An active interference projector for the electro-optical test facility

A projection system is described which can simulate emissions from flares, muzzleflashes, shellbursts, and other emissive agents which may degrade the performance of electrooptical systems in the 0.5-15 μm spectral range. The simulation capability obtained will allow the apparent radiance and temporal characteristics of muzzleflashes and shellbursts to be mimicked at simulated ranges as close as 23 m within the Electro-Optical Test Facility. This demonstrates that tests of electro-optical system performance in the presence of interferers can be performed under laboratory conditions with higher repeatability and lower cost than field tests.