airborne laser tracker

DESCRIPTION

The airborne laser tracker is used to automatically scan the terrain, detect and lock on to a laser designated target. The ALT automatically tracks the target and when commanded , aims the telescopic sight unit to the ALT line of sight. The ALT consists of a receiver, electronics assembly, and control panel. The receiver is a barrel-shaped housing with a glass dome that contains the laser seeker, and is located in the forward pylon fairing assembly. The electronics assembly, contains the ALT plug-in modules and power supply, and is located in the aircraft behind the receiver. The control panel contains the ALT controls and indicators, and is located in the pilots cockpit.

ITEM

FUNCTION

MODE SWITCH

Off-turns ALT power off ( tracker gimbals are free to move ).

TEST-starts ALT self-test.

STBY-centers ALT optics ( Alt ready to scan ).

SCAN 1-scans 0 to-8.3 degrees elevation and +/- 15 degrees azimuth.

SCAN 2-scans 0 to -25 degrees elevation, and +/- 60 degrees azimuth.

TRACK LAMP

Lights when system acquires a reflected laser signal from target. System must be in SCAN-1 or SCAN-2 mode. Reflected laser signal code must match code selected at code thumbwheel switches. Track lamp also lights in test mode.

FAULT LAMPS

RU-lights in test mode if receiver is defective.

EU-lights in test mode if electronics assembly is defective.

GO LAMP

Lights in test mode if self-test is good. Lights with track lamp after 25 seconds. The GO lamp will turn off again after 30 seconds.

CODE THUMBWHEEL SWITCH

Selects a coded 3 digit number that matches code of target's laser signal.