A Sensor for Spatial-Spectral-Temporal Missile Signature Characterization and MPR

The objective of this project is to build a midwave infrared four dimensional imaging spectrometer (4D-IS) capable of capturing full hyperspectral image cube (2-spatial dimensions, spectral dimension, and temporal) at video rates. The sensor will be built to fully interface with the HALO-II system and will support, among other things, target tracking and passive ranging using the Advanced Monocular Passive Ranging (A-MPR) algorithm. With the 4D-IS on board, the HALO-II cameras do not need to be tasked for extra and time consuming measurements, for the MPR data collection. Also the 4D-IS provides many bands, as opposed to the HALO-II cameras providing only a few bands, to drastically improve the MPR accuracy. The 4D-IS system is ideal for MPR since (1) it provides spectrally resolved data for superior range and atmospheric retrieval, (2) it provides spatially resolved data allowing for background subtraction and the discrimination of multiple targets, and (3) it provides temporally resolved data to capture desired plume phenomenological events such as staging, afterburning cessation, engine shutdown, and general plume evolution along the trajectory. The 4D-IS design concept was developed under Phase-I and recently demonstrated in the VNIR under a separate program. The MWIR sensor development, and HALO-II integration and validation tests will be completed in two years. Under an optional 3rd year task, OKSI will provide operational support to the sensor flights and data collection, initial shake down, and full interface to the A-MPR system.