Advanced Discrimination Technologies and Concepts

Advanced counter measure threats envisioned to be deployed against midcourse missile defense weapon systems creates a problem in discriminating between the real threat and decoys. A need exists to effectively discriminate and/or eliminate the decoys from the vicinity so the real threat can be neutralized. Developing a weapon system that removes decoys and allows easier discrimination requires a significant lethality assessment matrix that defines the optimum vehicle lethality components, materials and dispersion pattern requirements. Preliminary damage and kill assessments can be accomplished using hydrocodes; i.e, CTH, with results validated through empirical tests, legacy data or testing. These results can populate a matrix defining weapon concepts that can damage or remove a given set of decoys. A fast running algorithm and/or look-up table that characterizes the kill matrix can be coupled with existing "hit-to-kill" lethality end-game codes to produce a robust cost effective tool to quickly evaluate real threats. Commercialization could proceed on two fronts. First, is the ability to provide some protection to important satellite assets or aircraft by using the envisioned weapon systems to kill or inflict damage on incoming threats. Secondly, the upgraded end game lethality codes would be usable by the defense, intelligence, transportation and homeland security departments. In Phase I, the critical parameters to damage on a counter measure decoy will be investigated through CTH analysis and potential weaponization concepts suggested. Phase II, will validate these concepts against empirical or legacy data and use light gas gun testing as needed. A supplemental fast running algorithm/module for existing end game lethality software will be developed and validated. Finally, Phase III expands the weaponization concepts to provide for direct insertion into the BMDS midcourse elements.