Ares, Inc.

Northern Illinois Gas Company

Peter P Toulios

Kenneth D Hartman

Microwave projectile communication apparatus comprises a microwave probe fixed to a gun barrel at its muzzle end. A microwave oscillator, having a reference frequency selected for exciting the single fundamental electromagnetic mode in the barrel, is connected to the probe, for example, through a hybrid mixer configured for extracting, from moving projectile-reflected microwaves, a true Doppler signal for projectile velocity measurements. Connected between the oscillator and the probe is a signal modulator for modulating the reference oscillator signal to the probe. Connected to the signal modulator is a driver signal generator which controls the modulator in a manner enabling information, such as fuse delay time or target range, to be communicated to the projectile fuse. A conventional fire control computer may be used to provide to the modulator the data to be transmitted to the projectile. The barrel muzzle end may be internally shaped to function more effectively as a microwave antenna to enhance communication with projectiles after they have left the barrel. Corresponding methods for microwave communication with fired projectiles are provided.

Microwave-type projectile communication apparatus for guns

A top-loaded low profile antenna for data transponders includes an antenna pin mounted vertically, affording vertical polarization for the antenna, an aluminum plate mounted in a horizontal plane and connected to an upper end of the pin, providing top-loading of the antenna, the plate being supported by a lucite frame mounted on an upper surface of the data transponder and which also dielectrically loads the antenna feed region. The load plate and lucite frame enclose the antenna pin so that the antenna is less susceptible to vandalism, and the top-loading results in a reduction in the height of the antenna structure improving the aesthetics of the antenna and data transponder installation.

Low profile antenna for data transponders

Projectile velocity measurement and communication apparatus comprises a microwave probe fixed to a projectile barrel near a muzzle end. An oscillator, having a reference frequency selected for exciting a fundamental electromagnetic mode in the barrel, is connected to the probe through a hybrid mixer configured for extracting, from moving projectile-reflected microwaves, a true Doppler signal having a varying frequency related to projectile barrel velocity. A processor, connected for receiving the Doppler signal, measures, by a clock oscillator, Doppler signal periods (half periods). A data presorter in the processor selects a last 'N' number of period measurements before the projectile reaches an interference position relative to the probe, to be fed to a fire control computer interface for determination therein of projectile barrel and muzzle velocities, calibration means being provided to update barrel diameter values used in such determination. An alternative, dual reference frequency variation is described, in which a dual hybrid mixer provides two independent Doppler signals, to eliminate dependency of projectile velocity determinations on barrel diameter. A reference frequency modulator and control means therefor are provided to enable microwave communication of information to the projectile, for example, of projectile target time of flight for fusing purposes. Corresponding methods for projectile velocity measurement and communication are provided.

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Oakbrook, IL, United States of America

Peter P Toulios