Abstract: A laser-radar receiver comprising an array of optical fibers, wherein the opposite ends of the optical fibers are connected to at least one electromagnetic radiation detector, each of the optical fibers having differing physical characteristics which result in known delays in the transmission time of pulsed electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A switching circuit (3) having a low component count and suitable for use with a nuclear event detector circuit (2) provides a means for isolating a power source (1) from a load (2, 4). A bipolar transistor (5) provides a temperature insensitive, low voltage drop supply to the load (2, 4) and a MOSFET (7) provides base current to the bipolar transistor during standby mode; the MOSFET being turned on by the supply (1). When the supply voltage drops below the threshold voltage of the MOSFET (7), the base bias to the bipolar transistor (5) is removed. The bipolar transistor (5) cannot therefore conduct in the reverse sense and the circuit provides true isolation for the power supply (1) and the load (2, 4).

Abstract: A servomechanism is controlled to move at a rate below a critical limit by means of a feedback controller (10) which is responsive to the output of a rate measurement device (9). The feedback controller (10) has a non-linear response whose effect only becomes appreciable when the measured rates approach the critical limit. Operation within the critical limits ensures stable and accurate operation of the servomechanism.

Abstract: A pulse timer circuit comprising a monostable multivibrator which includes two complementary transistors Q5, Q6, has the advantage of good tolerance to temperature fluctuation owing to the provision of a Schottky diode D4 connected between the emitter and base of one of the transistors Q5. The Schottky diode, D4, which has a temperature coefficient matched to that of the transistor Q5, ensures that the output pulse width from the monostable is unaffected by fluctuations in ambient temperature.

Abstract: A high voltage generator including a Marx Generator (1) provides an output of up to 200 kV at a pulse repetition rate of up to 1 kHz. Discharge is triggered by over-volting a first stage (2a) of the Marx Generator, each stage including a hydrogen spark gap switch (5). By inhibiting the charging power supply (7) for a short time after each discharge, recovery of the dielectric is ensured, enabling high repetition rates without the need for gas flow.

Abstract: The volume of space, in range, azimuth and elevation, over which a conventional Tactical Ballistic Missile (TBM) early warning radar is required to search for incoming missiles is very large. This placed very heavy demands on the radar designer, resulting in large, very high power, low mobility radars, with subsequent vulnerability to ARMs and other defence suppression systems. This invention proposes an alternative approach to a TBM early earning radar which considerably reduces both the design and vulnerability problem, and permits effective TBM early warning radars to be constructed using current technology. This is achieved by moving the radar (1) beyond the front edge of the defended area (2). The increased elevation scan requirements are more than compensated for by a range-adaptive scanning technique which reduces the volume search time by more than 50% compared with a more conventional arrangement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shock absorber for use with a command link controlled missile system. The shock absorber being designed to absorb the shocks produced by launch and missile movements and being particularly applicable to fibre optic command link systems.