Incorporating optical test capabilities into a depot test platform

This paper reviews how an existing test platform that supports a variety of missile launcher systems; LAU 7, LAU 88, LAU 117, LAU 127, LAU 128, and LAU 129, was modified to address support for Paveway laser guided bomb kits. Specifically, support for the Paveway system required the addition of an optical test bench as well as adding additional simulation and test capabilities to accurately simulate laser targets and to measure laser detection signals. The modular design of the existing TS-217 test system afforded test engineers the ability to augment the existing test platform such that both LRU and SRU level test capabilities were part of the complete solution. Additionally, by incorporating an innovative optical bench with a solid-state target, a complete functional simulation of the weapon was achievable including testing of operational limits. The complete paper will detail the updates incorporated into the test system which were needed to provide a test solution that offers full functional verification of the weapon. Additionally, a review of the optical bench implementation will be discussed including the incorporation of a novel solid state target simulation system.