State-Vector Density Functional (SVDF) Method for Kill Assessment

Measuring and characterizing the post-intercept state of a missile intercept event is critical for determination of interceptor lethality and kill assessments (KA). A number of sensors (including radar and spectral and imaging sensors) have been used to characterize these events. FreEnt proposes an innovative approach to KA based on mathematical formalisms successfully employed in atomic and molecular Statistical Mechanics and Particle Physics. Our State-Vector Density Functional (SVDF) method treats the intercept event similar to the treatment of particle scattering events in a particle collider experiment. The initial states of the target and the interceptor are defined by the kinematics of the hit-conditions. These are determined from radar tracking data, optical spectra, and imaging data which may identify a particular booster type and hence a set of possible target payloads. The method assumes existing space-based, ground-based, and airborne sensors are capable of measuring specific state variables which determine the intercept conditions. State-vectors are then defined for the initial and final states of the system from which the SVDF quantity can be computed. This quantity is then shown to be proportional to the probability the final state of the system and target is consistent with the target being defeated. Approved for Public Release | 16-MDA-8917 (15 November 16)