Introduction to Overhead Non-Imaging IR

Understanding ONIR

Riverside Research Institute offers a course in Overhead Non-Imaging Infrared data collection, processing, and exploitation “from the ground up.” We cover all aspects of this important intelligence gathering method from targets and backgrounds, through sensors and detectors, to data analysis and algorithms. We explain the historic strategy associated with selecting this technique for peering into “denied areas,” and we discuss today’s applications. Our objective is for you to know how ONIR data is collected, what it looks like when it comes from a sensor, how the data is processed and exploited, and – most importantly – why you can use it to detect, identify, and understand targets and events of interest.

Who should attend?

Persons at all levels who see or use ONIR data, from bench-level computer processors and analysts through collection system managers and supervisors, will benefit from this course.

What you will learn

This course is mathematically and scientifically rigorously correct, but will be taught with phenomenological comprehension in mind. We will cover: the physics and geometry of ONIR sensor orbits, the sampling and operational properties of image formation and focal plane array detection, and the interpretation of ONIR data using various exploitation tools..

Instructors:

Dr. Howard Evans, Primary Instructor

Dr. Evans has served as the Acting Director for MASINT Data Exploitation at the National Air Intelligence Center, and as a Senior Scientist on the COBRA BRASS program with the Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. after retirement from 23 years of active duty. His teaching experience in near-Earth environmental physics, navigation, and remote sensing spans more than 25 years on the faculties of the U.S. Air Force Academy, the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright State University, and Cedarville University. Dr. Evans holds a B.S. in Physics (M.I.T.,1968), an M.S. in Eng. Physics – Laser Optics (AFIT, 1976), and a Ph.D. in Astro-Geophysics (Americus U., 1985).

Dr. John O’Hair, Associate Instructor

Dr. O’Hair has spent the last 10 years developing MASINT systems for the Air Force and the Department of Defense. His experience ranges from developing, launching and tasking space-based hyperspectral sensors, fielding prototype processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination systems, developing upgrades for fielded Synthetic Aperture Radar systems, and developing and flight testing prototype Radio Frequency MASINT sensors on classified platforms. He directed Research and Development of the COBRA BRASS system, and created the program for spectropolarimetric research within the Air Force Research Laboratory. Dr. O’Hair holds a B.S.E.E (U.S. Air Force Academy), an M.S.E.E. (Texas Tech U.), and a Ph.D. in E.E. – Signal Processing (AFIT), as well as an M.B.A. (U. of West Florida).

Clearance:

TS/SCI. This course can be made available at the SECRET/NOFORN level. Attendees must be U.S. Citizens with appropriate security clearances.

Duration:

1 day

Location:

Beavercreek, OH, Washington DC, or at your facility