Electronic Image Stabilization for Staring Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Sensors

ABSTRACT: Infrared search and track sensor (IRST) systems are considered a high-value asset to the United States Air Force. Current systems can search, track and target enemy aircraft and discriminate between multiple aircraft at intermediate to long ranges better than many traditional radar systems fielded today. The unique capabilities of IRST technology is now driving the demand to provide the same capabilities for a variety of different tactical aircraft by improving performance and reducing size, weight, and power (SWaP). A key element to this approach is to move from a steered, small focal lane array (FPA) to a staring, large-format FPA. By eliminating the requirement for bulky mechanical stabilization and pointing hardware, a high-performance, low-SWaP, flexible IRST system can be realized. The challenge to developing such a system is in performing image stabilization in the presence of full aircraft kinematic movement. Toyon in partnership with Lockheed Martin Santa Barbara Focalplane, proposes a solution that uses IMU-based stabilization and innovative infrared search and threat identification algorithms to exploit the rich capabilities of LM-SBFs latest nBn sensors. The proposed system will result in a low-SWaP, wide-field-of-view (WFOV) staring IRST capable of long-range detection and tracking of targets in cluttered environments.; BENEFIT: At the end of the Phase I effort Toyon will have developed an approach for providing non-mechanical image stabilization for a staring WFOV IRST sensor. The Phase II work will lead to the development of a prototype staring IRST sensor based on the design approach established within the Phase I effort. Such a system will result in a high-performance, low-SWaP, WFOV IRST sensor with the flexibility to be installed on a variety of different tactical aircraft. In addition to being deployed in Air Force tactical networks, the main commercial prospect is in the field of commercial surveillance.