Laser Periscope Detection

Detection of small objects on the ocean surface as a part of ASW at long stand-off distances is an ongoing need of the Navy. Current Periscope Detection Radar systems lack the spatial resolution needed to detect small objects, have large SWaP, and are not suitable for smaller aircraft and rotorcraft. Alternatively, LIDAR systems exist which have high spatial resolution and long operating ranges, but suffer from low scan rates, and therefore limited scan areas. Lastly, in order to achieve high probability of detection and low false-alarm rates, means to discriminate the hard return signal from a periscope or buoy from that of waves are required. To address this need, SA Photonics proposes the development of our HawkEye LIDAR system. HawkEye utilizes Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA) fiber-based, wide band supercontinuum laser system that enables high probability of detection, discrimination from the surface return and the ability to scan a larger region of interest. The HawkEye system is a complete LIDAR detection system with built-in beam scanning, gimbal control capabilities and high sensitivity digital receiver. The Hawkeye system has low SWAP and is compatible with typical turrets deployed on MH-60 and P8.