IR focal plane array seekers for ground-to-ground and air-to-ground missiles

Based on the development of an IR seeker in 1992 and its extensive captive flight testing, the seeker of the trilateral (Germany, France, Italy) Polyphem missile was developed and tested in captive and free flights. It is based on a 640x486 element FPA and a cardanic stabilization and pointing system with an on-gimbal rate gyro. The digitized output of the FPA is sent to the ground via an optical fiber where it is observed by the operator and processed for cueing of targets and tracking for the final approach. After general seeker design considerations its design and performance and an in-flight video of a live firing will be presented. On the basis of the prior development of an IR seeker module set consisting of a 256x256 element InSb FPA and its electronics, the seeker for the German KEPD350 missile has been in development since 1997. Recently it has been qualified successfully and 25 of it will be delivered in 2001. Its mechanics consist of a miniaturized cardanic system which uses the data of the missile's Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for strap-down pointing and stabilization. Its image processor is designed for navigation during cruise and for tracking of the target in final approach. The seeker's features and performance will be presented.