Some experience with replicated optics at Hughes: Hughes has many applications for replicated and/or plastic optics. These range from very high rate missile production programs to very low volume, one-of-a-kind, special optical test and evaluation equipment. This paper will discuss optics used in a program representative of each of these extremes. For a high rate example, where low recurring cost is the prime function, the design history of a f/.3 reflector used in the TOW anti-tank weapon's infrared beacon will be presented. More than 160,000 of these units have been produced to date, and the reflector has seen many changes over the years. For a one-of-a-kind, high performance oriented example, two light-weight 6-1/2"x 8-3/4" x 1" replicated 1/6 wave flats, used in a universal wide spectral band scanning radiometer, will be discussed. There will also be discussions of optical acceptance tests and their effects on the product design concepts and their cost effectiveness. In addition, pictures will be shown of the optics installed in their systems, and several TOW reflectors will be passed around for "hands-on" examination.

Date Published: 14 November 1977
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 0115, Advances in Replicated and Plastic Optics, (14 November 1977); doi: 10.1117/12.955630

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0115:
Advances in Replicated and Plastic Optics
Tuckerman Moss, Editor(s)