Flight testing of a gimballed active television using a fiber optic coupled laser spotlight

A series of ground and flight tests were conducted to test the feasibility and performance of a gimballed active television. The laser light was provided to the gimbal via a fiber optic cable from a remote semiconductor laser. A high power, divergent beam was used to illuminate a scene providing enhanced performance in poor weather, the recording of (ship, aircraft or automobile) registry and augmentation to existing night vision devices. The flight tests were conducted over land and water and the results are discussed. The tests verified the search and rescue application, the ability to view into an automobile from a helicopter and the ability to read alphanumerics at ranges of 250 meters.