A Proposal for an Active/Passive Signature Enhancer for Identification Friend-or-Foe.
Abstract
A major factor in the U.S. casualties during Operation Desert Storm was friendly fire. To minimize fratricide, signature tags on Blue (friendly) Force weapon platforms were used to enhance the level of acquisition of night-vision devices. These signature enhancements, however, could also be an excellent cue to the enemy and could result in increased Blue Force casualties. This report discusses the use of optical augmentation (OA) in conjunction with an active/passive signature enhancer (APSE) for identification friend or foe (IFF). For military use, the APSE, interrogated with QA sensors on a platform such as a reconnaissance helicopter, will allow positive IFF between opposing forces at tactical range. In addition, due to the directional nature of the APSE reflection, the Red (enemy) Force, would not be able to intercept the reflected laser energy from the APSE unless the enemy is directly close along the optical path of the laser beam.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA331965
Entities
People
- Charles R. Kohler
- E. G. Dockery
- Joseph A. Penn
- Marcos C. Sola
- Paul L. Zirkle
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory