Development of a portable instrument for measuring the photon irradiance response (PIR) of UV missile warning sensors

Benoit Montminy

doi:10.1117/12.440077

18 September 2001 Development of a portable instrument for measuring the photon irradiance response (PIR) of UV missile warning sensors

Benoit Montminy

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4370, Targets and Backgrounds VII: Characterization and Representation; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.440077
Event: Aerospace/Defense Sensing, Simulation, and Controls, 2001, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

A large number of military aircraft are equipped with the AN/AAR-47 missile approach warning system (MAWS). The AN/AAR-47 comprises four ultraviolet (UV) sensors, a computer processor (CP) and a control indicator (CI). In-band photon irradiance from incoming missiles produces sensor outputs that are analyzed by the CP to produce threat declaration. The output signal level produced by each sensor for a given photon irradiance level depends on its sensitivity, expressed in terms of photon irradiance response (PIR). All new sensors are tested in manufacture for a minimum PIR before delivery. However, years of operation in harsh military environment may cause sensitivity degradation that makes a sensor unserviceable. A new instrument, the PIR Meter, developed by the Defence Research Establishment Valcartier (DREV), allows for accurately measuring the PIR of AAR-47 sensors, making it possible to identify those sensors whose sensitivity has dropped below the serviceable level. This paper describes the PIR Meter, its components, its interconnections with installed or uninstalled AAR-47 sensors and the PIR measurement procedure. It also covers the signal processing algorithms that were developed to obtain accurate PIR measurements in the operational environment.

Citation Download Citation

Benoit Montminy "Development of a portable instrument for measuring the photon irradiance response (PIR) of UV missile warning sensors", Proc. SPIE 4370, Targets and Backgrounds VII: Characterization and Representation, (18 September 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.440077

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