Advanced Imaging for Surface Ship Self Protection (7126-580)

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) and its subcontractor Pacific Advanced Technologies (PAT) propose to determine the feasibility of an advanced high quality imaging system for threat detection and identification in support of surface ship self protection. Low flying threats which pop-up over the horizon will be the scenario of principle focus. Two approaches will be evaluated: adaptive optics and post detection processing utilizing smart focal plane technology and high speed data processing hardware. The program will be comprised of five tasks: requirements analysis; hardware assessment; performance modeling; concept assessment; and preliminary design. During the first four tasks we will develop and assemble the models and information needed to assess the feasibility of both approaches. A comparative analysis of the two approaches will then be accomplished. The superior approach will be selected and developed as a preliminary design. This design will provide the basis for prototype development and testing in a successor Phase II program.