Methodology for the Analysis of Obscurant Attenuation Effects on Seeker Target Acquisition Performance Using Modeling and Simulation

摘要

A methodology was developed which uses modeling and simulation to obtain data for analyzing smoke/obscurant attenuation effects on sensor/seeker target acquisition performance. A computer routine written in Formula Translator (FORTRAN) 77 code integrates smoke/obscurant clouds generated by the combined obscuration model for battlefield-induced contaminants (COMBIC) with seeker performance from a system hardware-in-the-loop simulation. The methodology can be applied to other system models and simulations. The computer routine calculates the azimuth and elevation angular position of the line of sight (LOS) between the seeker and an incoming threat aircraft, determines the transmission along the LOS between the seeker and aircraft, and obtains the smoke/obscurant- attenuated seeker target acquisition range from the system simulation. Output consists of seeker target acquisition range contours as functions of target down-range and off-range positions and smoke/obscurant conditions. Seeker performance analysis consists of the extent of degradation of maximum acquisition range, statistical comparisons of the percent frontal area target acquisition coverage figure of merit as a function of smoke/obscurant conditions, and the ability to meet maximum acquisition range requirements at specified optical depths. The Bradley Linebacker Stinger target acquisition performance in battlefield smoke/obscurants is included as an example of the methodology usage.