DAF26BZ02-DV011 — Three Axis Stabilized Environmentally Sealed Infrared Search and Track Payload
Award Maximum: $2,000,000 Period of Performance: 24 months Phase Type: Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2)
OBJECTIVE: Develop a low cost, size, weight, and power (C-SWaP) environmentally sealed pointing and stabilization solution for infrared search and track (IRST) payload for Group 2/3 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to support detection and tracking of small UAS (sUAS) at extended range.
DESCRIPTION: Small UAS (sUAS) pose a threat to both deployed U.S. forces and military bases. Traditional methods for detection, tracking and identification include acoustics, radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) cameras, which tend to be deployed from ground sites. Airborne sensors can supplement these ground systems by providing forward-deployed surveillance and/or terrain relief.
Current state-of-the-art (SoA) IRST sensors have been developed for use on large platforms (e.g., fighters, bombers, group 4/5 UAS) to support detection and tracking against similar large platforms. Similar design concepts would be applicable for group 2/3 UAS, but at significantly reduced C-SWaP. Many commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) gimbals exist for group 2/3 UAS that are equipped with IR payloads, typically midwave infrared (MWIR) or uncooled longwave infrared cameras (LWIR). However, the IR payloads are typically optimized for surface surveillance missions, which prioritize spatial resolution and generally only provide two axis pointing & stabilization. The third axis, roll, is uncompensated and dependent on how steady the UAS can fly. Uncompensated roll will degrade IRST performance and increase computational burden to remove motion artifacts.
This effort seeks a three-axis stabilized sealed IRST payload to handle directional pointing and pitch/roll/yaw stabilization suitable for use on Group 2/3 UAS. Sealed refers to an IP54 rating to keep the optomechanical pointing/stabilization and sensor protected against dust and water. The sealed system shall compensate for UAV motion due to gusts, turbulence, and platform jitter. This effort will include both hardware and software approaches to provide a complete pointing and stabilization sealed payload package. An off-the-shelf gimbal or mature prototype is expected to be used as a starting point for the design. The sealed system shall provide the raw sensor data at 60 frames per second over Ethernet, command and control of the sensor, provide accurate line-of-sight pointing data, and on-gimbal inertial measurement.
Key performance parameters for the system include: Size: 700 cubic inches (T), 500 cubic inches (O) Weight: 14 lbs (T), 7 lbs (O) Power: 200 watts (T), 25 watts (O) Cost: 150K (T), 100K (O) Additional specs to be provided after award
Government provided sensor payload parameters: Sensor Power: 12 watts Sensor Size (nominal): 4"x4"x7", where 7" is along optical axis. Sensor Weight: 2lbs
PHASE I: As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made as a result of this topic. To qualify for this D2P2 topic, the Air Force expects the applicant(s) to demonstrate feasibility by means of a prior "Phase I-type" effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior or ongoing SBIR/STTR funding agreement. Applicant(s) should provide documentation demonstrating a clear understanding of ability to leverage current COTS 2 axis mechanical stabilization gimbals in a similar SWaP constraint the topic requires.
PHASE II: Perform detailed design of the three-axis pointing/stabilization system. Conduct a Critical Design Review. Build a prototype three-axis pointing/stabilization sealed system with payload. Provide all safety of flight data required by USAF and/or FAA authorities. Evaluate performance in laboratory (T), tower (T), motion base (O). A tower test location will be provided by the Government.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: System integrated onto a flight ready platform to collect imagery for further analysis.