Employment of a Spin Stabilized Artillery Shell to Obtain Reconnaissance Imagery
Abstract
The concept of employing an expendable spin stabilized artillery shell containing a simple optical system to obtain reconnaissance imagery has been suggested by Dr. Marvin Lasser. This paper provides an initial examination of the technical feasibility of the concept. Three geometrical scanning configurations are considered; a side-looking one is analyzed in detail. The requirement for time independent contiguous mapping, in which scanning line must touch its neighbors, is analyzed. Data on the ballistics of a 203mm round fired at a 45 deg angle to a range of 16,700 meters are introduced into the equations. It is found that for this particular trajectory the time independent contiguous mapping requirement can be met over a 1 kilometer horizontal distance near apogee. The ground resolution for this trajectory is found to be sufficiently good for use against targets such as vehicles, buildings, roads, and groups of individuals which lie beneath the round at apogee. Analysis of photometric considerations reveals adequate signal-to-noise ratio for use beneath a cloud cover during daylight. Because the initial examination reveals the concept to be feasible, additional studies are recommended.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0909437
Entities
People
- Paul W. Kruse