U.S. patent application number 14/220404 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-09 for apparatus for correcting ballistic errors using laser induced fluorescent (strobe) tracers.
The applicant listed for this patent is KMS CONSULTING, LLC. Invention is credited to KEVIN MICHAEL SULLIVAN.
Application Number | 20160161217 14/220404 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51898979 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160161217 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SULLIVAN; KEVIN MICHAEL |
June 9, 2016 |
APPARATUS FOR CORRECTING BALLISTIC ERRORS USING LASER INDUCED
FLUORESCENT (STROBE) TRACERS
Abstract
A system for correcting the aim of a weapon which is operative
to launch a projectile from a barrel on a ballistic path toward a
target. A rear surface of the projectile is coated with a
fluorescent dye that re-emits radiation when excited by laser
radiation. The system includes a source of laser radiation (strobe)
pulses that form a cone of light intersecting the ballistic path of
the projectile. The strobe pulses are emitted at predetermined
times (T1, T2, T3, . . . Tn) following firing of the projectile (at
time T0). An optical detector receives the radiation re-emitted by
a the fluorescent dye at the rear of the projectile at times (T1z,
T2z, T3z, . . . Tnz) producing measurable location signals allowing
the system to measure the vertical and lateral positions of the
projectile at said times, where "z" is a re-emission delay and T1z,
T2z, T3z, . . . Tnz are the respective times T1, T2 , T3, . . . Tn
each delayed by amount z.
Inventors: |
SULLIVAN; KEVIN MICHAEL;
(Kennebunk, ME) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KMS CONSULTING, LLC |
Kennebunk |
ME |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51898979 |
Appl. No.: |
14/220404 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61803826 |
Mar 21, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/41.05 ;
102/513 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 12/387 20130101;
F41G 3/142 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41G 3/14 20060101
F41G003/14; F42B 12/38 20060101 F42B012/38 |
Claims
1. System for correcting the aim of a weapon which is operative to
launch a projectile from a barrel on a ballistic path toward a
target, the projectile having an elongate housing with a rear end
and fluorescent dye material disposed on the rear end that produces
radiation at a first frequency when excited by receipt of radiation
at a second frequency, said aim correcting system comprising, in
combination; (1) a radiation source of pulsed light at said first
frequency directed toward the ballistic path of the projectile and
emitted at predetermined times (T1, T2, T3 . . . ) following firing
of the projectile (at time T0); (2) a radiation detector at the
location of the weapon for receiving light radiation signals
re-emitted by the fluorescent dye on the projectile at times (T1z,
T2z, T3z . . . Tnz) and producing electronic signals representing
the vertical and lateral positions of the projectile at said times
(T1z, T2z, T3z, . . . Tnz), where "z" is a re-emission delay and
T1z, T2z, T3z . . . are the respective times T1, T2, T3, . . . Tn
each delayed by amount z; (3) a signal processor, coupled, to the
radiation detector, for processing said electronic signals to
determine the spatial (X and Y) coordinates of the projectile at
said times (T1z, T2z, T3z, . . . Tz) during flight; (4) a computer,
coupled to the processor, for calculating a lateral correction and
a vertical correction in the aim of the weapon; and (5) an output
device, coupled to the computer, for facilitating an adjustment in
the aim of the weapon toward the target, prior to firing the next
projectile; wherein said aim of the weapon may be adjusted after
launch of the projectile to compensate for errors prior to launch
of another projectile.
2. The system defined in claim 1, wherein one of the signal
processor and the computer calculates the lateral drift and the
vertical drop of the projectile at said predetermined times.
3. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said radiation source is
laser source, configured to be affixed to the weapon so that a cone
of illumination of the laser source intersects with the ballistic
path of the projectile and excites the fluorescent dye
material.
4. The system defined in claim 3, wherein said laser source
transmits light through a narrow band-pass filter so that the cone
of illumination in a narrow frequency range intersects the
ballistic path of the projectile and excites the fluorescent dye
material.
5. The system defined in claim 1, wherein the radiation detector is
a digital camera for producing an image of the ballistic path of
the projectile.
6. The system defined in claim 1, wherein the radiation detector
includes a narrow band-pass filter, allowing re-emitted light from
the fluorescent dye material to be selectively received and other
light excluded.
7. The system defined is claim 4, wherein said fluorescent dye on
the rear surface of the projectile responds preferentially to the
laser light illumination in the narrow frequency range.
8. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said fluorescent dye on
the rear of the projectile has a protective transparent
coating.
9. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said first frequency is
in one of the UV, visual and IR spectral bands.
10. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said output device is a
display.
11. The system defined in claim 10, wherein said output device
includes a aiming device allowing an operator to adjust the aim of
the weapon.
12. The system defined in claim 1, wherein the signal processor
determines the time duration of the radiation signals received at
said second frequency in response to radiation pulses emitted at
said first frequency, and wherein said computer distinguishes the
signals received from each projectile from among signals received
from other, successively fired projectiles in dependence upon said
time duration.
13. An ammunition projectile configured to be fired from a weapon,
said projectile having an elongate housing and a photo-luminescent
material, disposed on a rear surface of the housing, that re-emits
radiation at when excited by receipt of radiation from a radiation
source.
14. The ammunition projectile defined in claim 13, wherein said
photo-luminesccnt material is a fluorescent dye that forms a
coating on the rear surface of the projectile.
15. The ammunition projectile defined in claim 13, wherein said
photo-luminescent material is a fluorescent dye that forms a
coating on a rear component of the projectile, and said projectile
includes a transparent window on said rear component adjacent and
covering said fluorescent dye.
16. The ammunition projectile defined in claim 15, wherein said
fluorescent dye forms a coating on an inside surface of said
transparent window.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from the U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/803,826 filed Mar. 21, 2013.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to weaponry and fire control.
More specifically, it relates to an ammunition projectile and a
fire control device for tracing the path of a projectile while in
ballistic flight toward a given target, so as to improve precision
and accuracy when aiming a subsequent projectile at the same or
another target.
[0003] The U.S. Pat. No. 8,074,555 discloses a system for tracking
the lateral drift and vertical drop of an ammunition projectile
while in flight to provide a precise aim point for firing one or
more subsequent projectiles. With this system, a projectile is
provided with an optical emitter, in the rear of the projectile
housing, which produces optical strobe signals at predetermined
times (T1, T2, T3 . . . ) following firing of the projectile (at
time T0). An optical detector receives the optical signals and an
image processor determines the lateral drift (i.e. X1, X2, X3 . . .
) and vertical drop (i.e. Y1, Y2, Y3 . . . of the projectile at the
predetermined times (T1, T2, T3 . . . ) following time T0. The
subject matter of this patent is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0004] This system uses the real time data to correct for aiming
errors due to gun jump, wind turbulence, altitude-dependant wind
conditions, lot-to-lot ammunition irregularities, bore sight
misalignment and the like, for use when firing subsequent
projectiles. This system is optimized to function with projectiles
that have adequate energy to power LED's to emit strobe light and
where the ballistic trajectory angles are significant (e.g., with
mortars, artillery and 40 mm systems).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The principal object of the present indention is to improve
the precision and accuracy of weaponry systems by taking into
account all the factors that affect the actual ballistic flight of
a projectile.
[0006] It is another object of the present invention to improve the
fire control device of the type disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No.
8,074,555 to render it more reliable and less expensive.
[0007] It is still another object of this invention to improve the
fire control device disclosed is the U.S. Pat. No. 8,074,555 to
minimize power consumption of projectile-borne batteries, used for
example in projectile fuses, and simplify the sensor array
(detactor) that views the projectile.
[0008] These objects, as well as still further objects which will
become apparent from the discussion that follows, are achieved, in
accordance to the present invention by providing an otherwise
conventional ammunition projectile with a coating of fluorescent
dye material, on or near its rear surface, whereby the dye re-emits
radiation in response to excitation by laser light.
[0009] The fluorescent dye, optimized to luminance in response to
laser radiation, exploits a natural phenomenon known as
"laser-induced-fluorescence." The dye is coated on an external rear
surface of the projectile. The coating is preferably covered by a
transparent shield or coating and, for example, it may be disposed
on the inside surface of a transparent window on the rear of the
projectile.
[0010] The present invention also provides a system for correcting
the aim of a weapon that is operative to launch such a projectile
on a ballistic path toward a target. The aim-correcting system
preferably includes the following components: [0011] (1) a source
of short (strokes) radiation pulses directed toward the ballistic
path of the projectile for excitation of the fluorescent dye
material on the projectile, such pulses being emitted at
predetermined times (T1, T2, T3 . . . ) following firing of the
projectile (at time T0); [0012] (2) a radiation detector for
receiving strobe radiation re-emitted by the fluorescent dye on the
projectile allowing for the vertical and lateral measurement of the
projectile's position at times (T1z, T2z, T3z . . . ), where "z" is
the time delay of re-emission after excitation; [0013] (3) a signal
processor, coupled to the radiation detector, for processing the
electronic signals produced by the detector to determine the
lateral (X) and vertical (Y) coordinates of the projectile at such
times (T1z, T2z, T3z . . . ) during flight; [0014] (4) a computer,
coupled to the processor, for calculating a lateral correction and
a vertical correction in the aim of the weapon; and [0015] (5) an
output device, coupled to the computer, for facilitating an
adjustment in the aim of the weapon toward the target, prior to
firing the next projectile.
[0016] Using this aim-correcting device the aim of the weapon may
bo adjusted after the launch of one projectile to compensate for
aiming errors prior to the next launch of a projectile.
[0017] By means of this system, either the signal processor or the
computer calculates the lateral drift and the vertical drop of the
projectile at the predetermined times.
[0018] Preferably the radiation source is laser source adapted to
be affixed to the weapon so that the cone of illumination of the
laser source intersects with the ballistic path of the projectile
and excites the photo-luminescent material.
[0019] Preferably the radiation detector is a digital camera for
producing an image of the ballistic path of the projectile.
[0020] Depending upon the type of fluorescent dye material, the
frequency of the excitation radiation may be in one of the UV,
visual and IR spectral bands.
[0021] Both the laser source and radiation detector may utilize
narrow pass filters that provide for stealth in illuminating the
projectile and simplified signal processing and optical detector
construction as the technique provides for optimized signal to
noise ratios.
[0022] The radiation source preferably includes a narrow hand-pass
filter for selectively passing a narrow spectrum of laser light to
the projectile to excite the fluorescent dye. The radiation
detecting device preferably also includes a narrow bend pass filter
allowing only the re-emitted light from the fluorescent dye to pass
to the detector, thereby minimizing the data processing required of
the detector output.
[0023] The output device of the system may be a display for the
operator who manually adjusts the aim in the weapon's bore sight or
it may automatically adjust the aim of the weapon, for example by
passing the projectile drift and drop data to the fire control
device of the weapon.
[0024] For a full understanding of the present invention, reference
should now be made to the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a time diagram of laser induced fluorescence
showing the delay in response to excitation.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a representational diagram showing an ammunition
projectile having a fluorescent dye at its rear surface.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a weapon and the trajectory of a
projectile fired from a weapon.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cone of illumination of strobe
light emitted by a laser source that intersects the ballistic
flight path of a projectile fired from a weapon. The laser aim is
slightly depressed from the bore sight for optimized intersection
with the projectile's trajectory within the dispersion of the light
cone.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an optical detector which
receives a light emission from a laser-illuminated fluorescent dye
on an ammunition projectile.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a weapon having a laser
source to illuminate a projectile in flight.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a representational diagram showing an error
imparted by a fire control device which uses ballistic tables and
metrological sensors to calculate a predicted hit point (gunner
aiming point).
[0032] FIG. 8 is a representational diagram showing how the system
of the present invention identifies the X and Y location of the
detected fluorescent dye strobe signal against the sky or
backdrop.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a representational diagram showing how the system
of the present invention uses the laser-induced and emitted strobe
signal to correct for the actual drift in the azimuth and
inaccuracy in the ballistic fall of fired projectile (the view from
fire control device at gunner's position).
[0034] FIG. 10 is a representational diagram showing how the system
of the present invention is used, post firing, to shift fields of
view. The system measures the angular changes of the platform or
camera at the same moment that the tracer's strobe signal is
detected.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a representational diagram showing how the fire
control computer calculates a new fire control solution after
measuring actual drift and drop of an observed "strobe tracer"
projectile.
[0036] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the system according to the
present invention which uses an algorithm that computes a solution
for bore sight adjustment and/or automatically adjusts the aim
point of subsequently fired projectiles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now
be described with reference to FIGS. 1-12 of the drawings.
Identical elements in the various FIGS. are designated with the
same reference numerals.
[0038] The invention provides for a method and arrangement to
collect optical location signals emitted by a projectile in flight
fired from a weapon while simultaneously recording movement and/or
acceleration. These optical signals are transmitted from a
projectile in flight in either the visual, ultraviolet and
infra-red spectrum. The signals are re-emitted from the projectile
at predetermined times T2z, T3z, etc.) following the time of firing
(T0). An optical detector incorporated into the weapon launcher or
on an associated platform detects the angular geometry (projectile
location in the sky) of the radiation re-emitted by the
photo-luminescent material on the projectile as well as the
duration (time length) of this re-emitted strobe in its field of
view.
[0039] FIG. 1 is a time diagram illustrating the time delay of
fluorescence in response to excitation by laser light. As may be
seen, there is a delay of about 3 milliseconds between excitation
and response. This period of delay is designated hereinafter by the
letter "z".
[0040] The operating sequence of the system according to the
invention is depicted in Table 1 below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Sequence of Measurements Sequence of
Measurement Methodology T0-a Fire Control Displays solution based
on solution derived from algorithm (based on previous measurement)
T0-b Measurement of (a) radial Azimuth/Elevation Barrel Centerline
and (b) elevation of barrel/fire control if not aligned T0-c Firing
Pin Trigger pull (or hammer fall sensor) where a, b and c are
lengths of time before T0 T0 Set Back of Cartridge Launch T1 Laser
emits short pulse T1 + z Response of dye projectile time z later T1
+ z Camera image (x1, y1) of strobe response and camera position
(xx1, yy1) T2 Laser emits short pulse T2 + z Response of dye on
projectile time z later T2 + z Camera image (x2, y2) of strobe
response and camera position (xx2, yy2) T3 Laser emits short pulse
T3 + z Response of dye on projectile time z later T3 + z Camera
image (x3, y3) of strobe response and camera position (xx3, yy3) Tn
+ z Camera image (xn, yn) of strobe response and camera etc.
position (xxn, yyn)
[0041] FIG. 2 shows an ammunition projectile 10 having a
fluorescent dye 11 applied to its rear surface. The fluorescent dye
preferably has a transparent or translucent coating to protect
against damage or it is covered by a plastic shield or the like
attached to the rear of the projectile.
[0042] The system according to the invention has the capability to
detect the laser-induced fluorescence ("LIF") of a projectile while
in flight. The re-emission in response to the LIF occurs the short
period of time (z) after transmission of the laser strobe
excitation.
[0043] When a phosphor is included with the projectile dye, the
system can utilize phosphor thermometry. By measuring this
re-emitted light duration (z) the system can use temperature
differences observed on projectiles in flight to further
differentiate between and among the locations of multiple
projectiles when the rate of fire is such that multiple projectiles
are in flight at the same time.
[0044] The system of the present invention is shown generally in
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, FIG. 3 shows a weapon 12 capable of firing
projectiles in the direction of a target 14. The projectiles impact
in the region of the target in a dispersion zone 16. FIG. 4 shows a
laser source 18 mounted on the barrel of the weapon emitting pulses
(strobes) of light in a cone of illumination 20 that intersects the
projectile 10. FIG. 5 shows light 22 re-emitted by the fluorescent
dye 11 on the projectile 10, reaching an optical detector 24 on or
near the weapon 12. This arrangement is illustrated in perspective
in FIG. 6
[0045] The laser strobe emits light at precise time intervals after
launch or cartridge setback. The weapon fire control system
compares the actual flight position at these precise post-firing
intervals to the location that is forecasted by the original
solution algorithm. The"delta" positions are recorded
(stored/registered) and the fire control provides a gunner with new
"corrected" aim points using the registered shots.
[0046] The optical signals emitted by the fluorescent dye material
on the projectile are collected by an optical detector, such as an
IR camera, co-located with the weapon. The image is digitally
processed and X and Y coordinates of the projectile's strobe signal
are identified by collection at the predetermined time intervals.
When a gunner subsequently wishes to engage new targets, the
computer associated with the system uses an algorithm to identify a
precise aim point solution using the observed trajectory of
previous shots, thereby re-measuring and re-calibrating the
distance and relative target elevation for subsequent firing of the
weapon.
[0047] Optical emissions include light in the ultraviolet, infra
red and visual wavelengths. The weapon's fire control unit has the
capability to emit a cone of light (modulated to strobe at a set
time) that intersects with the ballistic path of the projectile.
Normally, the laser emission will be aligned vertically. The
laser's horizontal alignment will drop slightly at an inclination
so the top edge of the laser light illumination cone is aligned
horizontally with the centerline of the barrel. This geometry
allows the laser light cone to cover the entire ballistic drop of
the projectile.
[0048] The laser emitter 18 transmits a short, intense light strobe
signal at predetermined times after set back during the flight path
of the projectile. This occurs at T1=(time of emission+z), T2=(time
of emission+z), T3 =(time of emission+z), Tn=(time of emission+z)
where z is the time delay in milliseconds. Using this technique it
is possible to select dye combinations where the laser strobe
transmits strobe signals at a given frequency and the dye's optical
response differs in its response frequency. This is used by the
optimize system to preclude detection by potential adversaries. It
is possible, in fact, to harness the heat of the projectile to
change the spectral response of the dye.
[0049] The transmission of electromagnetic (optical) signals
differs under certain atmospheric conditions and frequencies. The
delay between the laser's production of a light strobe and the
tracer's fluoresced re-emitted response, as well as the length
(duration) of the response signal, are used by the fire-control
detection software to eliminate detection of stray reflective light
that occurs when the laser beam strobe signal reflects off of
objects and to distinguish between multiple projectiles.
[0050] Projectile flight geometry provides for reflection of light
rearward to the gunner's position at pre-set intervals though the
entire flight path. The fire control device associated with the
weapon optically identifies the position (T1=position x1, y1,
T2=position x2, y2, T3=position x3, y3, . . . Tn=position xn, yn)
of the projectile at set intervals.
[0051] The invention provides for a system to collect optical
location signals from a projectile in flight which are excited by
an optical light source (visual, ultraviolet and infra-red). The
fire control uses observed time-location and angular observation
date to compute an improved ballistic solution.
[0052] The system allows the fire control computers to readily
observe and calculate fire control solutions that reduce or
eliminate (1) occasion-to-occasion errors, (2) ammunition
lot-to-lot errors, and (3) bore sight misalignment.
[0053] Fire control computers can readily adjust aim points using
sensors to measure air temperature, pressure, firing geometry and
standard muzzle velocities; however, practical considerations still
limit the accuracy of calculated solutions. Lot-to-Lot ammunition
variations along with occasions-to-occasion errors still result in
limitations in the accuracy of fire control solutions. These errors
also include those errors that result from varying wind conditions.
Hence, measurement of the actual observed projectile drift and drop
is necessary to allow fire control systems to provide improved
aiming solutions.
[0054] The current generation of fire-control devices use ballistic
tables and metrological sensors to calculate a predicted hit point
(gunner aiming point). Some fire control systems allow users to
input manual drift and elevation offsets, but these manual offsets
are generally linear. Hence, the current generation fire control
devices continue to provide inaccurate aim points due to the fact
that they only calculate a limited number of inputs while many
"unsolved" sources of errors are not factored in. Unsolved errors
include (a) bore sight misalignment, (b) lot-to-lot errors, (c)
occasion-to-occasion errors and (d) limitations in existing wind
sensor technology. All unsolved errors degrade the accuracy and
precision of weapon fire control solutions, as illustrated in FIG.
7
[0055] The projectile's stimulated dye response occurs at discrate
intervals (at T1+z, T2+z, T3+z, . . . Tn+z, where z is the response
delay) that are observed by fire control devices equipped with
optical sensors. The dye's strobe response to laser illumination
identifies the position of the projectile at set time intervals
after set-back (time T0). As illustrated in FIG. 8, the system
according to the invention optically collect the strobe light
emissions at predetermined post firing (post set-back or launch)
time windows. The projectile's fluorescent dye emits light strobe
pulses that are collected by the optical detector 24 (e.g. a
camera) and digitally recorded. At each pre-set time window the
device also records changes in the X and Y orientation of dye
emission. The system's image processing software measures or signal
processing algorithms calculate the X and Y location of the optical
strobe emission at the pre-set time window.
[0056] The system's signal processor identifies the X, Y location
of the detected dye strobe signal against the sky or backdrop, as
shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, thereby determining the actual drift and
drop of the projectile 10 as seen from the gunner's position.
[0057] The measurement of observed projectile drift and vertical
drop are obtained by an image processor to isolate the strobe
tracer's position. Simultaneously, angular changes in the detector
are measured. The image processor search and detects the strobe
images at pre-set intervals after firing. Alternatively, the signal
processor detects the signal at pre-set intervals after firing.
[0058] Post firing resonance can create shifting fields of view.
The system measures the angular changes of the platform or optical
detector (camera) at the same moment that the projectile's strobe
signal is recorded.
[0059] After detecting the actual observed azimuth drift and drop
of a cartridge (FIG. 9), a weapon's fire control system can utilize
two methods to provide improved fire control solutions. The fire
control system can (1) reset subsequent fire control solutions to
use actual observed drift and drop, or (2) establish a correction
factor which modifies the calculated fire control solution. Hence,
use of actual observed data provides for a more accurate fire
control solution.
[0060] Fire control computer calculates a new fire control solution
after measuring actual drift and drop of an observed "strobe
tracer" projectile, as illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0061] The diagram of FIG. 11 shows projectile strobe signals from
the next subsequently fired projectile as viewed from a gunner's
position with the hit point corresponding to aim point.
[0062] The system and methodology according to the invention allow
fire control devices to adjust the aim point (in azimuth and
elevation) so that subsequently fired cartridges hit the intended
target by using actual observed azimuth drift and vertical drop.
With the actual drift observed by the fire control's optical
sensor, the fire control computer calculates improved solutions for
new engagements. As subsequent volleys are fired, the fire control
may use commonly known mathematical algorithms to further improve
the precision of the corrected aim point as it repeatedly measures
the actual position of cartridge drift and azimuth with a larger
sample size.
[0063] In the system shown in FIG. 12 an algorithm computes a
solution for bore sight adjustment and/or automatically adjusts the
aim point of subsequently fired projectiles. The algorithm develops
fire control solutions (aim points) using actual, observed azimuth
and elevation.
[0064] FIG. 12 shows a system 30 according to the invention for a
weapon 12 comprising an emitter 33, one or more sensors 34, an
optical detector (e.g. camera) 36, a signal processor 38 and a
computer 40 operating with software 42.
[0065] The sensors 34 are used to identify various parameters of
the weapon 12. Such sensors can be of various types, for example,
position sensors, sensors for gun elevation, optical sensors and
the like. The emitter 33 is a high-powered laser which is triggered
by the computer 40 to produce a strobe of light.
[0066] The optical detector 40 can be any type of image capturing
device, for example a video camera, infrared camera or the like. It
produces electronic signals representing the images and passes them
to a signal processor 42. The processor 42 determines X, Y location
and as well as the time duration of each received response from a
projectile in flight. This information is passed to the computer 40
for calculating a lateral correction and a vertical correction in
the aim of the weapon 12.
[0067] The fire control device measures the angular position of the
weapon 12 when the weapon fires a projectile aimed at a target.
This angular position information includes a radial
azimuth/elevation barrel centerline and elevation of barrel/fire
control elevation, The angular position is measured by the sensors
34 and this information is also passed to the computer 40.
[0068] The computer determines the drift and drop of the fired
projectile and passes this data to the fire control device for
adjusting the aim point of for the next projectile to be fired.
[0069] The time delay (z) of the re-emitted signal allows the
computer 36 to disregard reflections received by the detector 40
from stray objects. The time duration of the re-emitted signal
allows the computer to distinguish between multiple projectiles in
flight which have been rapidly fired successively by the weapon 12.
Closer (and therefore hotter) projectiles will have shorter
duration re-emissions that the projectiles that are further away
(and therefore cooler).
[0070] There has thus been shown and described a novel apparatus
for correcting ballistic errors using laser induced fluorescent
(strobe) tracers which fulfills all the objects and advantages
sought therefor. Many changes, modifications, variations and other
uses and applications of the subject invention will, however,
become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this
specification and the accompanying drawings which disclose the
preferred embodiments thereof. All such changes, modifications,
variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from
the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered toy
the invention, which is to be limited only by the claims which
follow.
* * * * *