Piezo Torquer Mechanism for Seeker Gimbal Cost Reduction

We propose to implement and demonstrate an inexpensive piezo actuator as the torquer for an existing seeker stabilized mount. OKSI will work closely with members of a major missile manufacturer in the US. We are confident this manufacturer's significant s eeker background coupled with OKSI's experi-ence, and recent applications of small piezo motors configured for rotary motion, will yield a practical and easily implemented cost reduction to seekers in general. The piezo motors will replace the conven-tionally used servo motors for gimbal actuation and position. The candidate piezo motors can provide higher energy densities than servo and stepper motors, have long lifetimes, and can withstand shock, vibration, and temperature extremes in both operation and storage. Under Phase-I we will develop and demonstrate the use of a piezo actuator acting as the torquer on an existing seeker stabilized mount system currently or previously produced by the aforementioned missile manufacturer. During the Phase-I Option we will address the control algorithms to optimize performance using this inexpensive technology. Under Phase-II we will implement this technology into a complete operational system currently in production and demonstrate a working seeker system in Hardware In the Loop (HWIL) testing.