Guiding missile using very short electromagnetic waves - by sweeping concentric rings of waves using detectors on missile

摘要

The spinning missile is guided by the emission of electromagnetic waves of very short wavelength in the form of concentric rings which are amplitude-modulated. The rings are swept by one or more radiation detectors on the missile, and the signals emitted by the detectors guide the missile along the axis defined by the ring centre and the target. The structure of the rings can be so selected as to allow approximate measurement of the range, and harmonisation of the axes. There can be a variable-focus optical system on the launcher to follow the missile and illuminate the target, while the detectors can be electro-optical devices with lenses focussing onto cells sensitive to the radiation and indicating a variation on passing from one ring to the next. The resultant signals are analysed to determine the distance from the ring centre and correct the missile course.