Abstract: An apparatus includes a first component having a first surface and a second component having a second surface. The first surface includes sputtered gold, and the second surface includes a stainless steel alloy. The first surface is configured to contact the second surface, and one of the components is configured to move against another of the components. The stainless steel alloy could consist of a UNS 21800/AISI Type S21800 metal. The sputtered gold could include ion sputtered gold, and the sputtered gold could have a thickness of about 1 micron. The first component could include a first blade of an adjustable aperture mechanism, where the adjustable aperture mechanism also includes a second blade. The second component could include a first plate of the adjustable aperture mechanism, where the adjustable aperture mechanism further includes a second plate. The blades can be configured to move within a space between the plates.

Abstract: A beam director subsystem and method for use in a weapons system. The beam director subsystem includes a source of electromagnetic radiation for generating a high energy laser (HEL) beam. The electromagnetic radiation is directed to a secondary mirror that reflects the electromagnetic radiation to a primary mirror for output of the HEL beam. The secondary mirror is generally curved and expands the electromagnetic radiation received from the source prior to outputting the HEL beam from the primary mirror. The subsystem further includes a track telescope coupled to the housing. The track telescope has a track detector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation originating from the HEL and electromagnetic radiation emitted from an illuminator and reflected from an airborne target.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for countering a projectile according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a countermeasure system. The countermeasure system may comprise a beam source adapted to generate an electromagnetic beam. The countermeasure system may further include a beam control system adapted to aim the electromagnetic beam at the projectile according to a fire control solution. The beam heats at least a portion of the projectile to a disruption temperature to deflagrate the projectile.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for countering a projectile according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a countermeasure system. The countermeasure system may comprise a beam source adapted to generate an electromagnetic beam. The countermeasure system may further include a beam control system adapted to aim the electromagnetic beam at the projectile according to a fire control solution. The beam heats at least a portion of the projectile to a disruption temperature to deflagrate the projectile.

Abstract: A beam director subsystem and method for use in a weapons system. The beam director subsystem includes a source of electromagnetic radiation for generating a high energy laser (HEL) beam. The electromagnetic radiation is directed to a secondary mirror that reflects the electromagnetic radiation to a primary mirror for output of the HEL beam. The secondary mirror is generally curved and expands the electromagnetic radiation received from the source prior to outputting the HEL beam from the primary mirror. The subsystem further includes a track telescope coupled to the housing. The track telescope has a track detector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation originating from the HEL and electromagnetic radiation emitted from an illuminator and reflected from an airborne target.

Abstract: An optical instrument comprising a housing having an optical path and a lens turret carrying at least two different optical components. At least three supporting devices are carried by the housing and engage the outer cylindrical wall of the lens turret at circumferentially spaced positions to support the turret for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the outer cylindrical wall to position a selected optical component in the optical path. Rotation of the turret is effected by a motor with a rotatable output pulley and a flexible drive element passing around the pulley and the outer cylindrical wall of the turret. One of the optical components is a rearwardly facing mirror, and the turret has a relatively large open area to enable light to pass therethrough for reflection by a mirror on the housing to the rearwardly facing mirror.