Optical Void Sensing for Deeply Buried Hardened Target Penetrators

Aerius Photonics proposes an optical void sensor that will meet the objectives of the Air Force for a survivable, reliable, non-inertial void detector for deeply buried hardened target penetrators. The sensor approach draws low power, is compact and has the potential for precise distance ranging, void counting, void measurements, and pseudo void imaging in cluttered environments. To achieve this objective, Aerius Photonics has partnered with an industry leader in RF proximity fuze sensors and with the Army Research Labs (ARL) to build upon a general optical fuze approach that has been developed for precision standoff fuzing. This approach is called optical frequency modulated/continuous wave (FM/CW) and offers a robust, fast sensor capable of excellent clutter rejection and accurate void detection, counting and characterization. Aerius will apply our advanced laser diode and detector technology to enable a higher performance FM-CW sensor for hardened target penetrators with both look-ahead and side-looking operation for angle-of-attack and void sensing and measurement capabilities. The Phase II implementation will deliver a hardened sensor integrated into a scaled penetrator test article. The proposed solution will offer a path forward for more advanced capabilities in next generation penetrating munitions.