Low-Altitude Point-Target EXperiment (LAPTEX): Analysis of horizon target detection
conference paper
During the Low-Altitude Point-Target Experiment (LAPTEX), conducted in Summer 1996 in Crete
(Greece), tracking of low-level targets up to horizon ranges were performed in the IR to assess near-sea
surface effects on IR surveillance system performance. This paper presents the analysis of two measurement
sessions which are deemed representative of conditions in mid-latitude inner-sea littoral environments. During
one session, atmospheric refraction permits beyond-the horizon tracking, while during the other session,
refraction is responsible for producing mirages and reducing slightly the maximum detection range.
Received signal versus range is compared with model calculations using MODTRAN, the IR Boundary Layer
Effects Model (IRBLEM) and the Thermal Range model for Point target detection (TRP). For the selected
conditions, in which aerosol extinction does not play a major role, models are shown to provide an appreciably
accurated escriptiono f transmissiona nd received signal-to-noise ratio versus range.
(Greece), tracking of low-level targets up to horizon ranges were performed in the IR to assess near-sea
surface effects on IR surveillance system performance. This paper presents the analysis of two measurement
sessions which are deemed representative of conditions in mid-latitude inner-sea littoral environments. During
one session, atmospheric refraction permits beyond-the horizon tracking, while during the other session,
refraction is responsible for producing mirages and reducing slightly the maximum detection range.
Received signal versus range is compared with model calculations using MODTRAN, the IR Boundary Layer
Effects Model (IRBLEM) and the Thermal Range model for Point target detection (TRP). For the selected
conditions, in which aerosol extinction does not play a major role, models are shown to provide an appreciably
accurated escriptiono f transmissiona nd received signal-to-noise ratio versus range.
TNO Identifier
95122
Publisher
NATO-RTO
Source title
RTO Meeting Proceedings - E-O Propagation, Signature and System Performance Under Adverse Meteorological Conditions Considering Out-of-Area Operations - Papers presented at the Sensors & Electronics Technology Panel Symposium, Naples, Italy, 16-19 March 1998
Place of publication
Neuilly-sur-Seine
Pages
36/1-36/8
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