A projected-reticle optical boresighting device for radome equipped radar systems
Abstract
A system which provides an improved means for maintaining alignment between the radio frequency (RF) boresight axis of a tracking radar antenna and the boresight axis of an optical boresight system coupled to the radar antenna is presented. In this device, both the radar and optical systems are supported and positioned by a common pedestal. In a typical radar without a radome, the optical boresight system can be mounted in a close proximity to the radar antenna, so that the antenna structure and the optical axis can be collimated to tight tolerances. However, in extremely high precision tracking radar applications, it is desirable to cover the antenna by a radome making it difficult to maintain collimation of the RF and optic axes. This is accomplished by projecting the reticle which establishes the optical boresight axis via optical elements from a reticle projector rigidly coupled to the radar antenna. This eliminates the need of a rigid coupling of the TV optic system to the radar antenna.
- Publication:
-
25th International Instrumentation Symposium
- Pub Date:
- 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979isa..symp..311P
- Keywords:
-
- Boresights;
- Optical Radar;
- Radar Antennas;
- Radar Tracking;
- Reticles;
- Accuracy;
- Radar Targets;
- Radio Frequencies;
- Instrumentation and Photography