The P-Scout - A Low-Cost, Mortar or Gun-Launched, Miniature Ballistic Surveillance Sensor

Xybion proposes a preliminary design for the P-SCOUT - a miniature, multiple-head, surveillance sensor that is based on an existing high-g sensor developed by Xybion. The P-SCOUT will consist of multiple down-looking CCD sensors that cover a horizon to horizon, field-of-view and forward-looking sensors providing wide angle coverage for vehicle piloting. Integral to the camera system is a high-bandwidth transmitter/receiver, that is capable of down-linking real time video and receiving up-linked aircraft control commands. The proposed sensor system will be designed for a high-g gun-launched environment (>13,000 g), and be configurable to accommodate a variety of payload spaces. Near real-time multiplexed video will be sent to and displayed on ground station monitors. Miniaturization and cost effectiveness of the production design will be studied in an effort to decrease the cost per area coverage. Xybion will also assess the options for launchable GPS equipment, and the integration of avionics into the sensor package, thereby allowing fusion of the targeting data onto the video imagery. Within the scope of this program, the design of an existing sub-munition sensor, the MRP, and ground station equipment will be expanded to address the requirements of the DARPA SBIR.