Dr. George Rogers and Houra Rais review a report on the potential military applications of a new target detection technique they discovered while working on an Office of Naval Research sponsored project. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division scientists are winners of the 2011 NSWCDD In-house Laboratory Independent Research Excellence award for research that is expected to increase capabilities in asymmetric operations and battle space awareness in addition to intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting technologies. (Submitted photo)
DAHLGREN, Va.—Improvised explosive device and target detection capabilities will be transformed by a new technique developed by Navy scientists, a Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division official announced Nov. 16.
Dr. George Rogers and Houra Rais made the discovery while working on an Office of Naval Research sponsored project, said NSWCDD In-house Laboratory Independent Research Program Manager Dr. Jeff Solka who named the two scientists winners of the 2011 NSWCDD ILIR Excellence award.
Their research - focusing on polarimetric synthetic aperture radar with multiple polarizations to provide detailed information at the pixel level, the smallest unit of a picture that can be controlled - is expected to impact technologies used in counter IED, counter narco-terrorism and naval fires programs.
"New detection techniques will lead to enhanced remote sensing capabilities with immediate application to asymmetric operations and battle space awareness in addition to intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting applications," said Rais.
Synthetic aperture radar provides high-resolution imagery from airborne or space-borne platforms, coupling the long-range propagation characteristics of radar signals and digital electronics. Expected results include improved ability to conduct target detection and discrimination, supporting intelligence analysis.
The discovery is expected to significantly impact U.S. warfighter's target detection and discrimination capabilities in measurement and signatures intelligence.
NSWC Dahlgren Division is a Naval Sea Systems Command field activity and a research and development center that serves as a specialty site for weapon system integration. The activity rapidly introduces new technology into complex warfighting systems based on its longstanding competencies in science and technology, research and development, and test and evaluation.
Source: NSWC Dahlgren Division