SHIPIR/NTCS: a naval ship infrared signature countermeasure and threat engagement simulator

An integrated naval infrared target, countermeasure and threat model is presented. The target modeling capabilities include complex 3-D surface geometries, a thermal system model with auto-generated solar heating, sea/air convection, sea/sky radiation and inter-surface radiation, a surface radiance model which accounts for multiple diffuse reflections, observer-to-target atmospheric absorption and path radiance, and an exhaust gas dispersion and IR emission model. The IR images of any number of targets can be rendered simultaneously within a full-hemispherical sea/sky/sun background relative to an observer at a specified altitude, based on the atmospheric radiance, solar irradiance, path radiance and time-average solar sea-glint. Flare countermeasures are added to the scenario through definition of canisters, submunitions, burn characteristics and deployment tactics. The IR missile model has been constructed from a minimum number of parameters to keep the model generic and provide a reasonable estimate of IR susceptibility. The purpose of the model is to provide the tools necessary to develop and assess the effectiveness of infrared signature suppression and infrared countermeasures. A number of analysis methods are provided, including on- screen image analysis, polar signature plots, polar lock-on range and engagement simulation.