Optically guided munition
US7533849B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 19, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF42B15/01
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An optically guided mortar comprising a three axis canard assembly, an optical seeker, a guidance and control processor, and a fuze mechanism. The optical seeker is a direct replacement for existing standard mortar fuzes. The resulting system significantly improves current mortar circular error probability (CEP) and results in overall reduction of cost of target prosecution, reduction in collateral damage, improved crew survivability, and adds compatibility against limited non-stationary targets. The optical seeker detects an optical illuminator located at a target and supplies signals to the guidance and control processor which through a guidance algorithm supplies steering commands to drive motors of the three axis canard assembly which move a plurality of guidance canards to accurately direct the munition toward a target.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.