Silicon-Based Visible/Near-Infrared Affordable Missile Warning

U.S. military aircraft are still vulnerable to man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) due to MANPADS effectiveness, low cost, availability, small size, and ease of use and due to the lack of operationally effective Electro-optical/ Infrared (EO/IR)detection systems that are capable of supporting advanced laser countermeasures (CM). An effective and affordable solution is critical. This research program focuses on using silicon-based visible/near-IR technology to provide an affordable EO/IRdetection system with high probability of declaration and a low false alarm rate. The research leverages off of successful research demonstrations using optical technology already conducted by the industry and Government. The research proposed will focuson using very narrow band filters with two-color detection to provide the three key elements needed for an effective missile warning system (MWS): high resolution, spectral discrimination, and short revisit times. Phase I technical objectives are:demonstrate the feasibility of using existing commercial silicon sensor technology, predict performance of a prototype system using a combination of analysis and laboratory experiments, design a brassboard silicon MWS, and develop a commercialization planfor transitioning the prototype MWS for warfighter and commercial aircraft use. The expected benefit of this research is an effective yet affordable MWS that is compatible with advance laser CM. The MWS is expected to save U.S. military aircraft fromlosses due to MANPADS while conducting military operations or training exercises and also to provide protection for commercial aircraft from terrorist use of MANPADS.