Infrared Target Array Development

Thomas O. McIntire; Edward A. Scott

doi:10.1117/12.932619

8 March 1982 Infrared Target Array Development

Thomas O. McIntire, Edward A. Scott

Proceedings Volume 0302, Infrared Technology for Target Detection and Classification; (1982) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.932619
Event: 25th Annual Technical Symposium, 1981, San Diego, United States

Abstract

A "life size" thermal target array has been developed to facilitate in-flight testing of airborne weapon systems containing night vision subsystems. This in-flight testing to measure the performance of the night vision subsystem and its effect on overall weapon system performance is essential to the test and evaluation process of the particular weapon under test. This measurement of subsystem performance is called the Modulation Transfer Function, or MTF. In addition, a laser designator subsystem is frequently incorporated in a precision guided munition weapon system. In the test and evaluation of the designator, such quantities as beam quality (energy distribution), beam divergence, and beam wander are of interest. The thermal targets may be used to evaluate armored weapon systems. The capability of providing carefully controlled and variable thermal signatures in a field test environment is considered unique. The thermal target array consists of three targets: A six bar recognition target, a two bar detection target, and a laser designator scoring board (cross-hair). The image dimensions of 2.3 meters by 2.3 meters were derived from an optimized threat envelope. The thermal signatures of the targets are controllable to within 0.3 C about a differential setpoint. This differential setpoint is measured between the active element and the target background (or "ambient"). Several differential temperature settings are available to the test officer: 1.25°C, 3°C, 5°C, 7.5°C, and 10°C. This paper reviews the thermal array test objectives, target array fabrication, methodology of target utilization, and representative results.

Citation Download Citation

Thomas O. McIntire and Edward A. Scott "Infrared Target Array Development", Proc. SPIE 0302, Infrared Technology for Target Detection and Classification, (8 March 1982); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.932619

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