Methodology of real-time simulation to support field testing of dual-mode smart munitions sensors

Abstract

This paper describes the methodology for executing real-time simulations for the support of field testing of smart munition sensors. The sensor simulated is a dual-mode sensor using passive thermal infrared and active laser profiling. The types of tests supported by the simulation are dynamic flight tests over stationary targets, captive flight tests with moving tactical targets, and end-to-end system tests with dynamic flight over moving tactical targets. The components of this methodology that will be discussed include the sensor simulation model, target and background models, and measurement procedures for generating inputs required for target and background models. The resulting simulation capability can be used to support a wide range of evaluations including concept evaluation, subsystem design trade-off analysis, and system performance evaluation.