EP0329523A1 - Carrier guided by a laser beam and pyrotechnical thrusters - Google Patents

Carrier guided by a laser beam and pyrotechnical thrusters Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0329523A1
EP0329523A1 EP89400335A EP89400335A EP0329523A1 EP 0329523 A1 EP0329523 A1 EP 0329523A1 EP 89400335 A EP89400335 A EP 89400335A EP 89400335 A EP89400335 A EP 89400335A EP 0329523 A1 EP0329523 A1 EP 0329523A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vector
trajectory
pyrotechnic
ideal trajectory
target
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Granted
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EP89400335A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0329523B1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Arnaud
Marc Bernard
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Thomson Brandt Armements SA
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Thomson Brandt Armements SA
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Publication of EP0329523A1 publication Critical patent/EP0329523A1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G7/00—Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles
    • F41G7/20—Direction control systems for self-propelled missiles based on continuous observation of target position
    • F41G7/24—Beam riding guidance systems
    • F41G7/26—Optical guidance systems
    • F41G7/266—Optical guidance systems for spin-stabilized missiles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B10/00—Means for influencing, e.g. improving, the aerodynamic properties of projectiles or missiles; Arrangements on projectiles or missiles for stabilising, steering, range-reducing, range-increasing or fall-retarding
    • F42B10/60—Steering arrangements
    • F42B10/66—Steering by varying intensity or direction of thrust
    • F42B10/661—Steering by varying intensity or direction of thrust using several transversally acting rocket motors, each motor containing an individual propellant charge, e.g. solid charge

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a guidance system, by laser beam and pyrotechnic boosters, of one or more vectors, intended for the interception of maneuvering targets such as planes, helicopters or tanks. It also relates to a vector suitable for guiding by such a system.
  • the term “vector” is understood here to mean a guided vehicle, self-propelled or not.
  • the guide means located in the vector are generally of the aerodynamic type, so as to produce a continuous servo-control of the ideal trajectory provided by the ground.
  • the subject of the present invention is a vector guidance system which uses a beam of radiated energy, for example laser beam, tracking the target from the shooting station, for example on the ground, and pyrotechnic boosters arranged on board the vector. , the latter thus knowing at all times its position relative to the ideal trajectory provided by the laser beam; the vector corrects its trajectory by triggering a pyrotechnic impeller when its distance from the ideal trajectory becomes greater than a predefined threshold value and when its radial speed of approach to this ideal trajectory is less than a predefined threshold.
  • a beam of radiated energy for example laser beam
  • tracking the target from the shooting station for example on the ground
  • pyrotechnic boosters arranged on board the vector.
  • the subject of the invention is a system for guiding a vector as defined by claim 1.
  • FIG. 1 therefore schematically represents an embodiment of the vector according to the invention.
  • This vector globally identified V, has four parts, successively from front to back: - a front part T forming an ogive, of aerodynamic shape; a part I P in which are placed pyrotechnic impellers, the orifices 11 of which are shown, their firing devices and their control wires; the orifices 11 are arranged in a cross section of the vector so as to exert on the latter thrusts capable of modifying its trajectory; they are preferably substantially radial and, also preferably, pass substantially through the center of gravity of the vector; such impellers barrel is for example described in the French patent application No.
  • the vector comprises a tail E, arranged at the rear.
  • the vector comprises motor means, ensuring its self-propulsion in at least a first phase of setting in speed of its trajectory.
  • motor means consist, for example as described in French patent application No. 2567197 in the name of BRANDT-ARMS. They are then attached to the back of the vector V and, optionally, released at the end of the first phase.
  • FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the system according to the invention applied to guiding a vector.
  • the vector is for example launched by a shooting station located on the ground, comprising launching means (not shown) and a turret carrying a laser L.
  • the vector can be launched by cannon effect and / or self-propelled in the first phase of its trajectory. It is preferably self-rotating around its longitudinal axis, this self-rotation being printed on the vector either by the barrel or by the wedging angle, relative to the longitudinal axis, of the fins forming the empennage E.
  • the laser L is shown emitting a beam scanning a fraction of the space, the section of which, in a plane normal to emission, is marked B L in the figure; section B L is hereinafter called "laser plane".
  • the scanning is carried out for example along parallel lines describing a square with center O, the point O being located on an axis A L permanently joining the laser L to a target C, of speed V C.
  • the vector is also represented in the form of an arrow V, situated at a given instant, for example at a distance D from the axis A L.
  • this type of laser beam guidance is carried out in the following manner: the laser beam scans a portion of the space whose axis (A L ) is slaved to target C and represents the ideal trajectory of the vector. This scanning is carried out so that, when the vector is illuminated by the laser beam, it can deduce its position relative to the axis A L in the plane B L.
  • the vector pilot triggers a trajectory correction only when the distance D which separates it from the axis A L is greater than a predefined threshold value R, which defines at a given instant a circle C L with center O, around the axis A L.
  • a predefined threshold value R which defines at a given instant a circle C L with center O, around the axis A L.
  • the correction to be made not being independent of the radial speed V R of approximation of the vector of the axis A L an additional condition for triggering a trajectory correction is imposed: the correction is only triggered if the speed V R is less than a certain threshold V s .
  • the impellers may not all provide the same thrust: they are then chosen by the pilot of the vector both according to their position and their thrust, according to the position of the vector and its speed V R.
  • the auto-rotation of the vector makes it possible to carry out a trajectory correction in the desired direction, by overcoming the position in the vector of the impellers not yet used.
  • the threshold distance R from which a trajectory correction can be triggered can be variable, for a given vector, depending on the distance from the target and / or its extent.
  • the scanning of the plane B L by the laser beam can be carried out in a variable manner with the vector-to-ground distance, so that the electronics on board has no correction to make on the determination of the quantity D as a function of this vector-ground distance.
  • FIG. 3 represents a block diagram of an embodiment of the electronic guidance means on board the vector.
  • the optical receiver 31 which provides a computer 33 an indication of lighting or non-lighting of the vector by the laser beam; from this indication, the computer determines the position of the vector with respect to the axis A L , knowing the law of scanning of the plane B L by the laser beam.
  • the computer 33 also receives, if necessary, the measurement of the roll position of the vector, supplied by a device 32 such as a gyroscope. Finally, it receives, for example recorded in a memory 34, the elements constituting the trajectory correction law, namely the radius R, the speed V s , etc.
  • the computer 33 determines the radial speed V r of the vector, compares its distance D to the axis A L with the threshold value R, the speed V r with the threshold value V s and, depending on the position of the roll vector, whether or not to deduce a firing order from a defined pyrotechnic impeller.
  • FIG. 4 represents an embodiment of the system according to the invention applied to the guidance of several vectors, simultaneously.
  • each of the vectors proceeds independently from one another to a trajectory correction and this only when the criteria of distance and speed are fulfilled as in the case of a single vector described in FIG. 2.
  • each of the circles C L1 ... C L3 is centered on the axis A L : there are thus areas of intersection. However, it is estimated that the probability that two or more vectors are simultaneously in an intersection zone is low enough to be neglected.
  • the vector has been described as launched and guided by a laser beam emitted from the ground, but may be so from a shooting station on board an aircraft for example.
  • the guidance system from the ground has been described as seeking pure alignment, at all times, with the actual target, but may, in a variant, seek alignment with the future position of the target, calculated (on the ground) from its speed vector and, at least at the start of guidance.
  • the beam providing guidance has been described as a laser beam, but this can be replaced by any beam of radiated energy, thin enough to fulfill the function described, such as a microwave energy brush whose frequency is in the range used for radars.
  • the laser beam has been described as directly tracking the target, but it can similarly pursue the ideal trajectory (calculated elsewhere) in the case where the target is not visible: case of a ground-ground system by example.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)
  • Optical Radar Systems And Details Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

The system uses a laser beam and pyrotechnical thrusters to guide one or more carriers (e.g. missiles) designed to intercept manoeuvring targets such as aircraft, helicopters or tanks. <??>The carrier (V) is guided partly from the ground by means of a laser beam ("beam riding" guidance) which tracks the target (C), and partly by means of pyrotechnical thrusters mounted on board the carrier. The carrier thus knows its position at any instant with respect to the ideal trajectory (AL) provided by the laser beam. The carrier corrects its trajectory by triggering a pyrotechnical thruster when its distance (D) from the ideal trajectory is greater than a predefined threshold value (R) and when its radial velocity of approach to the ideal trajectory is less than a predefined threshold. <IMAGE>

Description

L'invention concerne un système de guidage, par faisceau laser et impulseurs pyrotechniques, d'un ou plusieurs vecteurs, destinés à l'interception de cibles manoeuvrantes telles qu'avions, hélicoptères ou chars. Elle concerne également un vecteur adapté au guidage par un tel système. On entend ici par vecteur un engin guidé, auto-propulsé ou non.The invention relates to a guidance system, by laser beam and pyrotechnic boosters, of one or more vectors, intended for the interception of maneuvering targets such as planes, helicopters or tanks. It also relates to a vector suitable for guiding by such a system. The term “vector” is understood here to mean a guided vehicle, self-propelled or not.

Différents systèmes de guidage sont connus dans lesquels le guidage est effectué soit entièrement dans le vecteur, à l'aide d'un auto-directeur, soit pour partie au sol, à l'aide d'une télécommande ou d'un faisceau laser.Different guidance systems are known in which guidance is carried out either entirely in the vector, using a self-director, or partly on the ground, using a remote control or a laser beam.

Lorsqu'on souhaite réaliser un vecteur peu onéreux, l'utilisation d'un auto-directeur se trouve exclue.When it is desired to produce an inexpensive vector, the use of a self-director is excluded.

Lorsque, donc, on réalise une partie du guidage au sol, les moyens de guidage situés dans le vecteur sont en général du type aérodynamique, de sorte à réaliser un asservissement continu à la trajectoire idéale fournie par le sol.When, therefore, part of the ground guidance is produced, the guide means located in the vector are generally of the aerodynamic type, so as to produce a continuous servo-control of the ideal trajectory provided by the ground.

Toutefois, les commandes nécessaires à un guidage aérodynamique sont assez complexes et, en outre, conviennent mal à certaines applications, notamment celles où les accélérations subies sont importantes et celles où les dimensions du vecteur sont réduites.However, the commands necessary for aerodynamic guidance are quite complex and, moreover, ill-suited to certain applications, in particular those where the accelerations undergone are significant and those where the dimensions of the vector are reduced.

La présente invention a pour objet un système de guidage de vecteur qui utilise un faisceau d'énergie rayonnée, par exemple faisceau laser, poursuivant la cible à partir du poste de tir, par exemple au sol, et des impulseurs pyrotechniques disposés à bord du vecteur, ce dernier connaissant ainsi à tout instant sa position par rapport à la trajectoire idéale fournie par le faisceau laser ; le vecteur corrige sa trajectoire par déclenchement d'un impulseur pyrotechnique lorsque sa distance par rapport à la trajectoire idéale devient supérieure à une valeur seuil prédéfinie et lorsque sa vitesse radiale de rapprochement de cette trajectoire idéale est inférieure à un seuil prédéfini.The subject of the present invention is a vector guidance system which uses a beam of radiated energy, for example laser beam, tracking the target from the shooting station, for example on the ground, and pyrotechnic boosters arranged on board the vector. , the latter thus knowing at all times its position relative to the ideal trajectory provided by the laser beam; the vector corrects its trajectory by triggering a pyrotechnic impeller when its distance from the ideal trajectory becomes greater than a predefined threshold value and when its radial speed of approach to this ideal trajectory is less than a predefined threshold.

Plus précisément, l'invention a pour objet un système de guidage d'un vecteur tel que défini par la revendication 1.More specifically, the subject of the invention is a system for guiding a vector as defined by claim 1.

Elle a également pour objet un vecteur tel que défini par la revendication 9.It also relates to a vector as defined by claim 9.

D'autres objets, particularités et résultats de l'invention ressortiront de la description suivante, donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif et illustrée par les dessins annexés, qui représentent :

  • - la figure 1, le schéma d'un vecteur selon l'invention ;
  • - la figure 2, un schéma explicatif du système selon l'invention appliqué au guidage d'un vecteur ;
  • - la figure 3, le schéma synoptique des moyens de guidage embarqués à bord du vecteur ;
  • - la figure 4, le schéma du système de guidage selon l'invention appliqué à plusieurs vecteurs.
Other objects, features and results of the invention will emerge from the following description, given by way of nonlimiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, which represent:
  • - Figure 1, the diagram of a vector according to the invention;
  • - Figure 2, an explanatory diagram of the system according to the invention applied to the guidance of a vector;
  • - Figure 3, the block diagram of the guidance means on board the vector;
  • - Figure 4, the diagram of the guidance system according to the invention applied to several vectors.

Sur ces différentes figures, les mêmes références se rapportent aux mêmes éléments.In these different figures, the same references relate to the same elements.

La figure 1 représente donc de façon schématique un mode de réalisation du vecteur selon l'invention.FIG. 1 therefore schematically represents an embodiment of the vector according to the invention.

Ce vecteur, repéré globalement V, comporte quatre parties, successivement d'avant en arrière :
- une partie avant T formant ogive, de forme aérodynamique ;
- une partie IP dans laquelle sont disposés des impulseurs pyrotechniques, dont on a représenté les orifices 11, leurs dispositifs de mise à feu et leurs fils de commande ; les orifices 11 sont disposés dans une section droite du vecteur de sorte à exercer sur ce dernier des poussées susceptibles de modifier sa trajectoire ; elles sont de préférence sensiblement radiales et, également de préférence, passent sensiblement par le centre de gravité du vecteur ; un tel barillet d'impulseurs est par exemple décrit dans la demande de brevet français no 2 469 345 au nom de THOMSON-BRANDT ;
- une partie CE, comportant la charge explosive du vecteur ;
- une partie arrière PE, comportant principalement des moyens électroniques de guidage du vecteur en coopération avec les informations reçues du sol, couramment appelés "pilote", et un récepteur optique 31, disposé sur le culot du vecteur, détectant l'illumination de ce dernier par le faisceau laser de guidage.This vector, globally identified V, has four parts, successively from front to back:
- a front part T forming an ogive, of aerodynamic shape;
a part I P in which are placed pyrotechnic impellers, the orifices 11 of which are shown, their firing devices and their control wires; the orifices 11 are arranged in a cross section of the vector so as to exert on the latter thrusts capable of modifying its trajectory; they are preferably substantially radial and, also preferably, pass substantially through the center of gravity of the vector; such impellers barrel is for example described in the French patent application No. 2469345 in the name of THOMSON-BRANDT;
- A part C E , comprising the explosive charge of the vector;
a rear part P E , comprising mainly electronic means for guiding the vector in cooperation with the information received from the ground, commonly called "pilot", and an optical receiver 31, disposed on the base of the vector, detecting the illumination of this the latter by the guide laser beam.

Enfin, pour assurer sa stabilité aérodynamique, le vecteur comporte un empennage E, disposé à l'arrière.Finally, to ensure its aerodynamic stability, the vector comprises a tail E, arranged at the rear.

Dans une variante de réalisation, non représentée, le vecteur comporte des moyens moteurs, assurant son auto-propulsion dans au moins une première phase de mise en vitesse de sa trajectoire. Ces moyens moteurs sont par exemple constitués comme décrit dans la demande de brevet français no 2.567.197 au nom de BRANDT-ARMEMENTS. Ils sont alors fixés à l'arrière du vecteur V et, éventuellement, largués à la fin de la première phase.In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the vector comprises motor means, ensuring its self-propulsion in at least a first phase of setting in speed of its trajectory. These motor means consist, for example as described in French patent application No. 2567197 in the name of BRANDT-ARMS. They are then attached to the back of the vector V and, optionally, released at the end of the first phase.

La figure 2 illustre schématiquement le système selon l'invention appliqué au guidage d'un vecteur.FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the system according to the invention applied to guiding a vector.

Le vecteur est par exemple lancé par un poste de tir situé au sol, comportant des moyens de lancement (non représentés) et une tourelle de poursuite portant un laser L. Le vecteur, comme mentionné précédemment, peut être lancé par effet canon et/ou auto-propulsé dans une première phase de sa trajectoire. Il est de préférence en auto-rotation autour de son axe longitudinal, cette auto-rotation étant imprimée au vecteur soit par le canon, soit par l'angle de calage, par rapport à l'axe longitudinal, des ailettes formant l'empennage E.The vector is for example launched by a shooting station located on the ground, comprising launching means (not shown) and a turret carrying a laser L. The vector, as mentioned previously, can be launched by cannon effect and / or self-propelled in the first phase of its trajectory. It is preferably self-rotating around its longitudinal axis, this self-rotation being printed on the vector either by the barrel or by the wedging angle, relative to the longitudinal axis, of the fins forming the empennage E.

Sur ce schéma, on a représenté le laser L émettant un faisceau balayant une fraction de l'espace dont la section, dans un plan normal à l'émission, est repérée BL sur la figure ; la section BL est appelée ci-après "plan laser". Le balayage s'effectue par exemple selon des lignes parallèles décrivant un carré de centre O, le point O étant situé sur un axe AL joignant en permanence le laser L à une cible C, de vitesse VC. Sur cette figure on a également représenté le vecteur sous forme d'une flèche V, située à un instant donné par exemple à une distance D de l'axe AL.In this diagram, the laser L is shown emitting a beam scanning a fraction of the space, the section of which, in a plane normal to emission, is marked B L in the figure; section B L is hereinafter called "laser plane". The scanning is carried out for example along parallel lines describing a square with center O, the point O being located on an axis A L permanently joining the laser L to a target C, of speed V C. In this figure, the vector is also represented in the form of an arrow V, situated at a given instant, for example at a distance D from the axis A L.

Ainsi qu'il est connu, ce type de guidage par faisceau laser, également connu sous le nom anglo-saxon de "beam riding", s'effectue de la façon suivante : le faisceau laser balaye une portion de l'espace dont l'axe (AL) est asservi sur la cible C et représente la trajectoire idéale du vecteur. Ce balayage s'effectue de sorte que, lorsque le vecteur est éclairé par le faisceau laser, il puisse en déduire sa position par rapport à l'axe AL dans le plan BL.As is known, this type of laser beam guidance, also known by the English name of "beam riding", is carried out in the following manner: the laser beam scans a portion of the space whose axis (A L ) is slaved to target C and represents the ideal trajectory of the vector. This scanning is carried out so that, when the vector is illuminated by the laser beam, it can deduce its position relative to the axis A L in the plane B L.

Selon l'invention, le pilote du vecteur ne déclenche une correction de trajectoire que lorsque la distance D qui le sépare de l'axe AL est supérieure à une valeur seuil prédéfinie R, qui définit à un instant donné un cercle CL de centre O, autour de l'axe AL. En effet, l'utilisation d'impulseurs pyrotechniques, qui une fois mis à feu consomment la totalité de leur charge, conduit à une correction discontinue et pré-calibrée. Le déclenchement d'une correction dès que la distance D n'est plus nulle conduirait pour le vecteur à une trajectoire en zig-zag, puis une perte du vecteur une fois que tous les impulseurs auraient été utilisés. Selon l'invention, la correction n'est donc déclenchée que lorsque le vecteur s'est éloigné de l'axe AL au moins d'une distance R et la charge des impulseurs est calibrée de sorte à maintenir le vecteur dans un cercle de rayon R, dans le plan BL.According to the invention, the vector pilot triggers a trajectory correction only when the distance D which separates it from the axis A L is greater than a predefined threshold value R, which defines at a given instant a circle C L with center O, around the axis A L. Indeed, the use of pyrotechnic impellers, which once ignited consume all of their charge, leads to a discontinuous and pre-calibrated correction. The triggering of a correction as soon as the distance D is no longer zero would lead for the vector to a zigzag trajectory, then a loss of the vector once all the impellers had been used. According to the invention, the correction is therefore triggered only when the vector has moved away from the axis A L at least by a distance R and the load of the impellers is calibrated so as to maintain the vector in a circle of radius R, in the plane B L.

De plus, toujours selon l'invention, la correction à apporter n'étant pas indépendante de la vitesse radiale VR de rapprochement du vecteur de l'axe AL, une condition supplémen­taire au déclenchement d'une correction de trajectoire est imposée : la correction n'est déclenchée que si la vitesse VR est inférieure à un certain seuil Vs.In addition, still according to the invention, the correction to be made not being independent of the radial speed V R of approximation of the vector of the axis A L , an additional condition for triggering a trajectory correction is imposed: the correction is only triggered if the speed V R is less than a certain threshold V s .

Dans une variante de réalisation, les impulseurs peuvent ne pas fournir tous la même poussée : ils sont alors choisis par le pilote du vecteur à la fois en fonction de leur position et de leur poussée, en fonction de la position du vecteur et de sa vitesse VR.In an alternative embodiment, the impellers may not all provide the same thrust: they are then chosen by the pilot of the vector both according to their position and their thrust, according to the position of the vector and its speed V R.

Plus généralement, la mise en auto-rotation du vecteur permet d'effectuer une correction de trajectoire dans la direction voulue, en s'affranchissant de la position dans le vecteur des impulseurs non encore utilisés.More generally, the auto-rotation of the vector makes it possible to carry out a trajectory correction in the desired direction, by overcoming the position in the vector of the impellers not yet used.

Il est à noter que la distance seuil R à partir de laquelle une correction de trajectoire peut être déclenchée peut être variable, pour un vecteur donné, en fonction de l'éloi­gnement de la cible et/ou de son étendue.It should be noted that the threshold distance R from which a trajectory correction can be triggered can be variable, for a given vector, depending on the distance from the target and / or its extent.

Il est à noter également que, selon un processus connu sous le nom d'effet de zoom, le balayage du plan BL par le faisceau laser peut s'effectuer de façon variable avec la distance vecteur-sol, de sorte que l'électronique embarquée n'ait pas de correction à effectuer sur la détermination de la grandeur D en fonction de cette distance vecteur-sol.It should also be noted that, according to a process known as the zoom effect, the scanning of the plane B L by the laser beam can be carried out in a variable manner with the vector-to-ground distance, so that the electronics on board has no correction to make on the determination of the quantity D as a function of this vector-ground distance.

La figure 3 représente un schéma synoptique d'un mode de réalisation des moyens électroniques de guidage embarqués à bord du vecteur.FIG. 3 represents a block diagram of an embodiment of the electronic guidance means on board the vector.

Sur la figure 3, on a représenté le récepteur optique 31 qui fournit à un calculateur 33 une indication d'éclairage ou de non éclairage du vecteur par le faisceau laser ; à partir de cette indication, le calculateur détermine la position du vecteur par rapport à l'axe AL, connaissant la loi de balayage du plan BL par le faisceau laser. Le calculateur 33 reçoit également, le cas échéant, la mesure de la position en roulis du vecteur, fournie par un dispositif 32 tel qu'un gyroscope. Il reçoit enfin, par exemple enregistrés dans une mémoire 34, les éléments constituant la loi de correction de trajectoire, à savoir le rayon R, la vitesse Vs, etc .In Figure 3, there is shown the optical receiver 31 which provides a computer 33 an indication of lighting or non-lighting of the vector by the laser beam; from this indication, the computer determines the position of the vector with respect to the axis A L , knowing the law of scanning of the plane B L by the laser beam. The computer 33 also receives, if necessary, the measurement of the roll position of the vector, supplied by a device 32 such as a gyroscope. Finally, it receives, for example recorded in a memory 34, the elements constituting the trajectory correction law, namely the radius R, the speed V s , etc.

A partir de ces données, le calculateur 33 détermine la vitesse radiale Vr du vecteur, compare sa distance D à l'axe AL à la valeur seuil R, la vitesse Vr à la valeur seuil Vs et, en fonction de la position du vecteur en roulis, en déduit ou non un ordre de mise à feu d'un impulseur pyrotechnique défini.From this data, the computer 33 determines the radial speed V r of the vector, compares its distance D to the axis A L with the threshold value R, the speed V r with the threshold value V s and, depending on the position of the roll vector, whether or not to deduce a firing order from a defined pyrotechnic impeller.

La figure 4 représente un mode de réalisation du système selon l'invention appliqué au guidage de plusieurs vecteurs, simultanément.FIG. 4 represents an embodiment of the system according to the invention applied to the guidance of several vectors, simultaneously.

Sur cette figure, on retrouve le laser L dont l'axe du balayage est asservi sur la cible C. On a également représenté, le plan BL et, cette fois, trois vecteurs repérés respectivement M₁, M₂ et M₃, dans le plan BL.In this figure, we find the laser L whose scanning axis is controlled by the target C. We have also shown, the plane B L and, this time, three vectors identified respectively M₁, M₂ and M respectivement, in the plane B L.

Selon l'invention, chacun des vecteurs procède indépendamment l'un de l'autre à une correction de trajectoire et, ce, seulement lorsque les critères de distance et de vitesse sont remplis comme dans le cas d'un vecteur unique décrit figure 2. On a donc représenté, dans le plan BL, un cercle autour de chaque vecteur, respectivement CL1, CL2 et CL3 ; ces différents cercles peuvent avoir ou non le même rayon.According to the invention, each of the vectors proceeds independently from one another to a trajectory correction and this only when the criteria of distance and speed are fulfilled as in the case of a single vector described in FIG. 2. We have therefore represented, in the plane B L , a circle around each vector, respectively C L1 , C L2 and C L3 ; these different circles may or may not have the same radius.

Sur la figure, chacun des cercles CL1 ... CL3 est centré sur l'axe AL : il existe de la sorte des zones d'intersection. On estime toutefois que la probabilité pour que deux ou plusieurs vecteurs se trouvent simultanément dans une zone d'intersection est suffisamment faible pour pouvoir être négligée.In the figure, each of the circles C L1 ... C L3 is centered on the axis A L : there are thus areas of intersection. However, it is estimated that the probability that two or more vectors are simultaneously in an intersection zone is low enough to be neglected.

Dans une variante de réalisation, on peut bien entendu disposer les cercles CL de sorte à éviter toute intersection.In an alternative embodiment, it is of course possible to arrange the circles C L so as to avoid any intersection.

On a ainsi décrit un système de guidage de vecteur qui est simple et peu onéreux, surtout au niveau du matériel embarqué, tout en présentant une grande probabilité d'impact sur cible dérobante. En outre, un dispositif de guidage par impulseurs pyrotechniques se prête aisément à la miniaturisation, permettant ainsi de réduire la masse du vecteur et, par suite, de prévoir des systèmes d'armes susceptibles de tirer plusieurs vecteurs simultanément.We have thus described a vector guidance system which is simple and inexpensive, especially in terms of on-board equipment, while having a high probability of impact on a drifting target. In addition, a device for guiding by pyrotechnic impellers easily lends itself to miniaturization, thus making it possible to reduce the mass of the vector and, consequently, to provide weapon systems capable of firing several vectors simultaneously.

La description faite ci-dessus l'a été, bien entendu, à titre d'exemple non limitatif. C'est ainsi, notamment, que le vecteur a été décrit comme lancé et guidé par un faisceau laser émis du sol, mais peut l'être à partir d'un poste de tir embarqué à bord d'un aéronef par exemple. De même, le système de guidage à partir du sol a été décrit comme recherchant l'alignement pur, à tout instant, avec la cible réelle, mais peut, dans une variante, rechercher l'alignement avec la position future de la cible, calculée (au sol) à partir de son vecteur vitesse et, ce, au moins en début de guidage. Egalement, le faisceau assurant le guidage a été décrit comme un faisceau laser, mais celui-ci peut être remplacé par tout faisceau d'énergie rayonnée, suffisamment fin pour remplir la fonction décrite, comme un pinceau d'énergie hyperfréquence dont la fréquence se situe dans la gamme utilisée pour les radars. Enfin, le faisceau laser a été décrit comme poursuivant directement la cible, mais il peut de façon analogue poursuivre la trajectoire idéale (calculée par ailleurs) dans le cas où la cible n'est pas visible : cas d'un système sol-sol par exemple.The description given above was, of course, by way of nonlimiting example. Thus, in particular, the vector has been described as launched and guided by a laser beam emitted from the ground, but may be so from a shooting station on board an aircraft for example. Likewise, the guidance system from the ground has been described as seeking pure alignment, at all times, with the actual target, but may, in a variant, seek alignment with the future position of the target, calculated (on the ground) from its speed vector and, at least at the start of guidance. Also, the beam providing guidance has been described as a laser beam, but this can be replaced by any beam of radiated energy, thin enough to fulfill the function described, such as a microwave energy brush whose frequency is in the range used for radars. Finally, the laser beam has been described as directly tracking the target, but it can similarly pursue the ideal trajectory (calculated elsewhere) in the case where the target is not visible: case of a ground-ground system by example.

Claims (12)

1. Système de guidage d'un vecteur en vue d'atteindre une cible, le système de guidage étant caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte un poste de tir, ce dernier comportant des moyens de lancement du vecteur et des moyens de poursuite de la cible et de guidage du vecteur à l'aide d'un faisceau d'énergie rayonnée fournissant au vecteur l'indication de sa trajectoire idéale, et que le vecteur comporte :
. des impulseurs pyrotechniques susceptibles de fournir chacun une poussée modifiant la trajectoire du vecteur ;
. des moyens de détection du faisceau d'énergie rayonnée ;
. des moyens de détermination, à partir de la détection précédente, de la position du vecteur par rapport à la trajectoire idéale fournie par le faisceau ;
. des moyens de commande de la mise à feu d'un impulseur pyrotechnique déterminé lorsque la distance du vecteur à la trajectoire idéale est supérieure à un seuil de distance prédéfini et lorsque la vitesse radiale de rappro­chement du vecteur de la trajectoire idéale est inférieure à un seuil de vitesse prédéfini.1. System for guiding a vector with a view to reaching a target, the guide system being characterized in that it comprises a firing station, the latter comprising means for launching the vector and means for tracking the target and of guiding the vector using a beam of radiated energy providing the vector with the indication of its ideal trajectory, and that the vector comprises:
. pyrotechnic impellers capable of each providing a thrust modifying the trajectory of the vector;
. means for detecting the beam of radiated energy;
. means for determining, from the previous detection, the position of the vector relative to the ideal trajectory provided by the beam;
. means for controlling the firing of a pyrotechnic impeller determined when the distance from the vector to the ideal trajectory is greater than a predefined distance threshold and when the radial speed of approach of the vector to the ideal trajectory is less than a threshold preset speed. 2. Système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que les moyens de poursuite et de guidage du poste de tir assurent l'émission du faisceau d'énergie rayonnée et le balayage par celui-ci d'une portion de l'espace selon une loi prédéfinie, l'axe de cette portion d'espace étant asservi sur la position actuelle ou future de la cible.2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for tracking and guiding the firing station ensure the emission of the beam of radiated energy and the scanning by the latter of a portion of the space according to a predefined law, the axis of this portion of space being slaved to the current or future position of the target. 3. Système selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que le faisceau d'énergie rayonnée est un faisceau laser.3. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beam of radiated energy is a laser beam. 4. Système selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que la poussée fournie par chacun des impulseurs pyrotechniques passe sensiblement par le centre de gravité du vecteur.4. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thrust provided by each of the pyrotechnic boosters passes substantially through the center of gravity of the vector. 5. Système selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que la poussée fournie par chacun des impulseurs pyrotechniques est orientée sensiblement radialement par rapport au vecteur.5. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thrust provided by each of the pyrotechnic boosters is oriented substantially radially with respect to the vector. 6. Système selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que les moyens de lancement du vecteur assurent la mise en auto- rotation de celui-ci autour de son axe longitudinal.6. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for launching the vector ensure the auto-rotation of the latter around its longitudinal axis. 7. Système selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que les moyens de lancement assurent le lancement de plusieurs vecteurs simultanément.7. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the launching means ensure the launching of several vectors simultaneously. 8. Système selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que la valeur seuil de distance varie en fonction de la distance vecteur-cible et/ou en fonction de l'étendue de la cible.8. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance threshold value varies as a function of the vector-target distance and / or as a function of the extent of the target. 9. Vecteur guidé par le système selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte :
. des impulseurs pyrotechniques susceptibles de fournir chacun une poussée modifiant la trajectoire du vecteur ;
. des moyens de détection du faisceau d'énergie rayonnée ;
. des moyens de détermination, à partir de la détection précédente, de la position du vecteur par rapport à la trajectoire idéale fournie par le faisceau ;
. des moyens de commande de la mise à feu d'un impulseur pyrotechnique déterminé lorsque la distance du vecteur à la trajectoire idéale est supérieure à un seuil de distance prédéfini et lorsque la vitesse radiale de rappro­chement du vecteur de la trajectoire idéale est inférieure à un seuil de vitesse prédéfini.9. Vector guided by the system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:
. pyrotechnic impellers capable of each providing a thrust modifying the trajectory of the vector;
. means for detecting the beam of radiated energy;
. means for determining, from the previous detection, the position of the vector relative to the ideal trajectory provided by the beam;
. means for controlling the firing of a pyrotechnic impeller determined when the distance from the vector to the ideal trajectory is greater than a predefined distance threshold and when the radial speed of approach of the vector to the ideal trajectory is less than a threshold preset speed. 10. Vecteur selon la revendication 9, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte un empennage dont les ailettes sont calées par rapport à l'axe longitudinal du vecteur de façon à assurer l'auto-rotation de ce dernier.10. Vector according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a tail whose fins are wedged relative to the longitudinal axis of the vector so as to ensure the self-rotation of the latter. 11. Vecteur selon l'une des revendications 9 ou 10, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte des moyens de détermi­nation de sa position en roulis, fournissant celle-ci aux moyens de commande de mise à feu d'un impulseur.11. Vector according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises means for determining its roll position, supplying it to the firing control means of an impeller. 12. Vecteur selon l'une des revendications 9 à 11, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte en outre des moyens d'auto-propulsion.12. Vector according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that it further comprises self-propelling means.
EP89400335A 1988-02-12 1989-02-07 Carrier guided by a laser beam and pyrotechnical thrusters Expired - Lifetime EP0329523B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR8801684 1988-02-12
FR8801684A FR2627268B1 (en) 1988-02-12 1988-02-12 LASER BEAM VECTOR GUIDANCE SYSTEM AND PYROTECHNIC IMPELLERS, AND VECTOR GUIDED BY SUCH A SYSTEM

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EP0329523A1 true EP0329523A1 (en) 1989-08-23
EP0329523B1 EP0329523B1 (en) 1994-06-15

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EP (1) EP0329523B1 (en)
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EP2390616A1 (en) * 2010-05-27 2011-11-30 Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast -natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO A method of guiding a salvo of guided projectiles to a target, a system and a computer program product.
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Also Published As

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FR2627268B1 (en) 1993-05-14
DE68916058T2 (en) 1994-09-22
EP0329523B1 (en) 1994-06-15
FR2627268A1 (en) 1989-08-18
US4901946A (en) 1990-02-20
DE68916058D1 (en) 1994-07-21

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