TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-264 - Air ASW Systems; PMA-290 - Maritime Patrol and Recon Aircraft

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: Develop an integrated near real-time solution capable of determining the optimal multi-spectral bands for target detection, storing complete mission data, and parsing resultant data and metadata for transmission of hyperspectral imaging system.

DESCRIPTION: The current real time data transmission bandwidth of a hyperspectral imaging system exceeds the volume and weight allowance for data links on small tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). This topic is designed to address the type and amount of data to be transferred to the ground control station in near real-time. It is desired that an automated analysis algorithm tune the hyperspectral output stream for optimum detection of specified target features in the given environment and store the complete data set for post mission analysis on the ground.

The complete system should be low power (<20W), lightweight (less than 4 pounds), robust and provide a high reliability of determining the correct transmission bands for desert, forest, and marine environments on board the UAS. The complete imaging system must be contained in a 4.75 inch diameter by 12 inch in length cylinder or smaller package. The imaging system is envisioned to be comprised of the hyperspectral camera, processing engine, and mass storage device. The existing data link presently handles 30 frames/sec video. A change may be suggested within the military approved operating bands and weight/volume constraints. The spectrum coverage desired is from 350nm to 1.7 micron, with automatic gain control, manual gain control (addressable), selectable bandwidth, feature extraction, and low power.

PHASE I: Determine feasibility of developing an innovative real time data transmission bandwidth of a hyperspectral imaging system. Perform design and analysis, define performance characteristics (including, but not limited to, spatial resolution, spectral resolution, spectral coverage, speed of operation, data transfer requirements, power consumption, and heat dissipation), develop the associated component level electronic circuits, optical configuration, and select the major components for proving the feasibility of the proposed system. Analyze all possible failure mechanisms and estimate sensor reliability, based on the performance of the electrical, optical, and mechanical subsystems.

PHASE II: Design and develop a full-scale prototype imaging system ready for UAS installation and conduct a land-based demonstration that illustrates system performance according to Phase 1 design.

PHASE III: Design and fabricate production prototypes for the Navy on board UAS. Transition technology to the fleet.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The real-time optical band optimized system has the potential of being used by the merchant marine for surveillance and perimeter protection, local authorities for search and rescue operations, and the agriculture community for crop management.

REFERENCES:
1. Peter Bajcsy and Peter Groves, "Methodology for Hyperspectral Band Selection", Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing Journal, Vol. 70, Number 7, July 2004, pp. 793-802.
http://algdocs.ncsa.uiuc.edu/PB-20040701-1.pdf.

2. Steve De Backer, Pieter Kempeneers, Walter Debruyn and Paul Scheunders, "Band Selection for Hyperspectral Remote Sensing".
http://publications.vgt.vito.be/documents/PK/tgars2005.pdf.

KEYWORDS: Hyperspectral; Sensors; Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems; Signal Processing; Optics; IEDs.

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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