U.S. Army Missile Command hardware-in-the-loop infrared projector development

This paper provides an overview of the HWIL simulations of IR systems, addresses the critical projector requirements/specifications for HWIL simulations, and reviews the most prominent technologies associated with IR scene projection. This review consists of a brief discussion of each technology in terms of physical operation with advantages and disadvantages being highlighted. Following this introduction, the IR target-slide zoom-optics projector (IRTZP) and IR laser diode array projector (LDAP) systems which are currently developed by MICOM are thoroughly discussed. This includes a discussion of the operational performance characteristics of both systems. The basis for this paper is work performed at the MICOM Advanced Simulation Center (ASC). The ASC is managed and operated by the Systems Simulation and Development Directorate of the MICOM Research, Development, and Engineering Center, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.