Thermal Enhancement

Use : To satisfy the need for thermal augmentation on aerial targets

The UTSL Thermal Enhancement, patented to UTSL; enables both ground to air, air to air weapons and thermal tracking systems to be tested against free flying and towed aerial targets where a heat signature of a known value is required.

Electrically powered and utilising a Zinc Sulphide lens to prevent air from cooling the heat source, the UTS Thermal Enhancement (UTS-TE) does not suffer from the effects of air cooling as the target moves through air, or the excessive and unwanted heat energy of exhaust gases which is characteristic of gas powered burners and pyrotechnic systems. Thermal output can be accurately controlled throughout a wide speed range of different flight operations using a command link with output status displayed via telemetry link to a ground or airborne telemetry station. Alternatively by simply pre-setting the required temperature before flight via the HCU and just command “on” when required.

Power is provided by rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride cells or alternative sources to meet specific customer requirements. The electrical interface can be configured to individual customer requirements if required.

The UTS-TE has been designed using a modular concept comprising of three main items:

• Heater Unit, comprising the Zinc Sulphide window, black body heater and chassis
• Heater Control Unit housing the electrical interfaces together with the control electronics
• Power Supply

The UTS-TE can be fitted at any angle or direction relative to the target body or airframe. The Heater Unit can be mounted directly on to the air-vehicle structure or a suitable fairing can be supplied. UTSL can supply dedicated command and control systems if required.

Performance:

Using a 1.1 kW heater set at 437deg C. the heater output has been calculated to be 40 Watts per Steradian in the 4 to 6 micron band allowing weapon systems to satisfactorily track a target fitted with the UTS-TE from a range greater than 21,000 meters. The UTSL-TE has satisfactory output in both the 4 to 5 Micron and 8 to 12 Micron wave lengths for weapon system tracking.

Successful tracking missile firings against Sea Wolf and Crotale have taken place at ranges of greater than 7000m and with Mistral at ranges greater than 6000m. Successful Tracking has taken place at ranges greater than 21 km.

Interface : Pulsed control of input functions and ’open collector’ outputs all of which are optically isolated.

Inputs:

• Safety control on/off
• Heater on/off
• Temperature up/down

Outputs:

• Temperature of heater
• Heater status

Technical Spec

Heater Control Unit
Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 5.5 cm
Volume: 1650 cm3
Weight: 0.85 kg
(depending on heater dia.)

Heating Unit
Dimensions: 23.2 cm dia x 7 cm deep
Volume: 2957 cm3
Weight: 2.6 kg
(depending on type)

System
Temperature range: Ambient to 720 deg K
Speed range: 25 to 250m/s (50 to 500knots)
Operating temp. range: -15 to +55 deg
Total system weight: 12.5 kg

Power supply
Voltage: 48 Volts
Nominal current: 22 A (heater on)
Dimensions: 4 packs of 7 x 9 x 14cm
Volume: 644 cm3 each
Typical pack weight: 2.12 kg each
Total battery weight: 8.5 kg