HyCARS1: Group 1 UAS-Borne Thermal HSI for Information Advantage at the Tactical Edge

Security in the Pacific today requires exploitation of distance at a higher level, once again characterized by superior intelligence synthesis. ĀThe Tyranny of Distance is directly addressed through the use of highly mobile, low SWaP-C, widely distributed sensors connected through secure networks. ĀThe proposed thermal HSI sensor will enable real-time acquisition of MASINT and ISR data through assets deployed and operable by tactical units. Ā Dominance on the battlefield of the future will increasingly favor real-time information advantage. ĀWhen deployed in theater, thermal (or LWIR) cameras have proven to be a critical asset for establishing and maintaining situational awareness on a dynamic battlefield. ĀWe propose to bring thermal HSI capabilities, normally reserved to deployment from large manned assets at the brigade level and higher, down to the tactical edge. Spectral information significantly improves the ability of infrared cameras to discriminate, detect, and identify targets of interest (TOI) based on unique spectral signatures not seen with conventional thermal cameras. ĀSpectral discrimination is particularly useful for use in cluttered real-world scenes, enabling the detection and identification of a wide range of TOI including dismounts, disturbed earth, mobility hazards (including surface-lain mines), many types of camouflage (fabrics and paints), and chemicals (hazardous chemical plumes, liquids and solids). ĀThe proposed project leverages DoDÆs recent investment in the development of Spectrum PhotonicsÆ prototype HyCARS thermal HSI sensor to enable unique capability deployable as a Group 1 UAS payload. Ā Ā