Compact, Covert Periscope with 360 Degree Simultaneous Day/Night Coverage

The proposed Phase I investigation is expected to yield an innovative sensor system design of a very small, lightweight, and minimally detectable periscope imaging system capable of instantaneous 360-degree viewing. The approach exploits innovative research and development activities in advanced optics designs coupled with modern sensors, including visual, near infrared, and short wave infrared. We present an innovative panoramic sensor module that can integrate with the existing Seal Delivery Vehicle (SDV) mast system and inboard electronics. It will provide visual, low light, and short wave infrared sensing capability. This system will provide unique capabilities for red and green differentiation. The unique design concept permits a very compact system solution and is build of cost effective and rugged devices to be able to withstand the harsh operating environment. We anticipate that the results of this effort will demonstrate the feasibility of the system approach and the path to implementation. BENEFITS: The Phase I effort will generate optical imaging designs, and will identify suitable sensor technologies that will allow the development of a covert, 360-degree panoramic imaging system. Results of the Phase I will produce an architecture for a complete electronics/firmware system to meet or exceed all the requirements. We expect the imaging system will readily scale to the application and be adapted to meet all the imaging requirements. Successful completion of Phase I will establish the feasibility of the approach and the development of the conceptual design that will transition into the Phase II effort. The imaging system design developed in Phase I will be used to develop a demonstration system in Phase II to investigate the performance of the system.