Showing papers by "Saab AB published in 2006"

Head-up display

Abstract: A head-up display system including an image source with a projection lens where the lens projects an intermediate image on a diffuser, forming an intermediate image on the diffuser matt surface. A first planar semi-transparent mirror is arranged to reflect the intermediate image towards a head-up semi-transparent collimating mirror. The collimating mirror also combines the image with the background.

Rule-based situation assessment for sea surveillance

Abstract: In order to achieve greater situation awareness it is necessary to identify relations between individual entities and their immediate surroundings, neighboring entities and important landmarks. The idea is that long-term intentions and situations can be identified by patterns of more rudimentary behavior, in essence situations formed by combinations of different basic relationships. In this paper we present a rule based situation assessment system that utilizes both COTS and in-house software. It is built upon an agent framework that speeds up development times, since it takes care of many of the infrastructural issues of such a communication intense application as this is, and a rule based reasoner that can reason about situations that develop over time. The situation assessment system is developed to be simple, but structurally close to an operational system, with connections to outside data sources and graphical editors and data displays. It is developed with a specific simple Sea-surveillance scenario in mind, which we also present, but the ideas behind the system are general and are valid for other areas as well.

Multi-sensor system

Abstract: An avionics system including a radar system being capable of automatically tracking a radar target, an optical image producing system, a radar monitor, an optical image monitor, a decision support unit having a connection to the radar system and to the optical image producing system, and an input/output unit for entering one or more decision parameters. The decision support unit is connected to the input/output unit. During a flight mission the decision support unit receives one or more automatic radar tracking parameters from the radar system, uses the decision parameters on the radar tracking parameters to decide upon which radar target(s) to be subjected to observation by the optical image producing system.

Fault Tree Analysis of an Aircraft Electric Power Supply System to Electrical Actuators

Abstract: More Electric Aircraft technology enables the power supply of flight critical equipment such as the electronic flight control system In the process of designing an Electric Power Supply System in an aircraft, system safety and reliability are key requirements. Other important factors are low weight and low life cycle costs (LCC). Fault Tree Analysis is used to analyze a possible top event such as a malfunction for a primary rudder function. In a complicated design, a malfunction can be caused by a number of failures in different equipments or systems. The objective with the presented work is the feasibility of evaluating risks and the impact of a failure in a specific component, regardless of where in the system the component is located. The system is assumed to be part of an UAV for flights in populated areas.

Laser target seeker device

Abstract: A laser target seeker device arranged to receive a laser beam reflected from an object. Detector elements are arranged to detect the reflected laser beam. A processor is arranged to determine the received radiation on the respective detector element in order to determine the origin of the laser beam. A diffractor is arranged relative to the detector elements and configured to diffract the reflected laser beam into portions prior to being detected by the detector elements. The detector elements are arranged to detect the respective portion. A flyable body is for hitting a target by means of a laser beam. A system for hitting a target by means of a laser beam. A method for detecting a laser beam reflected from an object. Use of a kinoform member in a laser target seeker for diffracting a laser beam.

Method and system for fire simulation

Abstract: A fire simulation method and system for simulating ammunition from a weapon. The method includes determining a trajectory of the simulated ammunition, emitting a light beam along a simulation axis, and coding said light beam with information. The method includes determining a point in time when the simulated ammunition passes a target, determining a value related to the distance between the simulation axis and a momentary position of the simulated ammunition along the trajectory at that point in time, and emitting the light beam coded with the determined value during a predetermined time period.

Error control in a traffic management system

Abstract: A system for monitoring a traffic management system, such as an Air Traffic Management (ATM) system, which includes a position retrieval station, operable to retrieve position information for a traffic object, eg a radar station devised to collect radar echoes and generate radar image signals A computer system is connected to the position retrieval station for generating radar trace data from received position information An operator station is connected to the computer system for processing trace data for presentation A false position information source is connected to provide artificial information corresponding to a predetermined property of a false traffic object to the computer system A comparator unit is connected to the operator station for receiving trace data generated from the artificial information, and devised to detect correlation between the generated trace data and the predetermined property of the false traffic object

Coordination of Electronic Counter Measures

Abstract: An electronic counter measures solution. Jamming signals are emitted towards a threat to improve chances of survival for at least two vehicles, which are physically separated from one another, however associated with one another in a group. Each of the at least two vehicles receives a wireless time reference signal from an external resource. The vehicles exchange messages over a wireless data link. The messages pertain to usage of at least one electronic warfare resource in each vehicle. Based on the messages and the time reference signal the usage of at least one first electronic warfare resource in a first vehicle is coordinated with the usage of at least one second electronic warfare resource in a second vehicle, such that a particular type of jamming signal is emitted alternately either from the at least one first resource or from the at least one second resource, essentially without any overlaps or gaps in time. Thereby, a false target is created between the vehicles with respect to a weapon which operates in a so-called Home-on-Jam mode.

A method and apparatus for manufacturing a curved elongated structural element

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing of a curved elongated structural element (20) of composite material, the curved elongated structural element (20) comprises a first elongated portion (23) and a second elongated portion (25) in an angled relation, the method comprises the steps of: providing a substantially flat blank (1) of composite material comprising a first (19') and second elongated edge (19"); folding the blank (1) over a first portion forming surface (31) and a second portion forming surface (33) of a forming tool's (15) flexible tool body (17) for forming the first elongated portion (23) and the second elongated portion (25); and bending the forming tool's (15) tool body (17) such that its bending moment centre (Mc) prevails essentially adjacent the first portion forming surface (31).

Optimized Utilization of Electronic Counter Measures

Abstract: The invention relates to a distributed electronic counter measures solution, wherein jamming signals (JA; JB) may be emitted towards threats (X1, X2) from counter measures stations in multiple vehicles (A, B), which are physically separated from one another in order to improve the chances of survival the vehicles (A, B) as well as any other vehicles that are associated with these vehicles (A, B) in a group of vehicles. The vehicles in the group exchange messages (D) over a wireless data link (L), where the messages (D) sent from a particular station specify an availability status (Dres-status) for each electronic warfare resource in the station and a threat status (Dthr-status) registered by the station. A station in the group having a central planning function coordinates any jamming signals (JA; JB) emitted from the electronic warfare resources of the stations in the group, such that the resources are optimally used with respect to all of any registered threats (X1, X2). This coordination is based on estimated geometric interrelationships between the at least two stations in the group; estimated geometric relationships between the at least two stations in the group and at least one registered threat (X1, X2); and the respective resources of each station in the group.

A compact, fully stabilised, four axes, remote weapon station with independent line of sight

Abstract: A remote weapon station including a weapon support adapted for rotatable motion about a first transverse axis. The weapon support supports a weapon attachment device being rotatable about a second elevation axis. A sight unit is rotatable about a third transverse axis and about, perpendicular to the third transverse axis, a fourth elevation axis, independently of the position or rotation of the weapon support about the first transverse axis and the second elevation axis. The sight unit is mounted between the weapon support and the weapon attachment device.

Helmet restraint system

Abstract: A helmet restraint system for restraining the forward and downward movement of a helmet having an unfavorable center of gravity. A buckle strap having a first end and a second end is configured to be movably disposed in a wearer's garment. The buckle strap is preloaded between its first end, which is attached to the adjustment mechanism, and its second end, which is attached to an emergency release, and is extended in a loop coming out from first and second openings respectively in the collar of the garment for connection with a snap hook on the helmet.

Fault tolerant control system

Abstract: A fault tolerant data processing system for controlling a real time process, said system being tolerant to systematic faults in its software said system comprising a data processor unit (140) with a program memory (146) and a data memory (144) and input and output units where program software residing in the program memory (146) can be executed on the data processor unit (140), wherein said system comprises a normal-mode software program residing in said program memory (146), and a backup-mode software program also residing in said program memory (146) arranged to perform the same or similar function of the normal mode software program but being differently implemented than the normal-mode software program, and where a trigger signal received by the data processor unit (140) can switch execution control such that the normal-mode software program stops executing and the backup-mode software program starts executing.

Manufacturing method for trumpet spar and other curved objects

Abstract: A method for producing an object of composite material comprising the steps of: placing one or several prepregs on a plane surface, forming a fibre stack; lifting over the fibre stack to a moulding tool; downforming the fibre stack; curing the downformed fibre stack; where the method also comprises the step of: orienting the fibre directions so that all fibres, when the fibre stack is lifted over to the moulding tool, will cross an edge of the moulding tool only once.

Method and arrangement for data fusion

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method suitable for, within a platform, merging data from different sensors of different platforms, comprising the steps of: generating a first information entity; receiving a second information entity; processing the first and second information entities. The invention is characterized by the steps of analysing said processed first and second information entities; and performing an action event in response to the analysis.

AMPG device for generation of electrical energy from vibrations, an AMPG device assembly, and a method to optimize the generation of said electrical energy

Abstract: AMPG device for generation of electrical energy, comprising, a bobbin, at least one magnet, at least one spring member, wherein said magnet is arranged to be movable together with said spring member, said device is arranged so that when exposed to an acceleration component in a possible path of mobility of said first magnet, said first magnet will due to its association with said spring member move in an oscillating manner in relation to said bobbin, so as to generate electrical energy, said device is arranged to at a limiting position of said mobile magnet's path of mobility a spring member with an equal or higher spring constant than the remainder portions of said magnet's mobile path acting on said magnet. Further comprised is an AMPG device assembly where several AMPG devices are combined, and also comprised is a method to optimise the electrical output of the device by adapting it to the frequencies appearing in the application where it shall be used.

Inertial- and vehicle dynamics based autonomous navigation

Abstract: The present invention relates to autonomous navigation of crafts and vehicles. A proposed apparatus (200) that generates estimated navigation data (S nav ) includes an INS (210), a vehicle modeling unit (220) and an error estimation unit (250). The INS (210) registers acceleration and angular velocity parameters in respect of a body-fixed coordinate system (b) associated with the vehicle, and produces a first estimated acceleration vector (a m ) for the vehicle. The vehicle modeling unit (220) receives the estimated navigation data (S nav ) and a model vector (M ) describing the vehicle dynamics of the vehicle. By applying the model vector (M ) and the estimated navigation data (S nav ) to at least one adaptive model (M t ,M a ), the vehicle modeling unit (220) produces a second estimated acceleration vector (a e ) for the vehicle. The error estimation unit (250) produces first and second navigation error signals (e INS ,e mod ) based on the first and second estimated acceleration vectors (a m ,a e ), feeds back the first navigation error signal (e INS ) to the inertial measurement system (210) and feeds back the second navigation error signal (e mod ) to the vehicle modeling unit (220) for adjusting the estimated navigation data (S nav ) and the at least one adaptive model (M t ,M a ), respectively.

Manufacturing method with sliding layer

Abstract: A method for producing an article of composite material comprising the steps of: providing a moulding tool of male type; placing one or several prepregs on the moulding tool, forming a fibre stack; placing a dry layer, e.g. fabric, externally on the fibre stack, forming a fibre stack having a dry surface; providing a moulding tool of female type; overturning or tilting the stack having a dry surface from the male tool to the female tool. The method may further comprise the step of arranging said dry fibre layer so that this comprises the edge of the fibre stack. The dry layer may be made of a metal net or other suitable metal structures, or be made of glass fibre fabric or another similar glass fibre structure, or a combination of glass fibre and metal. The fact that metal is an electrically conducting material and that glass fibre is an electrical isolator may be exploited, particularly when producing aircraft components.

Optimal Conceptual Design of Aircraft Fuel Transfer Systems

Abstract: This paper describes early considerations that have to be made when designing an aircraft fuel system. Emphasis is placed on illustrating the impact of top-level aircraft requirements on low-level practicalities such as fuel system design. Choosing between concepts is one of the most critical parts of any design process. Different concepts have different advantages, and the concept that is the best choice is often dependent on the top-level requirements. This paper shows how optimization has been used successfully at Saab Aerospace as a tool that supports concept selection. The example studied is the design of a fuel transfer system for a ventral drop tank and the optimization results in different conceptual designs depending on the top-level requirements.

Decision making unit for autonomous platform

Abstract: Decision making unit suitable for an autonomous platform, such as an airplane. Comprising means for receiving at least one ability request, means for preconditioning the received ability request, means for filtering the preconditioned ability request, means for generating a set of behaviour instructions associated with the filtered ability request; and means for priority processing of the filtered ability request. Furthermore the decision making unit is provided with means for generating at least one control signal depending upon the priority processing of the filtered ability request, wherein the control signal comprises information about the generated set of behaviour instructions.

Countermass and countermass weapon

Abstract: A countermass for use in a weapon to balance the forces arising when a launch able unit is launched from a launcher tube of the weapon. The countermass includes a first container enclosing a liquid. A countermass weapon includes a launcher tube open or openable in both ends. The launcher tube houses a launch able unit, a countermass including a first container enclosing a liquid, a pressure chamber, and a propellant charge that upon firing and combustion of the charge in cooperation with the pressure chamber and the countermass accelerates the launch able unit forwards in the tube at the same time as the countermass accelerates backwards in the tube. The first container is made of a non-rigid material. A second container is provided to cover or almost cover the first container. The second container is designed with damping characteristics.

Automatic tape laying apparatus and method

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a contoured composite article. A separation distance of dividing elements of a dividing unit configured to divide a tape comprising fiber is adjusted. The tape is fed through the dividing unit to divide the tape into a plurality of inter-connected or separate, substantially longitudinal strips. The tape is laid onto a surface with an automatic tape laying apparatus.

Vortex detection and turbulence measurement

Abstract: A vortex detection device suitable for use in fighter aircraft including an angle-of-attack sensor, an angle-of-attack processing unit connected to the angle-of-attack sensor capable of forming a signal representative of current air stream's angle-of-attack, a synthetic angle-of-attack estimation unit capable of forming a synthetic angle-of-attack signal, and a vortex level calculation unit connected to the processing and estimation unit, capable of calculating a vortex level signal, and a vortex detection unit connected to the vortex level calculation unit, for deciding, based on the vortex level signal, if a vortex is detected.

Method and system for generating a route

Abstract: A method for generating a route including at least one path. The method is suitable for aircraft reconnaissance of an area. The method includes encompassing the area with a geometrical figure, generating a first direction depending upon a configuration of the figure, generating the at least one path depending upon the first direction wherein the path corresponds to a sub area covering at least a part of the area.

Reactive ballistic protection plate

Abstract: The present invention discloses a reactive ballistic protection plate (1) for fragmenting a projectile comprising an outer layer of material (10) and an inner layer of material (30), wherein the layers (10,30) are bonded together by a explosive welding joint (20), wherein the reactive ballistic protection comprises high energy tensions. The invention further discloses a method of manufacturing such a plate and the use of such a plate.

IM-lock for weapons having preloaded projectiles

Abstract: A weapon having a barrel or launch tube and a projectile preloaded therein. An element prevents accidental firing of the projectile if the weapon becomes overheated.

Controlling of an autonomous platform

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising a platform and at least one control unit being in a distanced relationship, wherein said platform comprises a decision maker and a plurality of subsystems; the decision maker is arranged to control the subsystems depending upon ability requests associated with predetermined behaviours; the decision maker is arranged to perform said control by means of at least one rule packet determined from a set of rule packets (R1-RN); wherein said at least one control unit is provided with at least one of a rule packet determined from said set of rule packets (R1-RN) allowing an operator of said control unit to interact with the platform regarding said at least one rule packet.

Ground Target Tracking with Acoustic Sensors using Particle Filters and Statistical Data Association

Abstract: In this paper the tracking of ground targets using acoustic sensors, distributed in a wireless sensor network, is studied. Since only acoustic sensors are utilized in the study the tracking problem can be regarded as a bearings-only application. The solution to the problem is given within the Bayesian recursive framework, where a sequential Monte Carlo method to the ground target tracking problem is developed. The classical sampling importance resampling (SIR) scheme is redesigned to also track multiple targets. The approach for solving the data association problem is based on hypothesis calculations according to the joint probabilistic data association (JPDA) method. Validation and evaluation of the tracking algorithms are performed using simulated data as well as real data extracted from a ground sensor network.

A method for reducing the amount of ammunition types to be used and an ammunition device

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of ammunition types to be used against a wide set of targets. At least two explosive charges are made use of in cooperation. Each of the explosive charges has changeable characteristics and is arranged to mutually cooperate in different ways depending on the particular changeable characteristics given to the explosive charges in a specific case and the type of target to be combated. An ammunition device admitting a reduction of the amount of ammunition types to be used. At least two cooperating explosive charges are arranged in a row along the direction of movement of the ammunition device when activated. Each of the explosive charges is switchable between at least two operating conditions having different operating characteristics.

A method for ensuring backup function to an electrical system in a vehicle and an electrical system as such

Abstract: The present invention relate to a method and an electrical system for a vehicle comprising a digital information carrier (3) to send digital data on; a first computing device (1) arranged to execute an installed first application software (P 1); and a second computing device (2) comprising an installed backup application software (P1'), identical to the first application software (P1), wherein the second computing device (2) is configured to execute an installed second application software (P2), different from said first application software (P1) and that said second computing device (2) is configured to initiate an execution of the installed backup application software (P1') when an error occurs in the first computing device (1) in parallel with the execution of the second application software (P2).