Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine July 2018 - 34

Feature Article:

DOI. No. 10.1109/MAES.2018.170022

New-Generation Hybrid Guidance System Based on
Infrared and Millimeter Waves
Cheng Cheng, Min Gao, Army Engineering University, Shijiazhuang, China
Xude Cheng, Army Engineering University Wuhan Ordnance Officer School, Wuhan,
China
Dan Fang, Army Engineering University, Shijiazhuang, China

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to propose an improvement to the fighting
effectiveness of the homing antiarmor missile that would be accomplished by improving the antijamming accuracy and ability of
the existing seeker system. We aim to show that dual-mode guidance systems based on infrared and millimeter waves can overcome the shortages of single-mode guidance systems and verify
our theory through simulations. Accordingly, the composite seeker
design, based on a combination of an uncooled staring infrared
imaging technology and a W-band millimeter wave active phased
array, is presented in this article.
A new generation of homing antiarmor missiles that can be
launched without a tube and are equipped with an infrared and
millimeter wave seeker has been developed and has become a
hot research topic. However, the performance expectations of this
new generation of antitank missiles have not been strictly defined.
The only existing definition is the MBDA definition of the fifthgeneration ground fighting missile, which was released in 2014 [1].
The MBDA definition does not clearly define all requirements for
ground fighting missiles, but it states that the fifth-generation ground
fighting missile should have the following characteristics [2]:
C

It should be equipped with a visible light (television) or nonuncooled infrared dual-mode seeker.

It should have an optical fiber link for image transmission to
the transmitting station.

Both operator and commander should fully manage the missile attack process.

Thus, a next-generation antitank missile manufactured by
MBDA should be in line with the previously mentioned requirements.
The United States adopted the phased development spiral advance policy to develop a new-generation integrated fighting system called the Army Future Fighting System [3], [4]. However,
the long-term road map of the U.S. Army implies that a new-generation antitank missile will be developed that complies with the
following general requirements [5]:
C

It should be able to capture and track a target independent of
thermal signal, or a cold target.

Authors' current addresses: C. Cheng, M. Gao, D. Fang,
Department of Precision Guidance Technology Research
Institute, Missile Engineering, Army Engineering University,
Shijiazhuang 050003, China, E-mail: (clarence_oec@sina.com).
X. Cheng, Department of Missile, Wuhan Ordnance Officer
School, Wuhan 430075, China.
Manuscript received January 21, 2017, revised March 24, 2017,
and ready for publication May 3, 2017.
Review handled by R. Wang.
0885/8985/18/$26.00 © 2018 IEEE
34

Both the transmitting station and the missile should have
positioning, orientation, and digital communication abilities.

High damage ability-The antitank missile must be able to
effectively damage all new models of battle tanks and armored vehicles, which are equipped with an active protection system.
Anti-interference capability-The guidance and control system of the antitank missile must have a strong anti-interference capability.
Multifunctionality-The weapon system installed on various platforms must be multifunctional; for instance, it should
be able to attack tank armor targets and other targets, such as
bunkers and helicopters.
Long-range capability-The next-generation missile must
have enough large-range capability to destroy enemy equipment from a distance.
Improvement possibility-The technology must be developed in a way that enables further improvements of the
weapon system.

To meet the requirements for a new-generation antitank missile fighting system, the U.S. Army has started development of an
improved javelin joint common missile, a compact kinetic antitank
missile, and a precision attack missile weapon system, along with
other systems in various stages of development [6].

IEEE A&E SYSTEMS MAGAZINE

JULY 2018

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