Air launch system interface

Details Air launch system interface Air launch system interface

2001-12-18

2004-06-29

Gregory, Bernarr E. (Department: 3662)

Aeronautics and astronautics

Missile stabilization or trajectory control

Automatic guidance

C244S003110, C244S003140, C244S003190, C342S062000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06755372

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to missile systems and, more specifically, to airborne missile systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Missile controlling software and hardware continues to evolve and improve the functionality of an associated missile. In an air-to-surface self-guided missile system improving the software associated with the system is merely a somewhat simple process of reconfiguring the software stored in the missile system of the airplane. However, if the change happens to be a hardware change, for example, replacing a Harpoon Block I Missile Package with a Harpoon Block II Missile Package, a software change to the on-board missile controls is not enough to support the hardware change.
In many cases, a new missile package requires a significant software upgrade that includes various graphical user interfaces for the creation of missions and the databases required in order to create those missions. In addition, other hardware may be required, such as a device for generating global positioning information. Therefore, simply swapping out one missile package for another missile package requires a plane to be out of commission for a significant period of time in order to implement all the associated changes that are required for the new missile package. Also, the time and cost required for performing this upgrade are quite extensive.
Therefore, there exists a need for a less expensive missile system upgrade that is easy to install into a fleet of aircraft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an airborne missile launch system that provides an improved missile upgrade system. The system includes a Harpoon aircraft command-launch control set (HACLCS) system, one or more Harpoon Block II missiles, and an interface controller coupled to the HACLCS system and the one or more Harpoon Block II missiles. The controller allows a user to create a missile profile mission. The controller combines the created missile profile mission with received positioning information. The controller loads the combination into a navigation system of one of the Harpoon Block II missiles. The controller receives a mission-loaded signal upon completion of mission loading into one of the Harpoon Block II missiles, and converts the mission-loaded signal for interpretation by the HACLCS system.
In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the HACLCS system generates a launch command when commanded by a flight crew member. The controller converts the launch command into Harpoon Block II format, and sends the converted launch command to the associated Harpoon Block II missile.


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