Electro-Optical (EO) Signal Processing for Detection and Classification of Cruise Missiles

New and improved image processing algorithms are developed for application in Electro-optical (EO) sensors suitable for use in a cruise missile defense system. The algorithms achieve higher levels of background clutter suppression than have been reported previously, leading to improvements in target detection probability, target tracking accuracy, and correctness of target classification. Concept of operation (Con-Ops) studies define co-operative roles for space-based and airborne EO sensors and evaluate issues related to; baseing and coverage, and insertion into our overall national defense assets. The study separates the sensor problems into two separate groups: 1) launch-phase target acquisition in a wide field-of-view (FOV) typically 500km x 500 km. 2) post-launch target tracking in a cued narrow FOV, typically 50km x 50 km. These two functions may be performed by two separate EO sensors, or preferably by a dual-function design, made feasible by the new image processing algorithms. Computer simulations and laboratory experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed image processing algorithms against simulated background images.