Direct Energy Countermeasures Stimulator System (DECSS)

The Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF), a state-of-the-art installed system test facility (ISTF) at Edwards Air Force Base, California, is systematically upgrading capabilities to include testing of infrared and electro-optical (IR/EO) weapons systems, notably missile warning and directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) systems. The BAF currently has a requirement to monitor the performance of DIRCM systems, specifically, measurement of the beam pointing accuracy and irradiance, and verification of the waveform. Comprehensive system testing requires that the associated IR fine tracker and missile warning system be appropriately stimulated to simulate realistic missile threats. Technology Service Corporation (TSC), based on an innovative and cost-effective approach, is proposing to develop a Direct Energy Countermeasures Stimulator System (DECSS) consisting of: 1) a DIRCM monitoring system featuring an array of lead-selenide detectors monitoring IR bands I, II, and IV; 2) a high-output IR tracker stimulator positioned at the center of the detector array; 3) a computer-controlled motion system for movement of the IR stimulator and detector array assembly; and 4) an upgraded IR stimulator from the BAF IRUSS system to stimulate the missile warning system. A DECSS controller will record and process DIRCM data in real-time, and provide the necessary control functions for the stimulators.