Terrain Thermal Modeling for Camouflage and Target Acquisition,
Abstract
Camouflage and target acquisition have opposing functions, one to hide and the other to seek. They have a common denominator, however, in that the features that surround the target to be camouflaged or identified (sometimes called the background) are critical in both the hide and seek role. An equally intimate knowledge is needed of the characteristics of both the target and the background. In essence, making something match the background and discriminating something from the background are inverse problems that require the same technology. In the past decade thermal infrared (IR) technology has come of age providing sensors with new capabilities for target acquisition and presenting a new threat for camouflage. Optimizing IR sensors for target acquisition or optimizing camouflage measures to defeat such sensors requires a quantitative understanding of the thermal IR signatures of both targets and backgrounds. The Army-Wide Ground Target Signature Program (AWGTSP) is addressing the need for a target-background design data base for sensor design and evaluation through a three-part program: development of a battlefield IR signature model that will allow extrapolations of target and background signatures to varying environmental, climatic, and seasonal conditions throughout the world; updating a tactical signature library to fill critical gaps in the existing empirical signature data base; and susceptibility analyses designed to ensure that vulnerability of Army tactical materiel is known so that effective camouflage can be brought to bear.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA090415
Entities
People
- Lewis E. Link Jr.