Advanced LWIR 3D Imaging System for Foliage Penetration and Counter-UAS (LWIR-FOPEN-C-UAS)

This proposal aims to develop the LWIR-FOPEN-C-UAS (Advanced LWIR 3D Imaging for Foliage Penetration and Counter-UAS System) to provide long-range moving target detection and "see-through the foliage" capability in day/night and low visibility conditions.The system leverages Elphel's patented LWIR-16 technology, enhancing the thermal sensitivity to enable long-range depth sensing with passive (not emitting IR radiation) methods and object detection at far distances and under the foliage.LWIR-FOPEN-C-UAS will detect Small Unpiloted Aerial System (sUAS) at a range of kilometers over a wide (32°) HFoV with a high-sensitivity LWIR 3D camera and patented image processing.The "see-through the foliage" object detection combines the well-known method of LiDAR FOPEN (consolidating views of the same object from multiple vantage points) with novel techniques for reconstructing 3D environments from high-contrast thermal imaging.By integrating deep neural networks (DNNs) for visual navigation and utilizing advanced image processing algorithms, LWIR-FOPEN-C-UAS will provide unparalleled detection capabilities for military and civilian applications. This project will refine the technology through test flights, software development, and system integration, ensuring its readiness for deployment in Air Force ISR operations and broader commercial markets.