Wide Field of View Missile Sensor Capable of Spectral Discrimination

Long range missile sensors with capability of distinguish missiles from other flying tracks such as aircrafts and SAMs are crucial devices in missile defense systems. The capability of highly accurate angular detection of the missile along with three-component velocity determination is also important. Existing missile warning products cannot meet advanced missile defense requirements with these desired functionalities. It is preferred to develop innovative missile sensor with improvements in performance to cost ratio over existing products. New Span Opto-Technology Inc. proposes herein a novel compact background rejection hyperspectral missile sensor that is capable of discriminating ballistic missile propulsion plume from cluttered sunlight background and other type of flying tracks through its innovative spectral imaging approach. The sensor offers excellent background noise rejection, wide field of view, three-component velocity determination, and the capability of missile plume spectral evaluation using low cost imaging sensor array. Phase I will design and construct a proof-of-concept background rejection hyperspectral missile sensor and demonstrate its operation. The performance of the compact sensor will be optimized in Phase II to yield a practical device system ready to support military and commercial applications.