Background:
Leonardo, a leading manufacturer of instrumentation for Aerospace, Defence & Security, sought to expand the capabilities of their Type 163 Laser Designator. They approached Solsta for the development of a laser range finder receiver (LRR) as an add-on to the Type 163. Due to cost and engineering resource constraints, Leonardo took the decision to outsource development and manufacture of the LRR. Solsta and Leonardo partnered to create an integrated solution that met Leonardo’s requirements within an acceptable budget and timeline.
Challenges:
Leonardo required a high-precision LRR that could accurately sense the returned pulse from the designator over a range of 100m to 10km. The challenge was to develop a unit that seamlessly integrated with the Type 163 while providing accurate distance measurements based on pulse time of flight. Additionally, the LRR needed to be automatically co-aligned with the designator, ensuring accurate target acquisition and minimising setup time.
Solution:
In close collaboration with Leonardo, Solsta designed a custom LRR unit that perfectly integrated with the Type 163 Laser Designator. The LRR utilised polished surfaces as datum points for automatic co-alignment when attached to the Type 163. Solsta developed a stack of three bespoke lenses and a notch filter to focus the returned pulse onto an avalanche photodiode, accurately capturing the signal while minimising background noise. Through the development of electronics and firmware in partnership with PhotonSync, the LRR effectively captured and processed the pulse chain signal, calculating the time of flight and providing precise range measurements to the designated target.
Benefits:
- Cost-Effective Outsourcing: Leonardo entrusted Solsta with the project management, design, and production of the LRR, allowing them to allocate their internal design resources to the development of their core products. This outsourcing approach proved to be a cost-effective solution for Leonardo.
- Precision and Accuracy: The LRR unit designed by Solsta delivered precise distance measurements based on pulse time of flight, enhancing the effectiveness and accuracy of the Type 163 Laser Designator system.
- Seamless Integration and Co-Alignment: The LRR seamlessly integrated with the Type 163, automatically co-aligning with the designator upon attachment. This streamlined the setup process and ensured accurate target acquisition.
- Long-Term Partnership: Leonardo has been receiving regular shipments of the LRR units from Solsta for over a decade, demonstrating the successful and enduring partnership between the two companies.
Conclusion:
Through a collaborative partnership, Solsta and Leonardo successfully developed and integrated a laser range finder receiver (LRR) with the Type 163 Laser Designator. Solsta’s expertise in design, engineering, and production, coupled with Leonardo’s domain knowledge, resulted in a precision solution that enhanced the capabilities of Leonardo’s defence and security instruments. This long-term partnership between Solsta and Leonardo exemplifies the value of outsourcing and collaboration for achieving innovative and reliable solutions.
Contact Solsta today to explore how our design and manufacturing services can enhance your defence and security solutions.