Advanced Coherent Technologies LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: N092-114

Description

Over the past several years Advanced Coherent Technologies (ACT) developed a series of small, modular, multichannel EO/IR gimbals suitable for use on small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Marketed commercially as the EYE-5xx series, the systems provide real-time actionable intelligence to operational forces using airborne hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and multispectral imaging (MSI) sensors. In addition, ACT developed an airborne power supply and image processing unit for use with the turrets to provide a fully integrated system solution that provides real-time spectral processing and target identification in the size, weight and power (SWaP) required for deployment on the RQ-21A STUAS. The turreted, modular, multi-mission system (TUMMS) enables the user to select from a suite of EYE-5xx gimbals and quickly install the payload that best satisfies the specific mission requirements. One purpose of the current effort is to conduct demonstrations of TUMMS to provide visibility of system capabilities to operational forces. Another purpose is to expand the capabilities of TUMMS by capitalizing on its modular nature to quickly add features and missions, such as; adding a target designation capability; further maturation of the wide area mapping and imagery (WAMI) functionality; and the ability to support third-party turrets with complementary electronic and/or optical capabilities. Lastly, ACT will develop next-generation designs to reduce the SWaP of TUMMS to increase flight duration and/or allow for inclusion of multiple simultaneous payloads.