Conformal, Multi-Aperture Thermal-Optical Demonstrator for Hypersonic Flight

The Spectral Imaging Laboratory (SPILAB) will provide the USAF with a much needed disruptive technology to enable infrared seekers to view forward through their nose cones at hypersonic speeds.á áThe proposed Direct to Phase II project will prepare the new technology for flight testing by combining áa Thermal Demonstrator with an Optical Demonstrator to show that windows can survive high speed flight without a protective shroud, and forward infrared imaging through a hot nose cone is possible at any time during the flight.á The Thermal Demonstrator technology is based on a multi-aperture High Temperature Window Coolant Module Assembly (WCMA-HT) that overcomes the excessive aerodynamic heating problem at the nose cone, which typically leads to image saturation, defocus, and pointing errors. The Optical Demonstrator is based on a multi-aperture Bio-Inspired Optical System (BIOS) with a novel optical architecture derived from the superposition compound eyes of moths and beetles. ááThe two Demonstrators are expected to dramatically improve the accuracy of seekers striking both surface and air targets.á