Abstract

Conformal optics can be defined as optical systems that are designed with the operational environment as the primary consideration and the optical imaging properties as a secondary concern.¹ In the context of missiles, conformal optics addresses the impact of the shape of the outer dome surface on the aerodynamic performance of the missile airframe. Whereas conventional missile systems utilize spherical domes and flat windows to facilitate aberration correction, hardware fabrication and interferometric acceptance testing, conformal missile domes are driven by aerodynamic performance issues such as decreased aerodynamic drag, increased missile velocity and extended operational range, resulting in highly aspheric dome geometries that are more elongated in shape.

© 1998 Optical Society of America