Environmental Sensor for Autonomous UAVS

Improved observations of the battlespace are of key and growing importance in today’s combat environment. UAVs are making key contributions in this area, and sensor improvements are a key part of increasing UAV capabilities. However, all sensors are subject to degradation under detrimental environmental conditions. Adding a sensor system to UAVs that enables the in-situ identification and quantification of such conditions will aid in the most effective use of UAVs and their onboard sensors as well as enable more accurate evaluation of the sensor data being returned. Anasphere proposes to develop a highly miniaturized, low-power environmental sensor system – on the order of one to two cubic inches in volume, and with a power consumption on the order of 500 milliwatts – suitable for use on a broad variety of UAVs. Specific quantities to be measured include standard meteorological parameters, visibility, ambient light level, and precipitation rate and type. On-board processing will yield additional value-added parameters of significance. In Phase I, a proof-of-concept system will be designed, fabricated, and demonstrated on a UAV. The Phase I Option will involve definition of Phase II systems and UAV interfaces. Phase II would see iterative design improvements and tests culminating in a production-ready system.