Abstract: A laser based tactical engagement simulation training system, and in particular a MILES type system, is characterized by an improved communication code structure for the system. The improved code word structure comprises a standard MILES code word that is modified to contain information over and above that required to be embodied in a standard MILES code word. This is accomplished by FM modulating the logic level “1” pulses of the standard MILES code word in a manner that embeds additional information in the word and enhances the system, while at the same time maintaining downward compatibility with existing MILES systems. Apparatus also is provided for encoding, transmitting, receiving, decoding and processing information embodying the improved code structure, which significantly enhances tactical engagement simulation for direct fire force-on-force training, and that yields more accurate simulation to improve tactical training results.

Abstract: A laser small arms transmitter (SAT) which may be affixed to the stock of a rifle such as an M16 used by a soldier in training with a multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES). The transmitter includes a housing assembly having a forward end with a window through which the beam of a laser diode is emitted. A pair of optical wedges are positioned inside the housing assembly between the laser diode and the window. The optical wedges are supported for independent rotation about a common optical axis for steering the laser beam. An alignment head may be physically mated to the rearward end of the housing assembly for driving a pair of shafts to rotate the optical wedges in the alignment of the transmitter so that a soldier can accurately hit a target once he or she has located the target in the conventional sights of the rifle.

Abstract: A manworn laser detection system is provided for use in a multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES). A plurality of laser detectors are carried by a harness adapted to be worn by a person for receiving a laser bullet hit from a weapon equipped with a laser small arms transmitter (SAT). An amplifier on the harness is connected to the laser detectors on the harness for amplifying a first electrical output signal of the laser detectors. A first optical coupling on the harness is connected to the amplifier for emitting optical signals representative of the amplified first electrical output signal of the laser detectors. An electronics assembly is adapted to be carried by the person and includes second optical coupling adapted to be mated with the first optical coupling for receiving the optical signals and generating a second electrical output signal representative thereof. A controller in the electronics assembly is provided for decoding a MILES code embedded in the second electrical output signal.

Abstract: A fixture automatically aligns a laser transmitter bolted to a rifle. A case is horizontally oriented and a hinged end cover is swung upwardly to reveal a control unit. The barrel of the rifle is supported on a weapon rest mounted to the base unit and the trigger guard or clip receptacle is mounted in a vise on a sliding rack inside the case. The vise has knobs for adjusting the azimuth and elevation of the weapon, thereby permitting the soldier to aim at a target reticle. An optics unit is mounted on a forward portion of the base unit and includes a lens and a beam splitter which is transparent to infrared light from the laser transmitter but reflective to visible light. The illuminated target reticle is mounted inside the optics unit. The beam splitter is positioned forward of the lens and is angled at forty-five degrees to project the image of the target reticle through the lens at infinity.

Abstract: A photodetector array which mounts to a soft hat, such as a military fatigue hat, and which includes circumferentially spaced and outwardly facing photodetectors on radial arms extending from a central hub. A radio transmitter, including an antenna, is mounted at the hub. The arms extend radially outward to the edge of the hat crown, and then extend down the sides of the hat to the band. Each arm has a proximal end joined to the hub, a radial portion extending to the edge of the hat crown, an axial portion extending towards the hatband and a distal end terminating at a photodetector. A wiring harness is molded within the arms and connects the photodetectors and antenna to the transmitter. A fastener is provided on each arm, at the intersection of the radial and axial portions, to attach the arms to the outer edge of the hat crown. At least two of the arm distal ends are provided with attachments for a chin strap.

Abstract: A laser diode optical system includes a laser diode having non-circular beam emitted from a diode emitter junction and having a peak energy centered on an optical axis, a collimating lens spaced from the laser diode with its focus at the laser diode on the optical axis to intercept direct energy from the laser diode and produce a central collimated beam on the optical axis, a paraboloidal reflector coaxially disposed about the laser diode emitted beam and collimating the portion of the emitted beam outside the included angle subtended by the lens, the collimated energy from the reflector being refracted through the periphery of the collimating lens to direct the collimated energy from the reflector into a hollow convergent-divergent conical beam coaxial about the central beam, a plurality of spaced energy diffusing elements on a surface of the lens intercepting and diffusing direct laser diode energy impinging the lens, and also intercepting and diffusing energy from the reflector, producing a spaced pattern