Innovative flight test instrumentation and techniques for airborne laser systems performance analysis and mission effectiveness evaluation

The extraordinary progress experienced in recent years in the field of lasers and infrared sensors, have led to the development of numerous active and passive electro-optical systems for civil and military aerospace applications. In the military domain, these developments have emphasised the need for flight instrumentation and ground control systems capable of supporting system test and training activities in operationally representative and wholly safe conditions at the ranges. This paper presents the main achievements of the PISQ Laser Test and Evaluation Range (PILASTER) research and development program. In particular, after a brief description of the PILASTER system requirements, the mathematical models and the hardware/software developed for system performance evaluation and eye-safety analysis are presented, including the novel techniques introduced for accurate measurement of laser energy and geometric characteristics in various weather conditions and operational scenarios (pointing accuracy, total energy, spot spreading, etc.). Additionally, the PILASTER subsystems hardware and software architectures are introduced, followed by a brief overview of the laboratory, ground and flight test activities performed for the PILASTER formal verification and acceptance.