3-D Tracking and Aimpoint Maintenance (3-D TrAM)

Target tracking and aimpoint maintenance are critical functions within a laser directed energy system. Traditionally, the optical sensor is a conventional camera viewing an actively illuminated target. In the absence of turbulence, it is still difficult to point the laser weapon to a specific hit spot when there are no features in the required direction. Further, atmospheric turbulence scintillates the active target illumination and blurs the reflected light, thereby confounding the problem even more. During the engagement, the target can change its pose relative to the field of view. These effects present enormous challenges to keeping the laser pointed steadily without drifting. On the other hand, 3-D imagery seems possible with recent advances in technology, and it would provide richer data for overcoming these problems. MZA proposes to develop a 3-D imaging concept for laser directed energy systems and conduct a parametric study of its performance in relevant engagements. This will result in an optimized design for the 3-D sensor that can be used for target tracking and aimpoint maintenance in the presence of target pose changes.