In-flight MTF characterization for high-resolution multispectral MCM reconnaissance

Michael James DeWeert; Carrie L. Leonard; Leon Atkinson-Derman; Eric Louchard; Michael Hearne; Andrew Sparks

doi:10.1117/12.512808

5 November 2003 In-flight MTF characterization for high-resolution multispectral MCM reconnaissance

Michael James DeWeert, Carrie L. Leonard, Leon Atkinson-Derman, Eric Louchard, Michael Hearne, Andrew Sparks

Proceedings Volume 5155, Ocean Remote Sensing and Imaging II; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.512808
Event: Optical Science and Technology, SPIE's 48th Annual Meeting, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Science and Technology International (STI) has developed a six-band multispectral imager optimized for surf-zone reconnaissance and mine countermeasures (MCM). Airborne surf-zone MCM requires both accurate spectral imaging and high spatial resolution. Vibration and aircraft motion degrade the image quality. However weight, volume and power constraints preclude stabilized operation of the cameras. Thus, the MTF needs to be measured in flight to insure it meets the resolution requirements. We apply the slanted-edge MTF method to the in-flight characterization of airborne high-resolution cameras, analyzing images of orthogonal slanted edges to estimate the motion and vibration contributions to the MTF, and show that the system exceeds the resolution requirements for surf-zone MCM. We also develop a methodology for scaling to other altitudes and speeds, and show that the system will perform well throughout its operational envelope. The slanted-edge method is more accurate and reproducible than the alternative of placing MTF bar targets under the aircraft flight path. Further, the slanted-edge targets are easier to deploy and recover, and ease the navigation tolerances.

Citation Download Citation

Michael James DeWeert, Carrie L. Leonard, Leon Atkinson-Derman, Eric Louchard, Michael Hearne, and Andrew Sparks "In-flight MTF characterization for high-resolution multispectral MCM reconnaissance", Proc. SPIE 5155, Ocean Remote Sensing and Imaging II, (5 November 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.512808

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