Spectral-Spatial Ground Targets for Measurement of Airborne Electro-Optical Imaging System Performance

Targets located in the precision impact range area of Edwards AFB are used to evaluate the sensitivity and spatial resolution of imaging systems. The current capability to measure system performance is limited and reaching the end of life. Spectral Sciences, Inc., in collaboration with Labsphere, Inc., proposes to develop a field-ready comprehensive aircraft electro-optical sensor calibration system composed of spectral-spatial ground target and atmospheric characterization instruments. In Phase I a comprehensive trade study investigated the performance of various target system concepts. The trades included variation of target material properties, focusing on the state-of-art calibration materials developed by Labsphere, Permaflect® and Spectralon®. In Phase II, we will design and build a scalable Prototype Target Array (PTA) compatible with the defined specifications, install the target array at Edwards AFB, and demonstrate functionality in tests. We will investigate instrumentation to measure critical atmospheric quantities which impact the performance of the sensor under test, such as atmospheric turbulence and meteorological quantities. A plan will be developed for the manufacturing, installation, protection, and maintenance of a full-scale target array system, called the Standardized Spectral-Spatial Resolution Calibration system (S3RC) which will be offered commercially in several configurations, including knife edge, resolution, and spectrally varying targets.