KS-127A Long Range Oblique Reconnaissance Camera For RF-4 Aircraft

Richard C. Ruck; Oliver J. Smith

doi:10.1117/12.959259

23 December 1980 KS-127A Long Range Oblique Reconnaissance Camera For RF-4 Aircraft

Richard C. Ruck, Oliver J. Smith

Proceedings Volume 0242, Long Focal Length, High Altitude Standoff Reconnaissance; (1980) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.959259
Event: 24th Annual Technical Symposium, 1980, San Diego, United States

Abstract

The increased requirement for long range standoff aerial photography led to the development of the KS-127A camera, a 66-inch focal length (fl) camera designed to fit within the nose of a standard, unmodified RF-4 aircraft. The paper describes the folding of the 66-inch optical path allowing the camera to fit within the existing RF-4 nose and the development of the 66-inch fl, f/8 diffraction-limited lens. Also described is the use of a stabilized scan head for reducing the effects of aircraft motion, and allowing remote manual pointing of the camera for photographing targets of opportunity. Included are descriptions of an automatic temperature control system, an automatic focus system and an automatic exposure control, all items necessary for obtaining high resolution photography. Test results showing both dynamic bench testing as well as in-flight performance are presented. The development of the KS-127A camera, which has already demonstrated high reliability and ease of maintenance during day-to-day flight conditions, has given the RF-4 aircraft a capability previously unavailable.

Citation Download Citation

Richard C. Ruck and Oliver J. Smith "KS-127A Long Range Oblique Reconnaissance Camera For RF-4 Aircraft", Proc. SPIE 0242, Long Focal Length, High Altitude Standoff Reconnaissance, (23 December 1980); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.959259

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