LDV for airdrops

摘要

A method of using a light detection system for increasing the accuracy of a precision airdrop is described. Radiation is transmitted to target areas between an airborne vehicle and a dropzone target. Scattered radiation is received from the target areas. Respective wind characteristics are determined from the scattered radiation and a wind velocity map is generated, based on the respective wind characteristics, between the airborne vehicle, and at least the dropzone target. An aerial release point for the precision airdrop is computed based on the generated wind velocity map and a location of the dropzone target.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
transmitting, by one or more transceivers in a LIDAR apparatus coupled to an airborne vehicle radiation from radiation source in the LIDAR apparatus to target areas between the airborne vehicle and a dropzone target; receiving, by the one or more transceivers in the LIDAR apparatus, scattered radiation from the target areas wherein said target areas are at a plurality of altitudes between the airborne vehicle and the dropzone target; determining respective wind characteristics of the scattered radiation from each of the target areas; generating a three dimensional wind velocity map by volume averaging the respective wind characteristics between the airborne aircraft and at least the dropzone target; and computing an aerial release point for a precision airdrop based on the generated wind velocity map and a location of the dropzone target.