Heat-imaging camera detects low-flying helicopters for interception - distinguishes dust laden vertical air column caused by rotor blades and provides direction information for artillery

摘要

The detection system used in conjunction with ground artillery, e.g. a tank uses a heat imaging camera. This responds to the dust-laden vertical air column, caused by the helicopter's rotor blades forcing the exhaust gases from its engine downwards with their subsequent reflection by the ground. The output of the camera is coupled to an evaluation circuit allowing a shell to be fired directly towards the helicopter. Pref. the camera is pivoted for varying its azimuth angle and it is also height adjustable cover a limited range. The evaluation circuit may filter out small heat targets.