A sensor for a missile seeker includes a primary, concave, reflector that is reflective to RF waves and to another kind of waves, but that includes a transmissive region, through which RF waves can pass. A secondary, convex, reflector is reflective to RF waves but transmissive, and not reflective, to the other kind of waves, and is arranged facing the primary reflector to further reflect RF waves reflected by the primary reflector through the transmissive region of the primary reflector. An RF detector is arranged on the opposite side of the primary reflector from the secondary reflector and arranged to detect the RF waves reflected by the secondary reflector through the transmissive region of the primary reflector. A second detector, for detecting the other kind of waves, is arranged on the opposite side of the secondary reflector from the primary reflector and is arranged to detect the other kind of waves after they are reflected by the primary reflector and transmitted through the secondary reflector.

A multi-function radio frequency (MFRF) module integrates command guidance, active and semi-active terminal guidance (and possibly passive) and fuzing sensors for gun-launched munitions into a single assembly. The MFRF module can be incorporated into a variety of different gun-launched munitions to execute missions currently performed by guided missiles. The MFRF module is programmable during munition activation to select the guidance mode, active or semi-active, and a primary fuze mode, proximity or height of burst.

A dual mode electromagnetic detection system and a protective dome for the electromagnetic detection system are described. The protective dome includes a substrate having a portion transparent to both infrared radiation and radio frequency radiation. The portion of the substrate includes a macromolecular material including a polymer selected from a family of polyolefins and an antistatic additive.

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 dual-mode active and passive gimbaled optical system including a mechanism for coupling an optical signal from an off-gimbal active-mode source into the on-gimbal passive-mode optical path. One example of the system includes a passive off-gimbal detector assembly configured to image emissive electromagnetic radiation from a viewed scene, and a receiver-path optical assembly, including on-gimbal objective optics, that directs the electromagnetic radiation to the off-gimbal detector assembly. The system further includes an off-gimbal active source that generates an optical signal, a gimbal bearing assembly that supports rotation of the gimbal and includes a centrally-located output ferrule mated to an optical fiber that transports the optical signal from the active source to the output ferrule, and an on-gimbal optical coupling element that receives the optical signal from the output ferrule and couples the optical signal into the receiver optical path to direct the optical signal toward the on-gimbal objective optics.

A cover assembly is provided, for use with an instrument package having a common aperture. The cover assembly includes an inner cover member and an outer radome member. The inner cover member is substantially transparent to electromagnetic (EM) radiation of at least a first wavelength range. The outer radome member is configured for selectively and reversibly covering the inner cover member and transparent to EM radiation of at least a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range. The second wavelength range includes a radio frequency (RF) wavelength range. The outer radome member is configured for being mounted in overlying relationship with respect to the common aperture of the instrument package. The outer radome member is configured for being initially in overlying relationship with respect to the inner cover member and for being selectively removed from the overlying relationship with respect to the inner cover member at least during flight conditions.

A molded dichroic mirror and method of manufacture thereof. The dichroic minor may be molded from polysiloxane or lithia potash borosilicate and may be coated to reflect an infrared signal and configured to transmit a radio frequency signal between 33 GHz and 37 GHz.

A dual-mode active and passive gimbaled optical system including a mechanism for coupling an optical signal from an off-gimbal active-mode source into the on-gimbal passive-mode optical path. One example of the system includes a passive off-gimbal detector assembly configured to image emissive electromagnetic radiation from a viewed scene, and a receiver-path optical assembly, including on-gimbal objective optics, that directs the electromagnetic radiation to the off-gimbal detector assembly. The system further includes an off-gimbal active source that generates an optical signal, a gimbal bearing assembly that supports rotation of the gimbal and includes a centrally-located output ferrule mated to an optical fiber that transports the optical signal from the active source to the output ferrule, and an on-gimbal optical coupling element that receives the optical signal from the output ferrule and couples the optical signal into the receiver optical path to direct the optical signal toward the on-gimbal objective optics.

Technology for determining a geographical location is described. A sequence of magnetic field gradient measurements can be identified for specific positions on the Earth that correspond to a path traveled by a moving platform. The sequence of magnetic field gradient measurements for the path can be compared to a reference magnetic field gradient map. A trajectory derived from the reference magnetic field gradient map that correlates to the sequence of magnetic field gradient measurements can be identified. The trajectory can have known geographical coordinates. The geographical location of the moving platform can be determined based on the known geographical coordinates of the trajectory.

A method to spread laser photon energy over separate pixels to improve the likelihood that the total sensing time of all the pixels together includes the laser pulse. The optical signal is spread over a number of pixels, N, on a converter array by means of various optical components. The N pixels are read out sequentially in time with each sub-interval short enough that the integration of background photons competing with the laser pulse is reduced. Likewise, the pixel read times may be staggered such that laser pulse energy will be detected by at least one pixel during the required pulse interval. The arrangement of the N pixels may be by converter array column, row, two dimensional array sub-window, or any combination of sub-windows depending on the optical path of the laser signal and the capability of the ROIC control.