Goodrich is demonstrating its shortwave infrared (SWIR) sensor package for unmanned air vehicles - a miniaturized version of the SYERS II camera carried by USAF Lockheed U-2s for the past two decades and declassified five years ago.
SWIR is adjacent to the visual spectrum, which means the battlefield or individuals can be observed in reflected light rather than using thermal imaging.
"You see people looking pretty much the way they do, but in low light conditions from a stealthy location," says Ed Hart, vice president and general manager at Goodrich ISR Systems Princeton. "You can see through the atmosphere extremely well. It allows light to penetrate atmospherics, be it dust, moisture, fog or clouds."
The U-2's SWIR sensor requires cryogenic cooling, but the latest Goodrich system is uncooled and weighs just 3.5oz. This will be reduced to just 0.35oz for the smallest UAVs, says Hart.
Another benefit is that SWIR cameras "see all the lasers used on the battlefield as if they were a flashlight beam, whether it's a targeting laser, pointing laser or beacon," he says. "You can imagine a lot of military concepts of operation in which that plays an important role."
Hart will not reveal specific UAV applications, although "we are flying on some UAVs today. Anything with wings and a propeller can carry our sensor."
Goodrich's exhibit features a hands-on display of a SWIR camera integrated into a stabilized microgimbal.
Source: Flight Daily News
