Abstract: In a directed infrared countermeasure system, to assure parallelism between the line-of-sight to a target and the output beam, the input and output mirrors are fixedly attached to a uni-construction arm mounted to a rotatable azimuth platter to which internal mirrors are also fixedly attached. A system is provided for zeroing out alignment errors by developing an aim-point map for the gimbal that records initial alignment errors induced by manufacturing tolerances and uses the aim-point map error values to correct the output mirror orientation. The system also corrects for alignment errors induced by thermal gradients.

Abstract: Enhanced stability for infrared countermeasure systems is provided by using a pair of single axis rate sensors having orthogonal active axes, preferably aligned with the elevation axis and the azimuth axis of the gimbal. The outputs of the orthogonal single axis rate sensors are used to detect instantaneous aircraft angular movement and to use the detected movement to drive the elevation and azimuth motors of the gimbal to move the output mirror for the gimbal to cancel the detected movement.

Abstract: In a directed infrared countermeasure system, to assure parallelism between the line-of-sight to a target and the output beam, the input and output mirrors are fixedly attached to a uni-construction arm mounted to a rotatable azimuth platter to which internal mirrors are also fixedly attached. A system is provided for zeroing out alignment errors by developing an aim-point map for the gimbal that records initial alignment errors induced by manufacturing tolerances and uses the aim-point map error values to correct the output mirror orientation. The system also corrects for alignment errors induced by thermal gradients.

Abstract: In a directed infrared countermeasure system, to assure parallelism between the line-of-sight to a target and the output beam, the input and output mirrors are fixedly attached to a uni-construction arm mounted to a rotatable azimuth platter to which internal mirrors are also fixedly attached. A system is provided for zeroing out alignment errors by developing an aim-point map for the gimbal that records initial alignment errors induced by manufacturing tolerances and uses the aim-point map error values to correct the output mirror orientation. The system also corrects for alignment errors induced by thermal gradients.

Abstract: In a directed infrared countermeasure system, to assure parallelism between the line-of-sight to a target and the output beam, the input and output mirrors are fixedly attached to a uni-construction arm mounted to a rotatable azimuth platter to which internal mirrors are also fixedly attached. A system is provided for zeroing out alignment errors by developing an aim-point map for the gimbal that records initial alignment errors induced by manufacturing tolerances and uses the aim-point map error values to correct the output mirror orientation. The system also corrects for alignment errors induced by thermal gradients.

Abstract: Enhanced stability for infrared countermeasure systems is provided by using a pair of single axis rate sensors having orthogonal active axes, preferably aligned with the elevation axis and the azimuth axis of the gimbal. The outputs of the orthogonal single axis rate sensors are used to detect instantaneous aircraft angular movement and to use the detected movement to drive the elevation and azimuth motors of the gimbal to move the output mirror for the gimbal to cancel the detected movement.

Abstract: In a staring infrared countermeasures system, wherein the improvement comprises a semiconductor material emitter for providing a specific infrared wavelength to provide protection against an infrared radiation guided missile.

Abstract: In a staring infrared countermeasures system, wherein the improvement comprises a semiconductor material emitter for providing a specific infrared wavelength to provide protection against an infrared radiation guided missile.

Abstract: In a method for laser return characterization in a DIRCM system, the improvement locating a single IR detector in an aperture in an image mirror so that its output can be used for countermeasure effectiveness measurement, missile range measurement, missile characteristic determination and to provide an AGC signal for tracking camera gain control.

Abstract: A method for reducing handoff inaccuracies in a DIRCM countermeasures system comprising the step of adding a second on-axis camera to the DIRCM countermeasures system.

Abstract: In a method for laser return characterization in a DIRCM system, the improvement locating, a single IR detector in an aperture in an image mirror so that its output can be used for countermeasure effectiveness measurement, missile range measurement, missile characteristic determination and to provide an AGC signal for tracking camera gain control.

Abstract: A method for laser return characterization in a DIRCM system, wherein the improvement comprises the step of using a split or shared path.

Abstract: A laser beam steering module includes an optics assembly that directs a first portion of a laser beam through an output aperture and a second portion of through a sensing path. The optics assembly adjusts a position of the laser beam through the output aperture and sensing path responsive to position control signals. A sensor array in the sensing path receives the second portion of the laser beam and in response thereto generates electrical beam position signals indicating a position of laser beam through the output aperture. The electrical beam position signals have values that are a function of a temperature of the sensor array and are used in generating the position control signals to adjust the position of the laser beam as a function of the values of the electrical beam position signals. A thermal stabilization circuit stabilizes the temperature of the sensor array responsive to thermal control signals.

Abstract: A laser beam steering module includes an optics assembly that directs a first portion of a laser beam through an output aperture and a second portion of through a sensing path. The optics assembly adjusts a position of the laser beam through the output aperture and sensing path responsive to position control signals. A sensor array in the sensing path receives the second portion of the laser beam and in response thereto generates electrical beam position signals indicating a position of laser beam through the output aperature. The electrical beam position signals have values that are a function of a temperature of the sensor array and are used in generating the position control signals to adjust the position of the laser beam as a function of the values of the electrical beam position signals. A thermal stabilization circuit stabilizes the temperature of the sensor array responsive to thermal control signals.