Imaging target sight

Abstract

An optical missile sight that provides a gunner with the ability to view along a missile line of sight in order to sight a potential target prior to missile launch. The sight comprises an imaging telescope, an optical coupling arrangement that comprises (1) a flexible fiber optic bundle disposed in obedient sheathing, or (2) a reflective optics arrangement and a fiber optic bundle, and an objective lens employed for viewing. In the case of the flexible fiber optic bundle, the telescope is disposed along the centerline of the missile, and the optical components of the optical coupling arrangement are disposed in a flexible housing that extends from inside the missile to the outside of the launch tube. In one embodiment the fiber optic bundle is sheared during launch, while in another embodiment, the fiber bundle is separated at the missile/launch tube interface prior to launch. In the case of the reflective optics arrangement, the optical components of the telescope are disposed inside the missile and the optical coupling arrangement components are disposed both inside and outside of the missile, and a fiber optics bundle is employed to transmit the image scene to the gunner outside the launch tube.