Auto-tracking Steerable Laser Range Finder

The next generation of infantry weapons will include small arms equipped with sophisticated Target Acquisition/Fire Control systems (TA/FC). In order to provide a correct solution, a TA/FC system needs accurate range information to their target. This information is provided by a laser range finder (LRF), but it is up to the soldier to accurately aim the laser range finder. The current problem is that threat targets are moving and seek cover behind objects (in defilade). Moreover, sixty percent of the aiming involves a soldier standing in an unsupported firing position. These conditions make it extremely difficult for a soldier to obtain an accurate range to a target. The purpose of this proposed project is to develop a TA/FC system platform with an integrated auto-tracking steerable range finder. Two main areas of development will be the focus of our efforts: to upgrade the hardware performance and to improve the target detection and tracking performance. In addition, a key objective of the proposed project is to endow the proposed TA/FC system with the capability to interface with the CDAS network. The main goal of this integration is to have the capability to hand off and receive target information from the CDAS network.