Method for targeting a preferred object within a group of decoys
US8115148B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 20, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41G7/30
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Current targeting approaches involve guiding to a spatially derived guidepoint of a group of objects likely to be the preferred object. This method may not allow the intercepting missile to contain the preferred, or other probable object(s), within its divert capability. The guidepoint is shifted closer to the preferred object using specific energy and angular momentum, constants of orbital motion, which describe properties of an object's trajectory. Guiding to the specific energy derived guidepoint does not offer significant benefit over guiding to the spatially derived guidance point. However, computing the spatial rate of change of specific energy within the plane formed by the guidance objects establishes a vector pointing close to the preferred object. This is the direction to shift the guidepoint in order to contain the preferred object within the interceptor's divert capability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.