Laser Spot Tracker Quadrant Detector Target Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser-guided weapon systems face challenges in accurate target designation, particularly under adverse weather conditions and the risk of false returns, which can lead to targeting errors and collateral damage, due to the reliance on external laser designators and the need for continuous illumination of targets.
Innovation Solution
A laser spot tracker device incorporating a quadrant detector into a binocular or optical telescope system, which provides directional information to manually steer a reticule onto the target illuminated by a laser, allowing for confirmation of the correct target and enabling autonomous designation, thereby reducing targeting errors and increasing combat capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external laser designators are used to illuminate targets, then target designation capability is improved, but vulnerability to weather conditions and false returns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft equips itself with both laser designator and laser spot tracker capabilities, eliminating dependence on external designators. This self-service approach allows the aircraft to independently designate and verify targets, reducing vulnerability to weather conditions and false returns from external sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser spot tracker provides real-time feedback by detecting the reflected laser light and displaying the laser spot position on the display device. This feedback loop allows the operator to verify that the laser is correctly illuminating the intended target, enabling continuous monitoring and correction of target designation accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If continuous laser illumination is maintained during weapon transit, then guidance accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and target vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laser spot tracker enables continuous monitoring of the laser spot position on the target throughout the weapon transit phase. This continuous action ensures the laser remains accurately positioned on the target, maintaining guidance accuracy while allowing for optimized illumination patterns that reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual acquisition and verification methods with an automated laser spot tracking system. The quadrant detector and display device automatically track and indicate laser spot position, substituting mechanical/manual operations with automated optical-electronic systems that improve precision while reducing operational workload.
3Device complexity
If manual target acquisition methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but targeting accuracy and verification capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The display device serves multiple functions: it displays weapon status, target information, and laser spot position simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide comprehensive targeting capability without adding separate dedicated devices, thereby maintaining acceptable system complexity while significantly improving targeting accuracy and verification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser spot tracker acts as an intermediary between the laser designator and the weapon guidance system. It detects the reflected laser light and provides positional information to the display device, serving as a mediator that translates optical signals into actionable guidance data, thereby improving targeting precision without requiring direct complex interactions between the laser and weapon systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enhances the assurance of delivering ordnance to the intended target by providing accurate stand-off verification of target illumination, reducing fratricide and collateral damage, and streamlining the targeting process through direct confirmation of the aircraft's designator target location.
Implementation Method 1
a laser spot tracker device incorporating a quadrant detector
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a quadrant detector into a binocular or optical telescope system
Data Source
AI summary
A laser spot tracker device comprising a laser tracker receiver using a quadrant detector incorporated into a pair of binoculars or optical telescope system with a crosshair or reticule. Directional information from the laser tracker receiver is displayed to an operator (JTAC) to allow the reticule to be manually steered on to the target illuminated by the laser, thus identifying the target to the spotter. The laser code may be pre-selected to track a particular designator, or, the tracker may read out the code or codes of laser spots within its field of view.