This document is approved for public release, distribution unlimited but is strictly the opinion of and information was

provided by this company

and does not imply the endorsement by Marine Corps Systems Command.

Smart Optical Proximity Fuze

Physical Optics Corporation
Applied Technologies Division, 20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg 100
Torrance, CA, 90501

Sergey Sandomirsky, Ph.D.

Phone: 310 320 3088 (ext. 654)
Fax: (310) 320-5035
Email: ssandomirsky@poc.com
Website: www.poc.com
Command: MARCOR
Topic: N07-162
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The U.S. Navy Marine Corps needs a new generation of 40 mm low/medium-velocity
munitions that could provide higher lethality due to airburst capability. This new airburst
munitions have to be compatible with the current legacy systems (M32 Multi-shot and
M203 under barrel launcher) and the anticipated XM320 single shot launcher. The
technology could also be used for non-lethal systems so that a high velocity round could
be slowed at a specific distance from a target.
WHO CAN BENEFIT?
The SOProF technology can be implemented in a variety of munitions such as small and
mid caliber that can be applicable in non-lethal weapons and in weapons of high lethality
with airburst capability for high velocity grenade launchers (MK-19) and aircraft guns,
and in guided air-to-ground and cruise missiles. The Technology can improve accuracy,
reliability and lethality of munitions depending on its designation without modification in
a weapon itself. The SOProF technology is applicable for projectiles, which are spinning
of have a stabilized flight trajectory.
BASELINE TECHNOLOGY
Current technologies involve either computing the time of flight and setting the fuse for a
specific time, or counting revolutions, with an input to the system to tell it to detonate
after a specific number of turns. Both of these technologies allow for significant
variability in the actual height of the airburst, potentially limiting effectiveness. Another
solution is proximity fuzes, which are widely used in artillery shells, aviation bombs, and
missile warheads; their magnetic, electric capacitance, radio, and acoustic sensors trigger
the ordnance at a given distance from the target. These types of fuzes are vulnerable to

Physical Optics Corporation

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This document is approved for public release, distribution unlimited but is strictly the opinion of and information was provided by this company
and does not imply the endorsement by Marine Corps Systems Command.

EMI, are bulky and heavy, have poor angular resolution (low target selectivity), and
usually require some preset mechanism for activation at a given distance from the target.
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
The SOProF technology is based on an optical laser system attached to fired munitions. It
controls munitions termination through sensing proximity to a target. The proposed
SOProF techology directly addresses customer needs regarding distance range, accuracy,
power consumption, form factor, and environmental resistance in a cost-efficient way
with minimal risk compared to base-line technologies. The SOProF advantages are
extremely high angular resolution, low cost (because of the use commercial off-the-shelf
(COTS) and inexpensive components); minimal maintainability (because of very simple
electronics design: no need for high-frequency electronics; low EMI vulnerability; simple
signal processing); high reliability; and high resistance to harsh environmental conditions
because proximity detection in a predefined distance range is based entirely on the
geometrical arrangement among the transmitter, receiver, and a target mandatorily
rejecting false targets/clutter that can appear closer or farther than the predefined
proximity range. Target cost of optical fuze for small and mid caliber munitions is
anticipated in a price range from $50 to $100; for missiles with MIL certification in a
price range from $5000 to $10000. The SOProF technology does not require fire system
modification.
Features
Low weight (a few grams
in small and mid caliber
munitions to 2-3 kg in
missiles)
Insensitive to EMI

Advantages
High angular resolution
High distance accuracy
Easy integration into a
variety of munitions

Inexpensive COTS laser

diodes, optics and
photodetctors

Benefits
More efficient
implementation of nonlethal and low lethality
munitions
Higher lethality in airburst
munitions
Smaller number of
munitions required to
obtain the same tactical
goals compare to impact,
timing and RF fuzes

CURRENT STATE OF DEVELOPMENT

Optimized SOProF optical design for a laser/detector lateral configuration

Optimized SOProF optical design for axial symmetric configuration
Completed electronic design for axial symmetric configuration
Optimized mechanical design
Completed ballistic simulation of SOProF prototype integrated with M433 grenade
Completed outdoor testing of SOProF prototype

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This document is approved for public release, distribution unlimited but is strictly the opinion of and information was provided by this company
and does not imply the endorsement by Marine Corps Systems Command.

Delivered 20 prototype SOProF units to Metal Storm Inc. for integration with airburst
40-mm grenade and its fire testing
Analyzed test results and refined the SOProF prototype design.

SOPROF prototype assembly and testing is foreseen for the next year (2011).

Milestone 1. Complete formulation of all requirements and identification of major

components for SOProF integration
Milestone 2. Complete SOProF design
Milestone 3. Complete fabrication of SOProF prototypes
Milestone 4. Complete fire tests of 40 mm round assembled with SOProF prototype
Milestone 5. Complete SOProF preparation for a product development in Phase III.
REFERENCES
TPOC: 703-432-3676
1. S.Sandomirsky, A. Naumov, N. Ma, P. Shnitser, and G. G. Gibbs, Optical system to
control termination of small- and medium-caliber munitions, Presentation For NDIA
54th Annual Fuze Conference Kansas City, MO May 12, 2010.

WHEN THE TECHNOLOGY WILL BE READY FOR USE

Fire test of SOProF integrated with M433 airburst 40-mm grenade is planned at the end
of Phase II option period (end of 2011). Preliminary fire test of SOProF intergrated with
40-mm airburst round was conducted by our subcontractor in August 2010. Additional

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This document is approved for public release, distribution unlimited but is strictly the opinion of and information was provided by this company
and does not imply the endorsement by Marine Corps Systems Command.

test of SOProF integrated with non-lethal 40-mm round is planned by our subcontractor
for December 2010-January 2011. We consider current TRL as 5 with achievement of
TRL 6 at the end of Phase II option.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Provide a paragraph that provides the reader with a perspective on your firm.
POC is a small business, women owned company located in Torrance, California. Since
its inception in 1985, POC has emerged as a small systems integrator of advanced
technologies in the areas of Applied Technology, Information Technology, Photonic
Systems, Electro-optics and Holography. POC is a private, employee owned company
and enjoys the reputation as an internationally recognized leader in cutting edge
optoelectronic solutions and products. The companys success is evidenced by its strong
track record in product development, large-scale manufacturing, international marketing,
licensing, as well as launching spin-off companies and ventures. Recently, Inc Magazine
ranked us 24th on the list (The Innovative 50) of the most innovative companies in
America

Physical Optics Corporation

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