Non-Mechanical LADAR for Improving The Helicopter Pilot's Situational Awareness in Reduced Visual Cue Environments Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Topic No.: N08-138 Topic Title: Non-Mechanical LADAR for Improving The Helicopter Pilot's Situational Awareness in Reduced Visual Cue Environments Proposal No.: N082-138-0914 Firm: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc. 135 E. Ortega Street Santa Barbara, California 93101 Contact: Bradley Short Phone: (805) 966-3331 Abstract: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc. (ASC) has developed non-mechanical LADAR imagers based on its patented array technology. Flash LADAR Video Cameras (FLVC) output 128x128 3D point clouds at video rates. The LADAR sensing that ASC has been pursuing is directly in-line with the approach and form-factor needed to enable helicopter landing in reduced visibility. The proposed effort will leverage the current development work ASC has ongoing with iRobot and NASA, with a focus on producing a helicopter mounted 3D LADAR system for Brown-Out. Phase I will produce the models, requirements and preliminary design concepts to produce a robust Phase II prototype. In Phase II ASC will develop a prototype LADAR sensor that will scalable and robust. This compact lightweight sensor will be suitable for demonstration on a helicopter. The sensor will provide real-time point clouds with refresh rates up to 20 Hz. The laser will be eye-safe(1.57um) and require no scanning. Benefits: ASC is very involved in the Autonomous Vehicle community (air, ground and sea) and development of Future Combat System. The camera developed under the proposed program will be the first step towards a commercial collision avoidance system since it will be compact, lightweight, and can potentially be made much more cost effective than the existing Portable FLVC camera. ASC is also developing landing sensors for space applications. ASC has developed, designed, and fabricated multiple commercial and military 3D products. Over 50 systems have been delivered to various commercial and government agencies. The proposed development would add to the applicability of this technology, and reduce the overall cost. Return