Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating sharper and more accurate LADAR intensity images is disclosed. The LADAR system includes an optical transmitter and receiver that generates and scans a laser beam in a target field. A backscatter detector senses the magnitude of the generated laser beam. A signal processing unit uses the magnitude of the transmitted laser beam to adjust the magnitude of received reflections to produce a sharper intensity image.

Abstract: A visual recognition system is disclosed for detecting a target within a scene. A LADAR system and method is employed for scanning laser light signals across a scene having a target to be characterized. Laser light reflected from the target is detected and processed into a three-dimensional image. The three-dimensional image is segmented to separate the target from the overall scene. Substantially, only the segmented target data is either displayed locally or transmitted via a narrow bandwidth transmission medium to a remote site for display. The invention finds particular application in military situations where enemy armor is detected and the segmented version of the armor is transmitted via SINCGARS.

Abstract: A weak Hamiltonian finite element method is used for iterative computation of missile guidance acceleration commands for maximizing a missile's terminal velocity while satisfying control authority limits and terminal attitude constraints. The guidance acceleration commands include commands for controlling the angle of attack (.alpha.) and the bank angle (.phi.) of the missile. The angle of attack (.alpha.) and bank angle (.phi.) are related to a set of virtual control variables selected to avoid convergence problems when the angle of attack is approximately zero. The preferred control variables are .beta..sub.2 and .beta..sub.3 such that .beta..sub.2 =cos.phi.tan.alpha. and .beta..sub.3 =sin.phi.tan.alpha.. Iterative convergence is facilitated when control inequality constraint parameters are reached by adjusting iterative solutions between iterations toward satisfaction of the constraints.

Abstract: A closed-loop Brayton cycle (topping system) takes in heat energy at very high temperatures and rejects heat energy as input heat energy to a closed-loop Rankine cycle (base system). Heat energy input to the base system comes partially or solely from the high-temperature topping system. Materials having high strength at high temperatures enable the topping system to extract significant mechanical energy from thermal energy contained in high temperature working fluid and discharge waste energy from the topping system to the base system at temperatures sufficiently high to be fully useable input to the base system. In the preferred embodiment, closed-loop Brayton-cycle operates at maximum temperatures greatly in excess of maximum temperatures of a conventional steam Rankine-cycle. Consequently, a high-temperature closed-loop Brayton cycle topping system of significant output and efficiency can act as an addition to a conventional steam power-generating station.