Inventors:
Frank S. Coxe - Santa Ana CA
Assignee:
Northrop Corporation - Los Angeles CA
International Classification:
F41G 714
F41G 900
F41G 700
Abstract:
A laser beamrider projectile having a lens system and a four-quadrant photodiode detector, which eliminates the need for rate gyros in the projectile to provide stabilization. When the projectile is aligned with the beam, the beam image is centered on the intersection of the four quadrants of the detector, and when the projectile pitch or yaw angle deviates, more light strikes one or two of the quadrants than the others. Comparison circuitry connected to the detector outputs provides one error signal proportional to pitch angle deviation and another error signal proportional to yaw angle deviation. These signals are usable by the projectile flight control system to eliminate oscillation in pitch and yaw. Preferably, an angle rate signal is also supplied to the stabilization system in addition to or instead of the angle deviation signal. The full specification must be consulted for an understanding of the invention.
