Multi-mode seekers including focal plane array assemblies operable in semi-active laser and image guidance modes

A multi-mode seeker, comprising:

• a focal plane array, comprising:
• a detector array;
• and
• a Read-Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) operatively coupled to the detector array;
• and
• a bi-modal processing system operatively coupled to ROIC and switchable between an imaging mode and a semi-active laser guidance mode;
• wherein the ROIC comprises:
• (i) video processing circuitry coupled to a first input of the bi-modal processing system and configured to generate signals indicative of irradiance across the detector array, and (ii) laser pulse processing circuitry coupled to a second input of the bi-modal processing system and configured to provide data to bi-modal processing system indicative of laser pulse signals detected by the detector array.

A guided munition configured to be utilized in conjunction with a predetermined laser designator, the guided munition comprising:

• a multi-mode seeker, comprising:
• a focal plane array including a detector array and a Read-Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) operatively coupled to the detector array;
• a bi-modal processing system operatively coupled to ROIC and switchable between:
• (i) an imaging mode wherein the bi-modal processing system generates video data as a function of signals received from ROIC indicative of irradiance across the detector array, and (ii) a semi-active laser guidance mode wherein the bi-modal processing system generates line-of-sight data as a function of signals received from ROIC indicative of laser pulses registered by the detector array and qualified as corresponding to the predetermined laser designator;
• and
• a main navigational computer coupled to an output of the bi-modal processing system and configured to receive therefrom video data when the bi-modal processing system is operating in the imaging mode and line-of-sight data when the bi-modal processing system is operating in the semi-active laser guidance mode.