Digital Multispectral Binocular System (DMBS)

ABSTRACT: Over the past 30 years, night vision goggle technology has enabled American fighter pilots to"own the night". As night vision goggle technology has matured, we have required more from pilots and are asking them to fly multi-role extended missions that may occur in degraded visual environments. 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 VIS/NIR 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. BENEFIT: SA Photonics"DMBS has the following technological innovations to ensure user acceptance and programmatic success: Innovative see-through, low-profile optics Very high contrast, daylight readable OLED microdisplays Minimum head-borne weight and a neutral center of gravity (CG) for reduced user fatigue and greater display stability in a dynamic training environment. VIS/NIR and SWIR sensors with the ability to overlay external MWIR and LWIR sensors Improved MTBF due to an all-digital architecture