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 contract to develop a 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 Tube Launched (TL) and Hand-Launched (HL) UAV gimbal configuration. The size of the TLUAV gimbal will be sub 5 inch diameter, and 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 both TLUAV and HLUAV platforms. BENEFIT: The transition of this precision laser pointing technology to Tube Launched and Hand-Launched UAV gimbals 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.