Simulators for manually controlled missiles

The training of missile operators in the manual guidance of line-of-sight command missiles is carried out in the operational environment in which a simulated missile is to be used against a real target. Using a joystick, the operator has to send command signals to keep the missile and target coincident in the visual field of view. Joystick signals are shaped in a transistorized electrical analogue unit to represent the missile and the output signals of the unit are used to precess a gyro carrying a small mirror. A spot of light is reflected from the mirror into the operator's field and represents the motion of the missile demanded by the operator. Such a system ensures that the missile line-of-sight is stabilized in space against the motion of the ship or aircraft. The three simulators described are: (1) a pilot model for proving the system; (2) a shipborne trainer (ship to air); (3) an airborne trainer (air to surface).