Millimeter Wave Seeker Technology
Abstract
This paper provides a management overview of a new joint Navy/Army millimeter wave (MMW) seeker technology development initiative. The goal of the program is to provide advanced seeker components for endoatmospheric interceptors for theater and strategic missile defense. The technologies are driven by requirements for low weight/volume interceptors, high interceptor and target velocities and a desire for hit to kill guidance accuracy (i.e., no interceptor warhead or fuzes). The efforts are focused on Ka (35 GHz) and W (94 GHz) band seeker components. The paper outlines development programs which address high output RF power using solid state transmitters and integrated transmit/receive modules for potential use with active electronically steered arrays. A significant part of the program is directed towards radome development for the severe hypersonic aerothermal environment. This includes development and testing of passive and cooled ceramic radomes. The program also addresses means of achieving body fixed or strap down seekers (i.e., no gimballed, mechanically stabilized antenna platforms). Several approaches are described for implementing both planar and conformal body fixed antennas. The hit to kill guidance issue is addressed in terms of means for achieving high angular tracking accuracy including adaptive boresight error compensation. The efforts to be described can be expected to impact future missile seeker design concepts and practices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA345819
Entities
People
- William H. Clark
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division