Multispectral Lidar for Plume Particle Characterization

As active ladar systems become more and more common in missile defense roles, the need for accurate missile signature models increases. Laser radars are currently being pursued for tracking of boosting missiles due to the obvious benefits of clutter rejection and increased precision over passive systems. However, the interaction of laser light with a missile's plume is a complex process that is not well understood. In order to optimize the performance of a laser radar system for missile defense, this laser/plume interaction must be better characterized. Analytic models for laser/plume interaction are being developed, but these models are very sensitive to particle size and shape parameters. Empirical data is needed for validation and model refinement. CTI proposes an active, multi-wavelength ladar system for onboard measurements of missile plume properties. The system will measure scattering properties of the missile plume and estimate particle size and shape distributions. This effort leverages several current activities at CTI, who has proven itself as a world-leader in lidar systems. From CTI's commercial produce, WindTracer, to its custom military systems, CTI has developed rugged, high-performing remote sensing systems to meet the needs of its customers.