Atmospheric InfraRed Transmission, Recording, And Collection Equipment

To address the Air Force’s need for a device that can measure the ground-to-air atmospheric transmission path for electromagnetic waves in the wavelength range of 0.2 µm–14 µm, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (Intellisense) proposes to develop a new Atmospheric InfraRed Transmission, Recording, And Collection Equipment (AIR-TRACE) system based on a unique combination of a ground-surface blackbody radiator and a drone-mounted spectrometer. Specifically, the innovation in airborne spectroscopy, coupled with a blackbody source in the wavelength range of 0.2 µm–14 µm, will enable AIR-TRACE to perform direct measurement of the transmission path, which will result in a more accurate representation of complex interactions and phenomena within the atmosphere than current mathematical models can provide. Thus, AIR-TRACE will significantly improve the quality of infrared (IR) signature data. The airborne platform will take measurements at a minimum threshold of 1,000 ft above ground level (AGL) with the goal of extending measurements to an altitude of 10,000 ft AGL or more. The drone will collect/calibrate the atmospheric attenuation data. In Phase I, Intellisense will determine the feasibility of attaching a blackbody or spectrometer to an unmanned aircraft. We will identify types of spectrometers and blackbodies to be used to gather data from multiple miles away, type of aircraft suited to carry the proposed blackbody/spectrometer, how data will be recorded, as well as necessary training, certifications, and Federal Aviation Administration approvals. In Phase II, the questions answered in Phase I will serve as the foundation for the prototype delivered in Phase II. The prototype will be an aircraft capable of flying at least 1,000 ft AGL while carrying either a spectrometer or blackbody. The delivered device will be tested to confirm that the spectrometer is pointed at the blackbody, recording data in the wavelength range of 0.2 µm–14 µm, and that the data can be used to perform an atmospheric correction on IR signature data.