Suggestions for Low Cost Multifunction Sensing zy Paul F. McManamon Air Force Research Laboratory, Sensors Directorate, AFRLISNJ Building 620,2241 Avionics Circle Wright -Patterson AFB, OH 45433-73 zyxwv 18 937-255-4039, ext. 4024 Mcmanauf@,aa.wpafb.af.mil Edward A. Watson Air Force Research Laboratory, Sensors Directorate, AFRL/SNJM Bldg. 622,3 109 P Street 937-255-96 14,ext 240 Watsonea@aa.wpafb.af.mil WPAFB, OH 45433-7700 Michael T.Eismann Air Force Research Laboratory, Sensors Directorate, AFRLBNJT .622,3 109 P Street 937-255-5922, ext. 291 Eismanmt@aa.wpafb.af.mil WPAFB, OH 45433-7700 ABSTRACT Modem aerospace vehicles must perform a large number of sensing functions, but to fit within modernization budgets they must do it at very low cost. A motlular, multifunction, open narrow band A/Ds. architecture, sensing system required of EO systems on a combat aircraft will be discussed. Multide aoerture modules will be used. and one Communications is mostly a low band system zy (< 2 Ghz). Electronic warfare has a unique problem requiring a wideband receiver. Radar needs very high dynamic range but can use TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 .Multifunction EO Sensor Development zyx A I or more systems modules will encompass common components. Target acquisition will be analyzed for zyxwvutsr ii large forward looking aperture, while missile warning, situational awareness, IRCM, and other functions will be - A/G Target Acquisition - A/A Target Acquisition - Laser Radar target ID - Laser Designation - Missile Warning - IRCM considered through multiple situational awareness apertures. A low cost multifunction zyxwv RF system that is divided into three areas defined by analog to digital, AD, converter state of the art will be discussed. - Laser Communications - Multimode Laser Development , including the fiber net 2.Multifunction RF Sensor Development 3. Conclusions affordable fashion through maximum use of common INTRODUCTION First we will discuss the development of a modular, multifunction, open architecture, system capable of accomplishing all of the functions required of EO systems on a combat aircraft. This system will be very components as well as commercial off the shelf (COTS) components, when available. Later in the paper we will discuss a multifunction radio frequency, RF, system. Figure I shows zyxw an aircraft-based view of the Multifunction Identify, Strike, and Survive Integrated Optical Nodules, MISSIONS,concept, the multifunction 283 US. Government work not protected by U.S. copyright.