Beam steered laser for fire control
US5180881A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41G3/16
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Fire control apparatus (30) comprises a gun (32) for firing a projectile at a target (T). The gun is mounted on a platform (36) which is subject to vibratory motion. A laser unit (40) generates a laser beam directable at the target. A gunner (G) directs a laser beam at the target and a return laser waveform reflected by the target is received back at the platform. A processor (44) is responsive to the return waveform to determine the target's range, speed, and direction of movement relative to the platform. Further, the processor determines a firing solution by which a projectile fired from the gun strikes the target. This solution includes a lead angle by which the gun should be directed ahead of the target for the projectile to strike it. A beam steering unit (62) is responsive to an output from the processor to realign the laser beam relative to the target. The degree of realignment is in accordance with the firing solution so the projectile fired from the gun strikes the target. The beam steering unit also stabilizes the laser beam to isolate it from platform vibrations. This is done to increase system accuracy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.