Optically tracked projectile

Abstract

A projectile, that can be tracked optically, which is coated with a fluorescent die or affixed with rearward facing retro-reflectors. Laser emitted radiation forms a cone of light that intersects and illuminates the ballistic path of the projectile. It is possible to manual measurement techniques, spotters or automated tracking of the illuminated projectile. The optically tracked projectile allows for the adjustment subsequent shots using a manual or automated optical tracking.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An ammunition projectile configured to be fired from a weapon, said projectile having an elongate circular body with side and rear surfaces and a photo-luminescent material, disposed on the rear surface, that re-emits radiation at when excited by receipt of radiation from a radiation source. 
     
     
         2 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 1 , wherein said photo-luminescent material is additionally disposed on a side surface of the projectile body. 
     
     
         3 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 1 , wherein said photo-luminescent material is a fluorescent dye. 
     
     
         4 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 3 , wherein said fluorescent dye responds to excitation in one of the UV, visual and IR spectral bands. 
     
     
         5 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 3 , wherein said fluorescent dye responds preferentially to the laser light illumination in a narrow frequency range. 
     
     
         6 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 3 , wherein the fluorescent dye forms a coating on the projectile body. 
     
     
         7 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 3 , wherein said projectile includes a transparent material disposed on the projectile body covering said fluorescent dye. 
     
     
         8 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 7 , wherein said fluorescent dye forms a coating on an inside surface of said transparent material. 
     
     
         9 . An ammunition projectile configured to be fired from a weapon, said projectile having an elongate circular body with side and rear surfaces a retro-reflective element, disposed on the rear surface, that preferentially reflects radiation received from a radiation source in the direction of the radiation source. 
     
     
         10 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 9 , wherein said retro-reflective element is additionally disposed on a side surface of the projectile body. 
     
     
         11 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 9 , wherein said retro-reflective element is affixed to the projectile body. 
     
     
         12 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 9 , wherein said retro-reflective element is coated on the projectile body. 
     
     
         13 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 9 , wherein said projectile includes a transparent material disposed on the projectile body covering said retro-reflective element. 
     
     
         14 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 13 , wherein said retro-reflective material forms a coating on an inside surface of said transparent material. 
     
     
         15 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 9 , wherein said projectile further includes a protective material that covers the retro-reflective element to protect the retro-reflective element while exposed to propellant gases. 
     
     
         16 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 15 , wherein the removable protective shield is a combustible material. 
     
     
         17 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 9 , wherein said retro-reflective element is positioned and oriented on the projectile body to allow for the rearward travel of reflected light, notwithstanding a yawing motion of the projectile during flight. 
     
     
         18 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 9 , wherein said retro-reflective element is selected from the group consisting of corner cube reflectors, cat eyes and phase conjugated mirrors. 
     
     
         19 . The ammunition projectile defined in  claim 9 , wherein said retro-reflective material is a metal form fitted to, embedded or formed into the projectile's rear housing.