Abstract: The invention provides a relatively low cost, high resolution precision target acquisition and tracking system capable of operation on nonspinning ballistic munition projectiles, or the like. The system includes an imaging IR sensor head which is preferably gimbal mounted and utilizes an ambient temperature operating, densely packed, two dimensional focal plane array of electromagnetic radiation infrared sensitive (IR) sensors. The array is adapted to operate in a staring mode and a small amount of thermal stabilization is provided. Signal processing electronics are included with stabilizing self-calibrating non-uniformity compensation processing capabilities. This is combined with a high speed, high resolution real-time image processing system to extract target features and which operates with a discriminating, tracking and control system which identifies, targets and initiates tracking to impact on a selected target.

Abstract: In accordance with a first arrangement, a non-coherent, pulse radar transmitter emits N-sequential signals of differing frequencies at predetermined time intervals, the transmitted pulses being directed toward a given target area of interest. Further included is a radar receiver for detecting and processing the composite radar return signal samples of N differing frequencies which are reflected from a plurality of point scatterers located in the area of interest. The varying D.C. interference signal of the plural radar return signal samples occasioned by the differing frequencies are detected and a one-dimensional Fourier transformer is performed on that composite radar return signal samples to facilitate target identification. A programmed processor is used to dervie a plurality of feature characteristics from the Fourier transform of the detected radar return signals and the features so computed are compared with features characteristic of known potential targets on a best-match basis.