A Computational Chemistry Approach to Signature Mechanisms of High Altitude Maneuvering Missiles

Theater missile threats often fly through and maneuver at high altitudes, where their signature can substantially change. New chemical signature mechanisms and non-equilibrium conditions will become important. The new mechanisms change the appearance of threat signatures and must be taken into account when developing detection, track, and guidance sensors and algorithms. Spectral Sciences Inc. (SSI) proposes an innovative approach of first-principles computational chemistry modeling of the needed mechanisms. The mechanisms will be contained in reaction rate / cross section databases which will be used to upgrade DoD plume signature codes. The upgraded codes will be used to generate signatures which will be validated against relevant field data. Differences between calculated and observed signatures will be used to modify/update the underlying mechanisms and chemical databases. Differences between calculated and observed signatures will also be used to assess the accuracy of the calculated signatures and methods.