Compact survey and inspection day/night image sensor suite for small unmanned aircraft systems (EyePod)

Alan Bird; Scott A. Anderson; Dale Linne von Berg; Morgan Davidson; Niel Holt; Melvin Kruer; Michael L. Wilson

doi:10.1117/12.850805

24 April 2010 Compact survey and inspection day/night image sensor suite for small unmanned aircraft systems (EyePod)

Alan Bird, Scott A. Anderson, Dale Linne von Berg, Morgan Davidson, Niel Holt, Melvin Kruer, Michael L. Wilson

Proceedings Volume 7668, Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems and Applications VII; 766809 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.850805
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2010, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

EyePod is a compact survey and inspection day/night imaging sensor suite for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). EyePod generates georeferenced image products in real-time from visible near infrared (VNIR) and long wave infrared (LWIR) imaging sensors and was developed under the ONR funded FEATHAR (Fusion, Exploitation, Algorithms, and Targeting for High-Altitude Reconnaissance) program. FEATHAR is being directed and executed by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in conjunction with the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) and FEATHAR's goal is to develop and test new tactical sensor systems specifically designed for small manned and unmanned platforms (payload weight < 50 lbs). The EyePod suite consists of two VNIR/LWIR (day/night) gimbaled sensors that, combined, provide broad area survey and focused inspection capabilities. Each EyePod sensor pairs an HD visible EO sensor with a LWIR bolometric imager providing precision geo-referenced and fully digital EO/IR NITFS output imagery. The LWIR sensor is mounted to a patent-pending jitter-reduction stage to correct for the high-frequency motion typically found on small aircraft and unmanned systems. Details will be presented on both the wide-area and inspection EyePod sensor systems, their modes of operation, and results from recent flight demonstrations.

Citation Download Citation

Alan Bird, Scott A. Anderson, Dale Linne von Berg, Morgan Davidson, Niel Holt, Melvin Kruer, and Michael L. Wilson "Compact survey and inspection day/night image sensor suite for small unmanned aircraft systems (EyePod)", Proc. SPIE 7668, Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems and Applications VII, 766809 (24 April 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.850805

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