Laser guidance
Introduction
Laser guidance is a technique of guiding a missile or other projectile or vehicle towards a target by means of a laser beam. The laser guidance of a missile or other projectile involves projecting a laser onto a target and using the light reflected off the target to guide the weapon to the target. The guidance system uses the reflected light to calculate the necessary trajectory for the weapon to hit the target. Laser guidance is used in both military and civilian applications.
History
The concept of laser guidance has been around since the invention of the laser in the 1960s. The first laser-guided bomb was developed in the United States in 1962, during the Vietnam War. The system was initially used in combat in 1968. Since then, the technology has been refined and expanded, with laser guidance now being used in a variety of military and civilian applications.
Principles of Operation
A laser guidance system works by projecting a laser beam onto a target. The light from the laser is reflected off the target and detected by a sensor on the missile or other projectile. The sensor then sends information about the reflected light to the guidance system, which uses this information to calculate the necessary trajectory for the weapon to hit the target.
The laser beam can be directed at the target by a laser designator, which can be located on the ground, in the air, or on a satellite. The laser designator projects a laser beam onto the target, and the reflected light is detected by the sensor on the weapon.
The guidance system uses the information from the sensor to adjust the trajectory of the weapon. This can be done in a number of ways, depending on the specific design of the weapon and the guidance system. In some systems, the guidance system adjusts the fins or other control surfaces on the weapon to change its course. In other systems, the guidance system may adjust the thrust of the weapon's engine to change its course.
Types of Laser Guidance
There are several types of laser guidance systems, including semi-active laser guidance, active laser guidance, and beam riding guidance.
Semi-Active Laser Guidance
In a semi-active laser guidance system, the laser designator and the sensor are located on separate platforms. The designator projects a laser beam onto the target, and the sensor on the weapon detects the reflected light. The guidance system then uses this information to adjust the trajectory of the weapon. This type of system is commonly used in air-to-ground weapons.
Active Laser Guidance
In an active laser guidance system, the laser designator and the sensor are both located on the weapon. The weapon projects a laser beam onto the target and detects the reflected light. The guidance system then uses this information to adjust the trajectory of the weapon. This type of system is commonly used in air-to-air and surface-to-air weapons.
Beam Riding Guidance
In a beam riding guidance system, the weapon rides along a laser beam projected by a designator. The weapon detects the laser beam and follows it to the target. This type of system is commonly used in anti-tank and anti-ship weapons.
Applications
Laser guidance systems are used in a variety of military and civilian applications. In the military, they are used in a variety of weapons, including air-to-ground missiles, air-to-air missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and anti-tank and anti-ship weapons. In the civilian sector, they are used in applications such as surveying, construction, and mining.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Laser guidance systems offer several advantages over other types of guidance systems. They are highly accurate, as the laser beam can be precisely directed at the target. They are also immune to most forms of electronic countermeasures, as the laser beam is difficult to detect and jam.
However, laser guidance systems also have some disadvantages. They require a clear line of sight between the designator and the target, which can be difficult to achieve in certain conditions, such as in fog or smoke. They are also susceptible to atmospheric interference, such as rain or dust, which can scatter the laser beam and reduce its effectiveness.
Future Developments
Future developments in laser guidance technology are likely to focus on improving the performance of the systems in adverse conditions, such as in fog or smoke, and in overcoming countermeasures. There is also likely to be a focus on developing smaller, lighter, and more efficient laser designators and sensors.
