Hybrid Monopulse/Sequential Lobing Beamrider Guidance.
Abstract
Beamrider guidance has been used to direct missiles to their target in several military systems. Basically, a beamrider guidance system uses a beam directed in space such that the center of the beam axis forms a line along which it is desired to guide a missile. The beam which may be either at radar or light frequencies is coded so that a missile with an appropriate receiver can determine its relative position within the beam. Aerodynamic surfaces coupled to the receiver through servo-mechanisms drive the missile to the center of the beam if the has deviated from the beam axis. The present invention provides for a method to use a combination monopulse and sequential lobing system in a beamrider missile system. The target is tracked with a conventional monopulse receiver while guidance data is furnished to the missile via sequential lobing. Recall that in a monopulse system, target illumination is achieved by creating a single beam. This single beam does not have any spatial characteristics that would allow a missile to discern its position within the beam. Consequently, some method of adding a spatial characteristic to the illumination beam is necessary before guidance can be enacted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 20, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADD008907
Entities
People
- Jester M. Loomis Iii
Organizations
- United States Army