Expendable Electro-Optic Infrared Camera System
Navy SBIR FY2005.3


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.3
Topic No.: N05-138
Topic Title: Expendable Electro-Optic Infrared Camera System
Proposal No.: N053-138-0449
Firm: Cloud Cap Technology
PO Box 1500
2621 Wasco Street
Hood River, Oregon 97031
Contact: William Vaglienti
Phone: (541) 387-2120
Web Site: www.cloudcaptech.com
Abstract: Cloud Cap Technology is proposing to develop a stabilized pan tilt zoom camera gimbal system for the Coyote sonobuoy tube launched UAV. Cloud Cap is the maker of the Piccolo autopilot, which is used in many UAV systems, including the prototype of the Coyote. In the spring of 2006 Cloud Cap will introduce a new product, the TASE stabilized pan tilt zoom camera system for small UAVs. TASE is almost small enough to fit in the Coyote as is. Our proposal is to modify the TASE to reduce its cost and size for the Coyote. In addition we also propose, as an option, to develop a combined autopilot and gimbal electronics package in which the autopilot and gimbal controller are a single PCB. This novel approach leverages heavily off of Cloud Cap's proven expertise in autopilots and our existing gimbal product development to deliver an integrated solution that will dramatically reduce the overall size and cost of the electronics of the Coyote.
Benefits: We anticipate two new products to come from this work: the first is a small general purpose stabilized PTZ gimbal to augment our current offering; the second is a highy integrated combined gimbal/autopilot assembly that will be applicable to the sonobuoy tube lauched UAV as well as a wide array of other small footprint UAVs. This combined unit will offer the smallest footprint, highest level of integration and most importantly the lowest cost solution for expendable applications.

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