Infrared Target Collection System (ITCS)

ABSTRACT:In response to Air Force SBIR topic # AF151-178, Signature Research, Inc. proposes to develop a highly innovative solution that provides a leap forward in the collection of calibrated infrared (IR) ground mobile target signature data. The specific goals of our Phase I proposal are to conduct a trade study to evaluate multiple alternatives, and produce a preliminary design of the most desirable alternative. The new Infrared Target Collection System (ITCS) will dramatically decrease the collection times associated with a standard exploitation measurement program, while simultaneously providing full upper hemisphere coverage in target-sensor geometries. Additionally, our design will improve system reliability beyond that of the current system by maximizing the use of state-of-the-art commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components with proven track records of high reliability. Our optimized system design will allow collection of data at a constant slant range from anywhere in the upper hemisphere over a target located at the center of the hemisphere.BENEFIT:At the end of our Phase I effort, SGR develop a preliminary design that will provide a true leap forward in the time required to collect calibrated IR imagery of ground mobile systems in support of the DoD and Intelligence communities. By carrying our preliminary design to the level of detail that we propose, SGR believes that the cost-realism of our Phase II implementation and demonstration effort will be very sound. Beyond the prototype, SGRs approach will support commercialization of the system in three key areas: 1) Identification of additional data collectors who will benefit from a similar system. 2) New DoD application of the system to collect stereo-pair target geometry model data. 3) Non-DoD applications in the sports broadcasting industry (advanced SkyCam).