Cloud Background Clutter Suppression for Early Detection and Track

The ability to counter theater ballistic missiles requires early detection, tracking, and warning of their launch and trajectory. Today's ballistic missile warning systems are limited in their ability to detect ballistic launches early in the flight. Current systems operate in bands where the atmosphere absorbs most of the energy. These systems are not able to detect the ballistic missiles until they have left the atmosphere, because they cannot discriminate against cloud backgrounds. This means the systems is unable to detect and track the missile until 35 seconds after launch, thus decreasing the ability of defensive weapon systems to effectively intercept the threat. DRA has developed a missile detection system that operates in the visible spectrum and does not exhibit the operational limitations. It is able to effectively detect a ballistic missile while it is still in the atmosphere, allowing defensive weapons systems more time to intercept the threat. In Phase I, DRA has successfully demonstrated the applicability of the sensor to the ballistic missile detection problem. In Phase II, DRA will build a prototype system that proves the value of technology in the ballistic missile arena.