Imaging laser radar performance assessment against various naturally occurring and manmade terrestrial objects

Summary form only given. Northrop Grumman (US) and Defense Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) (UK) report upon a program to characterize the performance of its (OASYS) Obstacle Avoidance Imaging Laser Radar System against various terrestrial targets. High resolution laser radar images of various naturally occurring and manmade terrestrial objects were obtained and their properties measured. These objects include 1) wires of various diameter and reflectivity, 2) trees and vegetation, 3) large and small vertical objects including transmission towers and poles, 4) buildings and structures, and 5) various terrain types. OASYS can discriminate and identify objects against a complementary background. This allows realization of objects that cannot otherwise be seen using other active and passive detection systems.