Compact Gimbaled Broadband Hyperspectral Imaging System

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), working with Ascendant Engineering Solutions (AES), will develop a 5 gimbal payload equipped with full motion video (FMV) and a hyperspectral imaging sensor (HSI), capable of staring mode observation, that operates in the visible, near-infrared, and shortwave-infrared (VNIR/SWIR). The gimbal payload design is well aligned for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions from common Launch Tube-deployed Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) in support of tactical off-board sensing (TOBS). The Phase I effort developed an HSI design capable of achieving Air Force requirements for spectral resolution, field-of view scan rate, and signal-to-noise. An imager was identified that can achieve full color FMV capability approaching NIIRS-7. A conceptual layout of the FMV/HSI payload components indicates the design is compatible with a 5 gimbal system for a Common Launch Tube-deployed SUAS. In this program a fieldable FMV/HSI payload will be developed. The system prototype will be evaluated through local outdoor testing and tower testing. At the end of this program, a FMV/HSI payload will have been developed and validated, that enables hyperspectral staring-mode surveillance during ISR missions.