Digital Image Synthesizers: Are Enemy Sensors Really Seeing What's There?

Abstract : For a successful enemy maneuver, their most important action is the ability to identify, locate and track the correct target. High-resolution imaging sensors such as the inverse synthetic aperture radar perform this action in the most effective way and are especially useful against low radar cross section targets. Once the correct target is acquired and identified, the decision to engage is made and the weapons are selected. Counter-targeting is the attempt to prevent (or degrade) the engage-and-launch-weapons decision by the enemy. This paper describes an all-digital image synthesizer technique capable of generating realistic false-target images for counter-targeting using modem digital radio frequency memory technology. The use in counter-lock on for coherent seekers in the terminal mode is also discussed. Examples of the output false target image capability are presented.