Feb 17, 2026

US12553697 - System and method for testing optical proximity fuses

A system ( 10 ) for testing a laser proximity fuse (PF) ( 12 ) by simulating a closing velocity to a target along a line of sight ( 14 ) includes a static spiral surface ( 16 ) and a support arrangement ( 18 ) for supporting the proximity fuse ( 12 ) with the line of sight ( 14 ) directed towards an inside of static spiral surface ( 16 ). A folding mirror ( 20 ) is driven by a drive motor ( 22 ) so as to deflect the line of sight ( 14 ) towards progressively closer regions of static spiral surface, thereby simulating a closing velocity. The system can be miniaturized by employing converging optics ( 24 ). An alternative embodiment employs a shaped rotor ( 32 ) to achieve a similar effect.

Assignee: RAFAEL ADVANCED DEFENSE SYSTEMS LTD.
Inventors: Dov Tibi
Filing date: 2022-12-27

The patent describes a system for testing laser proximity fuses by simulating a closing velocity to a target using a static spiral surface and a folding mirror driven by a motor to adjust the line of sight. This innovative testing method can be miniaturized and includes an alternative embodiment utilizing a shaped rotor for similar functionality.

Claim 1

1 . A system for testing a laser proximity fuse by simulating a closing velocity to a target along a line of sight, the system comprising: (a) a static spiral surface; (b) a support arrangement for supporting the proximity fuse with the line of sight directed towards an inside of the static spiral surface; (c) a folding mirror deployed for deflecting the line of sight towards the static spiral surface; and (d) a drive motor deployed for rotating said folding mirror such that the line of sight scans along the static spiral surface, thereby simulating a closing velocity. (a) a static spiral surface; (b) a support arrangement for supporting the proximity fuse with the line of sight directed towards an inside of the static spiral surface; (c) a folding mirror deployed for deflecting the line of sight towards the static spiral surface; and (d) a drive motor deployed for rotating said folding mirror such that the line of sight scans along the static spiral surface, thereby simulating a closing velocity.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12553697

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12553697