Missile Detection by Observation of Differential Motion in an Image Sequence

This report investigates a technique of passive airborne missile detection by analysing a temporal sequence of images of the ground in the region of the aircraft. Essentially, the technique identifies as potential missiles, objects that move in a different manner to the terrestrial background, as observed in the aircraft reference frame. A kinematical analysis is undertaken to quantify this differential motion. Brief consideration is given to the observation of this differential motion by image processing techniques. The potential of the technique to localise the missile in space is addressed. The formal kinematics are applied to numerical simulations of guided missile trajectories to quantify the differential motion that occurs, and determine the warning time between missile detection and collision. Several operational scenarios are investigated. Simulation results are presented discussed and appraised, and conclusions drawn about the effectiveness of this technique.