U.S. patent application number 12/788424 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-01 for system and method for powered bomb guidance.
This patent application is currently assigned to Raytheon Company. Invention is credited to Robert A. Bailey, David G. Howard.
Application Number | 20110290140 12/788424 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45021004 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110290140 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Howard; David G. ; et
al. |
December 1, 2011 |
System and Method for Powered Bomb Guidance
Abstract
According to one embodiment, a system of powered bomb guidance
includes a munition and a guidance system operable to detect a
relative position of a target. The guidance system determines
course corrections to direct the munition to the target and
generates a control signal reflective of the course corrections.
One or more explosive guidance units are disposed at one or more
control surfaces disposed along an outer surface of the munition.
Each explosive guidance unit is mechanically coupled to one of a
plurality of control surfaces and in electrical communication with
the guidance system. Each explosive guidance unit is configured to
detonate in response to receiving the control signal from the
guidance system and is further configured to apply force upon
detonation to the control surface to which it is coupled.
Inventors: |
Howard; David G.; (Carmel,
IN) ; Bailey; Robert A.; (Avon, IN) |
Assignee: |
Raytheon Company
Waltham
MA
|
Family ID: |
45021004 |
Appl. No.: |
12/788424 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
102/384 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 10/64 20130101;
F42B 15/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
102/384 |
International
Class: |
F42B 10/00 20060101
F42B010/00; F42B 10/38 20060101 F42B010/38 |
Claims
1. A system for powered bomb guidance, comprising: a munition; a
guidance system operable to detect a relative position of a target,
determine course corrections to direct the munition to the target,
and generate a control signal reflective of the course corrections;
an explosive guidance unit disposed at a control surface of the
munition, the explosive guidance unit being mechanically coupled to
the control surface and in electrical communication with the
guidance system, the explosive guidance unit configured to detonate
in response to receiving the control signal from the guidance
system and further configured to apply force upon detonation to the
control surface in order to alter a motion of the munition.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of
explosive guidance units disposed along one or more control
surfaces of the munition, wherein the guidance system determines
course corrections to direct the munition to the target by
selecting one or more of the explosive guidance units to
detonate.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the munition is a bomb.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the guidance system is coupled to
the munition and comprises a GPS receiver and an inertial
navigation system.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the control surface is disposed
along an outer surface of the munition at an angle, the control
surface configured to alter the path of the munition when the angle
is adjusted; and the explosive guidance unit coupled to the control
surface is configured to apply force to the control surface upon
detonation to adjust the angle at which the control surface is
disposed along the outer surface of the munition.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the explosive guidance unit is
coupled to a release mechanism that is configured to apply force to
the control surface to which it is coupled upon detonation of the
one or more explosive guidance units.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the release mechanism is coupled
to the control surface.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the release mechanism comprises a
piston coupled to a rod.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein: the munition is traveling along
a path; and the explosive guidance unit is configured to apply
force to the control surface in order to push the munition farther
along the path.
10. The system of claim 2, wherein more than one explosive guidance
units are coupled to the same control surface.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the guidance system is operable
to generate one or more subsequent control signals to be received
by the explosive guidance unit.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the explosive guidance unit
comprises an exploding foil initiator coupled to a propellant.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the control surfaces is a tail
fin of the munition.
14. A method for powered bomb guidance comprising: detecting a
relative position of a target; determining course corrections to
direct a munition to the target; generating a control signal
reflective of the course corrections; receiving, in one or more
explosive guidance units, the control signal; and detonating the
one or more explosive guidance units, each explosive guidance unit
being mechanically coupled to one of a plurality of control
surfaces disposed along an outer surface of the munition and
configured to detonate in response to receiving the control signal
and further configured to apply force upon detonation to the
control surface to which the explosive guidance unit is
coupled.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining of course
corrections to direct a munition to the target comprises selecting
one or more of the explosive guidance units to detonate.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the control surfaces are
disposed along the outer surface of the munition at an angle, the
control surfaces configured to alter the path of the munition when
the angle is adjusted; and the explosive guidance units coupled to
the control surfaces are configured to apply force to the control
surfaces upon detonation to adjust the angle at which the control
surfaces are disposed along the outer surface of the munition.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: engaging a release
mechanism upon detonation of the explosive guidance unit; applying
a force to the control surface by the release mechanism upon
detonation of the one or more explosive guidance units.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein more than one release mechanism
are coupled to the same control surface.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the release mechanism comprises
a piston coupled to a rod.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein: the munition is traveling
along a path; and one or more of the explosive guidance units are
configured to apply force to the control surface to which they are
coupled to push the munition farther along the path.
21. The method of claim 14, wherein more than one explosive
guidance units are coupled to the same control surface.
22. The method of claim 14, wherein each explosive guidance unit
comprises an exploding foil initiator coupled to a propellant.
23. The method of claim 14, wherein one or more of the control
surfaces is a tail fin of the munition.
24. The method of claim 14, further comprising: generating one or
more subsequent control signals to be received by one or more
explosive guidance units.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for
bomb guidance and more particularly to a system and method for
powered bomb guidance.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Guided bombs are used to increase the likelihood of a
destructive weapon hitting its target. Guided bombs utilize a
guidance system, such as a GPS receiver or an inertial navigation
system, to command control surfaces to guide the weapon to its
intended target. However, these guided weapon systems often rely on
gravity and inertia to guide the weapon to the intended target.
Such limited control affects the accuracy in hitting the
target.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] From the foregoing, it may be appreciated that a guided bomb
system may be desired that allows for additional measures of
control in order to increase the accuracy of a bomb to hit a
target. In accordance with the present invention, a system and
method for powered bomb guidance are provided that substantially
eliminate or greatly reduce disadvantages and problems associated
with conventional bomb guidance techniques.
[0004] In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, a system
of powered bomb guidance is provided that comprises a munition and
a guidance system coupled thereto operable to detect a relative
position of a target with respect to the munition. The guidance
system determines course corrections to direct the munition to the
target and generates a control signal reflective of the course
corrections. One or more explosive guidance units are disposed at
one or more control surfaces of the munition. Each of the explosive
guidance units is mechanically coupled to one of a plurality of
control surfaces and in electrical communication with the guidance
system. Each explosive guidance unit is configured to detonate in
response to receiving the control signal from the guidance system
and is further configured to apply force upon detonation to the
control surface to which it is coupled in order to alter the
course, trajectory, and speed of the munition.
[0005] The present invention provides various technical advantages
over conventional bomb guidance systems. A potential technical
advantage of some embodiments of the invention is the ability to
increase the accuracy of the bomb by increasing its
maneuverability. Another potential technical advantage of some
embodiments of the invention is the ability to increase the
accuracy of the bomb in a cost effective manner.
[0006] Certain embodiments of the invention may include none, some,
or all of the above technical advantages. One or more other
technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the
art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] A more complete understanding of embodiments of the
disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram showing one embodiment of
system for powered bomb guidance;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram showing a second embodiment of
a system for powered bomb guidance;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an explosive guidance unit that may be
used in a system for powered bomb guidance;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a cover that may be used
to enclose a plurality of explosive guidance units;
[0012] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an embodiment of a powered bomb
guidance system in which force is provided to a control surface of
a munition through a release mechanism; and
[0013] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of steps used
in powered bomb guidance.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0014] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a system for powered bomb
guidance. Generally, powered bomb guidance system 100 includes a
number of control surfaces 130 disposed at various locations along
munition 110, which may be a bomb. A guidance system 120 coupled to
the munition 110 provides information to make course corrections to
explosive guidance units 140 coupled to one or more of the control
surfaces 130. After receiving the course correction information,
one or more of the explosive guidance units 140 will detonate,
applying a reaction force at one or more of the control surfaces
130 in order to adjust the flight path of the munition.
[0015] Guidance system 120 may be any device operable to detect a
relative position of a target, determine course corrections to
direct the munition to the target, and generate a control signal
reflective of the course corrections. The control signals are
routed to the explosive guidance units 140 by circuit 160.
Functionality of the guidance system 120 may be provided by the
integration of a Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial
Navigational System (INS) sensor with a control system. A GPS/INS
sensor combines a GPS receiver and an INS to allow the munition 110
to detect a relative position of a target. The GPS receiver
determines the position of the munition 110 by interpreting GPS
signals, while the INS computes the position of the munition 110 by
monitoring the munition's movements with motion sensors. The
GPS/INS sensor, using the calculated position of the munition and a
known position of the target, can determine a relative position of
the target. The control system processes the information indicative
of the relative position of the target to calculate course
corrections to direct the munition to the target. The control
system can then generate control signals reflective of the course
corrections desired.
[0016] Circuit 160 may be any suitable device to provide electrical
communication from guidance system 120 to explosive guidance units
140 and operable to initiate the detonation of explosive guidance
units 140. In one embodiment, circuit 160 may include electronic
circuitry that generates electrical pulses suitable for detonating
each of the explosive guidance units 140.
[0017] Explosive guidance units 140 may be any device, such as an
explosive charge, that propels or provides thrust. In one
embodiment, guidance system 120 relays course control signals to
the explosive guidance units 140 as the munition 110 is approaching
its target. If additional power is needed in order to reach the
target, one of the explosive guidance units 140 will detonate,
providing power to allow the munition 110 to glide farther than it
would without the additional power. Thus, the reaction force of the
detonation of one of the explosive guidance units 140 at the aft
control surface 130c helps guide the munition 110 to its target by
causing the munition 110 to travel farther along its path than it
would normally. Explosive guidance units 140 may be disposed
anywhere on munitions 110 as desired. Course correction is enacted
as a result of reaction forces on munitions 110 from
explosive/propellant gases expelled by explosive guidance units 140
at high velocity.
[0018] In one embodiment, explosive guidance units 140 may be
exploding foil initiators. Exploding foil initiators directly
initiate secondary explosives and consequently require no physical
barrier or misalignment of explosive components. The time at which
detonation of exploding foil initiators occur may be controlled to
a relatively high degree of precision. A high level of precision
may provide enhanced control of the detonation of explosive
guidance units 140.
[0019] Control surfaces 130 may be any surface disposed along the
body of the munition 110 to allow for maneuverability of the
munition. In FIG. 1, control surfaces 130 include tail fins 130a
and 130b, as well as control surface 130c disposed along the aft of
the munition. In one embodiment, explosive guidance units 140 may
be coupled to control surface 130c through a manifold 150.
[0020] Though the explosive guidance units 140 are shown coupled to
the aft control surface 130c, explosive guidance units 140 may be
coupled to a control surface disposed at any location along the
munition 110 such that, when detonated, the explosive guidance
units 140 provide a reaction force to change the trajectory of the
munition 110. Additionally, though control surfaces 130 are shown
as being disposed along the body of munition 110 in specified
positions, control surfaces 130 may be disposed along munition 110
in any position such that detonation of an explosive guidance unit
140 coupled to the control surface would provide force to change
the trajectory of the munition 110. Though two explosive guidance
units 140 are shown coupled to control surface 130c, more or less
than two explosive guidance units 140 may be coupled to any one
control surface.
[0021] A potential technical advantage of the illustrated
embodiment is the ability to provide increased control and
maneuverability to a bomb guidance system, allowing for greater
accuracy in having a munition hit its desired target. Such
increased control and maneuverability may be provided in a
cost-effective manner.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a system for powered bomb
guidance. Generally, powered bomb guidance system 200 includes a
number of control surfaces 230 disposed at various locations along
munition 210, which may be a bomb. A guidance system 220 provides
information to make course corrections to explosive guidance units
240 coupled to one or more control surfaces 230. After receiving
the course correction information, one or more of the explosive
guidance units 240 will detonate, applying a reaction force to one
or more of the control surfaces 230 in order to adjust the flight
path of the munition.
[0023] Guidance system 220 may be any device operable to detect a
relative position of a target, determine course corrections to
direct the munition to the target, and generate a control signal
reflective of the course corrections. The control signals are
routed to the explosive guidance units 240 by circuit 260.
Functionality of the guidance system 220 may be provided by the
integration of a Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial
Navigational System (INS) sensor with a control system. A GPS/INS
sensor combines a GPS receiver and an INS to allow the munition 210
to detect a relative position of a target. The GPS receiver
determines the position of the munition 210 by interpreting GPS
signals, while the INS computes the position of the munition 210 by
monitoring the munition's movements with motion sensors. The
GPS/INS sensor, using the calculated position of the munition and a
known position of the target, can determine a relative position of
the target. The control system processes the information indicative
of the relative position of the target to calculate course
corrections to direct the munition to the target. The control
system can then generate control signals reflective of the course
corrections desired.
[0024] Circuit 260 may be any suitable device to provide electrical
communication from guidance system 220 to explosive guidance units
240 and operable to initiate the detonation of explosive guidance
units 240. In one embodiment, circuit 260 may include electronic
circuitry that generates electrical pulses suitable for detonating
each of the explosive guidance units 240.
[0025] Explosive guidance units 240 may be any device, such as an
explosive charge, that propels or provides thrust. In one
embodiment, guidance system 220 relays course control signals to
the explosive guidance units 240 to make course corrections. Upon
receiving the control signals, one or more explosive guidance units
240 will detonate and provide a force to move the control surfaces
230 to which they are coupled. By moving a control surface 230 such
that the angle between the control surface 230 and munition 210 is
adjusted, detonation of the explosive guidance units 240 will alter
the path of the munition 210. Each explosive guidance unit 240 may
be configured to detonate one or more times as desired to alter the
path and speed of the munition 210 as determined by guidance system
220.
[0026] In one embodiment, explosive guidance units may be exploding
foil initiators. Exploding foil initiators directly initiate
secondary explosives and consequently require no physical barrier
or misalignment of explosive components. The time at which
detonation of exploding foil initiators occur may be controlled to
a relatively high degree of precision. A high level of precision
may provide enhanced control of the detonation of explosive
guidance units 240.
[0027] Control surfaces 230 may be any surface disposed along the
body of the munition 210 to allow for maneuverability of the
munition. In FIG. 2, control surfaces 230 include tail fins 230a
and 230b, as well as control surface 230c disposed along the aft of
the munition. Control surfaces 230 are area of munition 210 that
may alter the trajectory of a munition 210 when the control
surfaces 230 are adjusted or moved relative to the munition 210. In
one embodiment, explosive guidance units 240 may be coupled to
their control surface through a manifold 250.
[0028] Though the explosive guidance units 240 are shown coupled to
control surfaces 230a and 230b, explosive guidance units 240 may be
coupled to a control surface disposed at any location along the
munition 210 such that, when detonated, each explosive guidance
unit 240 provides a reaction force to move the control surface 230
to which it is coupled. Additionally, though control surfaces 230
are shown as being disposed along the body of munition 210 in
specified positions, control surfaces 230 may be disposed along
munition 210 in any position such that detonation of a explosive
guidance unit 240 coupled to the control surface 230 would provide
force to change the trajectory of the munition 210. Though
explosive guidance unit 240a is shown coupled to control surface
230a and explosive guidance unit 240b is shown coupled to control
surface 230b, more than one explosive guidance unit 240 may be
coupled to any one control surface 230.
[0029] A potential technical advantage of the illustrated
embodiment is the ability to provide increased control and
maneuverability to a bomb guidance system, allowing for greater
accuracy in having a munition hit its desired target. Such
increased control and maneuverability may be provided in a
cost-effective manner.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of an explosive guidance unit
that may be used in a system for powered bomb guidance. Explosive
guidance unit 300 generally comprises an exploding foil initiator
310 coupled to a propellant 320. Exploding foil initiator 310
directly initiates a secondary explosive, such as propellant 320,
and consequently requires no sensitive primary. Exploding foil
initiator 310 initiates the propellant when it receives a control
signal through electrical connection 340. Electrical connection 340
may be any suitable device to provide electrical communication to
exploding foil initiator 310 and operable to initiate the
detonation of the exploding foil initiator 310.
[0031] The exploding foil initiator 310 and propellant 320 are
enclosed by supporting material 350. Supporting material 350 may be
any material capable of preventing the inward flow of any heat or
pressure from the explosion of nearby propellants 320. Thus, nearby
propellants coupled to the same control surface as propellant 320
may detonate without affecting propellant 320 or exploding foil
initiator 310.
[0032] A cover 330 is coupled to propellant 320 and, with
supporting material 350, fully encloses the propellant 320 and
exploding foil initiator 310. Cover 330 comprises a perforation 360
and lid 370 such that lid 370 will be pushed upward upon detonation
of the propellant, allowing for the outward flow of any heat or
pressure from the detonation of propellant 320. Lid 370 may deform
into an open position upon detonation of propellant 320 or may be
coupled to cover 330 with a hinge mechanism. Thus, cover 330,
perforation 360, lid 370, and supporting material 350, in
combination, prevent the inward flow of heat or pressure from the
detonation of nearby propellants but allow the outward flow of heat
or pressure from propellant 320. Though FIG. 3 illustrates such
functionality as being provided by two distinct elements, cover 330
and supporting material 350, propellant 320 may be enclosed by any
material operable to prevent the inward flow of heat or pressure
but to allow the outward flow of heat or pressure.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a cover 400 that may be used
to enclose a plurality of explosive guidance units coupled to the
same control surface. Cover 400 comprises a plurality of
perforations 410. Each perforation 410 is aligned to abut a
propellant of a different explosive guidance unit. The detonation
of a propellant of an explosive guidance unit results in the upward
movement of only the portion of the cover 400 outlined by the
perforation that abuts the propellant. The remaining portion of the
cover remains intact to allow for future detonations of propellants
of other explosive guidance units.
[0034] FIGS. 5A-5B show an embodiment of a powered bomb guidance
system in which force is provided to a control surface of a
munition through a release mechanism. System 500 generally includes
a plurality of propellants 520 coupled to a plurality of exploding
foil initiators 510. A guidance system provides information to make
course corrections to one or more exploding foil imitators 510
through electrical connection 540. After receiving the course
correction information, one or more of the exploding foil
initiators 510 will detonate and initiate the propellants 520 to
which they are coupled. The detonation of one or more propellants
520 will actuate the release mechanism. Actuation of the release
mechanism will apply a force to the control surface to which it is
coupled in order to adjust the flight path of the munition.
[0035] Each exploding foil initiator 510 is coupled to a separate
propellant 520. The series of exploding foil initiator-propellant
couplings is enclosed by supporting material 550. Supporting
material 550 may be any material capable of preventing the inward
flow of any heat or pressure from the explosion of nearby
propellants 520. Thus, the detonation of a propellant 520a will not
affect the other propellants 520.
[0036] Cover 530 is coupled to the series of propellants 520 and,
with supporting material 550, fully encloses the propellants 520
and exploding foil initiators 510. Cover 530 comprises a plurality
of perforations. Each perforation is aligned to abut a different
propellant. The detonation of propellant 520a results in the upward
movement of only the portion of the cover 530 outlined by the
perforation that abuts propellant 520a, allowing for the outward
flow of any heat or pressure from the detonation of propellant
520a. The remaining portion of the cover remains intact to allow
for future detonations of other propellants. Thus, cover 530 and
supporting material 550, in combination, allow for the selective
detonation of individual propellants. Though only propellant 520a
is shown as detonated, propellants 520 may be detonated
individually in succession, together simultaneously, or in
groups.
[0037] In FIGS. 5A-5B, a release mechanism is provided by a piston
570, a connecting rod 580, and a return spring 590. Upon detonation
of one or more propellants 520, the piston 570 is forced outward.
The outward force of the piston 570 pushes out the connecting rod
580 to which it is coupled. Connecting rod 580 is coupled to a
control vane 595 whose movement acts as a rudder to provide course
corrections to munitions 110. Return spring 590 may be a spring or
any device operable to return the connecting rod to its initial
position. Though release mechanism is shown in FIGS. 5A-5B to be
provided by a piston 570 coupled to a connecting rod 580, the
release mechanism may be any suitable device configured to provide
movement to control vane 595 upon detonation of one of the
propellants 520. In one embodiment, propellants 520 may be coupled
to the respective release mechanism through a manifold 560.
However, the plurality of propellants 520 may be coupled to the
release mechanism in any effective manner. Though propellants 520
are shown arranged in a matrix formation, propellants 520 may be
arranged in any effective manner to allow for their selective
detonation and actuation of the release mechanism. Though only one
release mechanism is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B, more than one
release mechanism may be coupled to control vane 595.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates one of the many ways powered bomb
guidance system 100 may be implemented to increase the accuracy of
the munition. The example begins, at step 600, with the detection
of a relative position of a target. In one embodiment, the relative
position of a target may be determined based on a known position of
the target and a calculated position of the munition. At step 610,
the example continues with the determination of course corrections
to direct the munition to the target. Then, at step 620, control
signals reflective of the course corrections are generated. In one
embodiment, the generation of control signals is effectuated by the
selection of one or more explosive guidance units to detonate. At
step 630, one or more explosive guidance units receive a control
signal, resulting in the detonation of these one or more explosive
guidance units at step 640. Since each explosive guidance unit is
coupled to a control surface, either directly or through a release
mechanism, the detonation of each explosive guidance unit will
alter the trajectory of the munition. In one embodiment, the
altering of the trajectory of the munition is caused by moving a
control surface of a munition such that the angle between the
control surface and munition is adjusted. In another embodiment, a
reaction force causes the munition to travel farther along its path
than it would normally if reliance was only based on gravity.
[0039] At step 650, the relative position of the target is detected
again, and, at step 660, it is determined whether or not the
munition is on path to hit the target. If the munition is on path
to hit the target, the example ends at step 670. If the munition is
not on path to hit the target, the example returns to step 610 for
the determination of further course corrections to direct the
munition to the target. Thus, the example allows for more than one
group of explosive guidance units to be detonated in order to guide
the munition to the target.
[0040] Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions, and alterations can be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by
the appended claims.
* * * * *