Multi-Spectral Shocklayer Radiance from a Hypersonic Slender
Abstract
The Science and Technology Directorate of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization is conducting programs to characterize and measure the radiation emitted by the flows about hypersonic vehicles. In addition to understanding the basic physics of high temperature plasmas, ongoing analyses are establishing how such emissions are useful for the detection of theater missile targets using the mid-wave infra-red (MWIR) spectral region (3 - 5 microns) as the baseline and the ultraviolet (UV) or visible wavelengths as a second detection wavelength. The use of a second, shorter wavelength combined with the baseline sensor increases the total information content of the scene. This paper will present a methodology for the calculation of the self-induced, shocklayer radiance for a theater missile defense (TMD)-like interceptor. Predictions of the spectral radiance shocklayer for a realistic missile shape will be given. Finally, operations and instrumentation for an upcoming flight designed to test these predictions will then be discussed. The goal of the experiment is to support the development of a two-color detection strategy based on both short and long wavelengths to provide a robust onboard seeker environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA370588
Entities
People
- Carl Howlett
- Clifton B. Phillips
- David M. Mann
- Deborah A. Levin
- Mike Lovern
Organizations
- George Washington University