<title>Description Of A Dry Film Tactical Laser Beam Recorder</title>

Abstract

Much has been written and discussed on increasing reconnaissance information flow time for imaging systems. Recently, some very high performance, high resolution sensors have been tested or are about to be tested with a Tactical Laser Beam Recorder as the image generator, which significantly improves the reconnaissance information flow rate. A report will be given on the performance and several interesting and novel design features of the laser beam recorder in the reconnaissance applications of the Quick Strike Reconnaissance (QSR), Electronic Solid-State Wide-Angle Camera System (ESSWACS) and Long Range ELECTRO-OPTICAL RECONNAISSANCE SYSTEM (LOREORS). Other laser beam recorders have been designed to provide for a maximum of flexibility and control by the operator. They were also designed physically for a laboratory type of environment where all mechanical and environmental controls are well maintained. This paper describes a laser beam image recorder, which has been designed and fielded for exactly the opposite characteristic. That is, a minimum amount of flexibility for the operator, and a maximum of amount of control by a remote sensor minimizing the operator duties and requirements. It is also designed for the shelter environment of a tactical and field operation, where the environment is not so benign.