Abstract A target simlator comprising a sequencing infrared source and a plurality of binary coded inputs is used to test the reaction of a missile seeker which operates on the principal of a parabolic mirror being flooded with parallel light rays which in turn are reflected onto the detector. The light rays are either parallel to the center line axis of the missile or at some angle thereto. The angle of these rays with respect to the missile centerline is detected by the missile guidance system to cause the missile to track the rays. The target simulator according to the present invention utilizes this principle without flooding the entire mirror using a 1/4 inch column of parallel light rays from sequenced infrared sources.
Target simulating apparatus for investigating operational efficiency of a light energy sensitive tracking system having a finite viewing envelope; said target simulating apparatus including; a plurality of illuminable elements arranged to emit radiant energy waves toward said tracking system within the viewing envelope of said system; means for individually illuminating selected ones of said elements; and means for illuminating said elements in timed sequence.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
64 words
Target simulating apparatus for investigating operational efficiency of a light energy sensitive tracking system having a finite viewing envelope; said target simulating apparatus including; a plurality of illuminable elements arranged to emit radiant energy waves toward said tracking system within the viewing envelope of said system; means for individually illuminating selected ones of said elements; and means for illuminating said elements in timed sequence.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said elements are arranged in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of said viewing envelope and each element, when illuminated, emits radiation in a particular prearranged angular direction in relation to said axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said elements are arranged in a plurality of linear arrays forming roughly a square having sides approximately equidistant from said axis.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said angular relationship varies: a. along a first side of said square from 0* to 10* in a first direction(x); b. along a second side from 2* to 10* in a second direction (y) orthogonal to said first direction; c. along a third side from 2* to 10* in said direction (x); and d. along the fourth side from 2*to 10* in said direction (y).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said elements are electrically excitable infrared radiating devices and said means for illuminating said elements includes a soUrce of regular electrical pulses of a predetermined frequency and electrical logic circuitry for controlling application of current to said devices.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said elements are electrically excitable infrared radiating devices and said means for illuminating said elements includes a source of regular electrical pulses of a predetermined frequency and electrical logic circuitry for controlling application of current to said devices.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said elements are electrically excitable infrared radiating devices and said means for illuminating said elements includes a source of regular electrical pulses of a predetermined frequency and electrical logic-circuitry for controlling application of current to said devices.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said elements are arranged in a plurality of linear arrays and wherein said angular direction for diodes in each array range from 2* to 10* and one additional element arranged to emit rays essentially parallel to said axis.