Networked Autonomous Wide-Area EO-IR Surveillance systems are high performance video imaging systems that span the visible, near infrared, short-wave infrared, mid-wave infrared, and millimeter wave spectral regions. They provide wide-area surveillance and target identifi cation capability for surface, underwater, tactical air, shore based, and UAV platforms.
Video is generated by specialized integrated circuit imaging chips that are analogous to those used in consumer market digital video cameras. Instead of the standard silicon CCD or CMOS imager employed in the consumer market devices, these EO-IR cameras utilize highly specialized photon detectors tuned to spectral bands that provide signatures of unique interest for military applications. The imaging chips are coupled with innovative optical systems that provide either very wide fields of view for surveillance and situational awareness or narrow fields of view for target identification. The information is processed in real time by embedded processors and transmitted over RF, optical, and wired networks.
This technology will provide the warfighter with:
Remote access to high quality real-time video and autonomously derived threat information—enhancing wide-area situational awareness at all levels of command
The ability to survey large areas continuously—providing an accurate contextual basis for both individual and coordinated swarm threats, and enabling integration with other information sources for a complete operating picture of an engagement