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.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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:

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram showing one embodiment of system for powered bomb guidance;

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram showing a second embodiment of a system for powered bomb guidance;

FIG. 3 illustrates an explosive guidance unit that may be used in a system for powered bomb guidance;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a cover that may be used to enclose a plurality of explosive guidance units;

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

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of steps used in powered bomb guidance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.