Dynamic Color Ratio Infrared Simulator Source

The Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC), Weapons Division, China Lake, has a requirement to develop a Dynamic Color Ratio Infrared Simulator (DCR-IRS) source for open-air test and evaluation (T&E) of missile warning and countermeasures systems. “Two-color” IR sensors employed by missile warning systems are used to discriminate against false threats by examining the “color ratio” of the signature, more specifically, the relative power in two mid-IR bands. Since the spectral (mid-IR) signatures of missile plumes can change significantly during the missile flight, an IR simulation with a dynamic color ratio capability is required for realistic T&E of these two-color missile warning systems. Technology Service Corporation (TSC) is proposing an innovative solution to the DCR-IRS requirement. The solution will use a high power Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO) along with optical assemblies to provide the required energy in the “blue-band” and the flame sources of the Navy’s Infrared Simulator and Target Array (ISTAR) system will provide the energy in the “red-band”. Under the Phase II TSC will develop the Dynamic Color Ratio Infrared Simulator and deliver it to the Navy at China Lake.