Importance

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Abstract

Microwave projectile communication apparatus comprises a microwave probe fixed to a gun barrel at its muzzle end. A microwave oscillator, having a reference frequency selected for exciting the single fundamental electromagnetic mode in the barrel, is connected to the probe, for example, through a hybrid mixer configured for extracting, from moving projectile-reflected microwaves, a true Doppler signal for projectile velocity measurements. Connected between the oscillator and the probe is a signal modulator for modulating the reference oscillator signal to the probe. Connected to the signal modulator is a driver signal generator which controls the modulator in a manner enabling information, such as fuse delay time or target range, to be communicated to the projectile fuse. A conventional fire control computer may be used to provide to the modulator the data to be transmitted to the projectile. The barrel muzzle end may be internally shaped to function more effectively as a microwave antenna to enhance communication with projectiles after they have left the barrel. Corresponding methods for microwave communication with fired projectiles are provided.

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First Claim