Modular Laser Combat System for Remotely Operated Vehicles: Bridging the Gap Between Computer Simulation and Live Fire

In the emerging industry of small unmanned vehicles, pioneered by small businesses and research institutions, a suitable combat system test platform is needed. Computer simulations are useful, but do not provide the definitive proof of effective operation necessary for deployment of a combat system. What is needed is an affordable simulated weapons system that enables live flight testing without the used of live weaponry. A framework is developed here for the construction of a simulated weapon using Free Space Optical (FSO) infrared communication. It is developed in such a way to ensure compatibility with a variety of platforms including ground and aerial vehicles, so that identical but configurable modules can be used on any vehicle that is to take place in a live combat simulation. A proof-of-concept implementation of this modular laser combat system framework is also presented and tested. The implemented system shows the value of such a simulated weapons system and future areas of improvement are also explored.

Name thesis:degree_name

MS in Electrical Engineering

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical Engineering

Year dc:date.available

2010

Author dc:creator

• Fulenwider, Thomas Edward

Contributors dc:contributor

• John Saghri

• unmanned aerial vehicle
• UAV
• free space optical
• FSO
• infrared communication
• IR
• combat simulation
• Electrical and Electronics
• Other Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Systems and Communications

Identifier

10.15368/theses.2010.103

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.calpoly.edu:theses-1357