Projectile and method that include speed adjusting guidance and propulsion systems
US8729443B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 8, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/403
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Some embodiments pertain to a projectile and method that includes a flight vehicle and a propulsion system attached to the flight vehicle. The propulsion system includes a plurality of motors that propel the projectile. A guidance system is connected to the propulsion system. The guidance system ignites an appropriate number of the motors to adjust the speed of the projectile based on the location of the projectile relative to a desired destination for the flight vehicle. In some embodiments, the flight vehicle is a kinetic warhead. The projectile may be an interceptor that includes a first propulsion stage, a second propulsion stage and a third propulsion stage that includes the third propulsion system. The number of booster motors that will be ignited by the guidance system depends on the speed that the projectile needs to be adjusted to in order to maneuver the projectile to a desired location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.