Thomson-Thorn Missile Electronics (TTME)is developing an imaging system that uses reflected millimetre wave (MMW)energy to form a picture in conditions such as smoke and dust that would obscure infrared systems.
Using technology developed with the UK Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) at Malvern, the system is passive, relying on MMW energy that strikes an object and is reflected towards the system's receiver. The longer wavelength of MMW compared with infrared gives it better penetration capabilities.
Metal objects are the most reflective and produce the best images, regardless of any surface application. This allows the system to see painted metal object or items hidden under camouflage nets or in deep vegetation.
Potential applications include security scanning at airports, airborne surveillance from unmanned air vehicles, passive all-weather air defence systems or detection of land mines.
A prototype receiver - the system's "lens" - was completed in May last year and has been used in a security scanner demonstrator and for image gathering. Future work will miniaturise the system and develop array technologies.
TTME has been awarded contracts by the European Union and the US Army's Fort Belvoir research centre for mine detection. US trials will start at Fort A P Hill this year.
Source: Flight International