DESIGN OF MILITARY OPTICAL SYSTEMS

Darko Vasiljević

Ljubiša Tomić

Apstract: Modern observation and aiming devices for infantry and artillery weapons, combat vehicles and tanks can hardly be imagined without the use of optical systems (optomechanical or optoelectronic). Design of most optical systems for observation and aiming belong to a group of telescope (afocal) optical systems or are developed from them. The Kepler telescope system is the most common basis for the design of optical systems for observation and aiming devices.

The concept of this monograph is based on the assumption that the reader already possesses knowledge of classical methods of designing optical systems (methods without the use of computer design). However, modern design requires the use of computers, so the focus of the text is placed on the application of computer methods in the design of optical systems (automation of design). The text abounds in a series of examples of computer design and represents a solid basis that every designer can master the computer program and successfully apply it in his work.

In the monograph, the process of designing with ZEMAX (Radiant ZEMAX, USA) was demonstrated in a series of examples. The introductory part of the text describes the design of components of the optical system (various types of individual lenses, as well as systems composed of two lenses). The main part of the monograph shows the computer design of optical systems most commonly found in modern observation and aiming devices, such as: the Galileo telescope system, the basic Kepler telescope system, the Kepler telescope system with the erecting system of one group of lenses, the Kepler telescope system with the erecting system of two groups of lenses and the Kepler telescope system with the prism erecting system. The monograph also provides two examples of computer-based design of optical systems that are often encountered in military practice, panoramas and periscope scouts..

Key words: optics, optical system, telescopic system, lens, optical prism, periscope, system design, system optimization, system analysis, military system, military application.