Abstract: A protective hybrid composite for a rotor blade is based on the use of tape cast ceramic layers densified by pre-ceramic polymer infiltration methods and laminated together with polymer matrix composite prepregs, with or without an embedded metallic mesh, to form a conforming helicopter blade cladding that is laminated to the blade surface for added erosion protection. The hybrid composite is fabricated to net shape and laminated to the blade using either an adhesive or a polymer composite prepreg inner layer. Installation is accomplished by a standard composite fabrication method of vacuum bagging the blade while the system is laminated to its surface. Repair methods based on removal of ceramic tiles is facilitated by incorporation of a metallic mesh element laminated beneath the ceramic tiles that can be used to heat the tile and decrease its adhesion strength.

Abstract: An electro-optomechanical beam steering system has: a first deflector for selectively deflecting an optical beam in a first field of regard centered about a boresight; and a rotation stage having a second deflector, the rotation stage selectively positioning the second deflector in azimuth about the boresight, the second deflector selectively deflecting the optical beam of the first field of regard in a second field of regard along a polar axis defined by the second deflector and the azimuth as positioned by the rotation stage. Methods using the beam steering system are also provided, to steer an optical beam or to acquire a target in a field of regard.