Abstract: A search light employs variable polarization angles to enhance target identification. The search light shines a beam of light which may be directed across terrain. The beam of light is alternated in polarization angles at a rate of about five to twelve cycles per second. The alternating contrast in polarization angles produces flashing to an observer viewing certain targets struck by the beam of light. The flashing appears when striking man-made objects which tend to have a differential in polarized light between horizontal and vertical polarization. Natural objects do not appear to provide the flashing to the observer. The rotating polarization angles are accomplished in one instance by using a stationary polarizer and a liquid crystal retarder mounted in front of a light source. In another instance, the change in polarization angles is accomplished by rotating a polarizer in front of a light source. The light source may be infrared, visible or ultraviolet.

Abstract: A detection system will detect and identify self-propelled objects, such as missiles, which create a hot exhaust plume. The exhaust plume has radiation which flickers with a frequency range of interest. This frequency range can be detected with various detectors, such as an ultraviolet detector or radio frequency detector. A warning signal will indicate if frequencies are encountered within the frequency range of interest. The detecting system will also detect light and radio frequency radiation from pressure waves created by supersonic components of the flying object. This radiation has low frequency components which can be filtered and identified.

Abstract: A detection system will detect and identify self-propelled objects, such as missiles, which create a hot exhaust plume. The exhaust plume has radiation which modulates with a frequency range of interest. This frequency range can be detected with various detectors, such as an infrared detector, an ultraviolet detector, or even a radio frequency detector. Guided missiles have radiation frequencies which are much higher than the radiation frequencies of jet aircraft and of reciprocating engines. A filter will filter the output signals from the detector, and discard those outside of the frequency range of interest. A warning signal will indicate if frequencies are encountered within the frequency range of interest.

Abstract: A radar cross-section reduction system utilizes a charging device for creating a high positive DC static potential on an object such as an aircraft. The charging system is mounted to the object so that this DC potential would be applied to the outer skin or surface of the object. The charging system includes Van de Graaf generators located in housings attached to the object. Each Van de Graaf generator has two pulleys about which a belt is rotated. One of the pulleys and the belt are nonconductors, while the other pulley is a conductor. This results in a buildup of positive charges at one end of the belt and negative charges at the other end. The negative charges are picked off and applied to a ground section. The positive charges are picked off and applied to a collector. The collector is in electrical continuity with the outer structure of the object. Negative dissipators attached to the ground section dissipate the excess negative charges during flight.

Abstract: A device will assist in detecting man-made objects by using a liquid crystal retarder and a stationary polarizer. The liquid crystal retarder shifts impinging light 90 degrees between a nonrotated and a rotated mode. In the nonrotated mode, the retarder is essentially transparent, with the light passing through the retarder and through the polarizer. In the rotated mode, the impinging light will be rotated 90 degrees. An observer viewing the light passing through the polarizer will detect a difference or a flashing, with the rate depending upon the speed of oscillation between the rotated and nonrotated modes. The system can be employed with visible light optical systems such as binoculars, or with an infrared detector or video camera.

Abstract: A laser device utilizes a turbojet engine to provide a stimulation source. The turbojet engine is conventional, having a compression section, a fuel injection and igniting section, and an afterburner section. A pair of mirrors are mounted adjacent the hot gaseous stream produced by the turbojet engine. One of the mirrors is fully reflective and the other is partially reflective. The mirrors face each other and are perpendicular to the flow of the gaseous stream, creating a reflection path that is transverse to the flow. The high temperature creates excited molecules in the gaseous stream. This results in photons being emitted, which when striking other excited atoms which emit photons of the same wavelength, create additional photons to combine into a laser beam travelling along a reflection path between the mirrors. A portion of the laser beam passes through the partially reflecting mirror where it strikes an inclined mirror that aims the beam toward a desired target.

Abstract: A device will detect man-made objects by using a polarizer mounted to a video camera. The polarizer rotates about an axis in front of a lens array of the video camera. The rotation of the polarizer alternately polarizes light received in proportion to the speed of rotation. This produces flashing in intensity for detecting the object as well as background rejection due to its lack of polarization. A man-made object having both horizontal and vertical surfaces of a type that will reflect light that can be polarized will provide flashing through the lens array as the polarizer passes through horizontal and vertical position. On the other hand, backgrounds don't have polarized components and won't flash. Attention is drawn to the man-made target. A high pass filter between the video signal processor and the monitor reduces background from the observed scene, permitting precise lock-on to the target.

Abstract: A device will detect man-made objects by using a polarizer. The polarizer rotates about an axis in front of a lens array. The rotation of the polarizer alternately polarizes light received in proportion to the speed of rotation. This produces flashing in intensity for detecting the object as well as background rejection due to its lack of polarization. A man-made object having both horizontal and vertical surfaces of a type that will reflect light that can be polarized will provide flashing through the lens array as the polarizer passes through horizontal and vertical position. On the other hand, backgrounds don't have polarized components and won't flash. Attention is drawn to the man-made target. The background can also be electronically eliminated from the observed scene, permitting precise lock-on to the target.