Air FORCE WRIGHT LABORATORY ARMAMENT DIRECTORATE CONTRACTING DIVISION, WL/MNK, 101 WEST EGLIN BOULEVARD, Suite 337, EGLIN AFB, FL 32542- 6810

A -- ARMAMENT TECHNOLOGIES (PART 3 OF 4) SOL MNK-95-0001 POC CONTACT CAPTAIN CHARLES MORTON, Contracting Officer (904) 882-4294, EXT 3402. CONTINUATION OF PREVIOUS SYNOPSIS for Armament Technologies: AUTONOMOUS TARGET ACQUISITION RESEARCH: The Advanced Guidance Division has an interest in developing non-proprietary algorithms for use within autonomous target acquisition (ATA) applications. Innovative signal and image processing algorithms are needed to autonomously detect and recognize target signatures embedded in sensor data such as synthetic-aperture radar (SAR), millimeter-wave (MMW), infrared (IR), and laser radar (LADAR). Operations/functions associated with the ATA process involve noise elimination, detection, segmentation, feature extraction, classification, (i.e., truck vs. tank), and identification (i.e., truck A vs. truck B). Algorithms capable of processing multi-sensor data are of particular interest. The utilization of image algebra in the development of non-proprietary ATA algorithms is also sought. Key research areas include signal and image processing, pattern recognition/classification, image understanding, artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, knowledge- and model-based vision, and data fusion. Ms. Karen Norris-Zachery, WL/MNGA, 904-882-3910 ext 2448, E-Mail: norrisk@eglin.af.mil. BIOMIMETICS: The Processor Hardware Technology Section has interest in signal and image processing methods which include biologically inspired techniques for motion detection, object recognition, etc. These may be emulations of the mammalian system with its neuro- retino- cortico-morphic processing, or emulations of more primitive systems, e.g. insects. Mr. Paul McCarley, WL/MNGA, 904-882-3344 ext 2325. ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS FOR MISSILE SEEKER DATA FUSION: Research is required to determine the feasibility of using neural network technology for enhancing target detection and identification with data fusion of multispectral sensor data. The sensor spectral regions of interest include active and passive infrared, millimeter-wave, microwave (X band), and visible. Research and experiments should include mathematics and software development and experimental hardware design of VLSI microelectronics to implement neural network algorithms and a direct comparison of neural nets improvement over classical communications detection theory. The objective of this work is to improve performance of multispectral armament seeker systems and compare improvements to conventional detection techniques. Mr. Ellis Boudreaux, WL/MNGA, 904-882-3718 ext 2347. HARDWARE-IN-THE-LOOP REAL-TIME TESTING TECHNOLOGIES: The Seeker Technology Evaluation Branch (MNGI) is interested in investigating technologies related to the testing of missile designs that incorporate imaging infrared and LADAR seeker subsystems. MNGI exercises complete missile hardware-in-the-loop simulations to verify the signal processing, image processing, and guidance performance including terminal homing accuracy. Strategic and Theater Missile Defense concepts developed under the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) as well as Tactical Munition subsystems developed within WL/MN are tested. Research emphasis will be placed on the advancement of infrared projection technologies and real-time target scene generation techniques as they apply to imaging infrared and LADAR sensors. Mr. Tony Thompson, WL/MNGI, 904-882-4036 ext 3240. HIGH SURFACE AREA ELECTRODE RESEARCH: High Surface Area (HSA) materials are substances having a high degree of microscopic porosity or surface roughness and exhibiting greater than 100 sq. meters/gram active surface area when gas absorption testing is employed. Catalysts in HSA form can accelerate rates of chemical reaction. Electrically conductive HSA materials can serve as high-capacitance electrodes in double layer charge storage devices or as dimensionally stable anodes required for processing corrosive liquids. Basic research in the area of conductive HSA materials is needed to provide a stronger basis for future high energy density capacitor design. Recent work has focused upon the development of ruthenia-based HSA coating thermally grown on titanium foil from chloride dipping solutions. Long term studies concern other transition metal compounds (molybdenum nitrides and borides are prime candidates) as coatings formed by hot spraying of metal chlorides from dilute solvent solution in a non-oxidizing ambient. Such studies also address HSA electrode suitability and performance in capacitors using any of a variety of electrolytes. Dr. Duane Finello, WL/MNMF, 904-882-9257. GUN-LAUNCHED ROCKET-BOOSTED GUIDED PROJECTILE: The objective of this effort is to formulate and assess concepts and approaches for altering or correcting the trajectory of a projectile in flight, i.e., changing the intercept point against a particular moving target. The timeline necessary for accomplishing the required functions needs investigation to establish acceptable operational ranges. The projectile is envisioned to be telescoped within a metallic, composite, or plastic cartridge case to afford a minimum-size launcher mechanism and related feed and stowage system. Other aspects of this effort include an assessment of a common fuze for use against both aircraft and surface targets, folding/wrap-a-round versus fixed fins, autonomous versus man-in-the-loop, and close-in-combat capability as well as long stand-off range potential. Previous work by the Armament Directorate has concentrated on the design and launch of a 50 mm rocket-boosted projectile, a rocket motor for its thrust, and an evaluation of its aerodynamic coefficients. This research will continue the embodiment of the technologies and address the system analysis concerns. Mr. Virgil W. Miller, WL/MNMF, 904-882-2005. SOLID MECHANICS: The Bombs and Warheads Branch develops engineering design methodology for the evaluation of advanced conventional warhead concepts. An essential element of this work is the use of continuum mechanics codes which are employed extensively in design development and analysis. The codes used employ state variable-based models of the mechanical behavior of solids. Research which proposes advancement on the state-of-the-art in modeling and test methodology for mechanical characterization is the foundation of the long term development goals of the warhead mission. Particular emphasis is placed on high rate behavior for modeling impact and shock loading. Dr. Joseph C. Foster, WL/MNMW, 904-882-2141 ext 2219. REACTIVE FLOW: The development of conventional warheads requires a detailed understanding of energetic materials and the associated energy release process. Modeling of these processes in continuum mechanics codes provides the capability to conduct inexpensive design development and assessment work on advanced warhead concepts and related target defeat processes. Research which addresses the initiation of deflagration and detonative processes in energetic material involves the dual role of design development and safety assessment. Theoretical and experimental works with long term objectives that represent advanced, state-of-the-art understanding and are suitable for use in general format of state variable-based continuum mechanic codes are sought. Dr. Joseph C. Foster, WL/MNMW, 904-882-2141 ext 2219. LETHALITY AND VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS: The objective of this research is to apply shock-physics principles to the development of advanced lethality and vulnerability (L/V) assessment methodologies. Shock-physics principles are currently utilized in the hydrocodes, which model weapon-target interactions. However, current L/V assessment methodologies utilize semi-empirical equations, since the first-principle algorithms existing in the hydrocodes lack the required speed and efficiency. While these semi-empirical algorithms are accurate for the physical regimes over which they were developed, errors may occur when extrapolating outside these regimes. For these reasons, the shock-physics analyses conducted during this research will culminate in the development of fast-running, first-principle algorithms. Specific areas where these algorithms would be applicable are air and ground target L/V assessments. These algorithms would support assessments of the conventional weapon system concepts being explored within the Armament Directorate. Mr. John Bailey, WL/MNSA, 904-882-4651 ext 3326. WEAPONS EFFECTS HOLOGRAPHY: The Instrumentation Technology Branch is conducting research to develop holographic imaging techniques to acquire test data from fragmentation events. Cylindrical holograms with 18 inch diameters are being made of fragments produced by projectiles impacting armor. Tomographic data reduction techniques to process the fragment dispersion, mass, shape, and velocity information contained in the cylindrical holograms are of immediate interest. A requirement also exists for a multiframe holographic recording system. The system should be able to record 80-100 holographic images over a 1-2 millisecond duration. An analysis of existing hydrocode and lethality/vulnerability models data requirements and the ability of the models to handle the information contained in the cylindrical holograms is desired. Mr. David B. Watts, WL/MNSI, 904-882-5375 ext 1262. ADVANCED FOCAL PLANE EVALUATION TECHNIQUES: This effort is evaluating novel methods of measuring solid state array image figures of merit. Previous work has concentrated on use of laser speckle as a characterizable noise source for direct measurement of array modulation transfer functions without intervening foreoptics. Additional interest is in measurement of dynamic performance characteristics of the array as a product of the drive electronics and readout structure. Research would be reduced to practice current work and investigate advanced techniques. Mr. Don Snyder, WL/MNSI, 904-882-5463 ext 1256. (SEE PART 4 Of 4). See Numbered Note(s): 21. 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