Motion-Based Detection, Identification and Tracking for Missile Warning System Applications

Infrared cameras can detect the heat signatures of missile plumes in the mid-wave infrared waveband (3-5 microns) and are being developed for use – in conjunction with advanced tracking algorithms – in Missile Warning Systems (MWS). However, infrared imagery is also liable to contain appreciable levels of noise and significant levels of thermal clutter, which can make missile detection and tracking very difficult. This paper discusses the use of motion-based methods for the detection, identification and tracking of missiles: utilising the apparent motion of a missile plume against background clutter. Using a toolbox designed for the evaluation of missile warning algorithms, algorithms have been developed, tested and evaluated using a mixture of real, synthetic and composite infrared imagery.