A Laser Tracking/Range Measuring System

M. C. Watkins

doi:10.1117/12.946714

1 July 1967 A Laser Tracking/Range Measuring System

M. C. Watkins

Proceedings Volume 0011, Laser Range Instrumentation; (1967) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.946714
Event: Laser Range Instrumentation, 1967, El Paso, United States

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the field evaluation of a CW laser tracking and range measuring system developed for the Test Track facility at Holloman AFB, New Mexico (Contract No. AF29(600)- 4136). A track borne sled, as a coopera-tive target, is automatically tracked by the laser system providing high accuracy range data. For ranging, the system's basic principle of operation utilizes the laser source as a carrier frequency which is modulated at a frequency of 2.048 GHz. The doppler or phase shift measurements introduced on the modulation frequency are detected and recorded for range com-putation. A signal to noise ratio of 10 db was measured at a target range of 10,000 ft. at the Holloman AFB Test Track; providing a range resolution of 8 x 10-' feet for the system bandwidth of 20 KHz. The tracking or beam steering portion of the system utilizes the target image position technique to provide the angular position error for the servo loop. The system has demonstrated its ability to lock-on a sled at its starting range of three miles and automatically track this high speed sled to a passing range of 1000 feet during a routine operational test run.

Citation Download Citation

M. C. Watkins "A Laser Tracking/Range Measuring System", Proc. SPIE 0011, Laser Range Instrumentation, (1 July 1967); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.946714

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