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Multifunction Wind Measurement Sensor

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: F33615-01-M-3132
Agency Tracking Number: 011VA-1442
Amount: $99,921.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2001
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
1050 Highland Drive, Suite E
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
United States
DUNS: 969868298
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Peter Tchoryk, Jr
 Director Business Develop
 (734) 975-8777
 ptchoryk@michiganaerospace.com
Business Contact
 Paul Hays
Title: President
Phone: (734) 975-8777
Email: hays@michiganaerospace.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The application identified by the Air Force requires a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system that can help in the launch, flight and recovery of Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs). This Multifunction Wind Measurement Sensor (MWiMS) will have ashort-range function (less than 50m) that allows it to act as an aircraft air data system and a long-range function that allows it to profile winds from 1-10km ahead of the vehicle. The proposed Michigan Aerospace MWiMS is an optical air measurement systemthat has the unique features of being able to operate in clear air (i.e., no aerosols), uses a sensing aperture that is flush-mounted to the vehicle's skin, and has the size, weight, and power characteristics that make it feasible for air and space use.Our systems will take advantage of aerosols when present, but do not rely solely upon aerosols. Michigan Aerospace has developed several direct detection LIDAR systems (both ground- and aircraft-based) and will use that experience along with extensiveknowledge in this field to propose a design for the MWiMS. In addition, hardware-in-the-loop tests of critical aspects of the proposed system will be demonstrated in this Phase I using these existing LIDAR systems.The measurement of wind velocity and otheratmospheric parameters (e.g., pressure and temperature) has application to a number of critical military, civil space/aerospace and weather forecasting operations. One of the technical objectives of the RLV program is to enable the integration of newtechnologies. MWiMS could provide performance, safety and reliability advantages that could eventually translate into lower recurring flight costs; one of the primary goals of the RLV program. Use of MWiMS as an air data system has application to RLVflight operations in the lower atmosphere as well as to high dynamics aircraft, especially stealth aircraft requiring a low radar cross section. The multiple-use of MWiMS as a wind shear, gust alleviation, clear air turbulence sensor would greatly expandthe market potential into the commercial airline realm.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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