Bumstead, J.; Kirsch, C. C.; Weber, T.; Sheline, C.; De los Santos, H.; Adams, M.

Infrared (IR) imaging systems are used on vessels, platforms, and drones to detect cetaceans several kilometers away, helping to mitigate harm from maritime activities like vessel strikes and pile driving. To ensure operational effectiveness, the reliable detection range (RDR) --the distance at which 100% detection probability is achieved--is a critical metric. This study presents a radiometric model for calculating RDR across a wide range of environmental conditions and system parameters, which enables the evaluation of IR system performance without extensive at-sea data collection.