MWIR Seeker-Sensor for Strap Down Weapon/SUAS applications

ABSTRACT: A program to develop a compact, high-speed, high-operating-temperature (HOT) mid-wave infrared (MWIR) imaging system for seeker or small unmanned air systems (SUAS) applications is proposed. The proposed Compact, HOT UAS/Seeker Sensor (CHUSS) builds upon Surface Optics"real-time broadband, multispectral, and hyperspectral imaging activities, including our 3D full-motion video spectral imaging (FMV-SI) technology and our Multi-band Identification and Discrimination Imaging Spectroradiometer (MIDIS) processor. Offering a combination of high speed, high resolution, and low SWaP, the CHUSS sensor employs a Lockheed-Martin Santa Barbara Focalplane nBn FPA and small cooler to provide a new sensor capability for seeker and small UAS applications; the system also includes a compact, rugged, real-time image processor. The proposed effort represents an extension of Surface Optics"22 years"experience in imager design, and miniaturization of SOC"s patented real-time hyperspectral image processor for real-time target detection and tracking. By building on Surface Optics Corporation"s experience in imaging system development, sensor development, and algorithm development, and Santa Barbara Focalplane"s expertise in nBn detector technology, the proposed program will produce a new compact high-operating temperature imager that will enable new applications previously unattainable using current sensor technology. BENEFIT: Through significantly reduced size, weight, and power, and through increased speed, sensitivity, and processing capability, the CHUSS sensor will dramatically enhance ability of the warfighter to identify, track, and mark threats. Size and power consumption makes this system compatible with small UAS platforms. Extension of this sensor to other military applications will enhance the military"s capability to extract information from a scene that is unavailable to current tactical imaging sensors. Further commercialization will vastly improve the warfighter"s ability to detect and track camouflaged threats. Application to a fire-and-forgot seeker is also possible. Potential non-threat sensing applications include remote sensing, surveillance, pollution monitoring, medical diagnostics, industrial production control, and land mine detection.