Quadrant (quad-) cell detectors based on pin diodes are simple yet powerful sensors with a number of desirable characteristics including high quantum efficiency and excellent sensitivity, very-high time resolution, very-large dynamic range, and even a modicum of position resolution. F5ISR plans to exploit these characteristics, as well as some remarkable phenomenological findings by scientists at the Air Force Research Laboratory, in developing an airborne flys eye-type all-sky sensor capable of early launch detection, tracking (ELDT), and even the identification of missiles. Each element of the array is capable of detecting a missile at launch or during boost and determining the direction of the target relative to the aircraft. Besides cueing, each sensor element can also gather hyper-temporal signature data allowing typing of the missile as well as other transient events that may occur in the theater of operation. Hence, we have named the sensor BOLD Battlefield Ordnance and Launch Detection. Our Phase 1 development plan includes the design, fabrication, assembly and characterization of a single element of the array a lens, a narrow-band filter, and quad-cell mated with a control and data acquisition computer. It is also planned to collect data on at least one missile launch to demonstrate capability. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: BOLD is designed to have specific application as a cueing sensor for airborne surveillance platforms based on Heimdall-IR and follow-on technology. Such aircraft include the MDAs High Altitude Observatory (HALO)-II aircraft as well as other proposed high-fliers like Global Hawk and Stratospheric Airship. In Phase II, we plan to design and fabricate two hemispherical arrays and install them on HALO-II giving it an important new capability that will enhance its capabilities as prototype Airborne Infrared Surveillance (AIRS) aircraft. However, because BOLD will be small, lightweight, low-cost, reliable, and intelligent and capable of operating autonomously, it could be the basis for widely-deployable missile-warning and/or Battlefield Ordnance Awareness (BOA) sensors. In Phase III we will take lessons learned in Phase II, redesign the BOLD sensor and processor, if necessary, and ready them for manufacturing and installation on all manner of military and commercial aircraft.
Keywords: Early launch detection and tracking, Airborne sensors, Quadrant cell detectors, Missile typing, Missile identification, Battlefield ordnance awareness, Cueing sensors, Pin diodes
