Lightweight Imaging Sensor System

This program will produce a design for a cost effective sensor suite suitable for mid to long range surveillance, integrated into a small, mobile, lifting body. In Phase I, tradeoffs of the two most expensive components, the camera sensor and the platform stabilizer, will be examined. InSb and the newer uncooled microbolometer detectors will be compared taking into account system performance (driven primarily by the detector and optics selection) and costs involved. Platform stabilization addressing gyro stabilized gimbals and lower cost pan and tilts will be examined and compared for an aerostat platform with a goal of deriving a lower cost pan and tilt with adequate performance. Findings will be reviewed with the customer to determine the optimal low cost airborne surveillance system. Preliminary costing estimates indicate system cost could be substantially reduced. After the sensor selection is made, a system prototype design will determine the instrumentation suite, which includes the sensors, position control, platform stabilization, communication, receiving console, monitors and control for a stationary aerostat platform. Phase I will also provide detailed information on the production power, weight, cost, and performance, worked in tandem with the design. In Phase II, Inframetrics will draw on this information to build and demonstrate a prototype sensor suite, designed in Phase I. IR system modules and technology from former development efforts will be leveraged for prototype construction and test.