Tracking low-flying missiles

In 1982, Argentina sank the British ship HMS Sheffield with a low-flying air-to-surface missile. These missiles hug the waves and are difficult for radar to detect. The Navy is investigating a new infrared system that will complement existing radars and provide an overall improvement in low-flying target detection. Atmospheric phenomena that influence operation of the new instrument, called an Infrared Search and Track system, are discussed in the February 20 issue of Applied Optics. The article, "Measurement of Low Altitude Infrared Propagation," is by ONR-sponsored researchers Carl Zeisse, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego; Brett Nener, University of Western Australia; and Randle Dewees, Naval Air Warfare Center. ONR's interest in this work comes "as part of an effort to improve our understanding of influences of the marine coastal atmosphere on optical propagation," said Program Manager Dr. Scott Sandgathe. "This effort will improve our understanding of propagation in two IR bands frequently used by Navy sensors and weapons." The Navy uses IR sensors for detection, targeting, tracking and maneuvering in low visibility conditions. This work is in collaboration with the Army and the Air Force who invest in land boundary layer aerosols and optical propagation models, respectively.