Electro Optic

The Domain is seeking early-stage technologies (TRL 1-4) for future EO sensors in guided weapons.

A major area is to develop new and existing sensors to detect, recognise identify and track a target to provide homing guidance information. These may be on-board the missile, i.e. a seeker, or on a separate targeting asset. Projects to develop EO sensor capability for other purposes such as accurate fuzing and navigation are also welcome.

The major functional objectives of the domain are to improve performance.

Aspects may include:

  • Improved target discrimination
  • Increased range of operation
  • Human factors for man in the loop systems
  • Off-board high value sensors

Examples of technologies which may have application:

  • Multimode (RF/EO or EO/EO) seekers and data fusion; 3D, polarimetric, or multi-/hyper- spectral imagin
  • Multispectral/Multimode optics;
  • Processing to improve image fidelity; Increased designation performance
  • To improve cost.

Aspects may include:

  • Use of off-board sensors to allow re-use, with low or no cost on-board sensors
  • Multi-role sensors for flexible application
  • Use of high volume COTS technology
  • Avoidance of non-UK/France export restrictions to allow amortisation of costs via export

Examples of technologies which may have application:

  • Strapdown, stabilised seekers
  • Computational imaging to remove optical elements
  • Illuminated visible band; Low cost designators
  • Systems architectures for off-board sensors; Human factors to reduce operator training
  • To improve size, weight and power.

Aspects may include:

  • Removing optical elements
  • De-cluttering shot-line for improved warhead efficiency
  • Re-moving gimbals

Examples of technologies which may have application:

  • Strapdown, stabilised seekers
  • Computational imaging to remove optical elements
  • Novel optics e.g. metamaterials or liquid crystals for compact optics
  • Smaller designators
  • Plastic electronics to enable conformal PCBs

Proposals addressing other aspects of the sensors or novel sensing applications are also welcome.

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Electro Optic Lead

Systems Engineer - Precision Guidance

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