Backup Landing System for Fire Scout (Phase II.5 TTA)

The primary objective of the proposed INAV-SL (Image Based Navigation for VTUAV Shipboard Landing) program is to provide an advanced image-based navigation system in response to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) (PMA-266) capability needs for a backup landing system for the MQ-8 Fire Scout Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAVT). The INAV-SL system utilizes electro-optical/short wave infrared (EO/SWIR) imaging sensors to analyze the location and orientation of the landing deck relative to the aircraft and provides precise relative position estimates to the Fire Scout air vehicle to facilitate safe approach and landing. The system also measures the motion of the deck with respect to a stabilized deck position and provides measurements as defined by the current landing system, thus fulfilling its role as a functional back-up to the existing landing system. The proposed effort focuses on in-flight system evaluation, building on the progress accomplished in the previous INAV-SL SBIR efforts. The INAV-SL system, which has been implemented to date as an engineering development unit, will be evaluated, updated, and implemented as candidate hardware and flight tested. Enhancements to the core algorithm software for acquisition of the ship, long-range landing deck detection and close-in multi-view pattern detection