Improved Field of Regard for Strap Down Semi Active Laser Seekers

To meet the need of the Army in a semi-active laser seeker with increased field of regard for and narrow instantaneous field of view, Applied Science Innovations, Inc. proposes Phase II development of the Wide-Angle Optical System for Strap-down Seeker (WAOS3 ). Semi-active strap-down seekers in tactical weapons offer improved reliability, reduced weight, and lower cost. However, combining wide field of regards with high angular discrimination is more difficult in strap-down seekers than in traditional gimbaled seekers, due to loss of signal to noise ratio. The proposed WAOS3 is based on an innovative optical system that allows for high resolution in the narrow IFOV such as 6 to 8 degrees, combined with lower-resolution guidance signals in the wide FOR such as 40 degrees or more, effective in the presence of strong solar background. The unique benefits of the proposed solution provide an opportunity to create a new class of strap-down seeker optics with high-resolution, narrow IFOV and wide FOR required by the Army. Phase I has established feasibility of the WAOS3 concept. In Phase II, a functional pre-production WAOS3 prototype will be developed, demonstrated, tested, and delivered to the Army for evaluation and use. In Phase III, the WAOS3 design will be further optimized and transitioned to the Joint Attack Munitions Systems Program Office.