Moving conformal window for large aperture optics on aircraft mounted pods

摘要

A single monotlithic moving window may follow the free aperture of an optical sensor contained in a housing over a reasonable field of regard by translating the window with respect to the sensor and/or a pod cover. Because the window angle of attack is unvarying, near field turbulence is minimized over the envelope of operation.

主权项

1. An optical sensor system comprising:
a pane of optically transmissive material; a structure in which the pane is mounted and with respect to which the pane is translatably moveable; an optical sensor having an optical field of view that passes through the pane, wherein the optical sensor is rotatable with respect to the structure, wherein the pane is translatably movable relative to the optical sensor; and a driving mechanism for translating the pane with respect to the structure, wherein the driving mechanism is configured to translate the pane synchronously with rotation of the optical sensor keeping the pane aligned with the field of view of the optical sensor.