WO1993020399A1 - Systeme de visee optique d'appareil de pointage a laser (lros) - Google Patents

Systeme de visee optique d'appareil de pointage a laser (lros) Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1993020399A1
WO1993020399A1 PCT/US1993/002997 US9302997W WO9320399A1 WO 1993020399 A1 WO1993020399 A1 WO 1993020399A1 US 9302997 W US9302997 W US 9302997W WO 9320399 A1 WO9320399 A1 WO 9320399A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
target
sight
optical
range
laser
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1993/002997
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English (en)
Inventor
Hans W. Mocker
Patrick D. Pratt
Original Assignee
Alliant Techsystems Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alliant Techsystems Inc. filed Critical Alliant Techsystems Inc.
Publication of WO1993020399A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993020399A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G3/00—Aiming or laying means
    • F41G3/06—Aiming or laying means with rangefinder

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a combination of a laser rangefinder and an electro-optical sight (“LROS”) for use with shoulder fired weapons.
  • LROS electro-optical sight
  • IGLS infantry grenade launcher systems
  • Weapons of this type have a hit probability which is a function of range.
  • the AT4 has an approximately 50% hit probability at a 300 meter range. This level of accuracy is presently considered a shortcoming of this type of weapon.
  • Infantry grenade launchers are fired with the butt of the weapon against the upper arm and the gunner aiming at the target via a mechanically adjustable sight.
  • the mechanical sight must be set on the basis of a range estimation by the gunner, usually in the range of 350 to 1000 meters.
  • the range estimation is also used to set the fuze of a projectile for airbursts. Consequently, accurate range estimates are essential.
  • Infantry grenade launchers are also subject to recoil shock when fired, further complicating the targeting process.
  • Variations in propellant temperature may effect the hit probability of shoulder launched weapons.
  • a correction in the trajectory may be required depending on the temperature of the propellant.
  • the time-of-flight of the projectile is relatively short, a lead angle may also be required for fast moving targets.
  • Systems analysis and tests that have been performed indicate that inaccurate range estimations by the gunner are to a large extent responsible for the low hit probability. Also, inaccurate rear sight adjustment can reduce the hit probability.
  • the subject of the present invention is a laser rangefinder coupled to an electro-optical sight ("LROS") which determines the necessary angular adjustment and/or elevation of the weapon, depending on the range and angular movement of the target.
  • LROS electro-optical sight
  • the present invention relates to a laser rangefinding electro-optical sight for targeting projectiles from a projectile launcher.
  • a laser based range finding system is located proximate to the sight.
  • the laser range finding system includes a laser source for generating at least one electromagnetic pulse directed at a target, an optical receiver proximate to the laser source for detecting pulse energy reflected from the target and a targeting control processor for determining the range to the target using the electromagnetic pulse and the reflected energy.
  • the electro-optical sight is an elongated tube that functions as a front sight. An array of light emitting diodes are disposed inside the tube along its longitudinal axis.
  • a reflective combiner plate is located inside the tube inclined above the diode array to reflect light from the diodes toward the rear peep sight.
  • One of the diodes which correspond to the calculated range is energized.
  • the reflected light from the energized diode operates as a target alignment marker.
  • the vertical position of the target alignment marker determines the elevation of the projectile launcher in relation to the target line of sight.
  • the alignment marker is produced by a plurality of optical fibers disposed horizontally within the elongated tube. Each of the optical fibers containing a scattering center in vertical alignment with substantially the center to the rear peep sight.
  • An array of light emitting diodes is coupled to the optical fibers for illuminating the scattering centers.
  • One of the diodes is energized corresponding to the calculated range, illuminating a scattering center which operates as a target alignment marker.
  • the elongated tube of the optical sight defines an optical path.
  • An optical offset assembly is attached to the sight proximate the front lens.
  • the offset assembly contains a first mirror for altering the optical path laterally and a second mirror for redirecting the optical path parallel to the optical path defined by tube.
  • the second mirror is rotated an amount corresponding to the required elevation of the projectile launcher so that the projectile travels the calculated range, while an optical path directed at the target is maintained by the rotated second mirror.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred laser rangefinding optical sight of the present invention mounted to a shoulder fired weapon;
  • Figure 2 is a schematic of a preferred alignment marker display mechanism for indicating the range to the target;
  • Figure 3A and 3B illustrate an alternate alignment marker display mechanism using optical fibers with scattering centers to generate the alignment marker to indicating the range to the target;
  • Figure 4 is a conceptual schematic for the first preferred embodiment of the laser rangefinding optical sight where the range receiver and detector are combined;
  • Figure 5 is a conceptual schematic of the second preferred embodiment of the laser rangefinding optical sight where the optical sight is combined with the range receiver;
  • Figure 6 is a representative flow chart for targeting and firing a weapon using the laser range finding optical sight of the present invention
  • Figure 7 illustrates the gunners perspective of a preferred targeting sequence
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of a preferred laser range finding optical sight hinge mounted to a shoulder fired weapon
  • Figure 9 is a perspective of a preferred hinge mounted laser range finding optical sight on a shoulder fired weapon in the closed position
  • Figure 10 is a gunner's end view of the preferred hinge mounted laser range finding optical sight attached to the shoulder fired weapon;
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of the preferred laser range finding optical sight attached to the weapon with drop-in mounts;
  • Figure 12 is a conceptual schematic for an alternate embodiment of the preferred laser rangefinding optical sight for use on grenade launchers;
  • Figure 13 illustrates a preferred hollow shaft stepper motor for adjusting the angle of the vertical deflection mirror
  • Figure 14 illustrates a preferred stepper motor and gear train for adjusting the angle of the vertical deflection mirror.
  • the present invention is an integration of an electro-optical sight with a laser rangefinder. Two preferred embodiments are identified which vary by the amount of integration of their components:
  • electro-optic reticle and peep hole with: a) LED projection b) fiber-optic projection.
  • integrated electro-optical sight and image receiver with: a) LED projection b) fiber-optic projection.
  • Sights currently in use on AT4-type weapons employ a pop-up front marker and a rear peep-sight which are aligned with the target. Range estimation error by the gunner and error due to peep hole adjustment result in a low hit probability of 0.5 at a range of 300 meters.
  • the present inventions will improve the presently used mechanical front sight-peep hole combination that are being used on the AT4 shoulder- launched weapon, however, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the LROS of the present invention may be utilized on a variety of shoulder-fired weapons.
  • Both embodiments comprise a diode laser rangefinder, which consists of a diode laser transmitter 24 and a range receiver 26. Both of these units show various amounts of integration with each other and the electro-optic sight, as will be discussed below.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a generic configuration of the preferred laser range finding optical sight (“LROS”) 22 for use with any shoulder fired weapon 20.
  • a peep sight 46 is mounted to a launch tube 28 by a spring- biased hinge 29.
  • the peep sight 46 is contained within a housing 27.
  • the housing 27 slides in the direction "d” to release the peep sight 46 when the weapon 20 is ready to fire.
  • the diode laser rangefinder transmitter and receiver (not shown) are mounted in the lower tube 23 at the front, underside of the launcher tube 28 of the weapon 20.
  • An optical sight tube 40 is mounted to the top of the weapon 20.
  • the optical sight tube 40 also contains a range receiver (not shown) , while the transmitter is contained within the lower tube 23.
  • a preferred rangefinder for use with the LROS 22 of the present invention is a semiconductor laser based system, with a GaAlAs laser operating at 830 or 902 nm and a silicon avalanche photo diode or PIN photodiode as a receiver.
  • a least two possible detection techniques are available for calculating the range in the preferred embodiment of the present invention; a pulsed output and range clock scheme or a phase comparison of the modulated output pulse with the return pulse.
  • Pulsed Scheme Single or multiple pulses with high peak power may be generated from a pulsed laser diode.
  • the pulsed output is projected towards the target and a digital range clock is started, using either the current excitation pulse or the actual laser pulse.
  • the return pulse is received on the optical receiver (Si-det, APD, PIN-diode or sim. ) which stops the range clock.
  • the number count of the range clock is proportional to the range to the target.
  • An alternate embodiment to a digital processing scheme employs a TAC-circuit (time- to-amplitude converter) which is discussed in connection with Figures 4 and 5 below.
  • An analog voltage is generated by charging a capacitor, which is proportional to range.
  • the range information is then sent via a controller to a ballistic computer which computes the angle setting for drop compensation. This information is sent to a display device which illuminates the appropriate LED for the electro-optic sight.
  • a continuous wave (cw) output diode having sinusoidal or square wave modulated frequencies ranging from 1 to 10 Mhz may be used.
  • the light scattered back from the target is received on a receiver and compared in phase with the modulated outgoing signal.
  • the range (R) is proportional to the phase of the two signals ( ⁇ ) , as determined by:
  • the modulation frequency is preferably chosen such that the phase for maximum range is lower than a corresponding 2 ⁇ phase change, based on the following relationship:
  • Calculations of the range measurement accuracy, as derived in previous calculations, using the preferred laser rangefinder electro-optical sight 22 of the present invention indicate that the probability of hit ( ⁇ __) should be improved by 0.25 over most of the weapons' operating range.
  • the LROS 22 is also designed to be rugged, reliable, and easy to use with only a small increase in size/weight and cost. Thus, it is highly desirable to have a laser rangefinder coupled to an electro-optic ranging sight with increased hit probability.
  • the rear of the sight may be mechanically adjusted relative to the weapon to compensate for the ballistic drop of the projectile at a given range.
  • the gunner must judge the distance to the target and set the elevation of the sight accordingly.
  • the process requires human judgment on the range and then a mechanical adjustment on the sight, two sources of error.
  • the range determination is accomplished with the rangefinder and the information is displayed in the form of an optical marker (for example, dot, donut, T display or similar marks) in the center of an optical sight tube.
  • an optical marker for example, dot, donut, T display or similar marks
  • the front sight preferably consists of three parts: center post for zero velocity, outer posts for medium and fast targets.
  • the gunner brings into alignment the range and/or lateral velocity compensation marker, the rear peep sight and the target.
  • Two different embodiments for the generation of the optical markers are discussed in detail below, although those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of range signalling systems are possible.
  • an optical sight tube 40 of the LROS 22 contains an LED array 32 which directs visible light onto a beam splitter 36 inclined such that an optical alignment marker 34 created by illuminating one of the LED's is reflected back to the gunner 31.
  • the LED array 32 of the first preferred embodiment contains 25 diodes, although a variety of LED configurations are possible.
  • the LED array 32 is disposed along the longitudinal axis inside the electro-optical sight 30, so that each LED element corresponds to a different elevation. A plurality of adjacent LED arrays may be utilized to aim at distant and lateral moving targets. - •
  • a refractive i.e.
  • the beam splitter 36 is mounted inside the optical sight tube 40 to reduce scattering from sunlight and to produce the necessary contrast between the generated markers 34 and the surroundings.
  • a slightly tilted rear lens 68 and front lens 72 seal the optical sight tube 40 to protect the beam splitter 36 from dust.
  • Each individual laser diode may be independently adjusted to flash on and off, or output variable intensity to signal a variety of information to the gunner. For example, LED intensity may be varied to signal the maximum or minimum range of the weapon, whether the target is moving toward or away from the gunner, or as a target acquisition signal.
  • an LED element in the array 32 is illuminated which reflects off the beam splitter 36 and projects an optical alignment marker 34 to the gunner 31.
  • the gunner simply aligns the illuminated alignment marker 34 with the peep sight 46 and the target, and fires the weapon 20.
  • the height of the optical alignment marker 34 on the beam splitter 36 must decrease with increased range to the target, resulting is a corresponding increase in elevation of the weapon with respect to the target. Conversely, the height of the optical alignment marker 34 on the beam splitter 36 increases with decreased range to the target.
  • the gunner 31 may use reticle markings 44 on targeting reticle 42 to aim the weapon 20 based on a visual range estimate.
  • the targeting reticle 42 is preferably mounted to the back surface 37 of the beam splitter 36, as illustrated in Figure 2.
  • the reticle markings 44 on the targeting reticle 42 correspond to the distance to the target in meters. From the gunner's perspective, the markings 44 on the reticle 42 increase from top to bottom, corresponding to increased elevation of the weapon 20 with increased distance to the target, as discussed above in connection with the location of the optical alignment marker 34. It will be understood that the disclosed reticle markings 44 on the targeting reticle 42 are only one possible embodiment and a variety of configurations are possible.
  • the preferred procedure for aiming the sight is to align the "zero range" marker 50 with the target. This established line of sight to the target.
  • the LROS 22 is activated and a LED 32 corresponding to the distance to the target is energized, which projects a marker 34 on the beam splitter 36.
  • the gunner lines up the optical alignment marker 34 of the electro-optic sight 30 and the rear peep-sight 46 with the target and fires.
  • a series of optical fibers 52 are used to generate small optical alignment markers 34 on a targeting reticle 56.
  • a 25 element LED array 54 is coupled to the 25 optical fiber 52, which are arranged parallel to each other in one plane.
  • the fibers are preferably mounted to the targeting reticle 56 within the optical sight tube 40.
  • the optical sight tube 40 is sealed by tilted front lens 72 and rear lens 68, preferably constructed of a translucent epoxy, to provide physical protection for the targeting reticle 56. It will be understood that the optical fibers may be attached to any suitable surface.
  • a series of scattering centers 60 defining a vertical line 58 are inscribed in the fibers 52.
  • the vertical line 58 marks the location for stationary (non-moving) targets or targets moving along the line of sight of the gunner. Scattering centers 60 can be produced in the optical fibers using an ion beam or etching technology.
  • a specific diode from the array 54 which corresponds to the range to the target is lighted up.
  • the corresponding scattering center 60 disperses the light to produce an optical alignment marker 34 which is visible to the gunner.
  • the amount of light dispersed depends on the diameter of the fiber 52 and size of scattering centers 60.
  • 25 diodes can be used to cover the range between 50 and 300 meters. If the LROS 22 determines a range of 100 meters to the target, then the 5th diode is energized, producing an illuminated optical alignment marker 34 on the targeting reticle 56 corresponding to the elevation necessary for the projectile to travel 100 meters. This marker is then brought into coincidence with the target and the peep sight 46 as discussed before.
  • C is a scale factor which depends on the separation of the fiber-optic sight from the peep-hole.
  • the rangefinder when the rangefinder is energized, a scattering center 60 and the two corresponding adjacent scattering centers on the same optical fiber 52 are illuminated.
  • the gunner must decide which of the three markers he must select, depending on whether the target is stationary, slow moving, or fast moving.
  • a total of 75 different markers 34 may be displayed, however, generally only three for a given range.
  • a series of vertical and horizonal optical fibers 52 may be arranged in a grid over the entire surface of the targeting reticle 56, with scattering centers 60 at their respective intersections.
  • This embodiment may be used to signal lateral or transverse movement of the target.
  • the appropriate alignment marker 34 image size can be selected by using fibers selectable from 5 ⁇ (single mode fiber), to 50, 100, 200 or 500 ⁇ fiber diameter. Further, different markers 34 can be selected depending on the necessary lead angles of a moving targets. Finally, the intensity of the optical alignment markers 34 can be adjusted by varying the intensity of the laser diodes 54.
  • Electro-optic reticle with rangefinder and peep-hole In the first embodiment of the LROS 22 illustrated in Figure 4, the laser diode transmitter 24 and receiver 26 are integrated into the lower tube 23, which may be mounted on the underside of the shoulder fired weapon 20, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the optical configuration consists of a pulser 80 for driving a semiconductor laser diode 77, which emits only P- polarized (horizontal) light.
  • the output beam is collimated by a lens 84 and made circular by an anamorphic beam expander 83.
  • the beam then enters a polarization beam splitter 85, which transmits the beam with essentially no losses.
  • a lambda/4 plate 87 converts the beam into circularly polarized light, which passes through beam expander 89 toward the target.
  • the backscatter from the target re-enters the lower tube 23 through the beam expander 89, and upon passing the lambda/4 plate 87 is converted into S- polarized (vertical) light.
  • the S-polarized light is then reflected off the polarization beam splitter 85, through an objective lens 79 and focused onto a detector 88. Operation of the control circuit will be discussed below in connection with Figure 5. Integration of the Range Receiver with Electro-Optical Sight.
  • Figure 5 illustrates the second preferred embodiment which integrates the electro-optical sight 30 and the ranging receiver 26 in the optical sight tube 40 (shown in Figure 1) .
  • the shared optical system for the sight 30 and receiver 26 results in fewer components by eliminating the need for a polarizing beam splitter 85 and lambda/4 plate 87.
  • the second preferred embodiment also includes an optional rate sensor 66 to determine the angular or transverse motion of the target. It will be understood that the rate sensor may be included in any of the embodiments discussed herein. For purposes of mounting the LROS 22 of the second embodiment to a shoulder fired weapon 20, one alignment process is eliminated since the electro- optical sight 30 and range-finder receiver 26 are combined in the optical sight tube 40.
  • the range receiver 26 has the same field-of-view and viewing direction as the electro-optical sight 30. Further, the EMI sensitive ranging electronics 90 are spatially separated from the transmitter 24, which is an EMI generator. Finally, the electro-optical sight 30 presents a collimated image of the target to eliminate parallax.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a preferred conceptual layout of the second preferred embodiment of the LROS 22 of the present invention.
  • a front lens 72, rear lens 68, and middle lens 70 form a telescope with unity magnification.
  • Behind the rear lens 68 is a dichroic mirror or beam splitter 74, preferably oriented at 45° with respect to the optical axis, which reflects the 902 nm laser light returning from the target onto a detector 88.
  • the visible radiation 400-700 nm
  • a rate sensor 66 determines any angular or transverse movement of the target.
  • a series of LED arrays 76 are provided so that both elevation and angular rate can be displayed to the gunner.
  • the present embodiment illustrates three rows of LED's 76, although those skilled in the art will recognize that additional LED's 76 may be desirable.
  • the light from the LED 76 is reflected off the beam splitter 78 to reflect the optical alignment marker 34 onto the front lens 72.
  • the second preferred embodiment illustrates a pulsed laser ranging approach 24, rather than the phase detection approach discussed above. It will be understood that either ranging approach can be used with any of the embodiments of the present invention. Further, either the LED display or fiber-optic approach discussed above may be used with the first and second embodiments of the present invention.
  • a pulser 80 provides pulsed excitation to a laser diode 82 which emits, via a collimator 84, short laser pulses towards a target.
  • the LROS transmitter 24 may emit an output power of 50 watts with a 150 nsec pulse length and a one-inch aperture, which satisfies the maximum eye safe energy density of 10 "6 Joules per square centimeter proximate to the aperture.
  • a reference signal is simultaneously sent from the pulser 80 or from a detector 99 to a controller 86, which is used to signal that an optical pulse has left the transmitter 24.
  • the laser light reflected off the target enters the rear lens 68.
  • a pre ⁇ amplifier 90 sends the signal to stop the time-to- amplitude converter ("TAC") 92 circuit which has been started by the reference signal from the pulser 80 or detector 99.
  • TAC time-to- amplitude converter
  • the return pulse from the target stops the range measurement function of the TAC 92 circuit.
  • the output signal from the TAC 92 is proportional to the range to the target. This signal is sent to the controller 86.
  • the rate sensor 66 determines the angular or transverse rate of the target.
  • a floated gyro sold under the trade name Golden Gnat GyroTM by Honeywell Corporation is suitable for this purpose.
  • the range signal from the controller 86 and angular rate signal from the rate sensor 66 are sent to the ballistic computer 94 for analysis.
  • the ballistic computer 94 then drives the display driver 96 to illuminate one or more of the LED's 76.
  • a battery 98 is provided to power the LROS 22 system.
  • the gunner aligns the optical alignment marker 34 generated by the LED 76 with the target and presses a "trigger" button (not shown) .
  • a "trigger" button (not shown) .
  • the LED array 76 and beam splitter 78 of the alternate embodiment may be replaced with the fiber optics range and velocity display discussed above.
  • Figure 6 shows a representative operational scenario for the LROS 22 with a typical shoulder fired weapon 20.
  • the gunner pulls a safety pin 102 and unsnaps the shoulder stop 104.
  • the sight is placed in an operational position 106 and the weapon is shouldered 108.
  • a brightness control is preferably provided for day/night operation of the LROS of the present invention. For bright daylight, the LED diode will operate at maximum brightness, while at nighttime, a simple silicon sensor can be used to reduce the LED brightness by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude.
  • the automatic brightness control 110 determines LED intensity.
  • the gunner aligns the peep sight 46 and zero marker 50 on the target 112 and pushes a safety switch 114, which causes the LROS to measure the range to the target 116, angular rate of the target 118, and the propellant temperature 120.
  • Propellant temperature 120 may be used to make corrections in the projectile motion, taking into consideration the dependence of the projectile thrust as a function of temperature.
  • a ballistic computer (not shown) calculates the time-of- flight ("TOF") 122 and illuminates the appropriate LED 124. The gunner then aligns the LED generated optical alignment marker 34, the peep sight 46 and the target 126, and fires the weapon 128.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a possible targeting sequence for the LROS of the present invention from the gunner's perspective.
  • the gunner aims the sight in such a way that the 0 range marker 132, discussed above, is on the target 134, thus establishing the boresight line-of-sight to the target.
  • the LROS 22 has measured range to the target and illuminated the proper LED creating the projected LED image 138.
  • the target is 300 meters away.
  • the gunner then adjusts the elevation of the weapon so that the projected LED image 138 coincides with the target 134, and presses the "trigger" button.
  • a rate sensor 66 preferably establishes a lead angle for the target.
  • An angular rate sensor e.g., laser gyro
  • Additional LED elements off the center line of the optical sight may be illuminated to indicate a "slow" or "fast” moving target to the gunner.
  • Alternate LROS Mounting Configuration Figures 8 and 9 show a perspective view of an alternate mounting arrangement for the LROS 22 of the present invention.
  • the electro-optical sight 30, range receiver 26 and range transmitter 24 are all mounted inside of a cover 142 to the shoulder fired weapon 20.
  • An optional rate sensor 144 may be located as indicated.
  • the cover 142 may be mounted to the shoulder fired weapon 20 with a piano-type hinge 146 that provides boresight stability and alignment of the LROS 22 assembly along the firing axis of the weapon 20. While the preferred alternative mounting arrangement discussed above shows the detector 26 combined with the electro- optical sight 30, as discussed in connection with Figure 5, it will be understood that the arrangement discussed in connection with Figure 4 may also be used with this alternate mounting arrangement.
  • Figure 8 shows the preferred alternate LROS 22 in the opened positions.
  • the ends of the LROS 22 are shown protected by end caps 148 when in the retracted position.
  • the assembly is held in the operational position with locking leaf springs 150.
  • a main spring 152 forces the LROS 22 into its operational position.
  • Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the preferred LROS 22 in the transport position, secured to the outside surface 154 of the shoulder fired weapon 20.
  • Figure 10 shows the gunner's end view perspective of the LROS 22.
  • An opening 156 may be provided for a clear line-of-sight on either side of the electro-optical sight 30.
  • the line-of-sight opening 156 around the electro-optical sight 30 aids the gunner in making a rough alignment of the weapon 20 on the target.
  • the inside radius 158 of the LROS support structure generally matches the outside radius of the weapon housing 160 to insure secure attachment when not in use.
  • the area to the left of the laser rangefinder 162 in Figure 10 may be used for electronics and batteries (not shown) .
  • Figure 11 provides a perspective view of a reusable LROS assembly 164.
  • the reusable LROS assembly 164 is mounted on a conforming plate 166, which attaches to the weapon housing 160 via a drop-in mount 168. After firing the weapon 20, the gunner can salvage the LROS 164 for continued use on other shoulder fired weapons by sliding it off of the drop-in mount 168, as indicated by the arrows 170.
  • LROS for Grenade Launchers As discussed above, infantry grenade launch systems (“IGLS”) are fired with the butt of the weapon against the upper arm of the gunner. Aiming is currently accomplished via a mechanical adjustment on the rear of the sight based on a range estimation by the gunner. Further, the same range estimate is used to set the fuse of the projectile for an airburst. Therefore, IGLS weapons are subject to inaccuracy in the gunner's range estimate and mechanical adjustment of the sight.
  • Targets are generally detected at ranges of 350 to 1000 meters.
  • the elevation Field-of-Regard (“FOR") of the IGLS system is 38 degrees, which is the elevation angle difference of the weapon at a range of 350 meters to a range of 1000 meters. In particularly, 38 degrees of elevation corresponds to the maximum range of the weapon, typically 1000 meters.
  • a laser rangefinder is needed to determine the distance to the target.
  • the LROS 172 of the present invention has a potential accuracy of ⁇ 5m.
  • the LROS sight When used with IGLS weapons, the LROS sight must resolve a 12-inch object at ranges up to 1000 meters (i.e., an angular resolution of 0.3 mrad) .
  • the visual acuity of the eye is in the order of 1 mrad. Therefore, the optical sight may require magnification of 3x, and preferentially 5x.
  • the projectile trajectory may also require correction dependant on the propellant temperature to improve the accuracy of the IGLS system.
  • the advantage of the preferred LROS system 172 is that its microprocessor corrects the launch angle as a function of the measured propellant temperature.
  • the preferred LROS 172 for a IGLS uses a range transmitter 174, a range receiver 176, and an optical sight 178, as is illustrated in Figure 12.
  • the optical sight 178 of Figure 12 may be mounted along the top of the weapon (not shown) with an eye relief of at least 4 inches to prevent head injury due to weapon recoil.
  • the weapon is generally held against the shoulder at all times for aiming and sight stability.
  • the front end of the optical sight 178 preferably has a set of two mirrors 180,182 that displace the optical path of the sight to the right side of the optical sight 178 (also see Fig. 13).
  • a lateral off-set mirror 180 shifts the optical path to the side of the LROS 172.
  • a vertical deflection mirror 182 redirects the optical path parallel to the optical path of the optical sight 178.
  • the vertical deflection mirror 182 is located in a housing 184, which allows the mirror 182 to be rotated in a vertical plane. As the vertical deflection mirror 182 rotates downward, the elevation of the weapon is raised to maintain the target in the field-of-view.
  • the vertical deflection mirror 182 may be rotated by stepper motor 186.
  • stepper motor 186 drives the deflection mirror 182 via a gear train or spindle 188 in order to achieve a higher angular resolution.
  • a hollow shaft stepper motor (not shown) may be used. The hollow shaft stepper motor generates discrete angular steps while the optical path is directed through the center of the motor, thereby savings space.
  • Figure 12 illustrates preferred conceptual layout of the LROS 172 for use with IGLS grenade launchers 171 (see Fig. 14) utilizing the pulsed laser ranging approach, rather than the phase detection approach discussed above.
  • a pulser 190 provides pulsed excitation to a laser diode 192 which emits, via a collimator 194, short laser pulses towards a target.
  • a diode pumped Nd:YAG laser is suitable for this purpose for increased range.
  • a reference signal is sent from the pulser 190 or detector 193 to a controller 196, which is used to signal that an optical pulse has left the transmitter 174.
  • the reflection from the target is directed via the vertical- deflection mirror 182 and lateral offset mirror 180 along the optical path of the optical sight 178.
  • the visible radiation (400-700 nm) is transmitted through a dichroic mirror 198 towards an eye piece 200 and the 902 nm laser radiation is reflected from the dichroic mirror 198 onto a detector 202.
  • a pre ⁇ amplifier 204 sends a signal to a time-to-amplitude converter 206 circuit which has been previously triggered by the reference signal from the pulser 190 or detector 202.
  • the return pulse operates as a stop signal for the TAC 206.
  • the output signal from the TAC 206 is therefore proportional to the range to the target, which is sent via the controller 196 to the ballistic computer 208.
  • the input to the servo motor (stepper motor) 186 is provided by the ballistic computer 208 which provides a number of "steps" to a stepper motor drive 212 so that the gunner can keep the target in the cross-hairs 210.
  • the vertical deflection mirror 182 is moved to an angle which corresponds to the weapon elevation necessary to reach the target.
  • the gunner aims the sight at the target while the vertical deflection mirror 182 is at 0 range (i.e., no vertical deflection) and presses a "ranging" button (not shown) to obtain the range to the target.
  • the ballistic computer 208 determines the range and sends this information in a slow (i.e., 3-4 sec) digital pulse stream to the stepper motor drive 212.
  • the vertical deflection mirror 182 is rotated toward the ground by the servo motor 186.
  • the gunner must raise the angle of elevation of the weapon 171 to keep the target in the Field-of- iew of the LROS 172 during the downward rotation of the vertical deflection mirror 182.
  • the gunner can aim as much as 38 degrees in the sky while still being able to observe the target in a line of sight, via the vertical deflection mirror 182.
  • an LED (not shown) lights up to signal the gunner to align the target into the cross-hairs 210 and press the "trigger" button.
  • a battery 214 is provided to power the system.

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  • Optical Radar Systems And Details Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

Système de visée électro-optique à dispositif de pointage à laser (22) servant à diriger des projectiles sur une cible à partir d'un lanceur de projectiles. Un système de pointage par laser à semi-conducteur (24) est situé à proximité d'une lunette de visée (40). Le système de pointage à laser (24) comprend une source laser (82) servant à générer au moins une impulsion électromagnétique dirigée sur une cible, un récepteur optique (26) adjacent à la source laser (82) et servant à détecter l'énergie de l'impulsion réfléchie par la cible, et un processeur de commande de pointage sur la cible servant à déterminer la distance de la cible à l'aide de l'impulsion électromagnétique et de l'énergie réfléchie. Un groupement de diodes électroluminescentes (76) est disposé le long de l'axe longitudinal à l'intérieur de la lunette de visée (40). Une plaque d'image réfléchissante (78) est ménagée à l'intérieur de la lunette de visée et inclinée au-dessus du groupement de diodes (76) pour réfléchir la lumière provenant des diodes sur la lentille avant (72). Au moins une diode correspondant à la distance calculée est excitée. La lumière réfléchie de la diode excitée fonctionne comme un trait d'alignement de cible. La position verticale du trait d'alignement de cible détermine l'élévation du lanceur de projectile par rapport à la ligne de mire de la cible.
PCT/US1993/002997 1992-03-31 1993-03-29 Systeme de visee optique d'appareil de pointage a laser (lros) WO1993020399A1 (fr)

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US86142392A 1992-03-31 1992-03-31
US861,423 1992-03-31

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Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0805359A2 (fr) * 1996-04-30 1997-11-05 HE HOLDINGS, INC. dba HUGHES ELECTRONICS Traitement modal de signaux de retour à impulsions multiples pour la suppression des signaux de brouillage
US7171776B2 (en) * 2004-03-10 2007-02-06 Raytheon Company Weapon sight having analog on-target indicators
US7269920B2 (en) 2004-03-10 2007-09-18 Raytheon Company Weapon sight with ballistics information persistence
US7490430B2 (en) 2004-03-10 2009-02-17 Raytheon Company Device with multiple sights for respective different munitions
US7654029B2 (en) 2005-11-01 2010-02-02 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Ballistic ranging methods and systems for inclined shooting
EP2402704A1 (fr) * 2010-06-30 2012-01-04 Trijicon, Inc. Système de visée pour arme
EA016373B1 (ru) * 2009-12-29 2012-04-30 Закрытое Акционерное Общество "Белтехэкспорт" Комбинированный оптический прицел для легкого вооружения
US8375620B2 (en) 2004-03-10 2013-02-19 Raytheon Company Weapon sight having multi-munitions ballistics computer
US8783568B2 (en) 2006-08-01 2014-07-22 Gerhard Kaufmann Telescopic sight
RU2550924C1 (ru) * 2014-01-29 2015-05-20 Николай Евгеньевич Староверов Система управления гранатомётом и гранатой
WO2016097992A1 (fr) * 2014-12-16 2016-06-23 Amir Geva Ordinateur de commande de visée et de tir intégré, pour fusils et autres mécanismes de tir
EA025658B1 (ru) * 2014-07-10 2017-01-30 Научно-Производственное Унитарное Предприятие "Научно-Технический Центр "Лэмт" Беломо" Оптический прицел-дальномер
EP1723384B1 (fr) * 2004-03-10 2017-04-19 Raytheon Company Procede et appareil de telemetrie a une seule ouverture
US9835413B2 (en) 2010-11-22 2017-12-05 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Ballistic ranging methods and systems for inclined shooting
RU203941U1 (ru) * 2020-12-01 2021-04-28 Открытое Акционерное Общество "Пеленг" Прицел-дальномер малогабаритный

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DE3325755A1 (de) * 1983-07-16 1985-01-24 Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm GmbH, 8012 Ottobrunn Nachtkampf-zielhilfe fuer panzerabwehr-handwaffen
US4695161A (en) * 1984-08-06 1987-09-22 Axia Incorporated Automatic ranging gun sight
US4794430A (en) * 1987-04-29 1988-12-27 Varo, Inc. Solid state reticle projector for a weapon sight
EP0311115A2 (fr) * 1987-10-09 1989-04-12 Kontron Elektronik Gmbh Dispositif de visée

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DE3325755A1 (de) * 1983-07-16 1985-01-24 Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm GmbH, 8012 Ottobrunn Nachtkampf-zielhilfe fuer panzerabwehr-handwaffen
US4695161A (en) * 1984-08-06 1987-09-22 Axia Incorporated Automatic ranging gun sight
US4794430A (en) * 1987-04-29 1988-12-27 Varo, Inc. Solid state reticle projector for a weapon sight
EP0311115A2 (fr) * 1987-10-09 1989-04-12 Kontron Elektronik Gmbh Dispositif de visée

Cited By (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0805359A3 (fr) * 1996-04-30 1998-09-23 HE HOLDINGS, INC. dba HUGHES ELECTRONICS Traitement modal de signaux de retour à impulsions multiples pour la suppression des signaux de brouillage
EP0805359A2 (fr) * 1996-04-30 1997-11-05 HE HOLDINGS, INC. dba HUGHES ELECTRONICS Traitement modal de signaux de retour à impulsions multiples pour la suppression des signaux de brouillage
US8056281B2 (en) 2004-03-10 2011-11-15 Raytheon Company Device with multiple sights for respective different munitions
US7171776B2 (en) * 2004-03-10 2007-02-06 Raytheon Company Weapon sight having analog on-target indicators
US7269920B2 (en) 2004-03-10 2007-09-18 Raytheon Company Weapon sight with ballistics information persistence
US7490430B2 (en) 2004-03-10 2009-02-17 Raytheon Company Device with multiple sights for respective different munitions
EP1723384B1 (fr) * 2004-03-10 2017-04-19 Raytheon Company Procede et appareil de telemetrie a une seule ouverture
US8375620B2 (en) 2004-03-10 2013-02-19 Raytheon Company Weapon sight having multi-munitions ballistics computer
US7690145B2 (en) 2005-11-01 2010-04-06 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Ballistic ranging methods and systems for inclined shooting
US7654029B2 (en) 2005-11-01 2010-02-02 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Ballistic ranging methods and systems for inclined shooting
US8046951B2 (en) 2005-11-01 2011-11-01 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Rangefinders and aiming methods using projectile grouping
US8959823B2 (en) 2005-11-01 2015-02-24 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Ranging methods for inclined shooting of projectile weapons
US9482489B2 (en) 2005-11-01 2016-11-01 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Ranging methods for inclined shooting of projectile weapon
US8783568B2 (en) 2006-08-01 2014-07-22 Gerhard Kaufmann Telescopic sight
EA016373B1 (ru) * 2009-12-29 2012-04-30 Закрытое Акционерное Общество "Белтехэкспорт" Комбинированный оптический прицел для легкого вооружения
US8336776B2 (en) 2010-06-30 2012-12-25 Trijicon, Inc. Aiming system for weapon
AU2011202780B2 (en) * 2010-06-30 2013-07-25 Trijicon, Inc. Aiming system for weapon
EP3392599A1 (fr) * 2010-06-30 2018-10-24 Trijicon, Inc. Système de guidage pour arme
EP3236193A3 (fr) * 2010-06-30 2017-12-27 Trijicon, Inc. Système de guidage pour arme
EP2402704A1 (fr) * 2010-06-30 2012-01-04 Trijicon, Inc. Système de visée pour arme
US9835413B2 (en) 2010-11-22 2017-12-05 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Ballistic ranging methods and systems for inclined shooting
RU2550924C1 (ru) * 2014-01-29 2015-05-20 Николай Евгеньевич Староверов Система управления гранатомётом и гранатой
EA025658B1 (ru) * 2014-07-10 2017-01-30 Научно-Производственное Унитарное Предприятие "Научно-Технический Центр "Лэмт" Беломо" Оптический прицел-дальномер
WO2016097992A1 (fr) * 2014-12-16 2016-06-23 Amir Geva Ordinateur de commande de visée et de tir intégré, pour fusils et autres mécanismes de tir
RU203941U1 (ru) * 2020-12-01 2021-04-28 Открытое Акционерное Общество "Пеленг" Прицел-дальномер малогабаритный

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