Enhanced Detect and Avoid Optical Sensing for Urban Air Mobility

Circle Optics proposes a NASA SBIR Phase II project to build, flight test, and deliver, a 7-channel visible DAA visor system. This system would use Sony IMX530 sensors and provide staring type imaging over a plusmn; 112-degree horizontal FOV, with a plusmn; 15-degree vertical FOV, to support a detection range of ~ 3.8 Nm. At the beginning of the Phase II project, Circle Optics would confer with the NASA TPOC to account for any changes or new information that has occurred in the interim, whether at NASA, Circle Optics, or in the emerging industry.nbsp; Circle Optics would then complete the lens design and lens barrel design and order the custom optics. In parallel, Circle Optics would complete the system mechanical design, including for camera channel alignment and mounting, vibration isolation, electronics support, and ownship mounting. Circle Optics would complete the development of the data path and imaging software, to enable the output of tracked bogey aircraft data to the Detect and Avoid (DAA) analysis software.nbsp; These efforts would converge on the assembly and testing of the cameras and integrated visor system, first in the lab, and then initial in-flight testing at Griffiss Airport in Rome, NY.nbsp; Circle Optics would then deliver to NASA, a completed visor system, supporting test data, an operations manual, and final reports on system performance and paths forward.