Sensor Fusion and Display for Degraded Visual Environment (DVE)

A joint venture team consisting of three small businesses, Monterey Technologies, Inc. (MTI), xVS and Aireyes will perform this work. The ultimate goal of the team is to produce a functional, Fused Sensor Image Display System (FSIDS) that merges information from multiple sensors such as radar, LADAR, IR, and other sensors with a terrain data base to produce a synthetic image of a helicopter landing area on a panel-mounted display. The inclusion of multiple sensor information in the FSIDS display compensates for the inability of a Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) to display detailed, current obstacle information relevant to Navy helicopter approach and landing maneuvers, e.g., trees, brush, boulders, ditches and debris. The team has already developed an Integrated Multisensor Imaging System (IMSIS) for the Army the provides a fused image of multiple sensors and an SVS for flight and navigation. Using IMSIS as a starting point, this work will concentrate on the sensor requirements and software for creating a detailed, synthetic rendering of a limited landing area, and the addition of appropriate display symbology. The Phase I work will produce one or more animated displays illustrating the FSIDS design to demonstrate the capability to present, and the effectiveness of, imagery for approach and landing. The design goal is a rotorcraft display to allow the pilot to easily interpret landing area terrain and avoid obstacles and hazards in zero visibility conditions.