Real Time Science Data Console for Airborne Instrument Suite
Navy SBIR FY2006.1


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2006.1
Topic No.: N06-080
Topic Title: Real Time Science Data Console for Airborne Instrument Suite
Proposal No.: N061-080-0767
Firm: Sigma Space Corp.
4801 Forbes Boulevard
Lanham, Maryland 20706
Contact: Daniel Reed
Phone: (301) 552-6300
Web Site: www.sigmaspace.com
Abstract: In this proposal, we present a real time data retrieval, fusion, and display system development based on the coherent Doppler lidar suite currently used on the Navy's Center for Interdisciplinary Remotely Piloted Aircraft Studies (CIRPAS) Twin Otter aircraft. The data fusion, processing and display system will provide a powerful tool for making navigational decisions during science flights, and concentrating efforts on regions of interest based on user-customized data visualization formats. Sigma will design a multi-instrument interface capable of command/control and datastream handling across several remote sensors or in situ instruments. We propose the following key innovations in our design approach. -- Fast, real time operating systems, with ruggedized computers for flight -- Built-in expandability to accommodate changing mission requirements or instrumentation for CIRPAS programs -- Use of a reprogrammable (FPGA-based) architecture for unique instrument interface requirements -- User-friendly, convenient, and robust user interfaces for in-flight data evaluation and analysis. Sigma will derive from technologies it has developed for NASA's ER-2 and WB57 airborne lidar data systems to design the real-time science data console during Phase I of this project.
Benefits: The real time multi-instrument data display system offers commercialization potential on multiple fronts. From Sigma's instrumentation experience for ground- air- and space-based remote sensors, this product presents opportunities in research institutions, defense organizations and aviation safety. Based on its low cost, flexible configuration and multi-user support, the system is highly adaptable and can be part of most sensor suite installations. Commercial Aviation: We propose a two-prong approach in commercializing the realtime data system for commercial aviation. Ground based wind sensors (lidars) combined with other instrumentation can be used for horizontal wind profile measurements around air fields and transmit the information to pilots on approach. The other type of installation would be onboard aircraft to report in flight wind conditions during commercial flights to towers handling the respective routes. In both cases, the information transmitted may be images with winds and cloud/aerosol profiles overlayed with maps. This would be the largest commercial opportunity for this type of real time system capable of data fusion and display. DoD, DHS and Related Organizations: The real time system coupled with wind/aerosol sensors such as the existing Coherent lidar onboard the Twin Otter aircraft provides a powerful reconnaissance tool for both surveillance and evacuation purposes in the even of accidents or chemical / biological attacks. The presentation of overlays containing geolocation, wind fields and aerosol transport data enables assessments of industrial disasters, forest fires, and evacuation route decisions. The system can be integrated into existing airborne instrumentation for localized reconnaissance efforts. A significant marketing potential may be envisioned in the Department of Defense, Department of Home Land Security and Department of Agriculture arenas. Research and Development: The real time science data console described in this proposal is designed to be adapted in remote sensing and in situ commonly used in atmospheric studies. The package has direct applications in research aircraft carrying such payloads. Typically, field campaigns are set up to track atmospheric phenomena (frontal passage, bore waves etc) using multiple sensor systems. This system allows for dynamic reassignment of regions of interest based real-time data visualization. The potential customers include research groups such as NASA, DOE, DoD and universities. In its marketing efforts, Sigma will leverage its existing business relationships with remote sensing groups at NASA, DoD and DOE to identify various types of instrumentation and the estimate potential. Following the prototype effort Sigma will expand technology demonstrations to agencies such as FAA to generate interest in sensor-real time suites for both aircraft and air fields. In addition, Sigma will approach private venture capitalists as the product ideas mature and have been demonstrated successfully.

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