F2-16886 Proposal Number AF222-0004-0447, Next Generation Focal Plane Array Semi-Active Laser Seeker Algorithms

The report presented here details a proposal by Gleason Research Associates, Inc. (GRA) for consideration in the matter of the AF222-0004 SBIR topic Phase II continuation.  To elicit consideration for selection, GRA includes in the presentation the key personnel, detailed company experience, proposed program benefits, hardware partner selection, Intellectual Property (IP) ownership division, expected deliverables, a schedule, and a technical roadmap for accomplishing defined milestones. For many years the armed services have identified the advantages of multi-mode seeker capabilities.  For well over 40 years multi-mode seekers have been pursued through combinations of SAL, SWIR, IR, IIR, RF, GPS, MMW, etc.  The SAL and SWIR imaging technology loci have the advantage of being usable in a single sensor application, in a manner that does not interfere with the other portions of the sensor.  Until recently, the limitations of Read-out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) components have greatly limited any advances in this field.  Newly minted technologies such as the sensor provided by our hardware partner, Attollo, have created new opportunities via their high data throughputs, and new difficulties due to high pixel counts and the need to remain real-time. GRA’s goal is to work closely with our industry partner to provide a package that will contain the needed hardware, software, and firmware to push new weapons into the modern era.  Algorithms and testing apparatus developed in Phase I will be refined and added to more advanced algorithms during Phase II to create new possibilities for autonomous end-game guidance and control, as well as the potential for automatic target recognition and end-game target selection.