Autonomous Situational Awareness for Munitions

ABSTRACT: TSC proposes to develop a software tool for modeling the dynamic multistatic coherent RF signatures of targets illuminated by munition fuze imaging sensors at sub-millimeter wavelengths. TSC will leverage a signature modeling tool that was developed by TSC for the Air Force under a recent Phase II SBIR contract. That tool uses time domain high-frequency RF modeling technology to accurately include effects of target and sensor translational and rotational motion, fine target details, and waveform characteristics. During Phase I, TSC will demonstrate the modeling concepts that will enable sub-millimeter wavelength modeling with execution times compatible with iterative sensor and algorithm design activities for metallic targets and non-metallic terrain. Also in Phase I, TSC will present the formalism for adding scattering from target rough surfaces and cavities. TSC will also design a graphical user interface and graphical display tools. During Phase II, TSC will develop the tools in software, train Air Force personnel in their use, and document the system from technical and user perspectives. BENEFIT: The results of the proposed Phase I and follow-on Phase II work will provide the Air Force with a tools for synthesizing RF signatures for use in development, testing, and evaluation of munition sensors and signal processing algorithms, including SAR, ISAR, and JFTA. Application of these tools will result in improved performance of munitions systems.