Object detection system for mobile platforms

A method for detecting an object, the method comprising:

• splitting a light beam by a beam splitter to direct a first portion of the light beam to an image sensor system and a second portion of the light beam to an active sensor system;
• changing a position of the telescope with a coarse pointing system to steer the direction of the light beam directed outward from an aircraft, wherein the coarse pointing system comprises a gyroscope and a motor system, and wherein the gyroscope sends signals to a motor system to compensate for movement of a platform on which the image sensor system and the active sensor system are mounted;
• receiving first sensor information for the object from the image sensor system, wherein the image sensor system generates the first sensor information from the light beam;
• receiving second sensor information for the object from the active sensor system, wherein the active sensor system generates the second sensor information from the light beam;
• and
• generating information about the object using the first sensor information and the second sensor information.

An aircraft comprising:

• a fuselage;
• a wing;
• and
• an apparatus for detecting threats around the aircraft, comprising:
• a platform;
• a telescope configured to receive a light beam and to direct a laser beam outward from the aircraft;
• a coarse pointing system configured to change a position of the telescope to steer a direction of the laser beam directed outward from the aircraft, wherein the coarse pointing system comprises a gyroscope and a motor system, and wherein the gyroscope sends signals to the motor system to compensate for movement of the platform, and wherein the motor system changes the position of the telescope according to the signals;
• an image sensor system mounted on the platform and configured to generate first sensor information from the light beam;
• an active sensor system mounted on the platform and comprising a laser configured to generate the laser beam and a laser detection and ranging (LADAR) camera configured to generate second sensor information from the light beam;
• a beam splitter configured to split the light beam received by the telescope direct a first portion of the light beam to the image sensor system and a second portion of the light beam to the active sensor system;
• and
• a processor unit in communication with the coarse pointing system, the image sensor, and the active sensor system, wherein the processor unit is configured to control the coarse pointing system to change the position of the telescope to steer the direction of the laser beam directed outward from the aircraft, to control operation of the laser to generate the laser beam, and to generate information about an object using the first sensor information and the second sensor information, wherein the information about the object comprises a determination of whether the object is a threat.