Compact Hyperspectral Sensors For UAS Applications

The primary goal of this SBIR effort is to design, fabricate, and evaluate a compact LWIR hyperspectral sensor that is enabled by an innovative high-throughput optical design form specifically designed to meet the needs of the U.S. Army, and then integrate the prototype sensor into a selected gimbal for use with a Class II or smaller Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The optical properties of the prototype system, including radiometric performance, smile and keystone distortion, and other system parameters of the integrated sensor will be measured and evaluated in a government-run laboratory and a high-level plan to integrate the payload onto a Class II or smaller UAS platform will be explored. It is expected that the accomplishment of this objective will support a commercialization effort where high performance, compact LWIR hyperspectral imaging sensors will be produced for DoD and commercial applications.