A Study of Alignment Tolerance's Definition and Test Method for Airborne Camera

Abstract

Alignment tolerance for EO/IR airborne camera using common optic is an important factor in stabilization accuracy and geo-pointing accuracy. Before airborne camera is mounted on the aircraft, defining alignment tolerance and verification of it is essential in production as well as research and development. In this paper we establish basic concept on the definition and elements of alignment tolerance for airborne camera and propose how to measure each of those elements. Components and the measurement sequence of alignment tolerance are as follows: 1) tolerance of alignment between EO and IR LOS. 2) tolerance of sensor alignment. 3) tolerance of position reporting accuracy. 4) tolerance of mount alignment