Dual Mode Semi Active Laser (SAL) Imaging Seeker

OUSD (R&E) MODERNIZATION PRIORITY: Microelectronics; General Warfighting Requirements (GWR) TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors; Electronics The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the Air Force SBIR/STTR HelpDesk: usaf.team@afsbirsttr.us. OBJECTIVE: Achieve prototype seeker capable of simultaneous operation in both semi-active seeker and passive imager roles with a single focal plane array and optical path. Project should address the core technical challenges to result in a prototype fundamentally capable to meet or exceed performance of existing seekers in each mode. DESCRIPTION: Passive imager and semi-active laser (SAL) seekers are two common technologies used for missile guidance - each with complementary CONOPS to fulfill automatic target recognition (ATR) and man-in-the-loop designation needs. Unfortunately, complex seekers with discrete multi-mode sensors are prohibitively expensive in terms of cost, size, weight and power (CSWaP). Warfighters continue to demand "more with less". This call seeks to fund focal plane array (FPA) or similar concepts which are capable of simultaneous operation in each mode in a singular device, with a low-CSWaP optical path. It is critical to meet the performance of existing SAL seekers, which have precise algorithms - to ensure reliability - that currently rely on accurate, fast detectors. This is difficult in an imaging FPA. Proposals should describe details of concept parameters such at timing accuracy, pulse width measurement, pixel reset time, readout rate, and show fundamental first-order analysis comparison to existing SAL seeker capabilities such as countermeasure rejection and multi-path pulse discrimination. First-order analysis of solar noise rejection for the FPA should be explored in the proposal, and compared with traditional quad-sensors which can employ narrow bandpass filters. Additionally, typical characterizations of imaging performance will be an important but secondary consideration. Seeker diameters of 5in (threshold) and 2.75in (objective) may be assumed. Systems which are at least compatible with the current generation of laser designators (STANAG 3733 compliant) will be preferred. Further compatibility with other advantageous lasers designs which may exist in future generations (such as variations of wavelength, pulse width, repetition rate, etc.) is a benefit, but not a key driver. Of tertiary importance is the spectral band(s) of the imaging component. Concepts which include dual-band imaging are of interest, though practical concerns of engineering and funding should be seriously considered in the proposal phase. The imaging spectral band selection should be contextualized within performance and CONOPS considerations. Finally, this topic is open to any particularly novel concepts which may address the fundamental need for dual mode SAL/imaging in a performant and low-CSWaP package, even if previous descriptors may seem to disqualify such concept. The topic authors may not be aware of every successful approach, thus we broadly welcome inquiries and proposals which are competitive to the alternatives. PHASE I: Complete analysis and design of dual mode seeker sub-system components for development and testing. Conceptual designs will include optical and radiometric performance models in relevant CONOPS. Key assumptions or requirements will be highlighted, with any additional technology required for testing/operating noted. PHASE II: Produce a system-level design and prototype of Phase I concepts. Prototypes will be tested in both laboratory and field environments. Any analysis and models shall be continuously refined and exercised to reflect improvements or changes from the Phase I. ROM cost estimates will be refined. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Development of the dual-mode SAL imager seeker will find ready application in military missile seeker technology, with key partnerships from prime DoD contractors supporting transitions to programs of record. Additionally, multi-use passive imaging and laser sensing devices will be immediately applicable to large commercial industries, such as vehicle advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). REFERENCES: J. Barth, A. Fendt, R. Florian, et al., "Dual-mode seeker with imaging sensor and semi-active laser detector," Proceedings of the SPIE Volume 6542 (2007); J. English, R. White, "Semi-active laser (SAL) last pulse logic infrared imaging seeker," Proceedings of the SPIE Volume 4372 (2001); Patent US 8,164,037, Co-boresighted dual-mode SAL/IR seeker including a SAL spreader, Raytheon Company, David D. Jenkins, Byron B. Taylor, David J. Markason, Apr. 24, 2012 KEYWORDS: semi-active laser guidance; human-in-the-loop; autonomous guidance and control; laser designated; dual-mode seeker; automatic target recognition