Apparatus and associated methods relate to controlling an explosive burst event of a ballistic ordnance, based on a ground surface topography mapped by a phased-array LIDAR system. The ground surface topography is mapped using an integrated photonics LIDAR system configured to: generate a beam of coherent light; non-mechanically steer a beam of coherent light over a solid angle about an ordnance axis; and detect the beam reflected from the ground surface. The integrated photonics LIDAR system is further configured to map the ground surface topography, based on a functional relation between an angle of the beam and a time difference between generating the beam and detecting the beam reflected from the ground surface. A timing and/or direction of the explosive burst can be controlled, based on the calculated ground surface topography, so as to advantageously realize a desired effect of the explosion.

A fuze for detecting an obstacle in proximity, an obstacle in proximity defined as being an obstacle exhibiting a minimum distance from the fuze, wherein the fuze comprises at least: an emission device emitting a light beam directed forward of the fuze; a reception device detecting the luminous fluxes in a cone directed forward of the fuze, the light beam and the cone having relative orientations such that they cross one another; a detection volume being the volume where the light beam crosses the cone so that when an obstacle is in the detection volume, the light emitted by the emission device is backscattered toward the detection device, an obstacle in proximity being detected by detecting the maximum of backscattered power, the reception cone is centered on the axis of the fuze.

A bomb fuze initiator equipped with a cap configured to open after bomb release, a device for detecting bomb release, a device for determining bomb speed, an integrated proximity sensor and a fuze connector intended to connect the fuze initiator to a bomb fuze, the integrated proximity sensor comprising: a transceiver of electromagnetic waves comprising an HF antenna and an HF circuit or comprising an IR source and a photodetector, and a transmission link configured to transmit the signal delivered by the transceiver of electromagnetic waves.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to controlling an explosive burst event of a ballistic ordnance, based on a ground surface topography mapped by a phased-array LIDAR system. The ground surface topography is mapped using an integrated photonics LIDAR system configured to: generate a beam of coherent light; non-mechanically steer a beam of coherent light over a solid angle about an ordnance axis; and detect the beam reflected from the ground surface. The integrated photonics LIDAR system is further configured to map the ground surface topography, based on a functional relation between an angle of the beam and a time difference between generating the beam and detecting the beam reflected from the ground surface. A timing and/or direction of the explosive burst can be controlled, based on the calculated ground surface topography, so as to advantageously realize a desired effect of the explosion.

A fuze for detecting an obstacle in proximity, an obstacle in proximity defined as being an obstacle exhibiting a minimum distance from the fuze, wherein the fuze comprises at least: an emission device emitting a light beam directed forward of the fuze; a reception device detecting the luminous fluxes in a cone directed forward of the fuze, the light beam and the cone having relative orientations such that they cross one another; a detection volume being the volume where the light beam crosses the cone so that when an obstacle is in the detection volume, the light emitted by the emission device is backscattered toward the detection device, an obstacle in proximity being detected by detecting the maximum of backscattered power, the reception cone is centered on the axis of the fuze.

A system (10) for testing a laser proximity fuse (PF) (12) by simulating a closing velocity to a target along a line of sight (14) includes a static spiral surface (16) and a support arrangement (18) for supporting the proximity fuse (12) with the line of sight (14) directed towards an inside of static spiral surface (16). A folding mirror (20) is driven by a drive motor (22) so as to deflect the line of sight (14) towards progressively closer regions of static spiral surface, thereby simulating a closing velocity. The system can be miniaturized by employing converging optics (24). An alternative embodiment employs a shaped rotor (32) to achieve a similar effect.

A bomb fuze initiator equipped with a cap configured to open after bomb release, a device for detecting bomb release, a device for determining bomb speed, an integrated proximity sensor and a fuze connector intended to connect the fuze initiator to a bomb fuze, the integrated proximity sensor comprising: a transceiver of electromagnetic waves comprising an HF antenna and an HF circuit or comprising an IR source and a photodetector, and a transmission link configured to transmit the signal delivered by the transceiver of electromagnetic waves.

A system (10) for testing a laser proximity fuse (PF) (12) by simulating a closing velocity to a target along a line of sight (14) includes a static spiral surface (16) and a support arrangement (18) for supporting the proximity fuse (12) with the line of sight (14) directed towards an inside of static spiral surface (16). A folding mirror (20) is driven by a drive motor (22) so as to deflect the line of sight (14) towards progressively closer regions of static spiral surface, thereby simulating a closing velocity. The system can be miniaturized by employing converging optics (24). An alternative embodiment employs a shaped rotor (32) to achieve a similar effect.