Optical Interface Assembly for TOW Trainer

摘要

The Software Engineering Directorate constructed a target acquisition training module that replaces the tactical target acquisition head attached to a TOW missile launcher. Soldiers can train on this tactical simulator without expending costly munitions. The module contains a large LCD panel upon which real time scenery, moving targets, and scene movements (coordinated with launcher pointing) are presented to the gunner trainee via the standard TOW tactical 'monocular' eyepiece. This paper discusses the design and prototyping of the optical interface assembly that connects the LCD to the gunner's tactical eyepiece so that the trainee sees a realistic presentation. A mandatory constraint dictated that only off-the-shelf optics be employed for the prototype. A half-wave retarder is also incorporated in the beam path to alleviate polarization effects. The completed system met the design specifications, cost, and schedule constraints. It also provides a practical (and digestible) example of the optical engineering art for students embarking on this career path.