Abstract: An optical element mount is effective in high G environments to protect brittle optical elements in which tensile stresses are generated on surface S2 without degrading optical performance. A flexible spacer formed of a relatively low-stiffness material supports an optical element having a tapered outer periphery in an optical seat having a complementary tapered surface. When the optical assembly is exposed to the high G environment, the inertial loading drives the optical element in the aft direction into the flexible spacer and seat. This puts the optical element into a plate bending condition thereby inducing tensile stress on S2 which is at least partially offset by a compressive stress caused by the reaction force normal to the tapered interface. The stresses, both compressive and tensile, placed on the optical element in the high G environment can be very large.

Abstract: An optical element mount is effective in high G environments to protect brittle optical elements in which tensile stresses are generated on surface S2 without degrading optical performance. A flexible spacer formed of a relatively low-stiffness material supports an optical element having a tapered outer periphery in an optical seat having a complementary tapered surface. When the optical assembly is exposed to the high G environment, the inertial loading drives the optical element in the aft direction into the flexible spacer and seat. This puts the optical element into a plate bending condition thereby inducing tensile stress on S2 which is at least partially offset by a compressive stress caused by the reaction force normal to the tapered interface. The stresses, both compressive and tensile, placed on the optical element in the high G environment can be very large.

Abstract: A rolling gimbal harness for interconnecting between a gimbal mounted electronics assembly and a near gimbal electronics assembly in an airborne missile. The harness negotiates the dynamic range of the gimbal while exerting very little spring torque and friction. The harness is a flat ribbon of many shielded twisted wire pairs embedded in a highly flexible insulation material. The twisted wire pairs are terminated in very small connectors with pins having 0.025 spacing. The harness includes a pre-formed arcuate region which follows a circumferential path defined by the periphery of the gimbal platform.

Abstract: A multiple field of view sensor lens assembly suitable for inclusion in an infrared imaging system. The lens assembly includes a rotatable telescope 10 for providing first and second fields of view for the sensor, the first field of view being along a first axis thereof L and the second field of view being along a separate second axis T. A servo mechanism 30 is included for rotating the telescope 10 from a first orientation at which the first axis is aligned with the optical axis to a second orientation at which the second axis is aligned with the optical axis. In a preferred embodiment the inventive lens assembly is disposed to provide fields of view in opposing directions along the first axis L, and a third field along the second axis T.

Abstract: A multiple field of view sensor lens assembly suitable for inclusion in an infrared imaging system. The lens assembly includes a rotatable telescope 10 for providing first and second fields of view for the sensor, the first field of view being along a first axis thereof L and the second field of view being along a separate second axis T. A servo mechanism 30 is included for rotating the telescope 10 from a first orientation at which the first axis is aligned with the optical axis to a second orientation at which the second axis is aligned with the optical axis. In a preferred embodiment the inventive lens assembly is disposed to provide fields of view in opposing directions along the first axis L, and a third field along the second axis T.