A seeker head for a cannon howitzer projectile, calibre 155 mm (prototype) based on a quadrant silicon diode with increased sensitivity for λ>1000m, resistant to overloads of several thousand G and operating temperature range of -40°C to +50°C.

The Telesystem was also involved in research, construction and technological work on a Seeker Heads (GP) for precision artillery ammunition (APR). The ammunition is guided in the final part of the flight trajectory to the reflected laser beam, which enables precise engagement of the point designated by the laser. Such ammunition is part of the precision fire (APR) ammunition family. Work on the GP for the 155 mm shell (cannon-howitzer) and the 120 mm mortar shell was started. For these seeker heads, it has become necessary to develop a detection module that corrects the flight path of the projectile onto the laser spot designated target.

As a result of close cooperation with the Institute of Electron Technology in Warsaw, silicon quadrant detectors operating in short-wave infrared (SWIR) have been developed and used in the model seeker heads. The technology of quadrant detection diode modules with an active band shifted towards the short-wave infrared has been developed. The mechanism of radiation reflection through the mirror layer was used, that passes through the photosensitive silicon layer (it is an innovative design solution protected by a patent). This solution significantly increases the sensitivity in the spectral band> 1000 μm. Three quadrant modules with photosensitive surfaces of Ø 3mm and two versions of Ø 10mm were developed (tailored to the design and working requirements of the target seeker heads). Homing heads equipped with the detection units have undergone a full set of proving tests, as required due to their military use (including extreme loads of thousands of G’s and extreme operating temperatures)

The experience gained may also form the basis for the development of special quadrant detection elements, in accordance with the requirements of potential military and non-military customers.

Telesystem – Mesko has the capabilities and technology for the production of MIL-spec laser modules. Based on the experiences gained, the design of the laser resonator was developed to ensure stable operation in the temperature range of -35 ° C to + 50 ° C. It is a Nd: YAG laser, generating NIR radiation λ = 1064 nm, with pulse energy

With the use of this laser module, a rangefinder/laser target designator was developed for APR (precision guided ammunition) missiles targeting. A modular MSD/O laser rangefinder/designator system was commenced, operating in three basic modes has been developed:

• Location mode;
• Target designation mode;
• Service mode.

Basic parameters:

• Impulse energy> 80 mJ,
• Beam divergence <0.35 mrad,
• τimpulse = 15 ± 5 ns,
• target designation of up to 5 km,
• range finding measuring distance of 200 ÷ 20,000 m (± 1 m)

In the target designation mode, the laser source generates a series of variable frequency pulses. The coding sequence of the emitted pulses is described by the three-digit PRF code. The operator points the laser beam onto the selected target, stationary or moving, illuminating the selected target point with a coded laser beam radiation. In close cooperation with the Institute of Optoelectronics of the Military University of Technology, a prototype of a “silent” sub-noise rangefinder has been developed, using a semiconductor laser diode module of λ = 905 nm. The rangefinder module is characterized by high speed of operation, measurement accuracy of approx. 1 m, and above-average possibilities of measuring the distance to small objects thanks to the use of a beam with a low divergence of 0.75x 0.5 mrad. It is planned to develop entire family of such rangefinder modules with various operating ranges. This developed solution can be used in various applications, such as security systems, automation, robotics or in automatic measurement systems.

Our engineers have developed and implemented for production a seeker head module for a 120mm mortar shell (prototype), based on a quadrant silicon diode with increased sensitivity for λ> 1000m, resistant to overloads of several thousand G’s and operating temperature range of -40 ° C to + 50 ° C.