Abstract: A target acquisition system for a mobile air defense system is capable of acquiring and engaging targets in rapid sequence while mounted on a moving vehicle. It incorporates a gyrostabilized turret drive system, an optical sight, a forward looking infrared scanner, an infared guided missile subsystem, an onboard computer, and system controls and displays. The turret drive will maintain a particular elevation and azimuth regardless of the motion of the vehicle on which the turret is mounted so that the target tracking system need not account for movement of the vehicle over the ground. The optical sight projects a set of reticles on a combining glass in front of the gunner, which shows the target on which the missile seeker is locked as well as the target at which the turret is pointed so that gunner can insure that the missile is locked on the correct target.

Abstract: An automatic turret tracking apparatus utilizes error signals from the missle tracking system to control the turret elevation and azimuth positions so that the turret can automatically track the target position without requiring active tracking activity by the gunner. This enables the gunner to concentrate on control and communication, eliminates gunner errors and optimizes gunner performance in high-speed/low-altitude engagements.