Raytheon Company

Stephen E Bennett

Chris Eugene Geswender

Matthew A Zamora

Cesar Sanchez

Kevin R Greenwood

A projectile has a pair of different parts with respective orientation sensors for detecting orientation, such as the roll position of the parts. The orientation sensors may be any of a variety of sensors, such as magnetometers, light sensors, infrared (IR) sensors, or ultraviolet (UV) sensors. Orientation events of the orientation sensors, such as maxima or minima of sensor output, are determined. The orientation events of the two sensors are compared to produce an alignment correction factor for correcting for misalignment of the parts relative to one another, that is to correct for differences in alignment between the sensors of the two parts. This allows (for example) instructions produced at one of the parts to be usable at the other of the parts.

Self clocking for distributed projectile guidance

A guidance system according to various aspects of the present invention operates in conjunction with a suite of different ordnance delivery devices. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an interface configured to attach to the ordnance delivery devices in the suite, such as via the fuze well. The guidance system may further include a control system adapted to attempt to establish communications with a subsystem of the ordnance delivery device and operate the guidance system as a standalone guidance system if the attempt fails. The guidance system may further include a control surface interchangeably attachable, for example via an interchangeable control surface module.

Methods and apparatus for guidance of ordnance delivery device

A projectile fuze sends a signal having encoded telemetry data. The telemetry data may be encoded by modulating an aspect or characteristic of the signal, such as frequency modulation of the signal. The fuze may receive and interpret reflections in order to determine proximity to a target or other object, such as by functioning as a height of burst sensor. The signal may include a series of random or seemingly random pulses (a keyed pattern of pulses), such as pulses in amplitude of the signal. The fuze includes a pair of transceivers for sending signals of different frequencies through an antenna, and for receiving signals through the antenna. The transceivers are configured such that one or the other is used at any one time when telemetry data is sent, with telemetry being encoded by changes in frequencies.

Projectile with telemetry communication and proximity sensing

A smart fuze system includes a radome used to hold a replaceable smart fuze module in place. An internally-threaded collar screws onto threads on the main body of the smart fuze system. Pressure from the radome presses the smart fuze module against electrical connections in the main body. The smart fuze module may thereby be held in place without potting material, allowing different types of fuzes to be swapped into place. The different types of fuzes may include a type that communicates height of burst (HOB) information a type that communicates telemetry, and a type that communicates both HOB and telemetry information.

Smart fuze guidance system with replaceable fuze module

A projectile ( ) with extensible fins ( ) is designed to be lightweight by removing material unnecessary to structural strength and filling the resulting voids with a non-metallic filler material ( ). Although particularly suited where the extensible fins ( ) are mounted behind the obturator ( ) and that are therefore subjected to turbulent, destructive shock waves when the projectile is accelerated down the gun barrel, the method and apparatus can be used elsewhere as well. The filler material ( ) may be high temperature grease, an epoxy, a silicone or other similar materials. The filler material ( ) may be designed to fall away as soon as the projectile ( ) exits the gun barrel, or it may be permanently adhered to the material of the projectile. The filler may be surrounded by a frangible boot ( &prime;) to protect the filler during storage, shipment and loading into the gun.

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Tucson, AZ, United States of America

Stephen E Bennett