Deployable Directional Plasma Sensor

In response to the need of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) for a deployable directional plasma sensor, Corvid Technologies proposes to develop a dual-wavelength-band plasma sensor system. CorvidÆs plasma sensor concept is compact, low cost, and uses commercial off-the-shelf optical components and imaging sensors to record plasma signatures in distinctive wavelength bands. The purpose of the dual-band imaging capability is to increase the confidence of the objectÆs identity as well as increase the range at which the object is both tracked and identified. The coupled optics and sensor package is designed to fit inside launcher systems aboard in-service guided-missile destroyers. Corvid is uniquely suited to model, simulate, design, and test a deployable plasma sensor for the MDA. Throughout the Phase I effort, Corvid will leverage established digital engineering-based methods, in-house developed simulation software specifically designed for modeling aerodynamic and aerothermal effects for hypersonic platforms, and a radiative heat flux prediction tool that computes synthetic plasma spectra. At the end of Phase I, Corvid will have identified the spectral characteristics of a representative high-temperature plasma, determined the sensitivity requirements for the successful detection and tracking at a relevant range, fabricated a prototype, and performed bench testing to validate performance. Approved for Public Release | 24-MDA-11906 (16 Sep 24)