Maneuverability Improvement of EOTS by Driving the Outer Gimbal First

Abstract

An EOTS (Electro-Optical Tracking System) provides stabilized images while tracking a moving target. This paper presents a novel concept of driving the outer gimbal first for improving the maneuverability of an EOTS, contrary to the conventional inner gimbal mode. It has the advantages of faster positioning performance and stable operation in Nadir-point. Analysis of frequency responses reveal that the present scheme results in a wider control bandwidth and larger gain margin, compared to those of the previous one. The actual experimental results confirm that the maneuvering is stable although the input command has a large angular acceleration.