ElectroOptic Sensors

Matt McKeeverJonathan Baker

UAV Design Team10/26/2006

http://www.imaging1.com/images/j1022-18.jpghttp://idahohelicopters.com/images/flir/kelvin275gimbal.jpg

Surveillance & Reconnaissance

Used on manned and unmanned aircraft

http://www.notbored.org/MQ1-predator.jpg http://www.efn.uncor.edu/dep/aero/Imagenes/Sr71_2.jpg

Surveillance & Reconnaissance

Monitor large areas for activity

http://www.notbored.org/UAV.html

Surveillance & Reconnaissance

Take high definition shots of an area

http://www.spyflight.co.uk/IMAGES/JPGS/UAVs/Global%20Hawk.jpg

Infrared Imaging Infrared wavelengths span from 750nm to 1mm Useful for targeting heat emitting bodies

People, vehicles, occupied buildings

http://mvh.sr.unh.edu/mvhtools/images/irdiagram.png

http://www.opgal.com/infrared.php

http://www.flir.com/imaging//Airborne/Applications/BorderPatrol.aspx

IR Imaging IR camera types:

Cooled detectors – Vacuum sealed and cryogenically cooled to around 80 K to avoid self radiation

flooding Heavy and very expensive

Uncooled detectors – Stabilized at ambient temperature Cheaper, smaller, and lighter

Generally, sensors only respond to a single narrow IR wavelength range producing a monochromatic image.

IR camera systems vary greatly in weight and size, from less than 1lb to more than 50 lb.

Most medium sized systems require 18-32V and consume 200W-650W

http://www.flir.com/imaging//Airborne/Applications/UAV.aspx http://www.1stoppostershop.com/products/Impact/Planes/

Night Vision

Increase situational awareness

HUD compatible Converts weak light

from the visible and near-infrared spectrum to visible light

http://www.es.northropgrumman.com/es/eos/PDF_Data_Sheets/ANAVS6V3.pdf

Stereoscopic Imaging

Two cameras spaced apart and focused at the same object

Gives a 3D effect when the images are combined

Can be used to estimate height of vegetation or structures

Ratio of camera-to-camera distance and camera-to-subject distance needs to be greater than 1/400 to retain stereoscopic effects.

Greater than 1/80 is ideal

http://www.khai.edu/eng/niipfm/images/strizhm-pic.jpg

Onboard and Exterior Monitoring

Monitor passengers

http://www.hokiesports.com/respect/

Onboard and Exterior Monitoring

Evaluate surroundings

http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/systemSafety/newsletters/tp7317/1-01/302.htm

Future Developments

Cameras in refueling drogues Commercial airliners with interior and

exterior cameras Lighter weight and higher definition

cameras Integration into UAV’s for lower cost

Thoughts on Design

Weight is not much of a concern on larger aircraft

Camera requires a solid mounting location that allows for a wide field of view

Space required in cockpit for related electronics and displays

ElectroOptic components must be selected carefully for UAV’s and small aircraft

ElectroOptics and Design Teams

AIAA: Possible integration of general surveillance and reconnaissance

technologies along with onboard and exterior monitering.

HPA: No real need for ElectroOptic sensors Must be able to shave as much weight as possible

UAV: Platform is designed and built around advanced imagery

technologies, including ElectroOptic sensors. Space and payload are very limited A stable aircraft is desired for aerial photography

Conclusion

Increased safety to the aviation community

Accounts for most of UAV missions

Allows for increased ability for aircraft operating in non-ideal conditions

http://www.engsoc.carleton.ca/~biffs/GR/Screens/April_7_2004/Heli1.jpg

References

http://www.es.northropgrumman.com/es/eos/products.htm http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0UBT/is_23_17/ai_102927754/pg_1 http://www.flir.com http://www.notbored.org/UAV.html http://www.raytheon.com http://www.stereoscopy.com http://www.wikipedia.org/