Efficient Signature Ensemble Generation for Non-Nominal Countermeasures

"The proposed effort will address an important problem for missile defense: the efficient generation of signature ensembles that incorporate realistic distributions in the shape and dynamics of countermeasures. Such breadth in the training ensembles isrequired for the development of robust discrimination-algorithms and decision-architectures, and for accurate prediction of performance against the actual threat. The Phase-I product will be a software tool (GUI + executable code for the Linux and SGIplatform, + target-model library) for the efficient calculation of Visible-LWIR optical intensity and radar RCS vs. time, in which the primary input parameters may be simply specified, or defined probabilistically. The output is then the ensemble ofsignatures, and a summary of the corresponding distribution of basic features. The VISIG signature code, with its exceptionally efficient rendering engine (for which rendering resolution is decoupled from the resolution of the target model) will beemployed. The target library will include both nominal models and a collection of off-nominal targets inspired by the observed behavior of inflatable and erectable countermeasures. Within the Phase-I effort, the models will be modified by conformalscaling along the three axes. A limited set of debris and chaff models will also be provided. While the proposed Phase-I effort is tailored to meet the near-term needs of the Missile Defense Agency, we bel