LEVRATSOW-TO2.doc

Laser Effects, Vulnerability, Research (LEVR)

Task Area 4 - TARGET OPTICAL SIGNATURE MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS FY07 Active Track Program Modeling & Experimental Research Task Order 0002-00 1.0

OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE

1.1 Objective: To quantify, both empirically and analytically, the optical signatures of targets of interest including those exhibiting complex or changing signatures that may require advanced modeling techniques not currently available including additional property measurements to further define the reflective behavior.

1.2 Scope: The scope of this task order includes both experimental and analytical activities including target/material selection, test article preparation/fabrication, experimental conduct/coordination, pre- and post-test analysis, development/investigation of new measurement techniques, model development/improvement, and analysis of uncertainty and effects of BRDF model assumptions for new and current practices on full-up simulations of target signatures.

2.0

BACKGROUND

The Laser Effects Research Branch (AFRL/DELE) has the charter to evaluate laser effects against potential targets of interest to the Department of Defense. A subset of these effects includes interrogative laser methods. AFRL is currently evaluating methods for tracking specific flight hardware objects using active laser illumination techniques. A current need exists to baseline laser signatures for various targets to be used in upcoming field experiments. Laser signature predictive capability needs to account for the range of target complexities – anisotropic, specular, geometrically complex, space aged, etc and therefore requires accurate and validated input properties and BRDF representations. Increased accuracy goals for Active Tracking technology development has recently led to increased scrutiny to identify sources of error and uncertainty in the tracking and modeling process. The focus of this task, in addition to expanding the database, will be to resolve modeling limitations with a view to meeting accuracy goals.

3.0

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall perform optical characterization measurements and subsequent data analysis on materials and flight objects of interest to AFRL/DELE by applying and implementing innovative models, analyses and measurement techniques. The Contractor shall advance the capability and accuracy of current material/component level optical signature properties and associated BRDF models to address materials exhibiting complex optical properties that exceed the capability and assumptions used in current empirically-based models.

3.1 Program Plan Development and Coordination. The Contractor shall coordinate with the AFRL/DELE Task Order Officer (TOO) and other Government identified representatives to finalize a plan that outlines a series of experimental and analytical activities that are required to meet the objectives of the Active Track program. The program plan shall include proposed schedule, participants, roles and responsibilities, critical paths and deliverables. The Contractor shall track progress and expenditures against the approved activities in the program plan and report status periodically to AFRL/DELE and the various teams. (CDRL A004)

3.2 Target, Surrogate Target, Sub-Component, and Coupon-Level Material Identification, Coordination, Acquisition and/or Fabrication. The Contractor shall identify targets materials of interest and track their development through existing external programs such as the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). From the selected targets of interest, the Contractor shall identify specific test articles and materials to be acquired under this task order for subsequent experimental evaluation. The recommendation for test article or material/component acquisition shall be based on information gaps in optical signatures, model inputs or advanced analysis or measurements needed for improving model accuracy or capability. Upon approval from AFRL/DELE, the Contractor shall acquire or fabricate the test articles. It is anticipated that the Contractor shall acquire at least two representative surrogates or sub-scaled surrogates per year. (CDRL A003 and A004)

3.3 Optical Signature Coupon Measurements. The Contractor shall develop a test plan to measure critical optical measurements of interest to the AT program. The test plan will include a strategy for incorporating classified objects in the measurement campaign. Optical properties that shall be measured include Bi-directional Distribution Function (BRDF) scatter, Direct Hemispherical Reflectance (DHR), and other relevant characteristic properties. Other relevant properties would be used either to investigate variability and uncertainty or to supplement new physics-based BRDF models that may be developed. In addition, properties needed for a complete property definition required by the SatAC material’s database will be measured. Based on factors such as schedule, measurement fidelity and requirements, the Contractor shall provide recommendations on which facilities to perform the measurements. Facilities that should be considered include the AFRL/DELE Target Material Angular Resolved Scatterometer (TMARS) and other commercial service providers. The Contractor shall present the test plan to AFRL/DELE for approval prior to initiation of tests. The Contractor shall analyze the test BRDF scatter results and extract a suitable model for subsequent use in simulation codes such as TASAT. The extracted model will be accompanied with an uncertainty analysis and a proper metric for documenting goodness of fit and traceability to the respective target. Limitations on usage will also be included in the documentation. It is anticipated that six to ten materials will be analyzed per year. The Contractor shall document the test results and associated analysis/modeling in a studies/services report followed by a detailed technical report (CDRL A010, A002).

3.4 Validation/Benchmarking Measurements. The Contractor shall conduct appropriate validation measurements to provide a reference point for assessing how accurate the BRDF model treats a full up signature predictions. Validation measurements can consist of well-controlled laboratory laser cross section measurements on surrogate or actual flight hardware targets of interest to the AT program. For planning purposes, the Contractor shall assume the measurements will be performed at the Advanced Measurements Optical Range (AMOR) in Huntsville, Alabama or other similar site. The Contractor shall develop and present a test plan to perform the measurements. The test plan shall include objective, test matrix, pre-test predictions, plan of action (milestones), data reduction, safety and security. The Contractor shall participate in the measurement and oversee their conduct to ensure compliance with approved test plan. The Contractor shall continue to address issues of uncertainty in the laboratory measurement process and shall quantify the level as well as propose additional diagnostics or calibration steps to ensure accurate error estimates are accompanied with the measured data. The Contractor shall also recommend measurement techniques or additional diagnostics to increase the accuracy of laboratory LCS measurements. The Contractor shall provide a quick-look memorandum identifying key results 30 days after receipt of the data from AMOR. The contractor shall summarize the results of the LCS measurements and analysis in the form of a detailed out-briefing and test report. (CDRLs A002, A004, A010 and A011)

3.5 BRDF Model Improvement. The Contractor shall investigate the limitation of existing BRDF models with respect to the AT program needs and develop an improved BRDF model. The goal will be to provide an improved model for subsequent incorporation into TASAT or other AFRL approved simulation tools. The improved model will be physics-based and incorporate measurement capability currently at AFRL/DE, or with minimal expansion of existing equipment. The results of the model will be demonstrated using AFRL/DELE provided data and presented to AFRL/DELE for review prior to presentation to outside groups. The Contractor shall prepare a detailed AFRL formatted report describing the model, comparisons with data, discussion of limitations, and recommendations for improvement. The model, and the techniques to employ the model, shall be Government owned without restrictions. (CDRLs A004 and A010)

3.6 Database Maintenance. The Contractor shall collaborate with AFRL BRDF database managers to ensure that additions to the database are well documented and contain all parameters, analysis and properties needed to achieve a traceable and well-understood model for users of the database. (CDRLs A001 and A004) 4.0

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

The Contractor shall incorporate all program management and security tasks required to oversee the successful and efficient performance of each task order and the overall management of the contract into each task order. This will include providing the skills and resources required to plan, organize, coordinate, direct, accomplish, and document technical efforts and track funding requirements, use an effective cost, schedule, and technical performance control system, and implement an efficient organizational structure flexible to the changing requirements and workloads. (CDRL A009)

5.0

SCHEDULE, DATA ITEMS, AND OTHER DELIVERABLES

5.1 Start Work: Date of Approval (DOA)

5.2 Computer Software Product End Items (CDRL A001): Software developed under model development and planning folder. Source code shall be delivered to AFRL/DELE. Due 30 days after end of technical effort.

5.3 Test Plan (CDRL A002): For each major test measurement series. Format must be MS Office 2000 compatible. Due 30 days prior to test.

5.4 Developmental design drawings & associated lists (CDRL A003)

5.5 Presentation Material (CDRL A004): For each major milestone such as program reviews, test readiness reviews, and result presentations. Format must be MS Office 2000 compatible.

5.6 Status Report (CDRL A009): To include both technical accomplishments and expenditures. Contractor format is acceptable. Due: 20 calendar days after the close of the first full monthly accounting period after award date and monthly thereafter through task order technical completion date and a final report at task order completion.

5.7 Technical Report (studies/services) (CDRL A010) due 30 days after a set of BRDF measurements are completed, an LCS measurement campaign is completed or significant progress in model enhancement.

5.8 Scientific and Technical Report (CDRL A011). Draft due 30 days after the End of Technical Effort. Final due 90 days after the End of Technical Effort.

5.9 Place of inspection and acceptance of deliverable: AFRL/DELE, Kirtland AFB.

5.10 End of Technical Effort: DOA + 22 Months

5.11 End of Task Order: DOA + 25 Months

6.0

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

6.1 Task order Officer:

Primary: Mr. David Medina, (505) 846-2991

Alternate: Lt. Janusz Mikina, (505) 846-5651