Discrimination Sensor Technology

Abstract

Discrimination Sensor Technology develops solutions to improve identifying, acquiring, tracking and discriminating incoming Ballistic Missile threats, supporting the US Strategic Command's Prioritized Capabilities List. Areas of concentration include advanced detectors, infrared sensors, focal planes and algorithms for ground, sea, air and space systems. Sensor technology enhances both the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) capability to develop precision tracks and the ability to discriminate lethal objects among the incoming threat cluster. The Discrimination Sensor Technology (DST) program funds the demonstration of Aegis LoR real time stereo tracking with MTS-Cs integrated into MQ-9 Reapers. Aegis LoR is the capability that allows Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) to launch an interceptor before its own radar acquires the threat, greatly expanding the space where the Aegis BMD can intercept the threat and significantly extending the defended area. In Fall 2014, the Agency conducted a campaign at the Pacific Missile Range Facility with Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems (MTS) equipped MQ-9 Reapers specifically modified to accomplish missile defense tracking missions. The MDA tested MTS-B variants aboard MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and MTS-C variants on the ground at Makaha Ridge for Flight Test X (FTX-20) and Flight Test Standard Missile 25 (FTM-25). Both tests were executed using the BMDS operational architecture proving that the Aegis weapon system could launch a Standard Missile - 3 against a ballistic missile target and achieve intercept using the tracking data from the airborne MTS sensors. The MD95 DST project funds the prime contract integration and system test, checkout flights, and performance analysis. DST incrementally builds on the airborne MTS-B launch-on-remote demonstrations using airborne MTS - C sensors integrated into MQ-9 Reaper UAVs. The DST program will demonstrate the increased Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) capability of MTS-C airborne sensors for precision track launch-on-remote and discrimination over MTS-Bs as a precursor to advanced sensor equipped MTS-C prototype development and test under the Technology Maturation Initiatives PE. The MT95 DST Flight Test Execution project funds the costs associated with MTS-C/MQ-9 Reaper participation in BMDS testing including prime contract test execution, MQ-9 operations and maintenance, and Enterprise Sensors Laboratory (ESL) and Space & Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR) interfaces. The Missile Defense Agency collaborates with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the United States Navy and the United States Air Force in a systems engineering based strategy to research, develop, test and evaluate DST. The DST test program include Air Force provided F-16 aircraft for use as surrogate targets and sharing of MTS-C test data between the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Air Force to augment sensor characterization activities. This technology significantly enhances the following Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) priorities: - Precision track of multiple objects to enable missile defense components to engage-on-remote - Discriminating lethal objects from countermeasures - End-to-end correlation of sensor track and discrimination data The Discrimination Sensor Technology program element development and test results directly feed sensor prototype demonstrations in the Technology Maturation Initiatives program element (0604115C). MD40 Program-Wide Support (PWS) consists of essential non-headquarters management efforts providing integrated and efficient support to the MDA functions and activities across the entire Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS).

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2016
Source ID
0603177C_3_0400_PB_2016
Change Summary Explanation
FY 2015 change reflects Public Law 113-235, FY2015 Omnibus; Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act. In FY 2016, the Discrimination Sensor Technology program element (PE) will complete technology demonstration of real time stereo tracking with Multi-Spectral Targeting System Cs (MTS-Cs) to meet Aegis Launch-on-Remote (LoR) quality of service performance. In FY 2016 $31.078 million transferred to the Technology Maturation Initiatives PE, 0604115C, for follow-on MTS-C advanced sensor development and prototype development and test.
Service Agency Name
Missile Defense Agency

Entities

Organizations

  • Missile Defense Agency

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Battle Management
  • Defense Systems
  • Department Of Defense
  • Detectors
  • Information Assurance
  • Information Systems
  • Infrared Detectors
  • Space Objects
  • Space Systems
  • Test Equipment
  • Three Dimensional
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Readers

  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects

Related Documents