An optical sensor uses a MEMS MMA to scan a narrow laser beam over a transmit FOR to provide active illumination and to correct the beam profile (e.g., collimate the beam, reduce chromatic aberrations, correct the beam profile or wavefront). A staring detector senses light within a receive FOR that at least partially overlaps the transmit FOR. By completely eliminating the dual-axis gimbal, this sensor architecture greatly reduces the volume and weight of the optical sensor while avoiding the deficiencies of known systems associated with either fiber or free-space coupling of the laser beam into an existing receiver.

A laser source (340) that generates an output beam (354) that is directed along a beam axis (354A) that is coaxial with a first axis and orthogonal to a second axis comprises a first frame (356), a laser (358), and a first mounting assembly (360). The laser (358) generates the output beam (354) that is directed along the beam axis (354A). The first mounting assembly (360) couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356). The first mounting assembly (360) allows the laser (358) to expand and contract relative to the first frame (356) along the first axis and along the second axis, while maintaining alignment of the output beam (354) so the beam axis (354A) is substantially coaxial with the first axis. The first mounting assembly (360) can include a first fastener assembly (366) that couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356), and a first alignment assembly (368) that maintains alignment of the laser (358) along a first alignment axis (370) that is substantially parallel to the first axis.

An apparatus includes at least one memory configured to store map data. The apparatus also includes at least one processor configured to segment one or more objects from one or more environment surfaces in the map data. The at least one processor is also configured to determine an offset based on a projectile drift. The at least one processor is further configured to generate a safety bounding box around each of the one or more objects using the offset.

Optical sensors and particularly gimbaled optical sensors transmit an active signal at a given wavelength(s) and receive passive signals over a range of wavelengths and the active signal in a common aperture. The sensor includes a Tx/Rx Aperture Sharing Element (ASE) configured with an annular region that couples an active signal having a ring-shaped energy distribution to the telescope for transmission and a center region that couples the passive emissions and the returned active signal to the detector. A beam shaping element such as an Axicon lens, LCWG, Risley Prism, Unstable Optical Resonator or MEMS MMA may be used to form or trace the ring-shaped active signal onto the annular region of the ASE. A focusing optic may be used to reduce the divergence of the active signal so that it is collimated or slightly converging when transmitted such that the returned active signal approximates a spot. A filter wheel may be positioned behind the ASE to present separate passive and active images to the detector. These optical sensors may, for example, be used with guided munitions or autonomous vehicles.

A counter measure system is provided having a unitary infrared transparent dome including a look angle greater than 180. The dome has two hemispherical regions, with a second region having a truncated bottom end defining an opening to a central cavity inside which electro-optical elements are disposed. The electro-optical elements can view outward through the dome at the look angle. The second region on the dome has a complementary curvature as the first region by continuing a similar radius beyond a transverse horizontal axis or equator. The dome is mounted to a base, which also may be referred to as a bezel. The base defines a rabbet extending circumferentially about the base imaginary center defining an aperture. The base and the dome are formed from different materials but have equivalent coefficients of thermal expansion. In one embodiment the dome if formed from sapphire and the base is titanium.

The invention relates to an optronic device (16) capable of emitting a plurality of wavelengths comprising: an observation camera (24), and a laser unit (26) for each wavelength of the plurality of wavelengths, wherein each laser unit (26) comprises a laser source (36) capable of emitting a laser beam at the wavelength and an optical system (38) having a maximal transmission coefficient for the wavelength.

A flight guidance technique for guiding an aerial vehicle to track a target is provided. A flight guidance apparatus transmits a radio frequency (RF) signal encoded with transmission direction information to an antenna. A guided aerial vehicle receives RF signals transmitted through two antennas spaced apart from each other, measures a phase difference between the RF signals, and compares the measured phase difference with a result of decoding the transmission direction information to control a direction of flight.

A flight guidance technique for guiding an aerial vehicle to track a target is provided. A flight guidance apparatus transmits a radio frequency (RF) signal encoded with transmission direction information to an antenna. A guided aerial vehicle receives RF signals transmitted through two antennas spaced apart from each other, measures a phase difference between the RF signals, and compares the measured phase difference with a result of decoding the transmission direction information to control a direction of flight.

Systems, methods, and computer program products for identifying hostile fire. A characteristic of a fired projectile is detected using an optical system and the projectile's travel path in relation to a vehicle is determined. If the determined travel path of the projectile is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle, it is determined that the projectile is hostile towards the vehicle and a warning is output.

Systems, devices, and methods for identifying a target aerial vehicle, deploying an interceptor aerial vehicle comprising at least one effector, maneuvering the interceptor aerial vehicle to a position to engage a target aerial vehicle, deploying the at least one effector to intercept the target aerial vehicle, and confirming that the target aerial vehicle has been intercepted.