TG16 point target detection experiment POLLEX, Livorno 2001

NATO Task group TG16 is cooperating on topics related to ship self-defence. One of these topics is related to IR Search and Track sensors, which are in development for detection of low altitude air targets. In particular the group is working on models to predict the range performance of these sensors. Newly developed models include marine boundary layer effects such as refraction due to temperature gradients, scintillation due to turbulence and particle size distributions. TG16 organized in May 2001a trial in the Mediterranean Sea near Livorno, Italy, called POLLEX to further validate these models. Seven nations particulated with complementary instruments for measurements of the target signatures and environmental characteristics. Three targets were provided, a series of small visual/IR sources at a fixed distance, visual/IR soruces on a ship moving in and out up-to and beyond the horizon and a helicopter. The weather conditions during the measurement period showed interesting variations in Air to Sea Temperature DIfference and atmospheric turbulence. Data have been analzyed and samples of the results, as collected and/or analyzed by the participants, are discussed in this paper.