Method and system for guiding an artillery shell

An artillery shell comprising:

• a payload;
• a guidance system including a radio receiver;
• an antenna array coupled to the radio receiver, where the antenna array is a multi-element antenna array having a plurality of individual antenna elements with a central open region therebetween;
• the antenna array being configured as a slot antenna;
• wherein said individual elements are fed by signals which are not in-phase, and are fed in accordance with a predetermined scheme;
• and
• wherein said predetermined scheme is based on a predetermined scheme of switching between individual antenna elements.

An antenna comprising:

• a printed circumferential GPS slot type array of individual antenna elements;
• wherein an access hole is centrally disposed between the individual antenna elements;
• wherein said access hole is sized, adapted and configured for receiving therein a mechanical actuation pin therein;
• the individual antenna elements being separated from each other by shorting walls comprised of a plurality of plated through holes;
• and,
• an inner via ground isolation ring disposed around the access hole to provide isolation of the antenna from any mechanical actuation pin disposed in said access hole.

A method of controlling an artillery shell comprising the steps of:

• using an antenna array to monitor GPS satellites and determining a position of the artillery shell during a flight;
• providing a command to change a trajectory path characteristic of the flight;
• manipulating signals fed to a plurality of independent antenna elements in the antenna array, so as to shape a resulting radiation pattern from said antenna array so that a higher gain characteristic applies to an upwardly directed portion of said radiation pattern;
• and,
• deploying airfoils from the artillery shell to change a velocity characteristic of the artillery shell during flight in response to the command.