The NATO Common Shield - DAT#7 experiment – Defence Against Terrorism – Results of a radiometric imager used for personnel inspection

Abstract

In 2008 the protection of soldiers and facilities was experimentally investigated under the aspect of a networked operational leadership. In this context as well a harbour protection trial was carried out in August/September 2008 at the naval base Eckernförde in Germany. One activity was the simulation of an entrance portal by a tent including various imaging and a chemical sensor suite. Besides commercial optical and infrared cameras various passive millimeter-wave imagers have been used from different German research institutions. Passive millimeter-wave imaging allows a daytime independent observation and examination of objects and persons without artificial exposure under nearly all weather conditions. The penetration capability of millimeter-waves allows the detection of hidden objects like weapons and explosive devices under the clothing. DLR provided an imaging radiometer scanner operating at W band. A multitude of situations have been simulated and many persons carrying hidden objects under their clothing have been scanned. Some exemplary results from the trial are shown and discussed.