Physics-based infrared high elevation engagement modelling of naval platforms

Infrared imaging sensors can nowadays be regarded as a viable alternative to radar guidance that is stealthier and more capable of naval target classification, decoy discrimination and aimpoint selection. In view of this, the design of naval platforms, their sensors, weapon systems and counter measure deployment strategies need to be adapted accordingly. For this, tooling capable of simulating engagements by IR guided threats is essential. This paper presents a recently developed physics-based GPU-accelerated model chain that allows to generate realistic and radiometrically correct image sequences representative of those seen by an IR threat having varying levels of intelligence that is approaching a naval vessel. A description of the scientific and computational aspects of the model and modules will be provided along with examples of modelling output.