MWIR Seeker-Sensor for Strap Down Weapon/SUAS applications

ABSTRACT:A program to develop a compact, HOT-FPA-based MWIR imager for small UAS sensor and strap-down seeker applications is proposed. The proposed system builds upon Surface Optics real-time broad-band and spectral imaging activities to generate a compact sensor appropriate for both ground and airborne operations that includes real-time detection and tracking of targets. Integrated into the processor is real-time super-framing and line-of-sight jitter correction. The system comprises a 1280 x 1024 HOT FPA operating at very high frame rate, a miniature integrated Dewar and cooler assembly, and a compact, high-speed image processor based on Surface Optics MIDIS line of spectral image processors. The entire system is sized to fit within a 5 gimbal. Integral to the system is a real-time processor, implementing both COTS and custom processing algorithms for target detection and tracking. By building on Surface Optics Corporations 24 years experience in broad-band and spectral imaging system development, processor development, and algorithm development, the proposed program will produce a new MWIR Compact HOT-FPA UAS and Seeker Sensor (CHUSS) of unsurpassed capability, with varied military and commercial applications.BENEFIT:Development of CHUSS will open up an new realm of sensor possibilities, enabling incorporation of MWIR imaging on small UAS systems that are too small to carry current MWIR imagers. This will dramatically improve the armed services ability to identify and destroy threats. The small size will also lead to ground-based and hand-held sensors that are unrealizable given todays technology. Potential non-threat sensing applications include remote sensing, surveillance, pollution monitoring, plume analysis, medical diagnostics, law enforcement, and industrial production control.