Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stabilizing a line of sight of an optical system without the use of gimbals. The apparatus includes a fixed plano-concave lens element mounted in a frame and a moveable plano-convex lens element mounted in a carriage. The frame mounts onto a preexisting optical system such that the lens elements are nominally aligned with the line of sight of the preexisting optical system. A motor driving unit is provided in the frame which moves the plano-convex lens element back and forth relative to the fixed plano-concave lens element about two orthogonal movement axes in response to small amplitude disturbances imparted to the optical system. The line of sight stabilization apparatus is suitable for retrofit installation onto preexisting optical systems, and in particular, to missile tracking guidance and sighting systems which were originally manufactured or installed without line of sight stabilization capability.

Abstract: An electro-optic targeting system for use with a surface-to-air or air-to-air missile launching system is disclosed. The targeting system provides, in a head-up display type system, the capability of sight observation of a target object and video observation of the target object, including magnified visible and thermal spectrum video, in combination with the display of an aiming mark indicating alignment of the weapon system. The targeting system incorporates a combining glass assembly through which the gunner observes the target object and upon which the video image is displayed. The combining glass includes an optically variable density cell of selectively changeable opacity. When the targeting system is operated in a sight mode, the cell is substantially clear, enabling the gunner to see the aiming mark superimposed on the combining glass with sight observation of the forward scene.