Aeroballistic Studies Benefit From Video Projectile Tracking System

Specialised Imaging has reported upon a significant upturn in sales received for its Tracker2, flight follower system, for aeroballistic studies.

Designed to enable engineers and ballisticians to fully understand the flight behaviour of high speed objects the Tracker 2 is a next generation video projectile tracking system.

Wai Chan,Managing Director of Specialised Imaging commented “Since the launch of the Tracker2 earlier this year we have sold increased numbers of systems to leading North American, European and Asian testing facilities”. He added “We believe a key impetus to our success has been the new functionality introduced on the Tracker 2”.

The Tracker 2 builds upon the proven performance of its predecessor with new facility for fully motorised 3-axis remote control, pseudo real-time scan correction and greater accuracy all in a compact lightweight frame. Designed to house the most modern high speed video cameras the Tracker2 offers unmatched performance, durability and ease-of-use. The Tracker2 provides consistent and accurate tracking of objects in flight using a computer-controlled triggered rotating mirror positioned in front of a high speed video camera. 

In order to fully evaluate the failure modes of high speed objects, it is often necessary to observe their flight performance over a significant proportion of the trajectory. The Tracker2 allows observations to be made of in flight behaviour of high-speed objects over more than 100 metres with a tracking accuracy of better than 0.2 degrees over its full scan. The resulting slow motion record of the test object in flight allows accurate diagnosis of events such as fin deployment and motor burn time as well as calculation of pitch, yaw and spin rate.

Using multiple input triggers positioned down range has enabled the Tracker2 to correct in real-time scan speed and position thereby allowing accurate 3D tracking of high-speed objects such as Earth re-entry space vehicles that exhibit unpredictable flight behaviour. 

About Specialised Imaging Ltd.
Specialised Imaging Ltd. is a knowledgeable, dynamic company focused upon design, manufacture, service and supply of ultra high-speed imaging systems and components for industrial, defence and scientific applications. The company's continuing policy is to invest in the development of innovative imaging solutions, incorporate the latest technological advances and use improved components wherever possible. A total commitment to quality and a thorough understanding of applications are held as the keys to the future. For more information, visit www.specialised-imaging.com.