SUAS-Mountable Multi-Spectral Photomechanical Imager

Agiltron will demonstrate a low-SWAP (size, weight, and power) multi-spectral imager based on our proven photomechanical IR imaging technology where an LWIR scene is transduced into a visible signal and optically readout by a visible CMOS or CCD imager. The multi-spectral photomechanical imager that will be developed in this program will provide imaging capability in four different wavebands—the visible, NIR, SWIR, and LWIR—by extending the capability of its optical readout architecture to capture multiple wavebands and optically fuse them onto a single imager. This will enable the Air Force SWAP and resolution objectives for a multi-spectral imager to be met for the first time. BENEFIT: Advanced thermal camera technologies will play increasing roles in future military systems. Thermal cameras are the key component for military surveillance, night vision, target identification, and countermeasures. The proposed low-SWAP multi-spectral imager development program represents a major technology breakthrough, facilitating wide use of these highly capable imagers in military applications. In particular, the proposed novel approach will find immediate use in equipping SUAS platforms, such as the RQ-11B Raven, to grant the warfighter all-location, all-condition imaging. The multi-spectral imagers can also be deployed as helmet-mounted tactical sensors for infantry soliders, thermal weapon sights, replacements for image intensifier tubes in night vision goggles, and driver’s vision enhancement sensors. Targeted DoD end user agencies include the Army, Air Force, Marines, and SOCOM.