Detection spectrum optimization of stealth aircraft targets from a space-based infrared platform

Abstract

Advances in infrared detection techniques require novel spectrum dynamic-modification strategies capable of sensing unprecedentedly low target radiant intensities. a conventional fixed-spectrum detection system cannot satisfy the effective detection of stealth aircraft targets due to complex Earth background clutter and atmospheric attenuation. Therefore, a detection method that can highlight aircraft targets is urgently needed to enhance stealth aircraft detectability. In this research, a spectrum set consisting of different bandwidths associated with a central wavelength is established. Furthermore, a signal-to-noise ratio of the stealth aircraft is computed using the established spectrum set. Finally, the optimal spectrum is selected according to the maximal signal-to-noise ratio from the spectrum set. Our numerical experiments and simulations further demonstrate that the proposed methodology can substantially strengthen the detection performance of stealth aircraft compared with traditional fixed-spectrum detection systems. This work on detection spectrum optimization paves the way to stealth aircraft detection and opens new vistas in the field of target detection technology.