Discrimination Sensor Demonstrator Development
Abstract
Discrimination Sensor Demonstrator Development (DSDD), areas of concentration include tracking lasers, advanced detectors, infrared sensors, and precision tracking and discrimination algorithms. DSDD demonstrates precision track of advanced threats at extended ranges, simple scene discrimination and then complex scene discrimination through ground, flight, and space demonstrations. This project develops and tests high-precision advanced sensors to improve identifying, acquiring, tracking and discriminating incoming ballistic missile threats, specifically addressing U.S. Strategic Commands Prioritized Capabilities List requirements. DSDD 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. The increased kinematics envelope of the SM-3 Block IIA, when combined with Engage on Remote capability, will expand battlespace and increase the number of threats engaged. This project funds development of next-generation advanced sensor systems to include tracking lasers, specialized detectors, and unique processors and the corollary ground, airborne and space subsystems. These advanced sensors operate at the strategic ranges required to augment BMDS radar, improve the BMDS discrimination capability and provide precision track of large raids. They also track multiple targets simultaneously, substantially reducing the number of sensor assets required for large raids. MDA tests promising advanced sensor technology at the Mt Wilson Aerospace Facility for Integrated Optical Test (MAFIOT) in conjunction with BMDS tests. The MAFIOT ground testbed provides line of sight viewing of missile launches from Vandenberg AFB and San Nicolas Island. Additionally, MDA will use a transportable ground testbed to test advanced sensors at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF). This project includes advanced sensor integration into a high altitude airborne platform, a MDA Configured MQ-9 aircraft, and testing in operationally relevant environments. The MDA Configured MQ-9 aircraft equipped with an advanced sensor provides the MDA a viable quick reaction capability to augment BMDS radar. The program will leverage the technology demonstrated from the ground and in the air to develop space qualified advanced sensor technology. These cost-effective focal plane array and advanced sensor space components inform future BMDS space layer decisions for persistent tracking and discrimination. MDA will also partner with the Services to develop concepts for the cost effective integration of the sensor technology 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, 2019
- Source ID
- MD99_0604115C_4_0400_PB_2019
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