Summary of ARDUINO-POWERED MISSILE SYSTEM USES ULTRASOUND TO AIM
This project uses an Arduino Uno with a rotating ultrasonic sensor pair on a servo and a Raspberry Pi display to emulate a simple radar fire-control system. As the servo sweeps 180 degrees, ultrasonic returns are plotted; when an object is detected in the sweep, a USB foam-dart missile launcher is triggered to fire. It’s a straightforward desktop demonstration of radar-like targeting suitable for classroom use.
Parts used in the Arduino-powered missile system:
- Arduino Uno
- Raspberry Pi
- Ultrasonic sensor pair
- Servo motor (for rotating the sensors)
- USB foam-dart missile launcher (off-the-shelf)
- Wiring and connectors
- Power supply for devices
- Mounting hardware for sensors and servo
In the real world, missile systems use advanced radars, infrared sensors, and other hardware to track and prosecute their targets. [Raspduino Uno] on YouTube has instead used ultrasound for targeting for an altogether simpler desktop fire control solution.
This fun build uses a common off-the-shelf USB “missile launcher” that fires foam darts. To supply targeting data for the launcher, an Arduino Uno uses an ultrasonic sensor pair mounted atop a servo. As the servo rotates, the returns from the ultrasonic sensor are plotted on a screen run by a Raspberry Pi. If an object is detected in the 180-degree field of view of the sweeping sensor, a missile is fired using the dart launcher.
It’s a relatively simple build, but nonetheless would serve as a useful classroom demonstration of radar-like targeting techniques to a young audience. Real military hardware remains altogether more sophisticated. Video after the break.
Source: ARDUINO-POWERED MISSILE SYSTEM USES ULTRASOUND TO AIM
- What sensors are used to detect targets?
Ultrasonic sensors are used to detect targets. - What microcontroller controls the sensor sweep?
An Arduino Uno controls the ultrasonic sensor pair and servo sweep. - How is the sensor data displayed?
A Raspberry Pi runs a screen that plots the ultrasonic returns. - How wide is the sensor field of view?
The servo sweeps a 180-degree field of view. - What triggers the missile launcher to fire?
If an object is detected in the 180-degree sweep, the foam-dart launcher is fired. - What type of launcher is used?
An off-the-shelf USB foam-dart missile launcher is used. - Is this system comparable to real military radar?
No, the article states real military hardware is far more sophisticated; this is a simple demonstration. - Is this build suitable for classroom demonstrations?
Yes, it would serve as a useful classroom demonstration of radar-like targeting techniques.
