Product category:
Form/co-ordinate, optical and vision instrumentation
News Release from: Specialised Imaging | Subject: Trajectory Tracker
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 14 April 2006
System keeps track of projectile
trajectory
A system provides consistent and accurate tracking of projectiles in flight using a computer controlled triggered rotating mirror positioned in front of a high-speed digital video camera.
The Trajectory Tracker from Specialised Imaging is a state-of-the-art system designed to provide consistent and accurate tracking of projectiles in flight using a computer controlled triggered rotating mirror positioned in front of a high-speed digital video camera In order to fully evaluate failure modes of projectiles, it is often necessary to observe its performance over a significant proportion of the trajectory
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 8 Jan 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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The ability to correlate both analytical and visual data over a significant part of an object's flight offers engineers a valuable new high-speed imaging tool.
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An optical periscope for focus adjustment enables rapid and simple experimental setup and optimisation.
The new system allows observations to be made of the behaviour of projectiles in flight for greater than 100 metres with a tracking accuracy of better than 0.5 degrees over its full scan.
The Trajectory Tracker mirror is programmed to rotate at the correct speed such that the camera will "track" the projectile as it passes the system position.
Typically, the system will track the trajectory for 100 metres or more as the mirror scans a 90-degree arc providing high quality images of the projectile in flight.
This slow motion record of a projectile in flight allows accurate diagnosis of events such as fin deployment, motor burn time, pitch, yaw and spin rate.
Using bespoke control and analysis software the system offers multiple operating modes, including user defined profiles, enabling it to track and analyse large and medium calibre projectiles as well as other objects such as rockets, rocket assisted projectiles, rocket sledges and many forms of smart weaponry.
The Trajectory Tracker can be used for both horizontal and elevated projectile firings.
The Specialised Imaging Trajectory Tracker system consists of a tracking head, mirror control unit, and ruggedised laptop control computer.
The standard system offers ease of deployment on a sturdy, fully adjustable mount, and includes trigger units, cabling and software for control of both tracking system and camera.
Video sequences are archived in industry standard formats.
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