3-Inch Miniature Stabilized Gimbal Laser Pointing System

ABSTRACT: Ascendant Engineering Solutions (AES) proposes to build upon the modeling and analysis and conceptual design effort from the execution of its Phase I and II MSGLPS contracts to develop a 3" flight-worthy form-fit-function Key Technology Demonstrator system during a Phase II contract. The primary objectives are to: 1) Precisely point and hold a laser spot on a target; 2) Safely control the laser beam to prevent collateral damage by providing real-time feedback of the laser spot location; and 3) Package a gimbal payload in small Hand-Launched (HL) UAV gimbal configuration. The size of the HLUAV gimbal will be less than 3.5 inches in diameter. The successful completion of the Phase II baseline and option program will result in a technology demonstration system in which the novel precision laser pointing technology has been demonstrated in a from-fit-function gimbal on a manned aircraft. The Phase II program provides a low risk transition to a production design for HLUAV platforms.; BENEFIT: The transition of this precision laser pointing technology toHand-Launched UAV gimbal provides them with the new ability to both identify and designate targets for laser-guided ordinance. This removes the need for any soldiers on the ground performing this function. Other potential applications include ground-to-air and air-to-air laser communications for both military and commercial aviation industries.