Modeling Second Generation FLIR Sensor Detection Recognition and Identification Range with Polarization Filtering

The influence of polarization filtering on maximum detection, recognition, and identification ranges of a generic second generation FLIR sensor is examined with a computational model. The scenario studied represents a second generation FLIR sensor mounted on an aircraft in level flight at 3OOm approaching a ship target. The target ship radiant signature is modeled with an advanced infrared signature prediction program, MuSES (Multi-Service Electro- Optic Signature) . A weather file representative of Midlatitude Summer at sea conditions was utilized. Polarized sea background and path radiance calculations are performed with a polarized version of the SEARAD Radiance and Propagation Code. Results showed that there is an improvement in maximum range of the sensor for detection, recognition, and identification tasks when a horizontal filter is included, provided that the target does not have a negative degree of polarization. For detection task the improvements were found to be 33.48%, 35. 65%, and 39.78% when the target has 0%, +2%, and +8% degree of polarization respectively. A better modeling of Apparent Temperature Difference (ATD) calculation is also developed. To improve the model use of polarized target model is recommended.Naval Postgraduate School Monterey CA is the author of 'Modeling Second Generation FLIR Sensor Detection Recognition and Identification Range with Polarization Filtering', published 2000 under ISBN 9781423532774 and ISBN 1423532775.