Subminiature Hi-def UAV Reconnaissance (SHUR)

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) play a critical role in today’s armed forces, being widely used for weapon delivery and reconnaissance. Video surveillance, in particular, is an essential UAV application, but existing video systems fail to capitalize on the latest technology in numerous areas, including compact high definition (HD) cameras, video compression algorithms, spectrally efficient modulations, trellis demodulation techniques, and most significantly, miniaturization. The warfighter needs a tool that leverages state of the art technology in these areas, to provide multiple channels of high definition video over longer distances, while fitting into ever-smaller vehicles and running longer on compact, lightweight batteries. While some of the technology enabling these improvements exists, there is no system-level solution that integrates these technologies into a comprehensive system. The research proposed here will not only build upon the latest technology in every element, but will also integrate those technologies into a compact, power-efficient system suitable for use on the smallest UAVs. BENEFIT: Development of a small light multi-channel high definition video system for UAVs will enhance the warfighter’s ability to find enemy target, while substantially reducing the risk to friendly forces and assets.