Modern microdoppler ladars systems are capable of measuring a surface displacement velocity as small as 10 micrometers per second. The Precision Targeting and Identification ACTD is transitioning microdoppler ladars onto surveillance and tactical fighter platforms. They are being used to classify and identify airborne targets based on the vibration signatures of the target's power plant at ranges beyond 20 km. Derivative uses include detection/classification of operational, camouflaged surface and buried objects and an adjunct to optical imaging for space object identification. As the cost, size, and complexity of the micro-doppler ladars is reduced with the transition from the gas laser to solid state devices, microdoppler ladars will provide an affordable, operationally effective alternative to imaging sensors. This paper will discuss the status of microdoppler ladars developments and several applications including tactical airborne combat ID, detection of surface/buried targets, and space object identification.
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