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: