nVision Technology Inc. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: A12-103

Description

The Phase II prototype will utilize the active wind measurement technique investigated and proven in the Phase I effort that uses information regarding the signal intensity and phase information of the laser return. A risk-mitigated development effort is proposed that modifies an OEM LRF module to incorporate specific changes required for wind measurement. Through these modifications, the average wind speed along the path as well as the wind direction will be directly measured. The prototype is envisioned to have a form factor and size smaller than the current STORM laser rangefinder and include appropriate alignment lasers for daytime and night time operations, atmospheric sensors, and a ballistics computer and display. It is expected that the sensor will weigh no more than 1.5 lbs will not occupy a volume larger than 0.7 liters and will operate off of two (2) CR123 batteries. The prototype will be capable of measuring wind speeds to within +/- 0.5 m/s for wind speeds between 0 and 10 m/s and within 10% of the wind magnitude for speeds up to 20 m/s.