A Method for Estimating the Detection Range of IRST

A novel method of Infrared Search and Track System(IRST)which is modified from the Hudson's classic distance formulais proposed from the engineering application perspective.The modified formula not only calculates distance by the target radiation characteristicthe optical system designthe detector performance and the atmospheric transmittancebut also analyzes the influence brought by the target's energy utilization efficiencythe detector circuit noise and the background radiation.Finallythe superiority of the novel formula is verified in the empty distance measurement fieldwhich is deduced from the comparison between the results of the novel method and that of the Hudson's classic distance formula.