Fiber Optic-Based Electronic Pointing Device for Indirect Fire Weapons

The overall objective for this project is to develop and advanced electronic pointing device (EPD) for indirect fire weapons, specifically the M224, M252, M120 and M121 series mortars and M119, M198 towed howitzers. During Phase I, Luna Innovations will evaluate novel approaches to fiber optic gyroscopes for use as an EPD. During Phase II, prototypes will be constructed and field tested. During Phase III, the system developed will be integrated into existing mortar and artillery systems. Experimental data and modeling of fiber optic gyroscope designs based on systems developed and produced by Luna Innovations show the potential for extremely high-accuracy and low drift measurements. Additionally, wireless technology will be implemented to enable improved battlefield awareness. While the focus of this project is indirect fire weapon pointing, a larger market exists in inertial navigation systems for weapons, aircraft, and the automotive industry. Luna Innovations will collaborate closely with the U.S. Army and other DOD branches to ensure that the EPD developed here will integrate seamlessly with existing and emerging systems. With over 13 years of experience in a wide range of fiber optic instrumentation systems, Luna Innovations is uniquely positioned to apply advanced fiber optic technology to address this opportunity.