Multi-spectral targets for gunnery training

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for a multi-spectral target apparatus, includes a target having at least one thermal emitting portion, a controller module in communication with a remote user, at least one brightness controller including an input electrically connected to the controller module and at least one output electrically connected to at least one thermal emitting portion of the target. The brightness controller is operable to vary a thermal emitting property of the at least one thermal emitting portion, wherein the at least one thermal emitting portion includes a thermal emitter layer further comprising a resistive layer having a front side and a back side, the resistive layer sandwiched between an electrode layer deposited on the front side and the back side of the resistive layer.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to gunnery targets. More specifically, the present invention relates to gunnery targets that produce high-fidelity thermal infrared images.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]It is critical that gunners and sensor operators be well trained to properly identify targets in order to maximize the impact of their weapons on the battlefield while simultaneously avoiding fratricide incidents and civilian casualties. Accordingly, gunnery targets representations of tanks and other vehicles are used for live fire training, sensor testing and observer training.[0003]Modern weaponry includes thermal targeting. In order to provide realistic training, target representations that provide a thermal signature similar to the intended target has become essential. Because destruction by live fire is the result of successful training, inexpensive target surrogates which augment or replace actual vehicles are needed for sensor testing and t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The present invention provides multi-spectral targets that provide high-fidelity thermal infrared images while remaining lightweight, low-cost and able to endure multiple hits without replacement.

[0012]One aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes realistic and affordable multi-spectral infrared (3-5 μm and 8-12 μm IR) 2-D, 2.5-D and 3D representations of thermal targets that combine realistic thermal infrared signatures with visual appearance. These targets would support some field repairs to extend target life and allow for future integration of millimeter wave signatures.

Problems solved by technology

While actual threat platforms are the best when used for target realism to prove out new weapon and sensor capability, these targets are few in number, are expensive to procure and operate and are difficult to clean up after use due to fuel and fabrication contaminants.

The Army uses some 3-D surrogate targets, but these are expensive at $10,000 each and are large complicated plastic constructs.

Accordingly, the targets lack sufficient fidelity to provide threat-representative visual and thermal signatures.

While a small number of more sophisticated targets exist, use is not widespread.

Largely because of cost, availability, and short life expectancy, the majority of the targets continue to be plywood panel outlines of threat vehicles.

These methods provide marginal thermal signatures that are inadequate for effective training with the newer weapon and targeting sensor technologies.

Training on poor representations can lead to confusion when the battlefield image doesn't match the training image.

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