Measured Effects of Tactical Smoke and Dust on Performance of a High Resolution Infrared Imaging System
Abstract
For centuries armies have relied on clouds of smoke and dust to screen their activities from the enemy. These obscurants have consisted both of those deliberately produced for that purpose, such as tactical smoke, and those produced by exploding shells, burning equipment, vehicular motion, and other normal battlefield events. Until recently the screening effects of such obscurants were only of importance in the visible portion of the spectrum. The introduction to the battlefield of electro-optical imaging systems, laser range finders and designators, and passive electromagnetic homing devices, most of which operate in the infrared portion of the spectrum between 1 and 12 microns, makes it of vital importance to determine the performance of these devices in the presence of obscurants. The high interest in characterizing the performance of tactical E-O equipment in the presence of obscurants has led to a number of 'Smoke' measurements programs being conducted in recent years, in which the obscuration effects of various materials, produced under controlled conditions, have been tested on various materials, produced under controlled conditions, have been tested on various systems. Results of the tests show that hexochloroethane smoke screens do not effectively screen against infrared imaging systems operating in the 8-12 and 3-5 micron bands. Contrast is reduced, but not obliterated in either band, by XM smoke. Smoke produced by the explosion of bulk white phosphorus shells is effective in blocking FLIR imagery if the detonation takes place near enough to the line-fo-sight so that the smoke is hot. Dust Clouds are effective obscurants in the 8-12 micron band.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 18, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA117300
Entities
People
- John A. Roth