Facility for testing infrared imaging seekers in a countermeasures environment

摘要

A new Imaging Infrared Countermeasure Hardware-in-the-Loop facility has been designed and built by Matra BAe Dynamics to test imaging sensors in a complex infrared environment. Drawing upon currently available leading edge technologies and UK expertise, the test bed has been completed in a twelve-month programme. The facility comprises a Thermal Picture Synthesiser with up to four further independent channels, each capable of representing a countermeasure (jammer, flare or laser) within the scene. A six stage broadband reflective collimator relays the complex scene to the sensor. Injection of synthetic sensor rates enables representation of target and sensor motion dynamics and by controlling some sensor motion, the facility can be used for open or closed loop testing. Although total freedom of motion is not currently available, the facility enables evaluation of sensor performance, sensor integration and counter-countermeasure robustness as well as further algorithm development, aim point selection and image processing. Furthermore, new countermeasure techniques can be evaluated and new technologies developed. The facility has been designed to take advantage of technology improvements and facility growth, such as use of a 1024X1024 pixel capable TSG, independent optical countermeasure ports, a large field of view collimator and a collimator throw sufficient to permit integration of true target and missile motion systems.