Optical fiber guided tube-launched projectile system

Abstract

An optical fiber-guided projectile launch system for firing from a generally tubular launcher comprising a projectile having tubular casing, an extended length of optical fiber disposed in the casing for continuous streaming from the trailing end thereof, a portion of the fiber extending from the casing for operative connection to a controller, an axial groove in the casing surface for removably receiving a part of the extending fiber, tape securing the fiber part in the groove with force sufficient to withstand axial launch forces but insufficient to resist imposed radial forces, and a communication device providing two-way communication over the fiber. An alternative embodiment uses an un-grooved projectile casing with a tube launcher having a preformed fiber relief-groove in the inner peripheral surface and a discarding sabot having a tab member receivable in the relief. For both embodiments, a controller is provided in two-way communication with the projectile for receiving and processing target data from the projectile and for transmitting guidance data, including operator manual guidance, to the projectile, and an adaptor is provided for guiding fiber streaming axially from a wound bobbin in the projectile.