Processing requirements for the first electro-optic system of the twenty-first century

The Distributed Aperture Infrared System (DAIRS) defines a new direction in the design of electro-optic systems. A multiplicity of identical sensors provides the data for a central processing system. A variety of signal processing algorithms are used to obtain the functionality that was previously obtained using specialized sensors for each function. This permits a single system to be a Missile Warning set, an Infrared Search and Track set, the Pilotage sensor, and a Situational Awareness system as well as performing various tasks associated with the warfighting mission of the platform. Describes the DAIRS system being evolved for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) which will be the first US aircraft developed in the 21st century. Uniquely processor driven, representing a transition in electro-optics that parallels the transition in radar systems that occurred 20-30 years ago. The algorithms used to implement the functions are briefly described. The paper presents processor loading, I/O and memory requirements peculiar to the JSF. Application of the DAIRS technology to other platforms and applications is also discussed. A short speculative section on possible future trends concludes the paper.