Compact Efficient Emitter System for the Towed Optical Plume Simulator

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to design, fabricate and test an emitter system to TRL = 5/6 for the towed optical plume simulator (TOPS) compatible with the volume requirements of the current towed airborne plume simulator (TAPS) towbody and meeting the specified environmental and key performance parameter (KPP) requirements.During the first year of the program PSI will develop the IR, UV, electrical, thermal control and computer control subsystems of the emitter system.The subsystems will be integrated into a breadboard prototype that will be tested against the KPP requirements.During Year 2 PSI will implement the design in a form meeting the volume and environmental requirements of the TAPS towbody.The resulting prototype will undergo limited environmental testing and then will be demonstrated at the Arnold Engineering and Development Complex (AEDC).A successful Phase II effort will lead to a follow-on Phase III effort during which the prototype TOPS system will undergo airborne testing and qualification leading ultimately to insertion into programs testing infrared countermeasure technology.