Unit signature and validation methodology. A preliminary study

The report discusses, in the light of sensor development (limited to electro-optics and radar), how one should look at the concept of signature and especially how it can be applied to a military unit. The general definition of signature, the contrast our protected object placed in a background can generate in a sensor, is recommended. The object of protection is in this case the whole military unit. General strategies for working with signature management are discussed. The use of decoys is also discussed. Signature management and the use of deception such as decoys must be discussed for each unit type with different combat tasks and accordingly its different requirements for behaviour. Possible valuation methods for both development and operational activities are discussed. This involves everything from field measurements and simulation-based methods to operational signature optimization. Collaboration with the Armed Forces is necessary in the continued development work.