Modulated, dual frequency, optical tracking link for a command guidance missile system
US4047678A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 1969 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 1989 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41G7/30
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An optical tracking link for a command guidance missile system employing l frequency modulation of the optical signal transmitted from the missile beacon. Dual frequency encoding of the missile tracking beacon improves beacon-tracker performance in the presence of countermeasures or false signals. A solid state, missile beacon within the missile housing transmits alternate bursts of optical energy of first and second high frequencies during alternate half cycles of a low frequency modulating signal therefor. The optical, modulated signal is received by an optical tracker at the missile launch site, completing a link between the missile and the launch site. A visual tracker at the launch site provides line-of-sight contact with a target being tracked. A guidance control for the missile responds to output signals from the missile and visual tracker to develop an error signal between the longitudinal, line-of-sight axis and the missile trajectory. Any deviation of the missile from a course of impact with the target causes an error signal to be transmitted to the missile for flight course correction. The solid state beacon includes first and second clocks each having a high frequency o…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.