Micro Air Vehicle and Weapon Sight Infrared (IR) Camera

While the advantages of a thermal weapon sight are well-recognized, the disadvantages of all current IR sights include excessive weapon-borne weight (>5 lb), awkward size (>>100 in3), and high power consumption (>5 W). These drawbacks significantlydetract from the utility of a weapon sight, making it a burden rather than a battlefield aid. Recent advances in the development of very low-powered miniature IR cameras (i.e. the UL3 camera developed by Indigo Systems) offer tremendous opportunity toeliminate these drawbacks. UL3 stands for Ultra-Low Size, Ultra-Low Weight, and Ultra-Low Power. The UL3 family of uncooled microbolometer cameras has unleashed exciting new opportunities for the application of infrared technology in important commercialapplications such as fire-fighting, security/surveillance, and predictive maintenance. UL3 also provides critical new technology to substantially advance the effectiveness of man-portable military systems and micro-sensors.Indigo Systems, in conjunctionwith Insight Technology, propose to develop a weapon sight based on the UL3 family of miniature IR cameras. During Phase I, a conceptual design of a ruggedized, wireless sight employing a 320x240 microbolometer array will be developed. In parallel, thedetailed design of a demonstration sight built around Indigo's ALPHA¿ camera will be completed. Miniaturized electronics will be designed to generate reticle patterns and menu overlays on the IR imagery. User controls and a battery compartment will bedeveloped with a strong focus on ergonomics, location, and ease of use. To optimize the design around these and other MANPRINT considerations, Indigo will enlist the considerable experience of Insight Technology. A prototype of the ALPHA¿-baseddemonstration sight will be fabricated as a Phase I Option. The proposed development will result in a configuration of an IR micro-camera featuring an integral battery compartment, user controls, on-screen symbology, and a wireless video link. Inaddition to its military utility, this complete stand-alone system serves a broad range of man-portable sensing applications, such as firefighter vision systems, law enforcement, environmental and industrial imaging.