Parma, Ohio Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
Orbital Research Inc. has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for enhancing the precision and range of projectiles. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 11041702, titled ‘Methods for extended-range, enhanced-precision gun-fired rounds using g-hardened flow control systems’, improves how gun-fired rounds stay stable and accurate in extreme conditions.
This advanced system uses flow control surfaces that can withstand high gravitational forces during firing. The technology helps steer the projectile in flight, increasing its range and improving its hit accuracy. It is especially valuable for defense applications where precision and reliability are critical.
Orbital Research Inc. designed the system to function in intense launch environments without degrading over time. Traditional control surfaces often fail under the stress of launch, but this design maintains performance at high speeds and pressures. The system actively adjusts airflow around the round during flight, helping it stay on course despite external disturbances.
The invention supports smarter, more efficient defense operations by reducing the need for repeated targeting attempts. It also helps improve safety by minimizing the risk of off-target impacts. By combining durable hardware with adaptive control, the technology offers a next-generation solution for guided munitions.
Orbital Research Inc.’s innovation reflects a major step forward in precision-guided technology, providing new options for extended-range, high-accuracy performance in the field.