IDA Paper
P-3520
This document describes the actions taken during the three phases of the Bio-Sim study, relating to the use of an airborne laser-based biological weapon detection system. The first phase of the study generated theoretical data values concerning ranges at which it should be possible to detect a biological weapons aerosol cloud. Detection limits were calculated for a variety of standoff distances, detector altitudes, and aerosol concentrations. The second phase of the study used computer models and simulations to begin to understand the situations in which the laser detector might be used most appropriately and situations in which it might not be very useful. The second study phase was also used to gather knowledge about how to best proceed into the third phase. The third and final phase of the study was a set of human-in-the-loop experimental trials. This set of trials used trained laser operators to learn more about the laser system utility and usability.