Ground target detection system for low-flying aircraft - uses sensors associated with towed body coupled to aircraft via cable incorporating optical fibre coupling.

摘要

The target detection system uses sensors (10) covering different spectral ranges incorporated in, or attached to a body (11) towed, like a kite, by the low-flying aircraft (100) via a high strength flexible cable (12). This incorporates one or more optical fibres allowing the sensor signals to be coupled to an evaluation unit onboard the aircraft. The angular position of the body relative to the low-flying aircraft is monitored continuously to allow correction of the sensor measured values within the evaluation unit for the characteristic movement of the body. Pref. the target is detected via IR and millimetre-wave sensors, with an additional IR sensor (hot spot tracker) (10a) for tracking the low-flying aircraft. ADVANTAGE - Correction of sensor signals without requiring gyroscope in towed body.