Low Cost, Strapdown Integrated Seeker

The cost, mass, and performance of the homing seeker in systems such as THAAD are primarily driven by the requirement for precision target detection, tracking, and imaging for aimpoint selection in the presence of shock and vibration from aerodynamic buffeting and propulsion system operation. These systems require precision gyros, very low friction gimbals, and fairly large torquer motors for stability and pointing; and usually stabilize the focal plane assembly. This proposal presents a lower cost, lower weight solution for Line-of-Sight (LOS) pointing and stabilization. It utilizes a breakthrough in piezoelectric devices known as PBP actuators. The PBP technology overcomes the disadvantages of earlier piezoelectric control devices. The PBP based Fast Stabilization Mirrors (FSM's) will provide a lighter, lower power, smaller part count, and lower cost solution to LOS tracking and stabilization.