Advanced EO sensor for multi-mission USN/USMC UAVs

A multi-channel time series imaging system is being designed, constructed and evaluated for providing unique spectral polarimetric imaging data for ONR programs that are developing advanced algorithms for littoral warfare ISR. Twelve channels of data are collected simultaneously from an aircraft in a temporal imaging mode. The design is based on the success of the Airborne Remote Optical Spotlight System (AROSS) and its four-channel successor, the spectral AROSS-MC. The information provided by splitting the imaged scene into fully parallel spectral and polarimetric data while maintaining full spatial and temporal simultaneity will provide a number of unique physics-based advantages. Littoral warfare missions to benefit from the algorithms based on these data are improved oceanographic characterization of the VSW and surf, improved wave amplitude retrievals, improved detection of low-contrast targets such as subsurface navigation hazards including mines, and improved detection of targets on land. In addition, a whole new class of applications is enabled, including the ability to detect and track signatures of subsurface turbulence, thereby providing data for retrieving water currents in sheltered rivers and estuaries. This will assist an additional class of users including Navy SEALS and Special Operations Forces, and coastal government agencies such as NOAA, USGS and USACE.