Structurally Integrated Position and Orientation Sensor and Seeker Technologies

The primary objective of this project is to study the feasibility of the development of novel polarized RF sensor geometries that are to be embedded into the structure of munitions for onboard measurement of full position and angular orientation of the projectile relative to a specified reference system. The sensors provide direct position and orientation measurements without requiring GPS or any other sensory system. The sensors are autonomous and do not acquire position and/or orientation sensory information through communication with a ground or airborne source. With this sensor, the full position and angular orientation of an object such as munitions during the flight can be measured relative to a fixed or a moving platform. In addition, since the angular orientation measurement is direct, the sensor does not accumulate measurement error. The sensors are relatively low cost and are integrated into the structure of munitions and would thereby occupy minimal volume and are readily hardened to withstand high firing accelerations, shock and vibration and the harsh firing environment. The sensors consume relatively low power and do not require time to settle following gun firing.