Discrimination Sensor Prototype Development

Abstract

MD99, Discrimination Sensor Prototype Development, builds on the technology developed and demonstrated in the Discrimination Sensor Technology program element 0603177C. This project funds development of an advanced sensor airborne system, using the operationally proven MQ-9 Reaper. Areas of concentration include advanced detectors, infrared sensors, and precision tracking and discrimination algorithms. Discrimination Sensor Prototype Development pursues a cost-effective incremental upgrade philosophy that demonstrates precision track at extended ranges, simple scene discrimination and then complex scene discrimination. The MQ-9 Reaper equipped with an advanced sensor provides the MDA a viable quick reaction capability to augment BMDS radar. This project develops and tests a high-precision advanced sensor to improve identifying, acquiring, tracking and discriminating incoming ballistic missile threats, specifically addressing U.S. Strategic Command's Prioritized Capabilities List requirements. Discrimination Sensor Prototype Development enhances the BMDS capability to discriminate lethal objects in a threat cluster, and track and hand over the threat object with Aegis Launch-on-Remote and Engage-on-Remote precision. Aegis Launch-on-Remote is the capability that allows Aegis BMD to launch an interceptor before its own radar acquires the threat. Aegis BMD Launch-on-Remote involves Command, Control, Battle Management and Communications providing information about the paths (called tracks) of ballistic missile threats to Aegis BMD from forward based radars. It expands the space where the system can intercept the threat and the defended area. Engage-on-Remote engagement allows the use of off board sensor information to launch and guide the Standard Missile - 3 Block IIA missile to final intercept. The increased kinematic envelope of the Standard Missile - 3 Block IIA, when combined with Engage-on-Remote will expand the battlespace and increase the number of threats engaged over previous baselines. This project funds development of a next-generation ruggedized airborne processor and the corollary ground and airborne subsystems required for BMDS test. This advanced sensor will operate at the strategic ranges required to augment BMDS radar, improve the BMDS discrimination capability and provide precision track of large raids. These advanced sensor systems have the capacity to track multiple targets simultaneously, substantially reducing the number of sensor assets required for large raids. This project will include advanced sensor integration into a high altitude airborne platform and testing in operationally relevant environments Both a preliminary design review and a critical design review are scheduled for FY 2017, followed by a flight laboratory test and system ground test in FY 2018 and flight testing in FY 2019-FY 2021. The MDA will also partner with the Services to develop concepts for the cost effective integration of the sensor technology successfully demonstrated under the Discrimination Sensor Technology program element into limited fielding upgrade kits. The concept information will inform a MDA Product Development Decision for further development and/or limited fielding decisions. These kits could be installed on MQ-9 aircraft deployed in theater to add missile defense capabilities on short notice.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2017
• Source ID: MD99_0604115C_4_0400_PB_2017

Tags

Readers

• Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

• Space
• Space - Satellites
• Space - Space Objects