Optical Engineering Of First And Second Generation Automatic Tracking/Laser Designator Pods

Ronald E. Johnson

doi:10.1117/12.956550

15 September 1978 Optical Engineering Of First And Second Generation Automatic Tracking/Laser Designator Pods

Ronald E. Johnson

Proceedings Volume 0143, Applications of Electronic Imaging Systems; (1978) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.956550
Event: 1978 Technical Symposium East, 1978, Washington, D.C., United States

Abstract

Optical design and engineering of the electro-optical (E-0) system used for automatic tracking and laser designating targets from high-performance aircraft require consideration of many aspects of the total system; for example, large look-back capability, maximum aperture, accurate boresight, and high transmission. First and second generation E-0 pods have been designed and manufactured using a multifunction objective lens that combines apertures for a dual field of view (FOV)/dual wavelength camera system, laser designator, laser ranger, and laser spot tracker. A diffraction-limited telephoto objective lens with an FOV capability of 1, 1.5, and 6 degrees is the heart of the optical system. The design provides good image quality while meet-ing the needs of the laser functions and allowing ease of maintenance through modular construction. The engineering of the optical bed for mounting the components in the pod in a dynamic environment required detailed analysis, using both optical deflection tolerances and structural characteristics. A mathematical model of the optical bed provided a means for determining stiffness requirements to meet the needs of imagery and boresight. The silicon target vidicon sensor allows a unique capability for automatic, in-flight boresight.

Citation Download Citation

Ronald E. Johnson "Optical Engineering Of First And Second Generation Automatic Tracking/Laser Designator Pods", Proc. SPIE 0143, Applications of Electronic Imaging Systems, (15 September 1978); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.956550

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
9 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Tolerancing

Modulation transfer functions

Cameras

Imaging systems

Laser video displays

Automatic tracking

Optical components

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years