Discrimination Sensor Technology
Abstract
The Discrimination Sensor Technology (DST) program develops next-generation sensors and detectors and integrates them into Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to demonstrate improvements in discrimination for missile defense. This program evaluates and researches emerging technology that enables game changing discrimination improvements for incorporation into next generation interceptors and air or space systems. The DST program pursues a cost-effective incremental upgrade philosophy that demonstrates airborne precision tracking and improved track performance and discrimination. These advanced sensors improve the probability of engagement success for stressing threats, expand the Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) battle space and increase the ability to negate larger raid sizes. The MD95 Discrimination Sensor Technology project funds the prime contract integration and system test, checkout flights, and performance analysis. In Fall 2014, the Agency conducted a campaign at the Pacific Missile Range Facility with Multi-spectral Targeting Systems (MTS) equipped MQ-9 Reapers specifically modified to accomplish missile defense tracking missions. The MDA tested MTS-B variants aboard MQ-9 Reaper UAVs and MTS-C variants on the ground at Makaha Ridge for Flight Test X (FTX-20) and FTM 25. Both tests were executed using the BMDS operational architecture proving that the Aegis weapon system could launch a Standard Missile - 3 against a ballistic missile target and achieve intercept using the tracking data from the airborne MTS sensors. In FY 2016, DST incrementally builds on the MTS-B launch-on-remote demonstrations using airborne MTS - C sensors integrated into MQ-9 Reaper UAVs. The DST program will demonstrate the increased Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) capability of MTS-C airborne sensors for launch-on-remote and discrimination over MTS-Bs as a precursor to advanced sensor equipped MTS-C prototype development and test under the Technology Maturation Initiatives program element. MDA's sensor technology construct incrementally buys down risk by testing an evolving sensor technology from the ground and then from UAVs and uses measurement of repeatable Resident Space Objects (RSOs) and targets of opportunity to characterize performance before participating in BMDS tests to collect performance data under realistic conditions. Discrimination Sensor Technology interfaces with the existing BMDS architecture to develop 3-dimensional (3-D) tracks of the ballistic missile, which are sent via Link-16 to Aegis ships for engagement.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Source ID
- MD95_0603177C_3_0400_PB_2016
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