Abstract: A problem faced by designers of advanced electronic military equipment is the strigent angular alignment requirement of aircraft avionics and weapon system sensors. Meeting the alignment requirements in the case of advanced systems presents an ever-increasing problem. In airborne systems, as the alignment requirements of its sensors are becoming more stringent, the aircraft are becoming more flexible structurally. Conventional sensor alignment systems are expensive and utilize complex optical-mechanical equipment and procedures, for instance aircraft jacks, optical targeting boards, precision optical mirrors, sophisticated tooling, and ground support personnel. Past alignment procedures also required ground personnel having the same skill level as those in the aircraft in order to operate such equipment as optical target boards, precision optical mirrors, autocollimators and other instruments.

Abstract: An augmented tracking apparatus utilizing an optical tracker in conjunction with a radar sensor to lock on to and track a moving target aircraft.