InGaAs SWIR Seeker Sensor System for a Projectile Based Kill Vehicle

An uncooled Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) imaging system will be developed for insertion in a hypersonic gun launch interceptor. The 640x512 10um pitch SWIR imaging system (detection from 0.7-1.7um) will provide unique capabilities for the kill vehicle. Functionality of the imager includes the ability to track the target with and without targeting lasers using a very high frame rate imager with region of interest that allow >6,000 frames/second to remove motion blur from the fast moving projectile. The advantage of SWIR is its ability to image at long range through the atmosphere while being an uncooled technology thus minimizing the SWAP and cost. The removal of the cooling system and the minimum number of components to operate the imager with high speed imaging is necessary to survive launch shock. The imaging system will weigh less than 60g with the battery and the lens while using less than 900mW of power. Two systems will be delivered at the program conclusion.