Lockheed Martin Corporation

Lockhead Martin Corp.

Nicholas Krasutsky

A LADAR system and with lookdown and loitering capabilities is disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a LADAR sensor and a gimbal. The LADAR sensor is mounted to the gimbal, which is capable of scanning in azimuth sufficient to provide a look down and loitering capability. In another aspect, a method includes flying an airborne vehicle through an environment; and scanning a LADAR signal forward and to at least one side into a field of regard.

Lookdown and loitering LADAR system

The present invention is a time division multiplexed beam combination for laser signal generation. In one aspect, the time division multiplexed beam combination employs a mechanical implementation. In a second aspect, the time division multiplexed beam combination employ a polarization interlacing.

Laser beam combining by polarization interlacing

A laser-based system with laser detection and ranging ('LADAR') and semi-active laser ('SAL') system capabilities is disclosed. In a first aspect, an apparatus includes a gimbal capable of scanning in azimuth and in elevation and a sensor mounted on the gimbal capable of LADAR acquisition and laser designation. In a second aspect, a method includes flying an airborne vehicle through an environment, scanning a LADAR signal from a sensor into the field of regard to identify a target; and laser designating the identified target with the sensor.

Laser-based system with LADAR and SAL capabilities

A dual mode LADAR/SAL apparatus is disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a gimbal capable of scanning in azimuth and in elevation and a sensor mounted on the gimbal. The sensor includes a telescope, a LADAR optical path, and a SAL optical path. The telescope defines an exit pupil through which the sensor collects reflected light. The sensor further includes means for directing light received through the telescope to the LADAR optical path in a first position and to the SAL optical path in a second position such that the SAL optical path receives the collected light from the exit pupil of the telescope. The means may be, for example, a mirror. In a second aspect, an apparatus includes a gimbal capable of scanning in azimuth and in elevation, and a sensor mounted on the gimbal. The sensor includes a telescope defining an exit pupil through which the sensor collects reflected light. The sensor is capable of operating in a LADAR mode and in a SAL mode and receiving collected light in the SAL mode through a limited portion of the exit pupil.

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Carrollton, TX, United States of America

Nicholas Krasutsky