3.2 Electro-Optics Sensors

3.2.1 Warfighter Needs

Fielding of superior electro-optical sensors will provide force multiplication in: dominant battlespace knowledge-addressed through high quality, long range imaging and non-imaging data from sensors digitally interfaced into the C4I infrastructure; precision force-addressed through high resolution multi-spectral sensors for fire control systems, guided munitions, and aided target processing to drive battle tempo, high resolution/distributed sensors for large fields-of-view/regard and inexpensive ground vehicle day/night imagers; joint theater missile defense-addressed through long range passive infrared search and track; combat identification-addressed through multi-function and multi-sensor concepts; and military operations in urban terrain-addressed through land and littoral unattended, robotic and individual soldier multi-spectral sensors. Transition opportunities exist for all future military and commercial space systems. Aircraft applications include F-14, F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22, JAST, E2C, C-130, C-141, V22, AH-64, Comanche, Kiowa Warrior and the AC-130 Gunship. Surface applications include, M1 Main Battle Tank and subsequent improvements, M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, M8 Armored Gun System, Landing Assault Vehicle upgrades, AAAV, Future Scout Vehicle and TOW Missile System.

3.2.2 Electro-Optics Sensor Overview

3.2.2.1 Goals and Timeframes. The broad goals are to provide affordable sensors that enable US forces to maintain a decisive warfighting edge in performing tactical target detection, identification, acquisition, engagement, and mobility missions. These goals also provide the warfighter superior capabilities in the detection, discrimination and tracking of theater ballistic missiles. All performance goals are based on improving current levels of durability and life while paying particular attention to life-cycle cost of ownership.

Meeting these goals depends on advances in electro-optics technology (3.7), Microelectronics (3.8), Electronics Integration Technology (3.10), Electronic Materials (3.9) and understanding the Battlespace Environments (3.11, 3.13 and 3.14).

3.2.2.2 Major Technical Challenges. The major technical challenges are to improve the capability of E-O Sensors and to reduce their size, weight, and power requirements while maintaining affordability. Specific challenges include: (1) active (laser-based) sensors - providing robust multi-functionality while maintaining compact size and low power requirements compatible with existing weapons system platform constraints; providing compact, efficient laser sources with substantial average powers at multiple wavelengths while accommodating eye safe operation; and development of two-dimensional laser detector focal plane arrays which combine each detector with its own amplifier/image processor for rapid, real-time 2 or 3 dimensional laser imaging. (2) individual soldier systems - development of lightweight, affordable system integrated optics, (3) multi-sensor systems - the use of shared or distributed aperture systems in order to control size to improve drag characteristics and cost; implementation of alternate sensing modes (e.g., polarization) to extract more scene information and reduce the dependence on spatial resolution; and signal processing to enable multi-function sensing and fusion of multiple sensors.

3.2.2.3 Related Federal and Private Sector Efforts. Advanced EO sensors are primarily developed for Government applications. Data from space-based efforts are relevant to and coordinated with NASA and NOAA research efforts in global change, atmospheric remote sensing, astronomy/astrophysics and orbital debris tracking along with numerous private sector spacecraft programs. Surface and airborne tactical technology are coordinated with the Department of Transportation (night driving, ship navigation), FAA (aircraft runway navigation and pilotage), local and federal law enforcement agencies (surveillance, physical security), the medical community (diagnostics, human vision aids) and with multiple organizations for humanitarian purposes (search and rescue, buried mine detection). Industrial applications of thermal imaging technology involving calibrated measurement of temperatures is also leveraged.

3.2.3 S&T Investment Strategy

National investments are made to address warfighting needs and maintain US Force warfighting margin. Particular emphasis is paid to affordability, which is critical in an environment of lower weapon system quantities. Investment in multi-function sensors is also pursued where more than one battlefield capability can be provided through a single system, precluding the need for multiple systems.

3.2.3.1 Technology Demonstrations. The technology demonstrations entailed in E-O Sensors will illustrate enhanced situational awareness in an expanded battlespace and improved aircraft pilotage.

3.2.3.1.1 Air/Land Enhanced Reconnaissance and Targeting ATD. DTO SE.06.01.A. The ALERT ATD will demonstrate on-the-move, automatic aided target acquisition (detection range greater than 4000m at 180 kts) and enhanced identification via the use of a 2nd gen FLIR/multi-function laser sensor for application to future aviation and ground assets which do not have radar. Automation will extend the safe ingress rate by 50-75% for full threat coverage over manual acquisition. It will leverage AF and ARPA programs for search-on-the-move ATR and temporal FLIR processing. Demonstration will be real-time on a fully operational flying testbed emulation.

3.2.3.1.2 Advanced Pilotage. DTO SE.07.02.ANF. This effort will demonstrate improved night/adverse weather pilotage. Image intensification and 2nd gen thermal imaging will be demonstrated to yield a 50% improvement in resolution. A 25% increase in field of view will be demonstrated along with a dual spectrum system with a helmet mounted display. Low light level charged coupled device and advanced thermal imaging technology approaches (e.g., DTO Advanced Focal Plane Arrays) will be fused and tested for operations in a variety of light level conditions. Additional emphasis will be placed on presentation with a color helmet mounted display.

3.2.3.1.3 Target Acquisition ATD (TA ATD). DTO SE.08.02.A. Second generation thermal imaging, millimeter wave radar and a multi-function laser system providing range finding, target designation and target profiling (for ID) capabilities will be combined in a multi-sensor approach to extend the operational target acquisition range by 67% for exposed targets and 50% for partially exposed targets while reducing timelines 60-80% for tanks. User assessments will be made of the integrated hardware. Focus will be on upgrading existing Army and Marine M1 series tanks and planned Army tank upgrades.

3.2.3.2 Technical Developments. Key technical developments will result in capabilities for improved precision targeting, passive theater missile defense (TMD), and training safety.

3.2.3.2.1 North Finding Module. This area will fulfill DTO SE.09.02.A and will develop improvements in azimuth accuracy to allow full use of GPS data, target hand-off accuracy, and situational awareness. Accuracy of 5 to 10 mils will be demonstrated with initial measurements within three minutes (static) or one minute (moving).

3.2.3.2.2 EO Sensor, Fusion and Targeting. DTO SE.10.02.NF. This effort will capitalize on Service efforts in the areas of advanced sensors, multi-function/multi-spectral sensors and the fusion of these to result in enhanced targeting. User objectives will be addressed with the underpinning strategy of capitalizing on existing weapon system platforms for enhanced performance upgrades. This effort leverages DTO SE.17.02.ANFEC, Dominant Targeting Identification described in section 3.4 Automatic Target Recognition and section 3.7 E-O Sensors, subsection Advanced Focal Plane arrays.

3.2.3.2.3 Advanced Infrared Search and Track Systems. DTO SE.11.01.ANFE. This effort will develop IRST approaches for TMD and cruise missile/aircraft detection. Utilize advanced thermal sensors and digital signal processing technology, with multiple service capitalization on common components and subsystems. Ground vehicle focus is air-defense, on-the move operations. Fixed wing focus is anti-air warfare and theater missile defense- with ranges beyond 500 km.

3.2.3.2.4 Multi-Wavelength Multi-Function Lasers. DTO SE.12.02.ANF. This effort will develop laser sources and systems for multi-function applications. The approach is to utilize a single laser source embedded in a system to accomplish multiple functions (e.g., rangefinding, designation, identification) thus enhancing affordability and platform size capability. Multi-wavelength output of .26-5 microns will be demonstrated allowing eyesafe operating modes for more robust training and to minimize personnel injury. Investigate Horizontal Technology Integration approach across multiple system platforms.

3.2.3.2.5 Aircraft Signature Measurement/Modeling Technology. DTO SE.13.03.NF. This effort will predict IR signatures of aircraft and integrate them into engagement models and specifications resulting in a better assessment of aircraft vulnerability and weapon systems delivery. Flight test hours for signature acquisition will be reduced by 50% from Convention & Data Acquisition Procedures.

3.2.3.3 Basic Research. Basic research capitalized on in this area includes III-V and II-VI material growth by MBE for IR detectors, OMCVD material growth for laser diode sources, image and signal processing algorithms, and non-linear optical materials. Future required research includes multi-spectral smart FPAs, multi-sensor fusion algorithms, mid-wave laser diode sources and high bandwidth optical processing techniques.