Precision-guided hypersonic projectile weapon system

摘要

A precision-guided hypersonic projectile weapon system. The inventive system includes a first subsystem for determining a target location and providing data with respect thereto. A second subsystem calculates trajectory to the target based on the data. The projectile is then launched and guided in flight along the trajectory to the target. In the illustrative application, the projectile is a tungsten rod and the first subsystem includes a forward-looking infrared imaging system and a laser range finder. The second subsystem includes a fire control system. The fire control system includes an optional inertial measurement unit and predicts target location. The projectile is mounted in a missile launched from a platform such as a vehicle. After an initial burn, the missile launches the projectile while in flight to the target. The missile is implemented with a rocket with a guidance system and a propulsion system. In accordance with the present teachings, the guidance system includes a transceiver system mounted on the projectile. The transceiver system includes a low-power continuous wave, millimeter wavelength wave emitter. A system is included at the launch platform for communicating with the projectile. The platform system sends a blinking command to the projectile and measures the round trip delay thereof to ascertain the range of the projectile. Velocity is determined by conventional Doppler techniques or differentiation. Azimuth and elevation are then determined by a monopulse antenna on the launch platform. As a consequence, the platform ascertains the location of the projectile and the impact point thereof. The platform generates a command to the projectile which is received by the projectile and used to actuate control surfaces to adjust the trajectory and impact point thereof as necessary.