Agile, Detecting and Discriminating, Infrared Electro-Optical Systems (ADDIOS)

The ADDIOS program addresses a fundamental limitation imposed on all imaging sensor systems: performance requirements demand higher sensor resolution, but processor capabilities demand lower sensor resolution. Historically, design tradeoffs are madebetween resolution, frame rate and processing to provide the best system compromise. So far, these compromise systems have not delivered adequate performance, especially in the critical areas of missile warning, missile cueing, countermeasures direction,and target identification. A more effective solution is to have high resolution available, but only use it when it is needed. To achieve this, it is necessary to switch a high-resolution instantaneous field of view at any location in a wide field ofregard. DRA will exploit recent advances in sensor fabrication technology to build a concept-demonstration missile warning sensor. The sensor will combine innovative missile warning technology developed at DRA with variable resolution technologydeveloped in the commercial world. DRA will demonstrate the sensor in a laboratory environment during Phase I and build a brassboard system around it during Phase II. It is anticipated that the results of this program will lead to reduced processingcosts and improved performance of all staring sensors. With lower costs and enhhanced perfomance, missile warning systems could be readily available for commercial aircraft.