Smart E-O targets as versatile, self-contained instruments

Current Electro-Optical (E-O) testing requirements have demanded a shift to reduced cost, off-the-shelf technology. While Hughes Technical Services Company (HTSC) has worked toward developing downsized collimators to meet this demand, this proves to be only part of the solution. Highly versatile, self-contained, replaceable E-O targets are also required to meet this need. The Depot and Test Systems Division within HTSC has developed a standard for replaceable E-O targets. These Integrated Target Assemblies (ITA) must test such various systems as: FLIR, Near Infrared (NIR) tracker, Visual Telescope, TV Video, and Laser LRF/LTD. Smart targets have been designed which are interchangeable; can perform built in tests (BITs); contain their own calibration data stored electronically; correct their performance using sophisticated DSP algorithms; as well as automatically correct their own boresight alignment. A suite of such targets would be invisible to the user and would act in concert as versatile instruments containing all the functionality required for testing any number of prime systems.