A target simulator for evaluating laser guided missile performance during closed loop homing operations

This paper describes the development of a Laser Target Simulator that will be used as part of a fully integrated and operational functional mock-up capable of exercising the hardware elements of a semi-active laser guided missile during simulated flight. A laser semi-active missile guidance system converts received coded laser pulsed energy to electrical signals by tracking a target and generates guidance signals for proportional missile navigation. The optical signals are received after being diffusely reflected from a target which is designated by pulsed laser energy. The simulator provides two independently controlled laser sources in order that laser seeker false target and countermeasure susceptability can be evaluated.