Method and apparatus for active boresight correction

A method for minimizing scanning time in a dual mode target designator using an IR detector co-boresighted with a laser range finder that emits a laser beam so as to quickly identify the position of a target in a multiple target cloud, comprising the steps of:

• deriving an error signal corresponding to boresight misalignment based on reported target position of a first target derived from the IR detector and returns from the first target illuminated by the laser beam from the laser range finder;
• and,
• for the next target selected repositioning the laser boresight so that it is more perfectly co-boresighted with the IR detector boresight, whereby scanning time for the next target is reduced due to the repositioning.

A system for correcting the boresight of a laser range finder having a laser to match the boresight of an IR detector comprising:

• a laser transmit mirror defining the boresight of the laser;
• a closed loop controller coupled to said transmit mirror for adjusting the position thereof responsive to a comparison of reported IR detector position of a target with the position of the target reported by said laser range finder.

In a dual mode target designation system in which a narrow laser beam from a ladar having a laser is projected in a scanning fashion towards a target cloud in an attempt to illuminate a selected target in the cloud and in which an IR detector is co-boresighted with the laser of the ladar, a method for actively adjusting the laser boresight to align with the IR detector boresight such that at least one of the boresights is aligned with the other of the boresights, comprising the step of:

• providing a closed loop system for correcting the boresight of the laser based on a comparison of the reported position of the selected target from the IR detector and the reported position of a return from the selected target as a result of illumination by the scanning laser.

A method for minimizing scanning time in a dual mode target designator using an IR detector co-boresighted with a ladar that emits a laser beam so as to quickly identify the position of a target in a multiple target cloud, comprising the steps of:

• deriving an error signal corresponding to boresight misalignment based on reported target position of a first target derived from the IR detector and returns from the first target illuminated by the laser beam from the ladar;
• and,
• for the next target selected repositioning the laser boresight so that it is more perfectly co-boresighted with the IR detector boresight, whereby scanning time for the next target is reduced due to the repositioning.

A system for correcting the boresight of a ladar having a laser to match the boresight of an IR detector comprising:

• a laser transmit mirror defining the boresight of the laser;
• a closed loop controller coupled to said transmit mirror for adjusting the position thereof responsive to a comparison of reported IR detector position of a target with the position of the target reported by said ladar.