An Analysis of Transmittances Measured through Battlefield Dust Clouds

Measurements of transmittance through dust and debris clouds generated by explosions and moving vehicles were analyzed to determine if transmittance is better for one wavelength than some other. Statistical tests were performed to determine whether the amounts of time that transmittance was reduced to specified levels were significantly different for various wavelengths. In certain types of cases, differences were detected with the 8 micron to 12 micron wavelengths shown to be better than the others measured. In other cases, no significant differences were found; thus, transmittance was wavelength independent.