection apparatus 150 for activating the power supply after the occurrence of a use event (e.g., projectile 10 being launched at a target or projectile 10 striking a target).

(36) Typically, power supply 50 is a battery pack that generates electricity due to an electrochemical reaction between at least two components 152, 154. Use detection apparatus 150 may be a membrane that separates the two components until the occurrence of the use event, at which point the membrane ruptures and the electrochemical reaction begins and electricity is generated. For example, membrane 150 may be constructed of Mylar and positioned between two pins 156, 158, one pin 156 being positioned toward the front of projectile 10 and the other pin 158 being positioned toward the rear of projectile 10. Accordingly, during an acceleration event (i.e., a launch), membrane 150 is deflected rearward (into position 160), striking pin 158, rupturing membrane 150 and allowing the various components 152, 154 of power supply 50 to interact. Alternatively, during a deceleration event (i.e., the projectile striking a target), membrane 150 is deflected frontward (into position 162), striking pin 156, rupturing membrane 150 and allowing the various components 152, 154 of power supply 50 to interact.

(37) Typical examples of power supply 50 include a zinc air (Zn/02) battery pack, in which the components separated by membrane 150 include zinc, carbon and air, such that electricity is generated due to an electrochemical reaction between the zinc/carbon and the air.

(38) Another example of power supply 50 includes a lead acid (Pb/H2SO4) battery pack, in which the components separated by membrane 150 include lead, lead oxide and sulfuric acid, such that electricity is generated due to an electrochemical reaction between the lead/lead oxide and the sulfuric acid.

(39) Additionally, power supply 50 may be an alkaline battery pack, in which the components separated by membrane 150 include zinc, manganese dioxide and potassium hydroxide, such that electricity is generated due to an electrochemical reaction between the zinc/manganese dioxide and the potassium hydroxide.

(40) While power supply 50 is described above as including a membrane that is ruptured by striking one or more pins, other configurations are possible. For example, membrane 150 may be configured such that the membrane is incapable of withstanding the gravitational load of projectile launch and/or target strike and, therefore, ruptures upon the occurrence of one of these events without striking a pin or any other device. Alternatively, a normally-closed microswitch might be incorporated into power supply 150 that, upon the occurrence of a use event (i.e., a launch or an impact), the microswitch is closed and the communication apparatus is energized.

(41) While the system is described above a being configured such that a sweeping light pattern is generated that follows a circular pattern, other configurations are possible. For example, all of light sources 52-59 may be configured (via transmitter 60) to be simultaneously activated and deactivated. Further, light sources 52-59 need not be configured in a circular pattern, as other configurations are possible. For example, light sources 52-59 may be configured in a square, rectangular, linear, x-shaped, or triangular pattern.

(42) While the system is described above as including an active communication apparatus, a passive communication apparatus may also be employed. For example, communication apparatus 14 may include a non-powered retroreflector (not shown) that reflects an external light source that is used to illuminate the retroreflector. For example, the external light source may be a laser light source that is configured to strike the retroreflector (i.e., the passive communication apparatus), such that a portion of the laser light is reflected to an external device (e.g., the laser guidance system of a missile or smart bomb). In one embodiment a material with a reflective property that can be remotely interrogated, i.e. chemo-optic sensors is used. As with the active communication apparatus described above, the passive communication apparatus must be designed to withstand the acceleration and deceleration experienced by projectile 10.

(43) Non-projectile versions of the above devices that are used for target marking may be delivered to the target by other means, such as by hand placement, air-drop, remotely piloted vehicle, robot, remote controlled device, or a non-human living creature.

(44) A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.