Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) Imaging System to Improve Navigation

St. Johns Optical Systems proposes two novel but very practical imaging concepts that will meet the Air Cushion Vehicle requirements and find wide application once demonstrated. One concept is a new use for existing, commercial, CMOS imagers. SJOS proposes a practical method to add a range-gated imaging mode to existing passive CMOS imagers. The range-gated imagery provides vision through fog, spray, and other obscurants; it also provides long range target identification at night almost equal to day performance. The second concept enhances both the field of view and range judgment through a vehicle-mounted heads up display. Both concepts provide enhanced performance at low cost. We expect that the cost effective solutions for the ACV requirements will be adopted, in part or as a whole, by other military and commercial platforms that face the same challenges.