CTS Algorithms for Dynamic Battlefield Events

Energetic events from combustion sources have large signal to noise ratios, are difficult to conceal, have unique signatures and can provide significant activity based battlefield intelligence. The goal of this program is to develop algorithms to detect, identify, and track combustion signatures using a wide field of view airborne sensor. The data for event detection and discrimination will be acquired utilizing a specialized wide field of view (a 12 degree field of view has been demonstrated) spectral-temporal sensor which simultaneously measures 180 colors in the VISNIR through MWIR bands from energetic point targets at the frame rate of the camera (30-1000Hz.). This sensor, based on a Cross Dispersion Prism (CDP), has previously demonstrated a discrimination capability among various rocket motors, battlefield explosions and muzzle flashes. The potential for technical transfer is high since the development of algorithms based on these signatures will also lead to an understanding of airborne discrimination techniques for tactical missile threat warning and kill assessment, general explosive identification and damage assessment, and automatic location and identification of artillery, mortar and other larger muzzle weapons. In addition, suitably adapted versions of the spectral-temporal algorithms developed under this program may provide an immediate capability using fused multi-spectral data from current airborne assets.