A missile for use in a laser beam riding missle guidance system

摘要

A method for aligning a missile with a target in a laser beam riding missile guidance system is disclosed. The method reduces or removes the alignment error associated with the centre of the laser beam pattern and the target aim point in the optical sight. The system includes a laser transmitter for generating and projecting a laser information field towards the target, and an optical sight for aiming the laser beam towards the target. The method comprises: determining a point in the laser information field with which the missile is currently aligned; determining a distance of the target from the missile; determining an angular displacement between the missiles current direction of travel and the direction in which the target lies from the missile; determining, based on said distance and angular displacement, a new point in the laser information field with which the missile should be aligned to reach the target; and controlling missile guidance systems on board the missile to bring the missile into alignment with the new point in the laser information field.