Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A15-070

Description

To address the Armys need for developing a sensor system that is capable of modeling helicopter locality in three dimensions (3D) to support pilotage and hazard avoidance, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes the Airborne Scanning Transmit and Receive Assembly (ASTRA) system. The system is based on a novel integration of innovative optoelectronic and millimeter wave sensors, which were proven by POC to provide accurate 3D model of locality as well as situational awareness in a degraded visual environments (DVEs). POCs extensive experience in avionic sensors, processing electronics, and system integration will benefit the proposed development. In Phase I, POC will determine technical feasibility of the ASTRA and determine where to place hardware onto the aircraft fuselage for a spherical field of regard with radial 200 m in clear air, matching Army requirements. We will study and propose electrical and mechanical interfaces for ASTRA sensors with wide potential compatibility in modern helicopters. Phase II will concentrate on building 12 prototype sensors with demonstration of sensor installation for a 3D plus time visualization of the scanned locality. We anticipate that at the end of Phase II, ASTRA will reach the technology/manufacturing readiness level (TRL 6/MRL 5) sufficient for testing in DVE.