Improvements to Sense and Avoid (SAA) Systems for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

In this SBIR proposal ASC is offering to develop a UAV Sense and Avoid system that will combine ASC’s existing Flash 3D video sensor with Carnegie Mellons 2D optical sensor and avoidance software. In Phase I, ASC, working with Carnegie Mellon, will collect UAV-relevant data with its existing Flash Ladar Video Camera (FLVC) and with CMU’s EO sensor. ASC will utilize this data and simulation along with and its existing FLVC designs to develop an initial system concept design of its Optical Radar Sense and Avoid Sensor for a small UAV. Incorporating our existing 3-D focal planes, ASC will fabricate, test and deliver a breadboard Ladar camera in Phase II. This system will be suitable for demonstration of collision avoidance in a heavy traffic environment. ASC designs its own focal plane readout integrated circuits (ROICs), optics, lasers and mechanical systems, and has an excellent record of system integration and commercialization. CMU has a long history of success in unmanned vehicles including its recent win at the DARPA Urban Challenge. Flash Ladar provides an innovative approach that can provide compact solutions unmatched by traditional Radar. By combining this capability with Carnegie Mellon’s collision avoidance system, we will provide a complete system solution for UAV collision avoidance.