Dual Use of Airborne Visible Hyper-Spectral Imager

A new technology, Visible Hyper-spectral Imaging (VHSI), offers unique opportunities for dual use and technology transfer. Based on a Fourier transform spectrometer, this imager has the capability to provide a spectrally resolved, two dimension image, that covers the visible spectrum. Individual images with spectral resolution better than 1 nm and with moderate spatial resolution are available in a high definition video format. This contract will quantify the feasibility of using a VHSI as in both commercial and military airborne surveys. Commercial applications to be evaluated include determining pelagic fish biomasses, identifying concealed Mayan ruins, mapping weed growth in grain crops and analysis of coastal water environmental issues. Military applications in identifying camoflaged tactical targets and mapping released C/B agent dispersion will be assessed. Three tasks will be performed in accomplishing these evaluations. First, VHSI data on observables representiative of each application will be collected. These data will then be used to provide a conceptual design for an airborne instrument. The accompanying design analysis will include the identification of error sources plus a sensitivity and performance estimate. The last task will provide a conceptual design of a data management system for the airborne instrument.