Abstract: An optical aiming device comprising optical elements providing a primary optical path by which a field of view is presented to an observer and a secondary optical assembly providing two stabilized secondary optical paths for projecting a stabilized aiming mark into the field of view and for projecting from the device a stabilized optical aiming beam. The secondary optical assembly comprises a reflector by which the secondary optical paths are stabilized, the reflector being mounted in a gimbal for rotation about a first axis and the gimbal being mounted for rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and the assembly further comprising stabilizing actuator means operative to move the reflector and the gimbal about the two axes of rotation to maintain the reflector stabilized against movement within predetermined limits of the device about the two axes.

Abstract: A laser guidance beam (30) for beam-riding aerial missiles is reflected at a stabilized mirror (M) to stabilize its position in space. A target (T) is viewed by an operator in a field of view (22) which also contains an aiming mark (A) stabilized by the mirror (M). A joystick (27) is used to generate signals for rotating the mirror (M) to bring the stabilized aiming mark (A) into superposition with the target, whereby the guidance beam (30) is also superposed on the target. Separate mirrors can be used for stabilization in pitch and yaw (FIG. 8). Different mirror elements on a single mirror unit, with the elements separated by a baffle, can be used to eliminate the risk of laser radiation of the guidance beam from entering the eye of the operator.