Affects of Weather on Infrared Sensors
Weather Effects on Aviation Infrared Systems
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Abstract
Infrared (IR) systems utilize electromagnetic energy of specific wavelengths emitting from bodies to accomplish an end goal of the system (Smith, 2005). Examples of these goals in aviation are imaging, detection, tracking, and targeting. Infrared systems are also used in other aviation areas such as weather equipment or air to ground targeting systems, but this paper will focus on systems specifically carried on aircraft. Since IR systems are costly and their goals are not usually associated with getting the aircraft from point A to B, they are not common on general aviation or commercial aircraft. Although only military systems will be discussed, the basic principles presented here still apply to other IR sensors as well. The IR spectrum has been a concern to military aviation since the first heat seeking AIM-9 missile was developed in 1956 (Hept, 2002). Due to their importance, all factors affecting their performance are considered and scrutinized. The technology of the sensors will continue to grow, but the one factor that can still dominate their usefulness is environmental conditions. Engineers will continue to develop better and smarter sensors, but the atmosphere will always be an obstacle for IR systems without a solution in the near future. Like any good pilot knows, the atmospheric conditions must be dealt with by being able to predict, adjust or mitigate their effects. Due to the fact that weather can render these systems ineffective it is important to understand why and how these effects can be avoided or exploited. This paper will give the reader a background on IR energy, a sample of the military aircraft systems that utilize it, followed by an explanation of how weather affects them and how this can be forecasted and quantified.
Infrared Theory
The basics of IR theory can be traced back to the principle that all bodies above absolute zero
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Abstract
Infrared (IR) systems utilize electromagnetic energy of specific wavelengths emitting from bodies to accomplish an end goal of the system (Smith, 2005). Examples of these goals in aviation are imaging, detection, tracking, and targeting. Infrared systems are also used in other aviation areas such as weather equipment or air to ground targeting systems, but this paper will focus on systems specifically carried on aircraft. Since IR systems are costly and their goals are not usually associated with getting the aircraft from point A to B, they are not common on general aviation or commercial aircraft. Although only military systems will be discussed, the basic principles presented here still apply to other IR sensors as well. The IR spectrum has been a concern to military aviation since the first heat seeking AIM-9 missile was developed in 1956 (Hept, 2002). Due to their importance, all factors affecting their performance are considered and scrutinized. The technology of the sensors will continue to grow, but the one factor that can still dominate their usefulness is environmental conditions. Engineers will continue to develop better and smarter sensors, but the atmosphere will always be an obstacle for IR systems without a solution in the near future. Like any good pilot knows, the atmospheric conditions must be dealt with by being able to predict, adjust or mitigate their effects. Due to the fact that weather can render these systems ineffective it is important to understand why and how these effects can be avoided or exploited. This paper will give the reader a background on IR energy, a sample of the military aircraft systems that utilize it, followed by an explanation of how weather affects them and how this can be forecasted and quantified.
Infrared Theory
The basics of IR theory can be traced back to the principle that all bodies above absolute zero
References: Air Force Research Laboratory. (1998). Optimizing Infrared and Night Vision Goggle Sensor Performance by Exploiting Weather Effects Hept, G.B. (2002). Infrared Systems for Tactical Aviation. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/es310/syllabus.htm Reusch, W. (1999). Infrared Spectroscopy, Michigan State University. Retrieved from http://www.cem.msu.edu/~reusch/VirtualText/Spectrpy/InfraRed/infrared.htm. Smith, W.J. (2005). Modern Lens Design (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill United States (1992) Willardson, R.K., & Beer, A.C. (1970). Semiconductor and Semimetals (Vol 5, Infrared Detectors). New York, NY: Academic Press.