Guided munition systems for detecting off-axis targets
US11815335B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41G7/2253
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems are disclosed for navigating a missile to a target using a fixed sensor onboard the missile. In an embodiment, a system includes a launch platform traveling a pre-programmed route to deliver the missile within an area. The missile travels a first flight path through the area in effort to detect targets. If no targets are detected along the first flight path, the missile transitions to a second flight path, different from the first flight path, to locate targets off-axis relative to the first flight path. While the missile travels the second flight path, the sensor receives signal identifying a target located at a position off-axis relative to the first flight path. The missile then adjusts the second flight path to direct the missile to the target. In an example embodiment, the first flight path is straight or arced, while the second flight path is u-shaped, corkscrew-shaped, or spiral-shaped.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.