VIS/LWIR Event Based Sensor Suite for Passive UAS Detection

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) will design and develop a passive dual spectral band multimodal Event-Based Optical Sensing Suite (EBOS2) for the detection of low altitude (0-6000 ft.) Group 1 to 3 small unmanned aircraft systems (sUASs). The optical detection comprises visible and longwave infrared (LWIR) frame-based as well as event-based imagery (EBI) systems to enable both day and nighttime operations. sUAS detection and classification will be achieved by novel and mature low latency artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms for each modality followed by data fusion of individual mode outputs, that will support high probability of detection and identification with low false alarms with a 3 min notification time to the end user. The system will be designed to be compact, modular and scalable for easy integration into a larger counter-sUAS (C-sUAS) early warning detection system (EWDS) and will provide improved passive detection and visual confirmation capabilities, augmenting existing radar and electronic warfare components, and enabling more reliable threat identification and engagement. Both the system hardware and algorithms are based on mature technologies and capabilities previously developed at PSI, which form the basis of the proposed EBOS2 approach. This direct to Phase II program will focus on the design, development and extensive test and refinement of the EBOS2 system, culminating in an advanced capability demonstration at a government test event or facility, and two technology readiness level (TRL) 5 prototypes delivered to the customer.