Abstract: An improved tracking and guidance system is provided for line-of sight commanded missiles. The system includes a missile mounted laser beacon which is modulated at a predetermined frequency. An infrared sensor mounted on a tracking unit receives the incoming optical energy and provides a corresponding electrical output. The output signals are filtered to eliminate clutter and those signals outside the range of frequencies within which the laser is modulated. The filtered signals are then peak detected to determine missile azimuth and elevation within a predetermined window. Azimuth and elevation error detector circuits compare the missile azimuth and elevation to predetermined signals to generate error signals. The error signals are utilized by the missile guidance system to provide updated guidance commands.

Abstract: A simplified missile tracker system that utilizes a single field of view while maintaining both the high resolution required for tracking and the wide field of view required for missile acquisition. The detectors in the acquisition portion of the field of view are clustered or ORed together to provide missile high signals of a weighted command for guiding the missile in elevation while greatly decreasing the required amount of detector signal processing. The bottom group of detectors are not clustered and they provide the high resolution and linear correction required for the accurate tracking of the missile in elevation. The azimuth tracking is provided by a synchronizing system and may be linear or nonlinear depending on the missile requirements.

Abstract: An improved missile guidance system is provided which automatically compensates for jitter motion of the optical sight of a video tracker. The invention is adapted to receive video data input from an infrared detector or conventional camera. The invention includes circuits for filtering, gating, and digitalizing the incoming data as well as a formatter for directing successive frames into memory. Two memories are provided; the contents of which are sampled by matching logic as the second memory is being loaded. The matching logic thereby compares one frame of data to another at plurality of positions and provides a signal to an address latch when the best match is obtained. The format circuitry provides the position information to the address latch where it is stored for further processing. The output of the address latch is filtered to eliminate any signals representative of intentional tracking motion.

Abstract: An improved line-of-sight commanded missile guidance system is provided which provides the operator of a missile system with the capability of hitting targets which would otherwise be obscured by darkness, smoke, aerosols or poor atmospheric visibility.The system includes a tracker equipped with an infrared sensor and means for periodically blinking a laser beacon which is mounted on the missile. The laser operates in a range in which it would be most visible under the above described atmospheric conditions. Blinking provides countermeasure resistance. The sensor provides electrical signals representing frames of data corresponding to the target scene. Alternate frames contain the beacon signature. Electronic circuitry is provided for subtracting successive frames to eliminate clutter and to then provide signals indicative of the position of the missile relative to the center of the field of view.