Mid-wave infrared characterization of an aircraft plume

Development of the tracking algorithms used in an infrared seekerhead missile requires the infrared characteristics of the target against which the missile will be directed. Mid-wave infrared recordings of such a target were made at altitude during a flight test. The measurement setup for this test is described, as well as the additional recordings required during data reduction afterwards. An exposition of the general theoretical approach used for the data reduction of infrared image recordings of targets is given and the minimum data required is inferred. The data reduction is then applied to the plume of the target aircraft. The results of the plume data reduction, consisting of mid-wave infrared radiance profiles at different altitudes and the effect of altitude as well as aircraft aspect angle on plume intensity are then presented.