Abstract: By sharing tasks between the CV and the KVs, the MKV interceptor provides a cost-effective missile defense system capable of intercepting and killing multiple targets. The placement of the acquisition and discrimination sensor and control sensor on the CV to provide target acquisition and discrimination and mid-course guidance for all the KVs avoids the weight and complexity issues associated with trying to “miniaturize” unitary interceptors. The placement of either a short-band imaging sensor and headlamp or a MWIR sensor on each KV overcomes the latency, resolution and bandwidth problems associated with command guidance systems and allows each KV to precisely select a desirable aimpoint and maintain track on that aimpoint to impact.

Abstract: The present invention provides a MKV interceptor including multiple kill vehicles with autonomous management capability and kinematic reach to prosecute a large threat extent. Each KV can self-manage its own KV deployment and target engagement for a determined target volume assigned by a designated master KV. At least one KV is master capable of managing the post-separation of all of the KVs without requiring updates to the mission plan post-separation. The autonomous capability and increased kinematic reach provides for a more efficient use of boosters and more effective engagement of the threat.

Abstract: A novel data processing technique is provided for employing a physical model as an element in a process for automatic target detection of a target viewed by an imaging lidar system. The present invention obtains estimates for the mean and variance of the probability distributions for random video levels which are output from a camera. These estimates are obtained under various assumptions about the state of the target.

Abstract: A three dimensional range resolving imaging sensor is presented. The sensor comprises a transmitter for generating a light pulse which passes through beam homogenizer and a pair of Fresnel-Risley prisms. This pulse is then directed through an environmental window towards an object enveloped in a backscattering medium. A portion of the light pulse is reflected back towards the sensor. However, prior to detecting the return light pulse, a detector array is internally calibrated by exposure to a calibration pulse. This detector array preferably comprises a two-dimensional photo multiplier tube (PMT) array. A corresponding array of light tapers is disposed before the PMT array to increase the fill factor of the PMTs. Gain and offset corrections are made for each PMT from this exposure. The return pulse passes through the environmental window and impinges a pair of Fresnel-Risley scanner plates. These plates introduce a fixed angular deviation which is dependent on the orientation of the plates.

Abstract: A novel data processing technique is provided for detecting, locating and identifying targets from a plurality of images generated by an imaging sensor such as an imaging lidar system. The present invention employs physical models of signals produced by target objects of interest. Such a model based detection system globally processes frames of data to determine the existence and location of component elements that characterize the target being modeled.

Abstract: An electro-optical camera system is presented. In accordance with the present invention, a light source (e.g. laser) is modulated by an electro-optic modulator (such as a Pockels cell) and transmitted out through an optical system toward a static target scene. The light backscattered from the target scene is then focused by the same optics back through the same Pockels cell onto a two-dimensional array camera such as a CCD or a CID (charge-couple device or charge injection device). A computer determines the frequency modulation period of each pixel in the array as the frequency of the electro-optic modulator is varied. This period is inversely proportional to the range of the target in the direction defined by the pixel location. Thus, all three spatial coordinates (two angles and a range) of each target area sensed by each pixel are determined. The computer will display the array of range data using a suitable output device such as a video display unit or a printer.

Abstract: A segmented mirror control system comprises an array of structural elements (e.g. mirrors) which can be actively positioned to maintain an accurate pre-determined overall shape. The present invention is "active" and so may be characterized as an Active Segmented Mirror Control "ASMC". The segments of a mirror or the reflecting panels, in for example, a radiotelescope, may be continually adjusted with ASMC to provide an accurate reflecting mirror of very large diameter even when disturbed by external forces. ASMC is a closed loop control system. That is, an array of sensors is first used to measure differential position errors. This data is then processed to determine position actuator commands. Finally, these commands are used to move the segments until the sensors are nulled and the desired shape is obtained.