Aerospace Sensors

The Aerospace Sensors program, managed by the Air Force, focuses on advancing technologies for aerospace sensors and electromagnetic combat. The primary objectives include enhancing combat effectiveness through improved surveillance, reconnaissance, precision targeting, and electromagnetic warfare capabilities. This involves developing technologies for generating and processing electronic and photonic signals for radio frequency sensor applications. Additionally, it includes electro-optical and infrared sensor technologies for both offensive and defensive uses. The program also aims to improve airborne and space surveillance systems by advancing radio frequency antennas and associated electronics.

The Electronic Component Technology project within this program is dedicated to developing electronics and optoelectronics technologies crucial for aerospace sensor applications. The goals include creating intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electromagnetic warfare, battlespace access, and precision engagement capabilities. This project focuses on exploratory electronic devices and subsystems that offer reduced size, weight, cost, power dissipation while increasing reliability and performance. These developments are tailored to meet the unique requirements of Department of Defense weapon systems in areas such as radar, communications, positioning, navigation, timing, and smart weapons.

The EO Sensors & Countermeasures Tech project is tasked with developing advanced electro-optical sensor technologies for various military applications. The objectives include improving system integration, digital processing, analysis tools, and sensor architectures to enhance the detection and tracking of difficult targets. This project also focuses on developing passive and active sensors along with algorithms necessary for precision targeting in challenging environments. These advancements are critical for future aerospace surveillance and targeting operations.

The Cyber Technology project aims to bolster the resilience of Air Force mission systems against cyber threats. The focus is on understanding cyber vulnerabilities in mission systems to develop adaptable hardware/software solutions capable of real-time cyber-attack pattern recognition. Additionally, this project explores open architecture concepts to provide flexibility in mission systems capabilities. Through integrated capability demonstrations, these technologies are matured to ensure agile and resilient mission systems for the Air Force.