A Study on Deport Maintenance Technology for Recycling Observation Window of the K1A1 Tank Commander’s Primary Thermal Sight

Abstract

K1A1 tank commander’s primary thermal sight is a device that enables tank commanders to detect, identify, aim and track the target by observing targets in all directions during day, night and in situations of smokescreen and fog through 360° rotation independent from the gunner’s primary thermal sight and stabilizing the line of sight even under the vibrations occurring when the tank is standstill and moving. The main function of this device is to detect and process visible and thermal images and deliver the final images to the tank commander. One of the core parts to that end is the observation window (daytime/ thermal image window). This core part is mounted at the entrance of the optical path for observing the target and plays the role of making visible light during the daytime and infrared light during the night pass through the target and transmitting the resultant images to the internal optical system of the tank commander’s primary thermal sight. Such core parts have been selected as depot maintenance items so that they are replaced by new parts instead of being recycled when they are subjected to maintenance in most cases. That is, the military budget is wasted because such parts are replaced by new parts despite that they can be recycled for maintenance. Therefore, this study proposed a mounting tool for polishing and coating observation windows (daytime and thermal image window) using planar polishing equipment and DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating equipment. In addition, this study presented an amendment (proposal) of the Depot Maintenance Work Request (DMWR) already published to verify the performance of recycled products including the establishment of inspection standards for recycling processes.