Low-Cost, Large-Area Conformal Detector Arrays

The Army has a need for an Urban Missile, a missile that will be small, lethal, and low-cost. As currently envisioned, the Urban Missile will be a 50-mm round with kinetic performance similar to a Russian rocket propelled grenade (RPG). A key advantage over the RPG, however, will be a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker head that will help to ensure a high probability of kill (PK) and will help to minimize collateral damage. Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc., proposes to develop a solid-state, Multi-Aperture Seeker (MAS) concept. By directly coupling low-cost micro-optics to fixed photo detectors, our MAS concept will significantly reduce the cost of SAL seeker technology by eliminating the expensive domes, gimbals, and traditional optics typical of current-day SAL seekers. This proposal describes our seeker concept, defines the Phase I Objectives, describes a Work Plan for meeting these objectives, and lists the qualifications of the Polaris Team.