The operation of ballistic missile defense sensor systems isdependent on both the performance characteristics of the sensorcomponents and their appropriate placement within the battle space. Astudy of the design for a nicolaides-wing (n-wing) parafoil-bxsed sensorsystem, similar to an airborne optical sensor or probe is beingconducted. The n-wing parafoil is a ram air inflated wing whose totalstructural weight is less than three ounces per square foot. This lowwing loading is anticipated to enable operation at much higher altitudethan conventional winged structures. This is expected to provide thebasis for an extremely high (20km), long loiter sensor vehicle whoseoperational capability should greatly enhance the strategic defensesystem. This system, when successful, would provide a flexible and lowcost sensor basing concept that would have significant survivability,cost, and optial performance advantages over other basing modes.
