Laser Target and Analysis Board Development

Laser-based anti-aircraft missile countermeasure systems use precisely aimed lasers to thwart the attack of these deadly missiles. In a matter of seconds, these systems must detect and characterize the threat, acquire the target, achieve track lock on the target, and initiate engagement of the threat's seeker with an in-band laser. The survival of our Warfighters and their aircraft during this extremely short engagement time envelope depends upon the near instantaneous application of laser energy with the proper beam characteristics required to defeat the threat. Given this critical performance requirement, the laser's performance must be verified throughout its entire operational lifespan--from initial integration and checkout of the system in the aircraft, through aircrew training and proficiency, to periodic operational performance verification. Tau Technologies has developed a modular, adaptable laser target board design concept that can provide precision laser measurement and characterization for these critical systems. The target board can be reconfigured to provide detection of various laser wavelengths. Detector modules can be positioned in various geometries and quantities on a backplane, providing enhanced beam detection capabilities. The target board concept includes a tracker source to stimulate the laser system under test, and an integrated location and orientation determination system.