N092-114 TITLE: Joint Multi-Mission Electro-Optic System(JMMES) for UAV Platforms

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Sensors, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-266, Navy and Marine Corps Multi-mission Tactical Unmanned Air Systems

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a light weight electro-optic sensor system incorporating the capabilities of the Joint Multi-Mission Electro-Optics System (JMMES) for deployment on a Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV).

DESCRIPTION: The current JMMES is used for the detection of small surface and subsurface targets in a range of sea states. The JMMES system consists of several optical sensors mounted in a turret based system. The turret based system provides both sensor pointing and image stabilization for the mounted sensors. The current sensor suite consists of: visible spectrum color camera, a MW infrared camera, an ISR camera, a low light level camera, and an eye-safe laser range finder. The JMMES also provides for the storage and processing electronics required to allow simultaneous operation of all sensors and the integration into the platform’s overall sensor suite.

The requirement to incorporate a similar capability on a UAV presents a considerable challenge in the area of weight reduction. The target weight for the UAV sensor suite is 10 lbs. This is an over ten to one weight reduction over the current JMMES. In order to accomplish this weight reduction, the current turret based implementation for sensor pointing and image stabilization cannot be considered. Advances in image stabilization technologies, image signal processing electronics and optical systems allow the possibility of a considerable overall system weight reduction.

The proposed effort will develop and incorporate technologies which will provide the overall performance of the JMMES within the ten pound weight limit.

PHASE I: Design a system that incorporates enabling technology principles and component designs and relate the results to the implementation of a light weight electro-optical sensor system through the use of modeling, analysis, empirical testing or construction. The results of the investigation must address technology risks and include a technology optimization path and system design that will provide a guide to Phase II activity.

PHASE II: Utilize the findings established in Phase I to develop, construct and test a proof of concept design of the enabling technology and demonstrate it as a light weight electro-optical system with JMMES capabilities.

PHASE III: Complete development and qualification of the light weight electro-optic sensor system and transition to a UAV program. Additional military applications include reconnaissance, targeting, guidance, and near covert operations support.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: This system could provide useful information to a variety of industry areas including security, remote sensing, biomedical imaging, environmental and agricultural monitoring, pollution monitoring, navigation, and law enforcement.

REFERENCES:
1. Teare, S. W. & Restaino, S. R. (2006). Introduction to Image Stabilization (SPIE Tutorial Texts in Optical Engineering Vol. TT73).

2. WESCAM MX-15, Product Overview, L-3 Wescam, 103 West North St, Healdsburg, Ca 95448.

3. JMMES Public release Briefing, NAVAIR 3Mar08, PDF version available On SITIS.

KEYWORDS: Sensor; Electro-optics; Joint Multi-Mission Electro-Optics System (JMMES); Image Stabilization; Image Signal Processing; Optical Systems

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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