Photonics; BMDO/02-211A-Optical Materials

ABSTRACT: In order to minimize the cost and complexity of Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Infrared (IR) guided interceptor systems, and Air Force Theater Defense, MDA/Air Force established the Kinetic-kill-vehicle Hardware-in-the-Loop (KHILS) Simulation Facility for the purpose of performance testing of integrated seeker, signal processor, guidance, and missile models in National Missile Defense (NMD) and Theater Missile Defense (TMD) scenarios. Current Infrared resistor array projectors are silicon based with a maximum temperature simulation capability of around 750K, causing it to fall short of the capability to simulate high temperature thermal objects, e.g., the missile plumes and countermeasure with a blackbody apparent temperature (BAT) as high as 3,000K. The current SBIR program with Kent Optronics has demonstrated adequate performance of the infrared scene projection (IRSP) display for both MWIR and LWIR. However, the LCoS display panels in the IRSP experienced shortfalls due to the manufacture pre-maturity. This SBIR Phase II proposal seeks to overcome that shortfall and deliver the 2-color MW/LW IRSP to the government. BENEFIT: The Multi-spectrum will be integrated into the KHILS facilities in Eglin AFB for simulation in hardware-in-the-loop. Both MDA and the U.S. Air Force are the primary customers. The benefit is obvious: it saves millions of dollars cost by reducing the real flight tests. In addition to KHILS, Aviation and Missile Command, Army unit such as USAAMCOM, ATEC, DTC, ATTC, as well as NASA, and NATO members are also potential customers. Commercial customers could be night vision, and IR sensor developers/users.