Advances in electro-optic systems for targeting

Abstract

Throughout history, ‘optics’ have been used as the primary sense for weapon aiming. Military aircraft have now been using electro-optic avionic systems for more than 50 years to provide aiming precision in a variety of targeting applications. Recent conflicts have made significant use of the precision of electro-optic (E-O) systems such as the thermal imaging and airborne laser designator (TIALD) to strike specific targets, by day and night, while minimizing the risk of unintentional collateral damage. Many of these E-O systems provide a convenient ‘CNN news compatible’ video and the use and effectiveness of the TIALD have been witnessed by many people on television. Perhaps not so obvious are the underlying advances in E-O technology and the extensive enhancements that have made this all possible. The United Kingdom is a world leader in E-O technology and continues to research and develop new systems to meet anticipated future needs. The author examines the basis for use of electro-optic avionics in targeting applications and describes the depth of the technology employed to meet the precision requirements. A few examples of E-O systems are examined, together with a discussion of future directions.