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Q: What does the lucernhammer code suite do?

A : lucernhammer calculates the scattered electric field and radar cross section of realistic though digitized radar targets. These targets are supplied to the code as in the form of digital computer models (CAD). The codes use an assortment of exact and approximate electromagnetic techniques to "calculate" or "predict" the cross section based on the digital model.

Q: What type of radar objects is the code suite designed for?

A : The codes may be used on arbitrarily shaped, three-dimensional radar targets. During development the codes were used primarily for prediction of ballistic missile signatures. The codes have also been applied by our customers to air targets such as aircraft and missiles, as well as ground targets such as armor.

Q: Electromagnetic theory is well-documented in unclassified, public-domain sources, so why is the distribution of lucernhammer restricted?

A : lucernhammer MT is developed to simulate electromagnetic signatures of military vehicles and hardware. This places it on the U.S. Department of State's ITAR list. All buyers must submit a valid form DD2345 before they can purchase or evaluate the software.

Q: Do I need any additional software tools to use the lucernhammer suite?

A : Ee expect that the user have their own facet model database or resources for generating these models on their own. For the CAD and subsequent facet model generation we use and highly recommend Rhinoceros 3D by Robert McNeel and Associates. lucernhammer includes facet model manipulation tools that allow the user to perform translations, rotations, etc.

To compile the solvers themselves, the user will need to have access to a C compiler and the appropriate libraries for the operating system.

Q: The web site says the code is fast, but how fast is that?

A : Very fast. See for yourself.

Q : Who funds/sponsors the lucernhammer code suite?

A : lucernhammer is funded and developed solely by Tripoint Industries, Inc.

Q : Is lucernhammer officially "validated" or recognized by any agency?

A : The lucernhammer suite of tools has been extensively verified by comparison against published measured data, radar flight test data, results from other computational electromagnetics codes, and through comparisons amongst the lucernhammer codes themselves. The tools have also been used extensively for providing synthetic signature data to support radar discrimination algorithm testing in the Missile Defense Agency program Project Hercules.

Q : What drives the lucernhammer feature set?

A : Before lucernhammer was written, a significant amount of effort was spent determining what sort of features users want and those they don't use so much. Various people doing RCS calculations were questioned on features and limitations of available scattering programs, and what they would most like to have in a code if they were to write their own. Many of these suggestions were integrated into lucernhammer. Many features are suggested by current users, or by needs internal to Tripoint Industries.

Q : Can I offer suggestions for additional features?

A : Yes, please do.

Q : lucernhammer has bug! Will you fix it?

A : Yes, send us a bug report and we'll take care of it. Typically Tripoint Industries will work with the user on an individual basis to make sure the problem is well understood and then fixed to their satisfaction. Due to our small size, we can typically fix bugs on a very quick turnaround basis.

Q : Will you implement a custom feature?

A : Probably, if it doesn't require too much effort. If it requires a more significant amount of development time, Tripoint Industries may do the work for you under contract.

Q : Can I license the solver source codes?

A : The solver source codes are supplied with each distribution disc, however the end-user agreement limits the user to recompiling the software and making small changes to support interoperability. Integration into any in-house software as well as resale or redistribution is not allowed without a technology licensing agreement. If you are interested in such a license, email us for further details.