Near-Pixel Signal Processing with Tri-band Fusion-Tracking to Improve Next-Generation Interceptor

The main goal of the proposed program is to develop and integrate a laser ranger processor/engine based on Eutecus'XENON line of massively parallel, cellular many-core processors (TRL 5) with a recently prototyped multi-channel fusion-tracking processor/engine (TRL 6). The implementation will be completed in defense-grade rad-tolerant/rad-hard field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology also improving the robustness of space-time and spectral domain signature analysis and tracking performance. Eutecus will work closely with leading FPGA Vendors (Xilinx, Inc., Altera Co.) and several Defense Prime Contractors (LMSSC, Raytheon and Northrop) to meet MDA requirements for several key program elements (primarily ABMD and ABIR) of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). Eutecus proposes to design and develop the next generation of two key elements of future interceptor seekers: (i) a range imager front-end sensitive in the 800-1400 nanometer wavelength (NIR/SWIR) operating at frame rates above 10kHz; and (ii) a three-channel, scalable multi-core processor back-end with embedded fusion-tracking algorithms supporting real-time multi-spectral (SWIR-MWIR-LWIR) feature/signature analysis and calculations required for range imaging and fusion-tracking at ultra-high speeds (typically in the 1-10 kHz range). Prototype hardware will be developed in Phase II combined with field tests in order to validate the technology for Phase III transition.