The capability of unmanned aerial vehicle mounted pyroelectric thermal imaging system to detect ships from altitudes of 25,000 feet at speeds of 120 knots is analyzed. The system performance information is presented in nomogram form together with information on the probability detection, the false alarm rate, for various ranges, atmospheric conditions and target to background conditions. Background clutter suppression techniques and data compression methods with information storage and on demand transmission are presented. A comprehensive system specification with cost information is presented. Areas of concern in terms of performance are identified, and a system MTBF is calculated.
