Walter B. Jennings - Huntsville AL William B. McKnight - Huntsville AL Richard D. Milton - Huntsville AL
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army - Washington DC
International Classification:
F41G 714 F42B 1330 F42B 1510 F42B 1502
US Classification:
244311
Abstract:
A system for intercepting a target with a missile having semi-active homing guidance. The target is discretely illuminated by a laser beam and the missile homes on the reflected illumination from the target.
Imaging Simplified Laser Pointing (Islaps)--A System Modification/Improvement
Richard D. Milton - Laceys Spring AL Vernon H. Ayre - Falkville AL William F. Otto - Huntsville AL John K. Dempsey - Union Grove AL
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army - Washington DC
International Classification:
G01B 1126
US Classification:
3561522
Abstract:
A subsystem addition to the Imaging Simplified Laser Pointing System (ISL). The subsystem in itself is a laser system to be operated off-axis within the field of view of the ISLAPS. This subsystem laser is to be used to interrogate the target. Operation of the ISLAPS at night or with low light conditions is made possible by this addition. The interrogator beam is bounced off the target. In the OA mode the receiver is looking for a retro-reflection or optical augmentation to signal the firing of the negation laser. This mode can be used at any light level. In the illuminator mode the interrogator is "opened up" to effectively spotlight the target during low light conditions. This allows for imaging, aimpoint selection and video correlation in the same manner as was done with ambient light in the original system. The use of the interrogator also makes it possible to range gate. This reduces background creating clearer images and increases sensitivity because it allows for a reduction in threshold levels.