MISSILE
DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA)
The MDA SBIR program is implemented, administrated
and managed by the MDA Office of Small
and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (SADBU). The MDA SBIR Program Manager is Frank Rucky. If you have any questions regarding the
administration of the MDA SBIR program please call 1-800-WIN-BMDO. Additional information on the MDA SBIR Program
can be found on the MDA SBIR home page at http://www.winbmdo.com/. Information regarding the MDA mission and
programs can be found at http://www.acq.osd.mil/bmdo.
For general inquiries or problems with the
electronic submission, contact the DoD Help Desk at 1-866-724-7457. For technical questions about the topic,
contact the Topic Authors listed under each topic on the http://www.dodsbir.net website before 2 December 2002.
MDA
intends for Phase I to be only an examination of the merit of the concept or
technology that still involves technical risk, with a cost not exceeding
$70,000.
Read the DoD front section of this solicitation for
detailed instructions on proposal format and program requirements. When you prepare your proposal submission, keep in mind that
Phase I should address the feasibility of a solution to the topic. MDA accepts Phase I proposals not exceeding $70,000. The technical period of performance for the
Phase I should be 6 months. MDA will
evaluate and select Phase I proposals using scientific review criteria based
upon technical merit and other criteria as discussed in this solicitation
document. Due to limited funding, MDA
reserves the right to limit awards under any topic and only proposals
considered to be of superior quality will be funded.
It is mandatory that the complete proposal
submission -- DoD Proposal Cover Sheet, entire Technical Proposal with
any appendices, Cost Proposal, and the Company Commercialization Report -- be
submitted electronically through the DoD SBIR website at http://www.dodsbir.net/submission.
Each of these documents is to be submitted separately through the website. Your
complete proposal must be submitted via the submissions site on or
before the 5:00pm EST, 15 January 2003
deadline. A hardcopy will not be required. If you have any questions or problems with
electronic submission, contact the DoD SBIR Help Desk at 1-866-724-7457 (8am to
5pm EST).
Phase II is the demonstration of the technology that
was found feasible in Phase I. MDA
selects awardees for Phase II developments through two competitive processes: a
routine competition among Phase I awardees that have been invited to submit
Phase II proposals; and a Fast Track competition for Phase I awardees that are
able to successfully obtain third party cash
partnership funds.
The MDA SBIR Program Manager (PM) or one of MDA’s
executing agents for SBIR contracts will inform Phase I participants of their
invitation to submit a Phase II proposal.
Fast Track submissions do not require an invitation; see DoD’s Fast
Track guidelines. Phase II proposals
may be submitted for an amount normally not to exceed $750,000. Companies may, however, identify
requirements with justification for amounts in excess of $750,000.
Phase II Proposal Submission
If you have been invited to submit a Phase II
proposal, please see the MDA SBIR website http://www.winbmdo.com/
for further instructions.
All Phase II proposals must have a complete
electronic submission. Complete
electronic submission includes the submission of the Cover Sheets, Cost Proposal,
Company Commercialization Report, the ENTIRE technical proposal and any
appendices via the DoD Submission site.
The DoD proposal submission site http://www.dodsbir.net/submission
will lead you through the process for submitting your technical proposal and
all of the sections electronically.
Each of these documents are submitted separately through the
website. Your proposal must be
submitted via the submission site on or before the MDA specified deadline. MDA may also require a hardcopy or your
proposal.
MDA FASTTRACK Dates and Requirements:
The Fast Track application must be
received by MDA 150 days from the Phase I award start date. Your Phase II Proposal must be submitted
within 180 days of the Phase I award start date. Any Fast Track applications or proposals not meeting these dates
may be declined. All Fast Track
applications and required information must be sent to the MDA SBIR Program
Manager at the address listed above, to the designated Contracting Officer’s
Technical Monitor (the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC)) for the contract, and
the appropriate Execution Activity SBIR Program Manager. The information required by MDA, is the same
as the information required under the DoD Fast Track described in the front
part of this solicitation.
SBIR Phase II Enhancement Policy
To encourage the transition of SBIR research into
MDA acquisition programs, MDA has implemented a Phase II Enhancement
Policy. Under this policy, MDA will
allow extension of an existing Phase II contract for up to one year and will
provide additional Phase II funding of up to $250,000, either: 1) as matching
funds for non-SBIR MDA funds directed to the Phase II contract; or 2) as
transitional funding in anticipation of Phase III, based on a letter of intent
to the MDA SBIR PM from a MDA acquisition program that will award a Phase III
contract.
PHASE I
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST:
All of the
following criteria must be met or your proposal will be REJECTED.
____1. Your technical proposal
has been uploaded. The DoD Proposal Cover Sheet, the DoD Company
Commercialization Report, and the Cost Proposal have been submitted
electronically through the DoD submission site by 15 January 2003.
____2. The Phase I proposed cost
does not exceed $70,000.
Missile
Defense Agency 03.1 Topic List
MDA 03-001 Active
Radar System Thermal Management
MDA 03-002 Advanced
3-D Laser Radar
MDA 03-003 Advanced
Scene Generation Techniques
MDA 03-004 Early
Launch Detection, and Tracking Sensor Concepts
MDA 03-005 Advanced
Autonomous Target Acquisition (ATA) and Track Algorithms
MDA 03-006 High
Dynamic Range Infrared Scene Projector for Boost Phase Intercept
MDA 03-007 Data
Fusion for Missile Defense
MDA 03-008 Decision
Theory Research and Development
MDA 03-009 Distributed
Battle Management Techniques
MDA 03-010 Image
Processing Algorithms for Target Discrimination
MDA 03-011 Integrated Design of Interceptor
Guidance, Control, Estimation and Kinetic Warhead System for Ballistic Missile
Defense
MDA 03-012 Intercepting
Boosting Missile Threats
MDA 03-013 Ladar
Components
MDA 03-014 Laser
Technology
MDA 03-015 Low
Phase Noise Signal Generation
MDA 03-016 Novel
Sensor Technology for Booster Typing
MDA 03-017 Low
Cost, High Altitude, Unmanned Sensor Platform
MDA 03-018 Air-transportable,
Caustic Production System
MDA 03-019 Athermal
Infrared Optical Window Material
MDA 03-020 Wavefront
Sensing for High Scintillation Environments
MDA 03-021 Lightweight
Innovative Composite Tank Concepts
MDA 03-022 Lightweight
Mirror Technology
MDA 03-023 Precision
High-Force Actuators for Adaptive Optics Mirror Shaping
MDA 03-024 Deformable
Mirror (DM) Electronics Miniaturization
MDA 03-025 Advanced
Processing of the Optical Surface on Large Lightweight Mirrors
MDA 03-026 Ultra-Lightweight
Large-Aperture, SiC Optical Components
MDA 03-027 Beam
Control for Extended Range
MDA 03-028 Electron
Bombarded Charge Coupled Device (EBCCD)
MDA 03-029 Data
Driven Prognostics
MDA 03-030 Multifunctional
Structures for Aerospace Applications
MDA 03-031 Advanced
Chemical Iodine Lasers
MDA 03-032 Lightweight
Low Contamination Materials
MDA 03-033 Ballistic
Missile Fuel Tank Ullage Fire/Explosion Modeling
MDA 03-034 Gallium Nitride (GaN) Device Technology
Enhancements Leading to Advanced Transmit/Receive (T/R) Modules for Radar
Performance Enhancement
MDA 03-035 Technologies Enabling Active Multi-Mode
Exo-atmospheric Seeker Based on Range-Resolved Doppler Imaging LADAR and
Passive Multi-Color LWIR detection.
MDA 03-036 Technologies Enabling Active Multi-Mode
Exo-atmospheric Seeker Based on Angle-Angle Range Imaging LADAR and Passive
Multi-Color LWIR detection
MDA 03-037 Advanced
In-Flight Interceptor Communications System (IFICS) Error Detection/Correction
MDA 03-038 Advanced
Signal/Data Processing Algorithms
MDA 03-039 Multi-color
VLWIR Focal Plane Array
MDA 03-040 Thermal
Management of GaN Based Power Amplifiers for X-Band Radars (XBR)
MDA 03-041 Reliability, Reproducibility, and Stability
of Gallium Nitride (GaN) Based Devices for X-Band Radars (XBR)
MDA 03-042 Data
Fusion for Improved Acquisition, Tracking and Discrimination
MDA 03-043 Advanced
Real Time Discrimination Architecture
MDA 03-044 Physics
Based Discrimination Algorithms
MDA 03-045 Advanced
Signal Processing
MDA 03-046 Advanced
Engagement Planning
MDA 03-047 Management
of Distributed Real-time Databases
MDA 03-048 Define/Demonstrate
Beryllium (Be) Substitute Material
MDA 03-049 Innovative
Manufacturing Processes
MDA 03-050 Innovative
Operating Software
MDA 03-051 Ballistic
Missile Innovative Electro-Optic Products
MDA 03-052 Ballistic
Missile Innovative Radar and RF Products
MDA 03-053 Ballistic
Missile Innovative Signal Processing, Data Fusion and Imaging Products
MDA 03-054 Ballistic
Missile System Composite Materials and Structures
MDA 03-055 Ballistic
Missile System Innovative Propulsion Products
MDA 03-056 Ballistic
Missile System Innovative Radiation Hardened/Tolerant Electronics Products
MDA 03-057 Ballistic
Missile System Innovative Batteries
MDA 03-058 Increased
Thrust to weight ratio for small Rocket Motors (Directed Attitude Control
System)
MDA 03-059 Low
Cost IR Windows for High Stress Environments
MDA 03-060 Methodologies
For Rapid Software Integration, Test And Transition To An Operational State
MDA 03-061 3-D
Modeling of Rocket Motor Plumes
MDA 03-062 On-Orbit
Longevity of Cryogenic Cooling Systems
MDA 03-063 Decision
Support Tools for Capability-based Systems Engineering
MDA 03-064 Lightweight,
High-Precision Inertial Reference Unit
MDA 03-065 Thermal
Management System for Solid State Lasers
MDA 03-066 Laser
Dynamic Disturbance Mitigation
MDA 03-067 Non-linear
Optical Beam Correction
MDA 03-068 Hybrid
Vibration Isolation System for Whole-Spacecraft Launch Protection
MDA 03-069 Deployment
Mechanisms for Precision Optical Systems
MDA 03-070 On-Orbit
Servicing Fluid Couplings
MDA 03-071 Spacecraft
Separation System
MDA 03-072 Small
Payload Support Module
MDA 03-073 Multiple
Purpose Photodiode Array
MDA 03-074 Superlattice
Materials for Very Long Wavelength Infrared Detectors
MDA 03-075 Materials
for Optical Data Handling
MDA 03-076 Coatings
for MercCadTelluride
MDA 03-077 Cloud
Background Clutter Suppression for Early Detection and Track
MDA 03-078 Missile
Plume Radar Attenuation and Cross Section
MDA 03-079 Missile
Plume Temporal Intensity Fluctuation Exploitation
MDA 03-080 Propulsion
Related Missile Phenomena
MDA 03-081 Hardware-in-the-loop
Test Technologies
MDA 03-082 Soot
Formation in Liquid Hydrocarbon and Amine Fuel Combustion
MDA 03-083 Unified
Passive and Active Target Signature Simulation
MDA 03-084 Missile
Plume Signature Transient Events
MDA 03-085 Laser
Attenuation and Backscatter from Missile Plumes
MDA 03-086 Plume
Induced Missile Body Heating
MDA 03-087 Advanced
Divert and Attitude Control
MDA 03-088 Advanced
Seeker Technologies
MDA 03-089 Advanced
Avionics
MDA 03-090 Advanced
Battery Technology
MDA 03-091 Safe
and Arm and Arm and Fire Devices
MDA 03-092 Solid
Rocket Motor Propellant Inspection Device
MDA 03-093 Fiber
Optic Communication Ribbon
MDA 03-094 Structural
Flaw Detection in Composites
MDA 03-095 Development
of Advanced Radar Technologies for Missile Defense
MDA 03-096 Operation
in Stressing Environments
MDA 03-097 Integrated
Data Compression and Security Algorithms
MDA 03-098 Robust
Discrimination of Ballistic Targets
MDA 03-099 Electronic
Hardening
MDA 03-100 Lightweight
Energy Production and Storage
MDA 03-101 Propulsion
and Propeller Technology for High Altitude Airships (HAA)
MDA 03-102 Long-Endurance,
Autonomous Vehicle Control
MISSILE
DEFENSE AGENCY 03.1 TOPIC DESCRIPTIONS
MDA 03-001 TITLE:
Active Radar System Thermal Management
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE:
The MDA has the need for various radar antenna radar system thermal
management and cooling technologies for BMD applications. Therefore, a significant investment is made
each year in the continued development of increasingly robust and sophisticated
cooling system technologies, which may eventually find their utilization in a
ballistic missile technology or major defense acquisition programs. Furthermore, advanced radar thermal
management systems, components, sub-components, and piece part specifics are
constantly under evaluation by the various BMD elements for replacement by the
latest technology developments from industry. Research or Research and
Development efforts selected under this topic shall demonstrate and involve a
degree of technical risk where the technical feasibility of the proposed work
has not been fully established.
DESCRIPTION:
Higher power levels of future MDA advanced radar antenna systems require
state-of-the-art capabilities for waste thermal energy acquisition, storage,
transport, and dissipation. Technology
advancements are required in thermal management for power generation systems,
T/R modules, and all associated electronics. Of specific interest are concepts
to transfer heat from high power T/R modules to a heat dissipation system. Concepts, devices, and advanced technologies
for all types of power cycles are sought, which can satisfy projected advanced
radar system requirements.
PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility that a new and
innovative research and development approach can meet any of the broad needs
discussed in this topic for future MDA systems consideration.
PHASE II: Develop applicable and feasible prototype
demonstrations and/or proof-of-concept devices for the approach described, and
demonstrate a degree of commercial viability.
PHASE III: Develop pre-production and production
components and sub-systems for integration into MDA advanced radar systems.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: These technologies
could be applied in many RF applications such as the telecommunications
industry, commercial airport radar systems, and automotive industry.
REFERENCES:
1. R. Kirschman (ed.), “High-temperature
electronics”, IEEE Press (New York, 1999).
2. P.L. Dreike et al., “An overview of
high-temperature electronic device technologies and potential applications”,
IEEE Trans. on Components, Packaging and
Manufacturing Technol., pp. 594-604 (1994).
3. Weimer, “Thermochemistry and Kinetics”, Carbide,
Nitride and Boride Materials Synthesis and Processing, edited by A. Weimer,
Chapman and Hall, New York, 79-113, (1997)
4. Ortega, A., Agonafer, D, and Webb, B. W., Eds,
“Heat Transfer in Electronic Equipment,” ASME HTD, Vol. 171, 1991.
5. Kreith, F. and Black, W. Z., 1980, Basic Heat
Transfer, Harper & Row, New York.
6. G.F. Jones, “Analysis of a Gas-to-Plate Heat
Exchanger for Cryogenic Applications,” ASME HTD, Vol. 167, 1991.
7. G.F. Jones, "Temperature and Heat-Flux
Distributions in a Strip-Heated Composite Slab," J. Heat Transfer, Vol.
108, 1986, p. 226-229.
8. J.P. Holman, Heat Transfer, Fifth Edition 1981,
McGraw-Hill Book Company.
9. Mallik, A.K.; Peterson, G.P.; Weichold, M.H. “On
the Use of Micro Heat Pipes as an Intregal Part of Semiconductor Devices”,
Proceedings of the 3 rd Joint Conference of ASME-JSME Thermal Angering, 1991 Pg
393-401.
10. A.V. Virkar, T. B. Jackson and R. A. Cutler,
"Thermodynamic and Kinetic Effects of Oxygen Removal on the
Thermal Conductivity of Aluminum Nitride," J.
Am. Ceram. Soc., 72[11] 2031-2042 (1989).
11. W.C. Nieberding, J.A. Powell, “High-temperature
electronic requirements in aeropropulsion systems”, IEEE Trans. Industrial
Electronics, pp. 103-106 (1982).
KEYWORDS: radar, T/R module, HPA, Wide Band gap,
thermal management, power, RF, antenna array
MDA 03-002 TITLE:
Advanced 3-D Laser Radar
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
Objective:
Develop advanced, compact 3-D laser radar to enhance missile defense
kill vehicle discrimination capabilities.
Description:
Active 3-D sensing provides an estimate of range and hence time-to-go,
needed for hit-to-kill guidance against an accelerating target as well as
providing 3-D booster hardbody shape, enabling precise aimpoint selection. The ladar can be configured to measure
active polarization signatures as well as range. Active polarization techniques have been proven to penetrate
scattering media, such as plumes, better than unpolarized active approaches.
Phase I:
Develop techniques and perform analysis to demonstrate the ability to
develop 3-D laser radar.
Phase II: Develop a prototype implementation of
components. Develop a test plan, test the prototypes, compare with predictions
and explain significant variations from the predicted performance. In addition,
describe techniques for fusing the 3-D laser radar data with passive optical
(visible and/or infrared) data.
Phase III:
Test and demonstrate the compact laser radar system for transition to
missile defense elements.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The techniques developed could be applied to
commercial sensor systems.
References:
None
KEYWORDS: Laser radar, ladar, discrimination,
sensors
MDA 03-003 TITLE:
Advanced Scene Generation Techniques
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Weapons
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE:
Develop advanced scene generation techniques, including countermeasure
modeling, in a variety of wavebands (IR, MMW, visible and ultraviolet, for both
active (e.g., LADAR) and passive sensors) to support boost phase algorithm
development and testing for target acquisition, tracking, discrimination,
decision making, and intercept.
DESCRIPTION:
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is interested in advancing the current
state of the art for scene generation techniques, including countermeasure
modeling, to support boost phase algorithm development. It is important to model all aspects of the
target in boost phase including staging, shroud ejection, and General Energy
Management (GEM) maneuvers. The scenes
generated need to span all relevant engagement space and include time dependent
spatial, temporal, and spectral sampling regimes. To test the algorithms the
scene generation models need to provide time dependent high-fidelity
simulations that can be utilized from target acquisition to intercept. The models need to allow for arbitrary
vehicle operational state, position, orientation, and atmospheric
condition. The computations need to be
performed as a function of time to allow complex vehicle dynamics to be
simulated.
Phase I:
Demonstrate the feasibility that a new and innovative research and
development approach can meet any of the broad needs discussed in this topic to
support scene generation needs for future MDA boost phase algorithm
development.
Phase II:
Develop applicable and feasible prototype demonstrations and/or
proof-of-concept for the approach described, and demonstrate a degree of
commercial viability or application directly to MDA.
Phase III:
Fully integrate the developed software to allow testing of existing and
potential boost phase algorithms.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: This work could be applied to commercial
Visible, UV, IR, and Ladar scene generation software.
REFERENCES: Synthetic Scene Generation Model Papers,
Validation Reports & Presentations http://vader.nrl.navy.mil/ssgm/info/refs.html.
KEYWORDS: Scene Generation, Countermeasures,
Infrared, Visible UV, Ladar
MDA 03-004 TITLE:
Early Launch Detection, and Tracking Sensor Concepts
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE:
Develop and demonstrate high payoff all-weather surveillance and fire
control technologies for transition to Boost Defense Segment systems.
DESCRIPTION:
An advantage of a boost phase intercept system is that the target is
moving slower, its bright plume offers easier tracking and the boosting missile
is more vulnerable. However, the launch
locations can be deep in the adversary’s territory, requiring substantial
standoff ranges. Detecting the launch
as early as possible is essential to developing a track, determining the nature
of the launch, and initiating weapons release.
Because the launch might occur under a cloud cover, new and innovative
approaches to early launch detection and tracking (ELDT) are needed. Sensor characteristics include: large
standoff range, wide area surveillance, all weather (high availability), prompt
detection time, high probability of detection and low probability of false
alarm, and initial track accuracy. This
SBIR addresses the definition, concept development, and demonstration of ELDT
sensors. It is not primarily a
phenomenology effort.
PHASE I:
Phase I SBIR efforts should concentrate on the development of the
fundamental concepts. This could
include demonstration of a process or fundamental principle in a format that
illustrates how the technology can be further developed and utilized in an ELDT
sensor. This effort should include
plans to further develop and exploit the concept in Phase II.
PHASE II:
Phase II SBIR efforts should take the concept of Phase I and
design/develop/demonstrate a breadboard sensor to demonstrate the concept. The sensor may not be optimized to flight
levels but should demonstrate the potential of the working prototype sensor to
meet emerging operational requirements.
Demonstration of the potential improvements in mass, input power, and
performance parameters should be included in the effort.
PHASE III:
Potential opportunities for transition of this technology include the
commercial sector and military programs that would benefit from improved all
weather missile launch detection and tracking
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Opportunities for developing commercial
applications of the technology include remote/environmental sensing, rocket
launch detection and characterization by NASA and environmental monitoring
agencies.
REFERENCES:
1. Kristl,
J., Clark, F., “Application of Temporal Plume Intensity Modulation to Boost
Phase Intercept”, Military Sensing Symposium, Missile Defense Sensors,
Environments and Algorithms, pp. XXX
2. Battleson,
K., Park, S., Lafrance, P., Fraser, J., Argo, P., Halbgewachs, R., Weber, T.,
Kiessling, J., “Parameters Affecting Boost Phase Intercept System: Early Launch
Detection and Track”, ”, Military Sensing Symposium, Missile Defense Sensors,
Environments and Algorithms, pp. XXX
3. Smith,
D. A., Holden, D., Heavner, M. J., “Passive RF Sensing for Missile Defense”, ”,
Military Sensing Symposium, Missile Defense Sensors, Environments and
Algorithms, pp. XXX
KEYWORDS: launch detection, surveillance, tracking,
all weather, boost phase
MDA 03-005 TITLE:
Advanced Autonomous Target Acquisition (ATA) and Track Algorithms
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE:
Develop advanced ATA algorithms applicable for Visible, UV, IR, and Ladar
sensor systems viewing the boost phase of a missile flight.
DESCRIPTION: This SBIR topic seeks advancement of
the current state of the art for ATA algorithms that typically perform
detection, classification, and identification of targets detected by Visible,
UV, IR, and Ladar sensor systems. The
focus of this SBIR shall be on the boost phase of a missile flight. The complexity of the imagery collected for
a booster viewed from launch to burnout includes hardbody, plume, and
backgrounds for varying viewing conditions and geometries. ATA algorithms of interest are sought for
sensor systems viewing the boost phase of a missile flight from endoatmospheric
and exoatmospheric platforms/interceptors.
PHASE I:
Develop a design for advanced ATA algorithm suite. Demonstrate the feasibility of the ATA
algorithms by implementing a prototype thread (such as a MATLAB version of the
algorithm) and evaluating it with synthetically generated threat data of a
booster from viewed from launch to burnout.
PHASE II:
Fully develop the ATA algorithm suite in both software and
hardware. The hardware design should be
capable of running in real-time.
Demonstrate the advanced ATA algorithm suite performance by the driving
the software and hardware with synthetic/real image sequences.
PHASE III:
Fully integrate the developed software/hardware advanced ATA algorithm
suite into relevant missile defense systems.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The ATR algorithms could be applied to
commercial Visible, UV, IR, and Ladar sensor systems.
References:
None
KEYWORDS: sensor systems, Visible, UV, IR, Ladar,
autonomous target acquisition, ATA
MDA 03-006 TITLE:
High Dynamic Range Infrared Scene Projector for Boost Phase Intercept
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Space Platforms
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE: Develop an infrared scene projection
capability for very high contrast target images.
DESCRIPTION: The goal of this topic is to pursue the
development of infrared scene projection technology beyond the current
state-of-the-art. Current projection technology based on resistive arrays has
many benefits including flickerless emission, broadband output, greater than
512^2 spatial resolution, and high framerates. However, the dynamic range of
this technology does not provide for radiometric duplication of the full range
of target scenarios likely to be encountered by future MDA weapons systems.
Targets with hot engine exhausts or rocket plumes, and infrared
countermeasures, are examples of the target set that will stress the test
community’s ability for radiometric duplication. Innovative approaches are
required for simulation of spatially extended objects whose apparent
temperature may exceed 2000K. For the purpose of defining approaches, the
projector should be realizable for testing of a specific sensor having a
two-micron bandpass anywhere within the 2-12 micron band. Ideally, the
projection concept should be able to achieve at least a 512^2 spatial
resolution, provide a non-modulated output, and, if pixelated, achieve pixel response times of less than
1.25 msec.
PHASE I: Infrared projector concept definition and
proof of principle demonstration.
PHASE II: Infrared projector detailed design and
prototype development and demonstration.
PHASE III: Design refinement and product transition
to MDA HWIL test facilities.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The entire
hardware in the loop test community would benefit directly from this
development. All weapon programs relying on infrared sensors against high
contrast targets would benefit.
Commercial products designed for fire fighting or search and rescue
could use this product for developmental testing or training.
REFERENCES:
R.A.Thompson, et al., “HWIL Testbed for Dual-Band
Infrared Boost Phase Intercept Sensors,” Proceeding from 2002 Meeting of the
MSS Specialty Group on Missile Defense Sensors, Environments, and Algorithms,
5-7 February 2002.
B.E.Cole, et al., “High-Speed large-Area pixels
Compatible with 200-Hz Frame rates,” Proceedings of SPIE, Vol 4366, Pgs.
121-129, April 2001
KEYWORDS: IR, infrared, projector,
hardware-in-the-loop, HWIL, display, resistor array, test, boost phase
intercept, plume
MDA 03-007 TITLE:
Data Fusion for Missile Defense
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems
ACQUISITION PROGRAM: MDA/AC
OBJECTIVE:
Develop data fusion algorithms that utilize ground, high-altitude, or
satellite sensor data together with onboard missile/kill-vehicle sensors to
provide an enhanced target discrimination capability.
DESCRIPTION:
Target discrimination (the ability to identify or engage any one target
when multiple targets are present) during National Missile Defense (NMD)
midcourse engagement is a complex technological hurdle. Missile guidance sensors need to
discriminate among targets, decoys, and penetration aids in an extremely short
detect-to-kill time. Feature
differences among decoys, penetration aids, and targets are not adequate for
discrimination by current passive IR missile sensors. A potential solution to the problem may be in the use of sensor
assets that are traditionally used for midcourse trajectory correction to
provide discrimination maps that can then be fused with other sensor
information during the kill phase of the missile sequence, for example
end-to-end state vector tracking. Such
a solution must be able to operate in a low bandwidth environment and to
support low latency algorithms.
PHASE I: It is anticipated that this phase will
define and develop potential data fusion concepts that aid in the target
discrimination problem.
PHASE II: Develop and test a prototype image
processing software package using real or simulated data. Validate the concept described in Phase I in
a laboratory environment.
PHASE III: The innovative algorithms and image
processing techniques developed under this effort will find Phase III
applications in military systems requiring autonomous stand-off detection of
objects in the presence of sensor clutter induced by scene structure and the
data-collection process and by spectral interferences. The algorithms will potentially be useful in
non-military applications requiring autonomous detection of objects of interest
under similar conditions of scene-induced and sensor-induced clutter, noise,
and spectral interferences. Potential
commercial applications include processing systems for object detection, and
characterization and tracking in fields such as medicine, industrial
processing, and quality control.
PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: This target
discrimination system could be applied to high resolution tracking of
commercial air or ground vehicles.
KEYWORDS: Data Fusion, Radar, Infrared, Target
Discrimination, Multiple Sensor Fusion Algorithms.
MDA 03-008 TITLE:
Decision Theory Research and Development
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Battlespace
ACQUISITION PROGRA