Patent · US Expired

Polarization controlled map matcher missile guidance system

US4490719A · kind A · utility

34Cited by
12References
1Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 27, 1981
Grant dateDec 25, 1984
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 27, 2001

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01S13/9076
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A reference grid for a map matching missile guidance system is generated from a vertically polarized radar map and a horizontally polarized radar map, both of which represent radar returns from a preselected ground area. In generating this reference grid, illuminating radar pulses are alternately fed to a horizontal aperture and vertical aperture of a mapping radar. Horizontal radar returns and vertical radar returns are processed in separate channels to form a radar map of the ground area containing the target to which the missile is to be directed. A pixel-by-pixel comparison of the data in each map is performed to create a polarization diverse map which is essentially those returns from man-made objects. This map is then used by the missile guidance system as a reference grid for a final fix by which the missile obtains its final course orientation enroute to the target.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.