Dual Mode Semi Active Laser (SAL) Imaging Seeker

Outfitting precision guided munitions with more capable and flexible target seeking technologies with negligible increase in cost and power and no increase in size can enable a new set of concept of operations (CONOPS) that improve lethality, increase standoff range, and allow weapons to prosecute more complicated target sets in more complex battlespaces (multiple targets of similar or different likeness, moving and stationary, camouflaged, etc.). Common electro‑optical seeker modalities include semi‑active laser (SAL) or passive image‑based seeing in either the visible or infrared bands but a new generation of seekers is being developed that combines these dual modalities in a focal plane array format that promises to substantially improve accuracy, lethality, windows of operation, and countermeasure rejection among other benefits. In this Direct-to-Phase II effort, Attollo will deliver a complete dual mode, focal plane array‑based SAL seeker and SWIR HD imager module in a single sensor package. The module design will be based on the design conclusions from the feasibility study accompanying this proposal. Attollo’s proposed approach is based on the result of the referenced Feasibility study that includes the Attollo SAL seeker FPA and Attollo’s dual-mode SAL Imaging FPA.  The SAL modality of the seeker will be designed to operate day and night with no degradation in SAL performance and it will easily provide longer lock-in-range and greater countermeasure rejection than existing technology, by virtue of its multiple modalities of sensing, all while also providing a simultaneous HD daytime SWIR imaging capability. The approach will be compatible with future extensions of the dual‑mode concept to simultaneous SAL with MWIR or dual-band SWIR/MWIR imaging to be developed under future efforts.