Abstract: A matrix of explosive cells can include plural explosive cells formed in an array in a common substrate. Each cell can be formed as a recess filled with explosive material. An ignition device has an addressable ignition source for each cell. This matrix can be used in combination with a projectile guidance system. The projectile guidance system includes an antenna, a transceiver and a control processor. A method of guiding a projectile can include firing a projectile at a target, tracking the projectile and the target, determining a desired change in a flight path of the projectile, transmitting guidance commands to effect the desired change in the projectile's flight path to the projectile, receiving the guidance commands onboard the projectile and selectively igniting an explosive cell in a matrix of addressable explosive cells contained in a common substrate using the guidance commands.

Abstract: A semi-active laser (SAL) sensing system is provided that uses a lightpipe to pass received reflected laser light from an aperture to a detector. The lightpipe facilitates further miniaturization of the SAL sensing system by taking the place of a larger lens system that would otherwise be required. For example, the use of the lightpipe in a missile or guided projectile can facilitate the placement of the SAL sensing system with other sensors in the limited available space at the front of the missile. In one embodiment, the lightpipe is formed from cladded optical fibers that are bundled together, shaped, and fused together. The core material from the optical fibers are then dissolved away, leaving the outer cladding. This remaining outer cladding remains fused together, and maintains its shape, thus forming a lightpipe that can be used in a SAL sensing system.

Abstract: A vehicle including a scanning imaging system includes a vehicle body having an outer surface, a propulsion source, and an optical window secured to the outer surface of the vehicle positioned on an optical axis for transmitting electromagnetic radiation received from a portion of an area of interest to the scanning imaging system. The scanning imaging system includes a first achromatic prism pair having prisms with different materials that have different refractive properties, and a second achromatic prism pair having prisms with different materials that have different refractive properties, both positioned on the optical axis. A camera fixed in location is optically coupled to form images from the electromagnetic radiation after being bent by the achromatic prism pairs. A motor including a controller independently rotates the first and second achromatic prism pairs about the optical axis for scanning within the area of interest.

Abstract: A projectile including: a casing; first and second windows provided on the casing for at least one of transmitting a first optical signal into an interior of the casing and transmitting a second optical signal from the interior of the casing; a receiving element disposed on the interior of the casing and in optical communication with one or more of the first and second windows for at least one of converting the first optical signal into electrical energy and storing data provided in the first optical signal; and a transmitting element disposed on the interior of the casing and in optical communication with one or more of the first and second windows for transmitting data provided in the second optical signal to outside the casing.

Abstract: By sharing tasks between the CV and the KVs, the MKV interceptor provides a cost-effective missile defense system capable of intercepting and killing multiple targets. The placement of the acquisition and discrimination sensor and control sensor on the CV to provide target acquisition and discrimination and mid-course guidance for all the KVs avoids the weight and complexity issues associated with trying to “miniaturize” unitary interceptors. The placement of either a short-band imaging sensor and headlamp or a MWIR sensor on each KV overcomes the latency, resolution and bandwidth problems associated with command guidance systems and allows each KV to precisely select a desirable aimpoint and maintain track on that aimpoint to impact.

Abstract: A solid solution-based optical material capable of transmitting infrared light, the solid solution-based optical material comprising at least two nano-sized phases intermixed in one another, wherein at least one of the at least two nano-sized phases is a solid solution containing a dissolved dopant, the dissolved dopant present in an amount sufficient to reduce a refractive index difference between the at least two nano-sized phases to about 0.2 or less when infrared light is being transmitted. Various embodiments are directed to related systems and methods. In one embodiment, the infrared light is visible infrared light, short-wave infrared light, eye safe infrared light, medium wave infrared light, long wave infrared red light, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A one-piece extended dome having a spanning angle greater than 180 degrees. The dome is integrally formed of a Nano/Nano class Nanocomposite Optical Ceramic (NNOC) material. The extended dome comprises seamless first and second non-complementary geometric shapes, such as a first spherical geometry and a second conical or ogive geometry. The Nano/Nano class NNOC material comprises two or more different chemical phases (nanograins) dispersed in one another, each type having a sub-micron grain dimension in at least the direction of light transmission. The material is a true NNOC material in that all of the constituent elements have sub-micron grain dimensions, there is no host matrix.

Abstract: By sharing tasks between the CV and the KVs, the MKV interceptor provides a cost-effective missile defense system capable of intercepting and killing multiple targets. The placement of the acquisition and discrimination sensor and control sensor on the CV to provide target acquisition and discrimination and mid-course guidance for all the KVs avoids the weight and complexity issues associated with trying to “miniaturize” unitary interceptors. The placement of either a short-band imaging sensor and headlamp or a MWIR sensor on each KV overcomes the latency, resolution and bandwidth problems associated with command guidance systems and allows each KV to precisely select a desirable aimpoint and maintain track on that aimpoint to impact. An implicit divert and attitude control system (DACS) using tow or more divert thrusters performs KV divert and attitude maneuvers to respond to the command guidance pre-handover and to maintain track on the aimpoint to terminal intercept post-handover.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a wave guide according to various aspects of the present invention may be implemented in conjunction with a radiation collection device comprising a light pipe, a first plate and a second plate. The first plate and the second plate may be inserted into the interior of the light pipe to divide the light pipe into sections. In one embodiment, a first section plate and at least a second section plate are inserted into a light pipe. The inserted first section plate and the at least second section plate may be secured to the light pipe.

Abstract: A method for engaging a target uses sensors to generate target track(s). The tracks are projected forward in time and associated with a track quality measure. The maximum seeker look angle and beamwidth, acceleration, and net radar sensitivity characteristics are listed for each type of interceptor. A plurality of target intercept times are generated for each interceptor type. The probability that the interceptor can acquire the target is determined from the projected target tracks, the quality measure, and the characteristics. The probability of hitting the target is determined from the probability of acquisition and acceleration of the interceptor type. The probabilities of acquisition and of hitting the target are aggregated, and the type of interceptor to use is the type having (a) an extreme value of the aggregation or (b) the earliest intercept time from among the interceptors having an aggregation value above a threshold value.

Abstract: A system for detecting proximity to a target object. The novel system includes a detector adapted to receive a reflected electromagnetic beam from the target and a processor adapted to determine a distance to the target by measuring an angle of the reflected beam. The system may also include an emitter adapted to transmit an electromagnetic beam toward the target to produce the reflected beam such that the angle of the reflected beam corresponds with a distance to the target. In an illustrative embodiment, the emitter is a focused infrared emitter or laser diode positioned to transmit the beam at a known angle such that the transmitted beam crosses an optical axis of the detector. The processor may also be adapted to use the rate of change of the amplitude of the reflected beam in determining the distance to the target.

Abstract: A SAR image recorded by a reconnaissance system is transferred as a reference edge image together with the data of the trajectory as a reference. The signal of the infrared seeker head of the missile is converted into a virtual SAR edge image and compared to the SAR reference image to calculate the precise position of the missile.

Abstract: According to the invention, the system comprises an infrared detector (7) for alternately generating images (5?) of sources of light (5) in the near infrared emitted by a missile flying towards a target and thermal images of the observed scene, said thermal images being visible on the display means (11).

Abstract: A reflector 38 includes a mirrored surface 48 and a frequency selective surface 46. The frequency selective surface 46 is arranged to reflect radiation of a first frequency band 52 and allow radiation of a second frequency band 50 to pass. The mirrored surface 48 is arranged to reflect radiation of the second frequency band 50. In this manner, the focal power for radiation of the first frequency band 52 is independent to the focal power for radiation of the second frequency band 50. Accordingly, the design of optical components associated with the second frequency band 50 can be undertaken independently of those associated with the first frequency band 52 so as to achieve the optimised focusing for each frequency band.

Abstract: An interception system for intercepting incoming missiles and/or rockets including a launch facility, a missile configured to be launched by the launch facility, the missile having a fragmentation warhead, a ground-based missile guidance system for guiding the missile during at least one early stage of missile flight and a missile-based guidance system for guiding the missile during at least one later stage of missile flight, the missile-based guidance system being operative to direct the missile in a last stage of missile flight in a head-on direction vis-a-vis an incoming missile or rocket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control device from an attack module flying over a target, module of the projectile or sub-projectile, missile or attack drone type, for a target designator positioned on a terrain of operations, comprising means to emit a remote control signal that are arranged in the attack module and at least one receiver means for the remote control signal that are integral with the designator and are associated with means to activate the start-up of the designator, wherein the emitter means incorporate at least one light source oriented so as to illuminate the terrain and in that the receiver means incorporate a detector for the radiation emitted by the light source or sources.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides an apparatus and a method to cooperatively track and intercept a plurality of highly maneuvering asymmetric threats using networks of small, low-cost, lightweight, airborne vehicles that dynamically self-organize into an ad hoc network topology. This is accomplished using distributed information sharing to maintain cohesion and avoid vehicle collisions, while cooperatively pursuing multiple targets.

Abstract: A laser guided projectile device and method for shooting the device through a percussion actuated non-electric disrupter or dearmer to disable or destroy improvised explosive devices, bombs, or other ordnance. The device can include a cartridge case, a laser housing, a laser module, and a projectile head. An aperture in the projectile head permits a laser beam to be emitted through the head and projected onto a target to facilitate increased shooting accuracy of the disrupter or dearmer. The device can include O-rings positioned around the laser housing and projectile head that assist in aligning the device within the disrupter or dearmer and that also provide a seal for gases that are emitted during detonation, thereby assisting in the propulsion of the device during firing. The projectile head can be interchangeable and can be rounded or cone-shaped or can comprise a shot cup.

Abstract: A thermal radiation-generating decoy mounted adjacent an aircraft engine structure, such as an engine nacelle, includes a heat source inside of an aerodynamic enclosure with a mounting interface to attach the enclosure to the engine structure. The decoy can further be located at the lower extreme of and adjacent the forward-most portion of the engine nacelle in order to attract an infrared-seeking threat to the vicinity of the fan containment portion of the engine nacelle. The decoy can be designed to have a thermal signature that mimics a scaled overall aircraft thermal signature. In addition, the decoy can include a fuse shield adjacent the enclosure to detonate a threat in the case that the threat approach trajectory is imprecise and the threat bypasses the enclosure within an aspect of the fuse shield as viewed from the approach direction of the threat.

Abstract: In a co-boresighted SAL/IR seeker, the optical system and particularly the secondary lens and position of the SAL detector are configured to produce a well-corrected spot of laser energy at the SAL detector. A spreader is positioned between the secondary mirror/lens and the SAL detector, possibly on the secondary mirror, away from the aperture stop and not in the optical path to the IR detector. The spreader is configured to spatially homogenize the laser energy to increase the size of the spot of focused laser energy at the SAL detector to set the system transfer function to meet slope requirements. Spatial homogenization serves to reduce both boresight shift and slope non-linearities. This approach greatly simplifies the time and labor intensive calibration of the SAL detector's system transfer function.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a seeker configured to guide the weapon to a target. The seeker includes a detector configured to receive a distorted signal impinging on an objective lens from the target, memory configured to store target criteria and a correction map, and a processor configured to provide a correction signal based on the distorted signal, the target criteria and the correction map to guide the weapon to the target.

Abstract: A method for engaging a hostile missile with an interceptor missile includes mathematically dividing an estimated target trajectory into portions, the junction of each portion with the next defining a possible intercept point. The engagement for each possible intercept point is modeled, to generate a probability of lethal object discrimination which is processed to generate a probability of intercept for each of the possible intercept points. The intercept point having the largest probability of intercept defines a selected intercept point from which intercept missile launch time is calculated, interceptor missile guidance is initialized, and the interceptor is launched at the calculated launch time and under the control of the interceptor missile guidance. Also, a method for estimating discrimination performance of a system of sensors includes generating sensor data signal-to-noise ratio and an aspect angle between the sensor and a lethal object.

Abstract: A system for detecting proximity to a target object. The novel system includes a detector adapted to receive a reflected electromagnetic beam from the target and a processor adapted to determine a distance to the target by measuring an angle of the reflected beam. The system may also include an emitter adapted to transmit an electromagnetic beam toward the target to produce the reflected beam such that the angle of the reflected beam corresponds with a distance to the target. In an illustrative embodiment, the emitter is a focused infrared emitter or laser diode positioned to transmit the beam at a known angle such that the transmitted beam crosses an optical axis of the detector. The processor may also be adapted to use the rate of change of the amplitude of the reflected beam in determining the distance to the target.

Abstract: An optical system for a missile has optics for imaging an object through a beam path on an imaging plane. The optics have external optics, rotatably mounted about a roll axis and a pitch axis of the missile, and internal optics, and one of the ends of the beam paths is fixed with respect to the structure in the missile. In order to prevent image disturbances caused by shadows which are caused at a high squint angle by an element which is fixed to the structure, the optical system includes a shutter, which can be introduced into the beam path during flight of the missile, in order to mask out a shadow, which is produced by an element of the missile, in the beam path in a viewing direction of the external optics which is tilted with respect to the roll axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely sensing the content in a field of view are disclosed. The method includes transmitting a coherent optical signal into a field of view; receiving and detecting a reflection of the optical signal from a portion of the field of view bounded by the platform's boresight; correcting the first instance of the detected reflection; and resolving the content of a plurality of cells in the field of view up to the platform's boresight. The apparatus comprises a radome; an optical signal generator; an optical transmission channel; an optical receiver channel; and a plurality of electronics capable of receiving the representative signal and: correcting the first instance of the detected reflection; and resolving the content of a plurality of cells in the field of view up to the boresight from the corrected first instance of the reflection.

Abstract: A miniature lightweight high-maneuverability missile (10) has a missile body (12) with three sets of at least two aerodynamic control surfaces (14, 16, 18) for independent control of roll, pitch and yaw of the missile. Each set of control surfaces (14, 16, 18) is independently controlled by a corresponding actuator (20) deployed within the missile body (12). Other preferred features include selection of an elevation angle of incidence at a target, and switching between explosive and kinetic modes of operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for guiding a projectile according to various aspects of the present comprise a force source disposed on the projectile and a control system operably connected to the force source. The control system is configured to initially activate the force source when the force source is substantially in a selected rotational position, and subsequently activate the force source when the force source rotates to substantially the selected rotational position a second time.

Abstract: A method and system for guiding and controlling an ordinance body having a trajectory and a bore sight angle including making corrections to the trajectory based on bore sight angle vs. time history. The system is incorporated with existing fuse components in a replacement kit for existing munitions. The method determines nominal time values of the ballistic trajectory of the munition in relation to launch time and determines deviation from the nominal time values by an algorithm by analyzing signals received from a source of radiation located at the target. A processor determines lateral (left/right) and range errors and provides commands to a plurality of flight control surfaces mounted on the munition.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a target sensor configured to guide the weapon to a target. The target sensor includes a front lens configured to provide a cover to protect the target sensor from an environment and a fast fresnel lens behind the front lens to provide a multi-lens focusing system for the target sensor. In a related embodiment, the weapon includes an aft section including a tail fin having a modifiable control surface area thereby changing an aspect ratio thereof.

Abstract: A guidance system may include an optical system to focus incident radiation onto a detector configured to generate at least one guidance signal in response to the focused incident radiation. The optical system may include a first lens having a first side and a second side, the first side consisting of a Fresnel lens formed on a generally convex surface and the second side being generally planar.

Abstract: A shield for use with a detector includes a first opening adjacent the detector, a second opening opposite the first opening along an optical axis intersecting the detector, and a field of view defined by the detector and the second opening. A shield body includes alternating curved profile regions and linear profile regions coaxially aligned along the optical axis. The curved profile regions have respective curved interior surfaces concave facing toward the second opening, and the linear profile regions have respective interior surfaces facing toward the first opening. In this way, specular reflections associated with stray light may be greatly reduced.

Abstract: An optical system comprising a first optical unit and a first sensor unit for sensing electromagnetic radiation. The optical system also comprises a micromirror matrix unit which is arranged in the beam path between the first optical unit and the first sensor unit. The micromirror matrix unit is arranged to be able to be set in at least a first and a second state. In the first state, the micromirror matrix unit reflects incident electromagnetic radiation such that it reaches the first sensor unit. In the second state, the micromirror matrix unit reflects incident electromagnetic radiation such that it does not reach the first sensor unit. The invention also concerns a target-seeking system comprising such an optical system.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a kill-vehicle to be used in an exo-atmospheric anti-missile interceptor aimed at hitting a target, the kill-vehicle having a main body and comprising: an electronic box; a sensor unit coupled to the electronic box and including at least one sensor for tracking the target at a certain field of view; an inertial measurement unit coupled to the sensor unit; and a divert system controlled by the electronic box for providing the kill-vehicle with thrust at a desired direction; said divert system and electronic box constituting said main body, wherein the kill-vehicle further comprises at least one gimbals unit coupled to the main body and to the sensor unit for controllably changing an angle between the sensor unit and the main body, and wherein said electronic box is configured to synchronically operate said divert system and gimbals unit such that the target remains in the field of view of said at least one sensor and the thrust is provided i

Abstract: There is disclosed a multimode seeker including an imaging infrared seeker and a radio frequency seeker. The imaging infrared seeker and the radio frequency seeker may share an optical system adapted to form an infrared image of an outside scene on a focal plane array image detector and to collimate radio frequency radiation transmitted from a radio frequency transceiver and focus millimeter ware radiation received from the outside scene onto the radio frequency transceiver. The shared optical system may include a plurality of baffles to block sunlight from reaching the focal plane array image detector, each baffle comprising a material that is opaque to infrared radiation and transparent to radio frequency radiation.

Abstract: A non-spinning projectile that is self-guided to a laser designated target and is configured to be fired from a small caliber smooth bore gun barrel has an optical sensor mounted in the nose of the projectile, a counterbalancing mass portion near the fore end of the projectile and a hollow tapered body mounted aft of the counterbalancing mass. Stabilizing strakes are mounted to and extend outward from the tapered body with control fins located at the aft end of the strakes. Guidance and control electronics and electromagnetic actuators for operating the control fins are located within the tapered body section. Output from the optical sensor is processed by the guidance and control electronics to produce command signals for the electromagnetic actuators. A guidance control algorithm incorporating non-proportional, “bang-bang” control is used to steer the projectile to the target.

Abstract: A target tracking device incorporating a Position Sensitive Detector (PSD) 1 is described. A target is illuminated by a laser of a suitable wavelength. The target reflects the laser radiation and the reflected radiation is incident on a flying vehicle carrying a target tracking device. The PSD in the device outputs a signal representative of the position of the incident laser spot. The output signal is input into control electronics, the control electronics incorporating a resistive transimpedance amplifier. A higher than usual bias voltage is applied to the PSD yielding improved pulse response of the target tracking device. Therefore, the tracking device is particularly suited for use with a target marking laser having a short pulse duration.

Abstract: SAL designation uses absolute time coding of the pulse-stream to disambiguate the designator in a manner that reduces the number of pulses in a pulse-stream and reduces the total pulse energy on the target. This requires timing synchronization between the designator and receiver. For improved rejection of unintended returns, more precise time gating (narrower absolute time window) is required. This can be achieved by removing the path length and or firing time uncertainty errors. Absolute time coding reduces the number of pulses and total energy on target in two ways. First, the designator may only have to transmit the pulse-code once. The “spot” appears for the brief time associated with a pulse-stream and disappears; continuous lasing of the target is not required. Second, the designator can be disambiguated using a combination of pulse-code (relative spacing of pulses) and pulse-position (absolute timing of pulses) modulation.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method of control of an ammunition or submunition, and in particular of the control of initiation of fire and/or of control of a trajectory correction and/or of a direction of fire, from a target detection. The method consists of the following steps: (1) a field zone (2) is sweeped from the ammunition (6) or submunition using a laser beam (10), (2) a potential target (1) located on the field is spotted using a passive surveillance means (4), and (3) when the means of passive surveillance (4) detects the laser beam (10) transmitted by the ammunition or submunition, the transmission of an order of confirmation is controlled and/or of at least one off-target data via the means of surveillance (4) and towards the ammunition or submunition.

Abstract: A collision and conflict avoidance system for autonomous unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) uses accessible on-board sensors to generate an image of the surrounding airspace. The situation thus established is analyzed for imminent conflicts (collisions, TCAS violations, airspace violations), and, if a probable conflict or collision is detected, a search for avoidance options is started, wherein the avoidance routes as far as possible comply with statutory air traffic regulations. By virtue of the on-board algorithm the system functions independently of a data link. By taking into account the TCAS zones, the remaining air traffic is not disturbed unnecessarily. The system makes it possible both to cover aspects critical for safety and to use more highly developed algorithms in order to take complicated boundary conditions into account when determining the avoidance course.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multimode seeker including an imaging infrared seeker and a radio frequency seeker. The imaging infrared seeker and the radio frequency seeker may share an optical system adapted to form an infrared image of an outside scene on a focal plane array image detector and to collimate radio frequency radiation transmitted from a radio frequency transceiver and focus millimeter ware radiation received from the outside scene onto the radio frequency transceiver. The shared optical system may include a plurality of baffles to block sunlight from reaching the focal plane array image detector, each baffle comprising a material that is opaque to infrared radiation and transparent to radio frequency radiation.

Abstract: A distributed aperture sensor system and sensing method comprising a plurality of sensors each having an aperture and window that provides electromagnetic interference shielding by a material with a bulk resistivity of less than or approximately equal to 10 ohm-cm that is substantially uniform throughout the window.

Abstract: An object detection system has an image detection system with an imaging detector, a position detection system with a position detector, and optics which guide incident radiation onto both detectors. The two detectors are arranged one behind the other, in particular adjacent to one another, in the beam path. This makes it possible to achieve a simple, compact and reliable object detection system.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a radome and an evanescent wave-coupled windowing system in the radome. In operation, the apparatus receives radiation reflected from an object that is incident upon a windowing system; emits evanescent waves from the windowing system whose amplitudes are proportional to the angle of incidence of the radiation; and non-coherent, Fresnel direction finds the object.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides an apparatus and a method to cooperatively track and intercept a plurality of highly maneuvering asymmetric threats using networks of small, low-cost, lightweight, airborne vehicles that dynamically self-organize into an ad hoc network topology. This is accomplished using distributed information sharing to maintain cohesion and avoid vehicle collisions, while cooperatively pursuing multiple targets. An oracle vehicle relays network information to a control base.

Abstract: An infra-red proximity fuze system for a homing missile is provided that has Mercury Cadmium Telluride detector cells cooled to at least ?40° C., and a frequency response range of 5-7 microns, so as to be sensitive to target skin radiation due to kinetic heating and insensitive to jet-exhaust plume radiation. Three optics/detector modules are equidistantly spaced around the missile axis and each has first and second detector elements the three first elements being connected in a common channel to constitute a guard beam and the three second elements being likewise connected to constitute a firing beam, the guard beam field being displaced angularly from the firing beam field in the forward missile axis direction by about 6°.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for driving airflow along a surface of a gimbal. The systems may comprise a gimbal apparatus including a payload and also including a gimbal mount supporting a first gimbal and a second gimbal. The first gimbal may be coupled pivotally to the gimbal mount. The second gimbal may be coupled pivotally to and supported by the first gimbal. The second gimbal may be coupled to and may support the payload. The gimbal apparatus may orient the payload by pivotal movement of the first and second gimbals relative to the gimbal mount about at least two nonparallel axes. The system also may comprise a fan mounted to the first gimbal. The systems also may comprise operating the fan to drive airflow through a gap disposed between the first and second gimbals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for photographing on board of a flying rotating body and system for carrying out said method. According to said invention, pictures (V0, V90, V180, V270) are taken at predetermined angular positions of said flying body by a device which is rigidly fixed to the front thereof and are exposed to an image geometrical transformation required for the display thereof.

Abstract: A control mechanism pins an optical fiber assembly on and off gimbal and between gimbals to route the assembly from an off-gimbal optical source across the gimbal axis/axes to an on-gimbal optical element so that the fiber assembly moves with the rotation of the gimbals. To accommodate a relatively large range of motion, the control mechanism is suitably configured to route the fiber assembly in a “U-shaped” loop with one end pinned off-gimbal in a stationary guide track and the other end pinned on-gimbal point in a rotating guide track so that the loose fiber assembly is constrained in the concentric tracks on and off gimbal. As the gimbal rotates, the loop seats onto one guiding track and peels off of the other guiding track while always maintaining its U shape.

Abstract: A laser target seeker device arranged to receive a laser beam reflected from an object. Detector elements are arranged to detect the reflected laser beam. A processor is arranged to determine the received radiation on the respective detector element in order to determine the origin of the laser beam. A diffractor is arranged relative to the detector elements and configured to diffract the reflected laser beam into portions prior to being detected by the detector elements. The detector elements are arranged to detect the respective portion. A flyable body is for hitting a target by means of a laser beam. A system for hitting a target by means of a laser beam. A method for detecting a laser beam reflected from an object. Use of a kinoform member in a laser target seeker for diffracting a laser beam.

Abstract: One version of the invention relates to a laser detection system that includes a ball lens and a plurality of fiber optic bundles placed adjacent the ball lens so that incoming light rays are focused onto the bundles by the ball lens. In one particular version of the invention, a ball lens is one that can provide an almost infinite number of “principal” axes for off-axis light. Each fiber optic bundle is aimed in a different direction from each other bundle so that each bundle will have a different FOV even though the same ball lens is used to focus the incoming light rays.