Rocket or artillery launched smart reconnaissance pod

摘要

A modular reconnaissance capsule or reconnaissance pod is provided that is suitable for deployment by means of an artillery launching platform, such as a conventional 40 mm grenade launcher or 155 mm cannon wherein a parachute is deployed at a pre-calculated observation altitude, the parachute being designed to yield a sufficiently slow rate of descent to permit live video capture and transmission of images as forward observation information. Alternatively, pods according to the invention may also be air dropped from an aircraft, either piloted or pilotless, thus allowing the aircraft to operate at a safe distance and yet provide close reconnaissance even under a cloud cover. Accurate information about targeting dynamics is made available to the user through commercially available products. The invention complements other reconnaissance methods and provides easy-to-use real-time visual information for a desired area of interest.

主权项

1. A field artillery reconnaissance system comprising:
an fire control system deployed adjacent a capsule launching platform for automatically selecting trajectories and targets in response to input from a reconnaissance pod; a modular reconnaissance pod enclosed in a capsule, the capsule having a form factor and weight distribution configured for deployment by means of said capsule launching platform, the pod containing: an observation subsystem for obtaining images of a target directly below the pod when the pod is within a target area; a GPS locator subsystem and compass subsystem to obtain information on location and orientation with respect to true north of the pod and the target area; a wireless communication subsystem for communicating said images, said location information and said orientation information to said fire control system; a parachute subsystem for moderating descent of the pod over the target area; an air brake associated with the pod to controllably slow deceleration of the pod; and a control subsystem coupled to the observation subsystem, the locator subsystem and compass subsystem, the air brake, the parachute subsystem, and the communication subsystem for controlling deployment of the pod and observation along a predetermined trajectory for a period while the pod is over the target area, further including a ring disposed within walls of the capsule and wherein mass and mass distribution within the capsule is impacted by location and weight of the ring within the capsule.