Airborne Infrared (ABIR)
Abstract
Since March 2009, the Airborne Infrared Sensors program office, in conjunction with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Air Force, and the Navy demonstrated that sensors integrated on remotely piloted aircraft can provide an effective research and development platform for the Ballistic Missile Defense System. We released an Alternatives Assessment study that concluded airborne sensors integrated on remotely piloted vehicles are technically feasible and cost effective research and development platforms. From the results of this study, we selected the Multi-spectral Targeting Sensor for our experiments and demonstrations due to its proven performance in an operational environment. They have two color, medium and long wave bands we need to single out the enemy`s threat vehicles from decoys. The United States Air Force conducted a platform assessment and selected the MQ-9 Reaper for our campaign. We demonstrated through incremental improvements sensor sensitivity, pointing, and timely delivery of tracking information from great distances on targets of opportunity that included Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles and tactical missiles. Results of these tests included demonstrating the ability to: acquire from a cue and automatically track first and second stage booster separation; track dim targets; and pass real time object sighting messages to the ground stations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Source ID
- MD67_0604884C_4_0400_PB_2013
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