Launcher control system

An apparatus for controlling an airborne vehicle, said apparatus being part of a system comprising a target position sensor, an information system, a power source, and a launcher, said apparatus comprising:

• (a) communications interface means for coupling the information system to the launcher and airborne vehicle, said communications interface means receiving target position information from said target position sensor and launch and control orders from said information system, and providing launcher and airborne vehicle status information to the information system, said communications interface means including a plurality of serial interfaces;
• (b) airborne vehicle interface means for coupling said communications interface means and said power source to said launcher and said airborne vehicle, said airborne vehicle interface means including a primary interface means for providing target position information and control signals for test and launch of said airborne vehicle and power from said power control means, for activating said airborne vehicle, and for determining the status of said airborne vehicle, said airborne vehicle interface means further including horizontal reference means coupled to said primary interface means for measuring the inclination of the launcher, and instrumentation means coupled to said primary interface means for collecting data used to monitor operation of the primary interface means;
• (c) guidance means for communicating with the airborne vehicle after launch, said guidance means including a radio frequency data link transmitter, frequency reference means for generating an X-band electromagnetic signal having guidance information to be transmitted by said data link transmitter, antenna means coupled to said data link transmitter for radiating guidance information to the airborne vehicle;
• (d) power control means for coupling said power supply to said communications interface means, said airborne vehicle interface means, and said guidance means, said power control means being capable of converting power from different power sources to power required by said communications interface means, said airborne vehicle interface means, and said guidance means;
• and
• (e) housing means for enclosing said communications interface means, said airborne vehicle interface means, said guidance means, and said power control means, said housing means comprising a box-like container being portable and separate from said target position sensor and said information system;
• said apparatus being modular in construction with said communications interface means, and airborne vehicle interface means, said guidance means, and said power control means being easily removable and replaceable.