Digital Multispectral Binocular System (DMBS)

ABSTRACT:Pilots need a visualization system that enables day/night/adverse weather operations and that is digital.Currently fielded night vision and day vision technologies are not integrated and do not work as well as needed under many illumination conditions. By developing a Digital Multispectral Binocular System (DMBS), pilots can be provided with imagery from on-helmet VNIR and SWIR sensors that can be augmented with aircraft mounted sensors.Because it is a totally digital system, sensor fusion and symbology overlay will be possible, providing even aircraft that do not have a HUD with heads-up symbology.Our DMBS will allow pilots to replace two separate systems (their night vision system and their day targeting system) with a single system that is more capable than either existing system.Digital, high resolution sensors and displays will replace analog image intensifier tubes and high voltage miniature cathode ray tubes (CRTs).MTBFs will be improved as will functionality and situational awareness. Our DMBS solution provides state of the art video fusion, at near-zero latency, of high resolution helmet mounted VNIR and SWIR sensors, also enabling symbol overlay and fusion of simulated A/C imaging sensors such as FLIR, SAR and synthetic vision.BENEFIT:SA Photonics DMBS has the following technological innovations to ensure user acceptance and programmatic success:Innovative see-through, low-profile optics, with very minimal obscurationVery high contrast, daylight readable OLED microdisplaysMinimum head-borne weight and a neutral center of gravity (CG) for reduced user fatigue and greater display stability in dynamic training and operational environments.Very High Resolution VNIR and SWIR sensors with the ability to overlay external symbology and MWIR and LWIR sensorsImproved MTBF due to an all-digital architectureState of the art video fusion technology, with near-zero latency