Active 3-D Imager for TMD Homing

The use of Kinetic Energy Weapons (KEW) against theater missile threats, such as the SCUD, require fast and accurate aim point determination to maximize the kill probability. It is proposed to incorporate an innovative active three-dimensional (3-D) imager in each KEW seeker to significantly improve the kill rate. The proposed 3-D Imager uses a rugged laser diode illuminator to generate a narrow beam of RF modulated, near infrared (NIR) target illumination and a special charge-coupled device (CCD) camera which measures the phase shift of the backscatter radiation, relative to the transmitter illumination, for each pixel in the camera field. The camera will use a noncryogenic low noise, high-speed silicon CCD focal plane array (FPA), capable of being synchronously gated, for the 3-D imaging. An advantage of this 3-D imager is that the critical parameters of range, position, and velocity are read out directly with a minimum of algorithmic processing required. This can greatly improve system track performance by increasing the track loop bandwidth. A further advantage of sensing in the NIR is that any sensor window heating will have a negligible effect on imager signal-to-noise. Pre-selected aim points to ensure kill of weapon (nuclear, chemical, or biological); that is, to rupture the weapon case and not less important shrouds, etc. Commercial applications include: machine tool controls, industrial process controls, chamber and cavity inspection, IVHS vehicle control, satellite station-keeping and docking, and three-dimensional video for home use.