Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for use in the warhead of a missile, which can be used against helicopters, in that it is equipped with one or more high-resolution LRFs with respect to space and time, which identifies the helicopter on the basis of the common arrangement and size of the detected rotor blade selections with a numerical processor and activates an ignition device accordingly.

Abstract: A passive, infrared, conical beam target sensor having multiple beams which may exhibit a wide variety of half conic angles is disclosed. The sensor may be utilized with a missile by positioning a plurality of optical assemblies adjacent to the skin of the missile and near a corresponding plurality of small windows in the skin of the missile. Each optical assembly includes a detector for each conical beam and a wide-angle lens oriented so that a lens axis parallels the axis of the missile. A preferred lens has a flat entrance aperture surface opposing a spherical surface. Unnecessary material is removed from the lens so that the lens axis may reside as close to the missile skin as possible. Each detector includes a plurality of photoelectric elements arranged to populate at least a portion of an annulus.

Abstract: A bomblet has a casing and a targeting device provided with a reflector swingably secured to the casing. The reflector has a position of rest in which it is situated within a cross-sectional outline of the casing and a working position in which it is in a deployed state externally of the casing. A first guide arm is articulated to the reflector to provide for a relative pivotal motion about a first pivotal axis, and to the casing to provide for a relative pivotal motion about a second pivotal axis. A second guide arm is articulated to the reflector to provide for a relative pivotal motion about a third pivotal axis, and to the casing to provide for a relative pivotal motion about a fourth pivotal axis. All the pivotal axes are parallel to and spaced from one another and are perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the bomblet. The guide arms guide the reflector in a swinging motion from the position of rest into the working position.

Abstract: A proximity fuzing arrangement for an airborne body which is equipped with a reflective beam range-finding device. The path of the beam of the range-finding device extends through a point which is located eccentrically offset relative to and rotates about the longitudinal axis of the airborne body behind a collective or focusing optic, and which extends along a variable viewing angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the airborne body. The combination of a passive infrared-target tracking arrangement with an active-laser range-finding device behind the same large collective or focusing optic, is thereby especially suited for an increase in the power of a rapid air defense-airborne body against target objects which enter into the atmosphere in a steep ballistic trajectory and which are thereby intensely heated.

Abstract: An impact fuze arrangement for a missile in which an electromagnetic field is set up within a compartment in the body of the missile and a warhead detonating signal is generated if the field intensity varies by more than a predetermined amount, as will happen due to distortion of the compartment on impact of the missile on a target. Fields may be set up within a plurality of compartments and warhead detonation may be made conditional on distortion of more than one of these compartments.

Abstract: Detection apparatus which is sensitive both to radiation and to the proximity of the radiation source, as well as destruction apparatus embodying detection apparatus.

Abstract: A laser proximity sensor for a projectile includes a laser diode having front and rear facets. The diode generates a main laser signal and directs a first portion thereof out of the front facet as a source beam. Focusing means focuses the source beam on a target, and focuses the return beam reflected from the target into the laser diode through the front facet. The laser diode receives the return light beam, provides it with a positive gain, mixes it with the main laser signal, and guides it out the rear facet as a mixed beam. A detection focusing device focuses the mixed beam onto a PIN detector. The PIN detector coherently detects the mixed beam and provides an output signal having a perturbation where the target enters the focal field of the focusing optics. A processor detects the output signal from the PIN detector and may activate a fuse on the projectile.

Abstract: A proximity sensor comprising a thermal detector responding to the rate of change of a thermal input and connected to circuitry for performing a control function when the detector output becomes zero, which occurs when a target being approached by the detector fills the field of view of the detector.

Abstract: A proximity fuze of adjustable maximum range, configured to detect target pulses reflected only from a target within the lethality range of the associated warhead. My invention comprises a wideband switchable video amplifier connected to receive target pulses detected by a detector, and serving to supply therefrom an amplified version of the pulses to a pulse counter. The wideband switchable video amplifier is connected to receive signals from a gate generator, which signals do not interfere with the passage through the video amplifier of pulses representative of a target that will fall within the lethality range of the associated warhead. However, the gate generator provides blanking signals to the video amplifier that serve to prevent pulses reflected from a target outside such lethality range from reaching thepulse counter, and therefore preventing inappropriate detonation of the warhead. Quite advantageously, my novel fuze concept is usable with electro-optical devices or with radar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuse for rotating projectiles having directive explosive force, whereby is meant that the projectile has effect in one direction only, which direction does not coincide with the length axis of the projectile, and substantially no effect in other directions. The fuse according to the invention comprises two sensors. A first sensor with a narrow sensitivity lobe in a direction not coinciding with the length direction of the projectile, suitably the same direction as the direction for maximal explosive force, produces a pulse signal each time its sensitivity lobe is directed towards a target, and a second sensor monitors the distance to the target. The pulse signal obtained from the first sensor is used to initiate burst at a moment when the direction for maximal explosive force coincides with the direction to the target, provided that the second sensor indicates that the projectile has entered a given distance zone from the target.

Abstract: A subordinate-ammunition member with a target-detecting arrangement, in which the arrangement externally of the wall of the member is oriented in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the member. The target detecting arrangement is arranged on a support which is movable relative thereto and is adapted be displaced from the interior outwardly of the wall structure of the subordinate-ammunition member.

Abstract: A method for the attacking of target objects through the intermediary of small bombs which are ejected from a carrier or canister in the longitudinal axial direction of the latter. The small bomb-carrier or canister includes a controllably ignitable ejector propellent charge for the ejection of small bombs in parallel with the longitudinal axis thereof upon reaching of a predetermined drop height during falling into a target area. The ejection of the small bombs is delayed until the reaching of a height above ground which is reduced relative to a reference of standard height, when prior to the reaching of the standard height there is detected a target object within a surface area corresponding to a smaller dispersing and target area.

Abstract: An optical rangefinder having a transmitter and receiver located closely acent for short range operation allows optimum detection of a target when either or both the target and the rangefinder are moving. An optical window region is established where the transmitter look axis intersects the receiver look axis and is adjustable for providing an output signal when the rangefinder and target are less than approximately ten feet apart. The transmitter may emit either noncoherent or coherent infrared energy. The receiver includes zero crossing detection when a received maximum signal intensity is reached and adequate signal detection means which activates when the signal level exceeds a desired minimum. An output signal is generated when the outputs of these two detection circuits are coincident.

Abstract: Dual field-of-view detection allows reflected energy from a target to be eived in one detector and extraneous reflected energy adjacent to the target area to be simultaneously detected in a separate detector. Comparison of the desired signal with a threshold level and with the detected extraneous energy level allows superior false alarm rejection while improving sensitivity by allowing reduced threshold levels for the true target. This dual detection in a single receiver allows the receiver to have two separate but immediately adjacent fields-of-view which interact with a transmitted beam to form a pair of adjacent sensing zones. A vehicle such as a missile equipped with this detection system can pass in close proximity to a target and distinguish a true target passing through the established sensing zone from extraneous background signals.

Abstract: Proximity responsive apparatus capable of being used, for example, as a fuzing device for a bomb includes means for generating and emitting pulses of energy which conform to a predetermined time varying waveform. Reflected energy is sampled at two or more spaced instants in time, and the sampling instants are chosen in accordance with the required range of operation of the apparatus and also the shape of said waveform. The samples are compared and the result of the comparison is a signal used to control the fuzing of the bomb.

Abstract: In a low-flying weapons carrier, such as a manned or remote control aircr, a weapon is arranged to fire steeply downwardly at ground targets. The weapon can fire a plurality of separate ammunition members. A release for the weapon is located in the weapons carrier and a target detector separate from the weapon is associated with the release. The target detector is directed steeply downwardly parallel to the velocity vector of the ammunition members to be discharged by the weapon.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating a firing or triggering signal for a projectile which is conveyed in a flying body overflying a target, wherein a target identifying circuit requires a processing period for the identification of a detected target pursuant to predetermined characteristics, and in which, subsequent to a waiting period dependent upon the flying altitude, there occurs a delay or lag period between the initiation of the firing signal and the ejection or, respectively, target impact of the projectile.

Abstract: A triggering system that provides for fusing a self-forging warhead or ot warhead to fire down on a target as the vehicle carrying the warhead flys horizontal by just over the top of the target. The triggering method uses an active optical system (transmitter-receiver) on board the vehicle which establishes a triggering window in space just below the vehicle. A triggering or detonating signal is developed when a target enters the window.

Abstract: An electro-optical inspection device for making optical observations of a tellite in space having a stabilized matrix camera with an image tube from which a readout is taken and transmitted through electromagnetic transmitting means to a ground receiving station whenever the camera is directed toward, and at a predetermined distance from, a satellite, as determined by a proximity switching means, to activate the camera and transmitting means for reconstruction of the optical observation at the ground receiving station.

Abstract: An optic receiver capable of detecting the angle of incidence of optical energy in a plurality of fields of view relative to an airborne frame of reference. Incoming rays are reflected by surfaces arranged at predetermined angles relative to an input aperture so as to reflect rays in predetermined fields of view into parallelism with the receiver axis and ultimately to a line image at an output aperture. Power distribution along the line image varies with the azimuth of the target reflection. Computation of target azimuth from the power distribution along the line image is facilitated by photodetectors mounted on the element and associated electronic circuitry.

Abstract: An optoelectronic proximity sensor having an emitter which directs optical pulses towards a surface as well as a receiver which is oriented toward the point at which the emitted optical pulses impinge on the surface so as to receive a portion of the optical pulses which are scattered back from the surface. The emitter is connected to a pulse generator which causes the emitter to emit the optical pulses at a given pulse repetition frequency. The pulses received by the receiver are evaluated, this being done by a highpass filter which is connected to the receiver and which itself has a limit frequency that is at least approximately equal to the pulse repetition frequency of the pulse generator. A memory circuit is connected to the output of the highpass filter for storing a series of pulses received by the receiver, the arrangement of the parts being such that the memory circuit is rendered capable of receiving the pulses at the beat of the pulse repetition frequency.

Abstract: Broadly, the disclosure is directed to a range-measuring detonating system comprising an air-driven scanning mirror which cooperates with fixed mirrors to project the output of a laser toward a target, the laser being modulated at a given frequency by a local oscillator and modulator circuit. Adjacent the laser is a detecting means which feeds a receiver, the receiver output being in turn delivered to a detector which feeds a phase comparator to which is also applied the output of the local oscillator. The phase comparator output is coupled to an AND circuit to which is also applied the output of the detector. When the light energy returned by a target in the vicinity of the system achieves a given phase and amplitude, the phase comparator output is gated through the AND circuit to ignite a squib, booster and warhead.

Abstract: An active optical target detecting device is provided for a missile. A transmitter radiates within the optical spectrum. This radiation is subject to scattering by water droplets in the atmosphere which may be due to clouds, fog, rain or other adverse weather conditions. In order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio two receivers that are associated with each transmitter are angularly displaced by equal angles from the transmitter. Hence, each receiver receives only one half of the undesirable backscatter radiation. Therefore, the target may be more readily detected even in the presence of backscatter.

Abstract: Device for causing projectiles to detonate at the optimum point along their ndividual trajectories when fired at nearly any type of target. Detonation at this point will result in the greatest damage to the intended target.

Abstract: An antitank weapon system is shown to include a projectile carrying at least one pulsed laser radar which periodically illuminates swaths of the underlying terrain, means for processing return signals to distinguish between the radar signatures of objects on such terrain and means for firing submunitions to impact on any object whose radar signature corresponds to that of a tank or other desired target.

Abstract: An antitank weapon system is shown to include a projectile carrying at least one pulsed laser radar which periodically illuminates swaths of the underlying terrain, means for processing return signals to distinguish between the radar signatures of objects on such terrain and means for firing submunitions to impact on any object whose radar signature corresponds to that of a tank or other desired target.

Abstract: 1. An electronic proximity fuze for a projectile comprising transducer me for converting infrared radiation to an electrical signal, amplifying means connected to said transducer for amplifying said signal, said amplifying means including automatic gain control means for decreasing the gain of said amplifying means upon occurrence of a slowly rising signal, electronic switch means, a source of electrical energy, a detonator, means connecting said switch means said source and said detonator in electrical series circuit, means connecting said amplifying means and said electronic switch means for closing said switch means upon occurrence of a rapidly rising signal of predetermined magnitude, said last named means operating to reduce said predetermined magnitude of the signal when said automatic gain control has decreased the gain of said amplifying means.

Abstract: An antitank weapon system is shown to include a projectile carrying at least one pulsed laser radar which periodically illuminates swaths of the underlying terrain, means for processing return signals to distinguish between the radar signatures of objects on such terrain and means for firing submunitions to impact on any object whose radar signature corresponds to that of a tank or other desired target.

Abstract: An opto-electronic measuring apparatus, in particular for a projectile detonator, for the delivery of a signal upon the reaching of a predetermined distance between a moving body and a surface, whereby the measuring apparatus incorporates a transmitter emitting impulses which are rendered optical through a lens at a transmission frequency; and a receiver with a receiver-amplifier for receiving the portion of these optical impulses which are scattered back from the surface.

Abstract: An optical target detecting device and system are disclosed wherein a single lens system projects a beam of infra red radiation and a single lens system picks up target reflections of this single radiation. Additional lens systems including reflectors are disclosed along with the single lens system to increase the frequency of received optical radiation from extraneous sources. Frequency discriminating means eliminate the effects of the extraneous radiations while receiving the optical reflections from the desired target.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: 2. A combination proximity fuze comprising a radio circuit and an infrared ircuit, said radio circuit operative to produce a first voltage impulse when a reflected electromagnetic wave is received from a target, said infrared circuit operative to produce a second voltage impulse when a heat source from a target is detected, a first memory circuit connected to said radio circuit for storing said first voltage impulse for a first predetermined time interval, a second memory circuit connected to said infrared circuit for storing said second voltage impulse for a second predetermined time interval, a coincidence firing circuit connected to said first memory circuit and to said second memory circuit whereby a primer may be ignited when said first and second voltage pulses are applied to said coincidence firing circuit simultaneously within said first and second predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: 1. In a guided missile fuze system that has optimum kill probability against all sizes of targets, the combination comprising:(a) a fuzing channel for generating an output pulse in response to a received target signal after a predetermined time delay from the time said target signal is received,(b) a guard channel for generating an output pulse in response to the loss of a target signal detected by said guard channel,(c) and a firing circuit coupled to the outputs of said fuzing channel and said guard channel for firing the fuze in response to a firing pulse received from either of said channels.

Abstract: An on board system for determination of slant range to a ground impact point of a ballistic vehicle. The system utilizes two infrared sensors viewing the ground at a very small divergent angle with respect to each other. The off axis displacement angle is small enough to enable viewing of infrared landmarks at low approach angles. The system utilizes a correlator to measure time delay between successive sensings of ground landmarks and slant range is computed without necessity of knowledge of any of the angles involved.