DETEC SIC Announces the Completion of the High Energy Laser Airborne Target Irradiance and Imagery Measurement Testbed

The Directed Energy Test and Evaluation Capability (DETEC) Team has completed the High Energy Laser (HEL) Airborne Target Irradiance and Imagery Measurement (ATIM) Testbed, which serves as an interim HEL ATIM Capability. The HEL ATIM Testbed provides time-spaced, high-resolution imagery in several spectral bands, including near-infrared (NIR), visible, mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR).

A cost-effective solution that meets all the requirements of the HEL ATIM Capability does not exist; therefore, DETEC performed a significant risk reduction effort before procuring the full HEL ATIM Capability. The purpose of the risk reduction effort involved creating a testbed where innovative approaches to solving specific HEL ATIM technical challenges such as imagery, radiometric accuracy, and spatial resolution can be investigated.

The Advanced Pointer Tracker (APT), owned by White Sands Test Center (WSTC), serves at the HEL ATIM Testbed. This ground-based, transportable platform can acquire, track, and image airborne targets. It contains a 60 cm aperture tracking telescope and several sensors with the ability to produce imagery in the visible, NIR, MWIR, and LWIR. The platform also contains two FLIR Systems Phoenix NIR cameras suitable for imaging laser spots on targets. During the risk reduction, the Survivability, Vulnerability Assessment Directorate (SVAD) enhanced the APT by adding modern MWIR and LWIR cameras, installing a new, high-bandwidth track error processor, installing a second optical bench in the APT control room, and adding a secure remote capability.

The DETEC Team oversaw the HEL ATIM Testbed risk reduction effort, which started in July 2007 and completed in August 2009. SVAD managed the project with several support contractors providing specific subsystems.

WSTC is hosting the HEL ATIM Testbed. To schedule time with the HEL ATIM Testbed, please contact Mr. Chris Beairsto, SVAD, 575-679-5551, Chris.Beairsto@smdchl.smdc.army.mil