Dual-waveband MWIR/visible three-axis stabilized sensor suite for submarine optronics masts

George R. Armstrong

doi:10.1117/12.328068

26 October 1998 Dual-waveband MWIR/visible three-axis stabilized sensor suite for submarine optronics masts

George R. Armstrong

Proceedings Volume 3436, Infrared Technology and Applications XXIV; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.328068
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1998, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A dual-band MWIR/Visible Electro-Optic sensor suite has been developed for use in the CM010 family of Optronics Masts, currently being evolved by Pilkington Optronics for the Royal Navy's new Astute Class submarines. The sensor suite features a medium wave IR thermal imaging camera and a broadcast standard color TV camera, both of which view the scene through a common sapphire pressure window. Three-axis stabilization is provided for both sensors, in which pitch and yaw are controlled by a common line-of-sight prism behind the sensor window, while control of roll about the line of sight is achieved by individual optical derotators within the TI and visible band optics. Precision stabilized control is provided in both the MWIR and visible optical chains. The MWIR sensor consists of a diagonally-microscanned 320 X 240 focal plane, the microscan beam deflection being carried out by the TI piezo mirror. The visible sensor, designed for daylight use, consists of three 1024 X 1024 pixel frame transfer CCD focal planes, which in conjunction with variable neutral density filters yield excellent performance over a 10³ dynamic range of daylight scene illuminance. Both optical systems provide Fields of View of 3, 6 and 24 degrees, and a Field of Regard covering from -15 degrees in depression to +60 degrees in elevation. Field of view switching is carried out by dual-band afocal optics situated in the common optical path. A 'Quick Look Round' mode allows both sensors to capture imagery through a full 360 degree azimuth sweep for subsequent analysis, with minimal mast exposure time.

Citation Download Citation

George R. Armstrong "Dual-waveband MWIR/visible three-axis stabilized sensor suite for submarine optronics masts", Proc. SPIE 3436, Infrared Technology and Applications XXIV, (26 October 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.328068

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