Elisa R Towry

US Patent:

51116898, May 12, 1992

Filed:

Oct 7, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/772733

Inventors:

Elisa R. Towry - Fayetteville TN

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army - Washington DC

International Classification:

G01M 1900

US Classification:

73167

Abstract:

Testing apparatus for testing and evaluating the performance of laser seeking warheads for missiles under simulated weather conditions. The testing apparatus includes a support for supporting the warhead seeker and a laser for generating a laser beam, and for directing it towards the seeker. The laser beam extends through a diffusion screen which is interposed between the seeker support beams and the laser for diffusing the laser beam. A collimating lens is interposed between the diffusion screen and the seeker support for collimating the diffused laser beam and for directing the collimated laser beam onto the warhead seeker. A background illuminator is provided with an operating position between the diffusion screen and the collimating lens for simulating background lighting comparable to various weather conditions. The intensity of light generated by the background illuminator is varied by either individual rheostat controls or by a microprocessor. The microprocessor can also monitor the reaction of the seeker to the varied lighting conditions.