Abstract: An electro-optic targeting system for use with a surface-to-air or air-to-air missile launching system is disclosed. The targeting system provides, in a head-up display type system, the capability of sight observation of a target object and video observation of the target object, including magnified visible and thermal spectrum video, in combination with the display of an aiming mark indicating alignment of the weapon system. The targeting system incorporates a combining glass assembly through which the gunner observes the target object and upon which the video image is displayed. The combining glass includes an optically variable density cell of selectively changeable opacity. When the targeting system is operated in a sight mode, the cell is substantially clear, enabling the gunner to see the aiming mark superimposed on the combining glass with sight observation of the forward scene.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for platform stabilization. The apparatus uses linear and/or angular accelerometers to derive the roll, pitch, and yaw components of the angular velocity of the vehicle the apparatus is mounted on. Based on the calculation of angular velocity or acceleration of the vehicle and the current rate and angle of rotation of the device to be stabilized, the apparatus generates setpoint and movement commands for servo motors that rotate the sensing device such that the line of sight of the sensing device is stabilized. A control system implements a velocity control system, or, alternatively, an acceleration control system. In one embodiment of the invention, the accelerometers are positioned on a mounting base along axes corresponding to the roll, pitch and yaw axes of the vehicle in a location adjacent to the sensing device.

Abstract: A distributed optical aperture imaging system for generating visual images with arbitrarily high angular resolutions. A large number of relatively small optical receiver modules are optically and electronically phased to synthesize a coherent collecting aperture. Each of the optical receivers performs localized figure measurement, figure control and the collection of optical energy from which the angle versus angle images are generated. These optical receivers generate quadrature measurement data of the reflected radiation field. From these quadrature measurements, either phase and/or magnitude information regarding the target structure can be derived and employed in image synthesis algorithms. The system employs either broadband, narrow band, single line or multi-line laser illuminators having an angular resolution of the order of the angular resolution of a single optical receiver element.

Abstract: A missile aiming sight for use in a man-portable missile launching system which includes an adaptor section for connection between a conventional grip-stock and missile launching tube. The aiming sight monitors the electrical communication between the launching tube and grip-stock in order to drive a pair of sighting reticles. The reticles are positioned in the image plane of a telescopic viewing system for providing a visual indication by the intersection of the reticles as to the point of regard of the missile. A separate visual indicator is positioned at the center of the image plane to indicate that the missile electronics has locked on to a target. Additional indication is provided in the image plane to indicate out-of-tolerance and other sighting conditions to alert the operator to restart the missile firing process.

Abstract: A photographic shutter includes first and second curtains having opaque portions terminating at first and second edges which are positionable in spaced relation to define an exposure slit. Rollers support the curtains for movement of the slit in a certain path and through an exposure region. Electrical servo motors drive the curtains to control the width of the slit and to move the slit through the exposure region. A digital control circuit develops a command signal for control of movement of the slit through the exposure region. A drive circuit controls the servo motors in accordance with the command signal to obtain a certain velocity of movement of said slit at each position of said slit in said exposure region.

Abstract: The invention provides a viewing system which provides for a substantially continuous and unobstructed horizontal field of view over a desired viewing angle. The system comprises a plurality of entrance plane reflecting surfaces, each of which functions to reflect a field of view defined by an entrance aperture and a plurality of exit plane reflecting surfaces aligned with and spaced from each of said first reflecting surfaces for receiving a reflected view therefrom and for reflecting the view through an exit aperture to an observer. The entrance and exit reflecting surfaces are retained in fixed relationship. The number and width of said entrance apertures are such that the sum of all of the angles in azimuth subtended by all of the entrance apertures on a projected horizontal plane from a fixed reference point exceeds the angle in azimuth subtended by the system as a whole.