Low Cost Semi Active Laser Seeker

One of the more expensive components of a precision guided rocket is the seeker. As repeatedly demonstrated by the Hellfire missile, SAL seeker technology is quite mature, but it is far too expensive for use on a low-cost guided missile. Several programs have been established at various times to address this need, the most recent being APKWS and it’s successor, APKWS II. In this SBIR, Polaris Sensor Technologies is proposing a system approach to provide a low-cost, semi-active laser, strap-down seeker. By optimizing the response of high-dynamic-range Position Sensing Detectors or PSDs, our concept will significantly reduce the cost of SAL seeker technology by eliminating the expensive domes, gimbals, and traditional optics typical of current-day SAL seekers. During the Phase I effort, Polaris took the proposed concept and the proposed objectives and successfully demonstrated the feasibility of our approach. The tasks completed under Phase I not only met all of the objectives agreed upon in the Phase I Kickoff meeting but additionally designed, built, and tested custom electronics to demonstrate a pulse-sensitive PSD. The Phase II objectives, schedule, work plan, and expected results are discussed. The Phase I results are also presented and discussed.