Advanced Imaging Sensors 1. Although DoD target acquisition needs are tailored to particular missions, there is a generic list of needs.
Longer range is almost always desirable but with the addition of the ability to identify the target.
The target identification capability, which allows the system user to discriminate friend from foe before engagement, has proven to be critical in complex battlefield scenarios. The need to direct weapons to a specific aim point on the target will also be important, not only for lethality, but to reduce collateral damage. The user must also have knowledge of weapon effectiveness, via imaging sensors to assess damage. Finally, imaging sensors provide the eyes for the robotics and extremely small air vehicles being developed for future battlefield situations. In addition to the surveillance mission, these sensors may be required to perform intricate tasks in difficult environments, necessitating the use of high quality sensing in an extremely small package.