An imaging and asynchronous laser pulse detector (ALPD) device, imaging cell of the imaging and ALPD device and method of use is disclosed. A detector generates an electrical signal in response to receiving an optical signal, wherein a frequency of the electrical signal is indicative of a frequency of the optical signal. A first detection/readout circuit is sensitive to a first frequency range, and a second detection/readout circuit is sensitive to a second frequency range. The first detection/readout circuit allows the electrical signal to pass from the first detection/readout circuit to the second detection/readout circuit.

The system and method of swarm navigation using a follow the forward approach. Using on-board sensors and communications links between members of a swarm, numerous targets can be engaged more quickly and precisely. In some cases, a designator is used to help a forward of the swarm navigate to a target using image-based navigation up until terminal guidance is used. A cascade of messages are projected back to a following round so that, each member of a swarm can determine a best target/round match and provide real-time, up-to-date information regarding targets' locations and each round's location, range to target, target selection, and the like.

The system and method of projectile flight management using a combination of radio frequency orthogonal interferometry for the long range navigation and guidance of one or more projectiles and a short range navigation and guidance system to provide for more accurate targeting.

The system and method of a dual mode semi active laser seeker and imaging system using pulse detection and angle determination as applied to quad detectors to properly identify a correct designator spot. The angle performance is driven by the field of view of the imaging system. The imaging system resolution provides the required angle accuracy for guidance as cued by pulse detection apertures. The imaging system eliminates the need to designate until impact thus eliminating exposure to counter fire against the designator. The elimination of designation until impact also opens up the opportunity rapid engagement of multiple targets from a single designator.

Optical sensors and particularly gimbaled optical sensors transmit an active signal at a given wavelength and receive passive signals over a range of wavelengths while controlling pointing without benefit of measuring and locating the active signal return. The sensor includes a Tx/Rx Aperture Sharing Element (ASE) is configured to block the received active signal (e.g. reflections off a target in a scene) and process only the passive emissions. These optical sensors may, for example, be used with guided munitions or autonomous vehicles.

A course correction system for a projectile can include a pre-steering trajectory determination module. The pre-steering trajectory determination module can be configured to receive a series of possible trajectories from an estimation module including a physical model defining trajectory as a function of gravitational pull and one or more launch variables, and receive a sensor data from one or more on-board sensors of the projectile. The pre-steering trajectory determination module can also be configured to reduce the possible trajectories from the estimation module to one or more refined trajectories using the sensor data, and output the one or more refined trajectories.

A closed, self-contained ballistic apogee detection module for use in a projectile, such as a rocket, mortar round, or artillery round, fuses data from multiple built-in sensors, such as an accelerometer, a magnetometer, and a gyroscope, and processes the data using a microprocessor through a custom quaternion extended Kalman filter to provide accurate state and orientation information about the projectile so as to accurately predict apogee. The module outputs a signal indicating apogee detection or prediction which they projectile uses to initiate fuze arming, targeting control, airbody transformation, maneuvering, flow effector deployment or activation, payload exposure or deployment, and/or other mission activity. Because the system and method of the invention does not rely on external environmental data to detect apogee, it need not use a pressure sensor and can be completely sealed in and closed without requiring access to air from outside the projectile for barometric readings.

A guided projectile including a precision guidance munition assembly utilizes at least one maneuver envelope to optimally control movement of at least one canard to steer the guided projectile during flight. The maneuver envelopes optimize movements of the at least one canard that effectuate movement in either the range direction or the cross-range direction, or both. The maneuver envelope enables optimal timing such that maneuvering in one direction does not come at the expense of maneuver authority in the other direction.

A system and method to aid in guidance, navigation and control of a guided projectile including a precision guidance munition assembly is provided. The system and method obtain raw position data during flight of the guided projectile, the raw position data including a plurality of position data points from the guiding sensor for determining positions of the guided projectile, establish a window including a portion of the plurality of position data points, smooth the portion of the plurality of position data points in the window, and determine a reduced noise position estimate of the guided projectile, based, at least in part, on the smoothed portion of the plurality of position data points in the window. The system and method may determine a velocity estimate of the guided projectile and predict an impact point of the guided projectile relative to a target.

An imaging and asynchronous laser pulse detector (ALPD) device, imaging cell of the imaging and ALPD device and method of use is disclosed. A detector generates an electrical signal in response to receiving an optical signal, wherein a frequency of the electrical signal is indicative of a frequency of the optical signal. A first detection/readout circuit is sensitive to a first frequency range, and a second detection/readout circuit is sensitive to a second frequency range. The first detection/readout circuit allows the electrical signal to pass from the first detection/readout circuit to the second detection/readout circuit.