TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Electronics, Ground/Sea Vehicles, Sensors
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 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this technology pursuit is to develop high resolution true color night vision sensors.
DESCRIPTION: The Department of Defense needs true color, high resolution night vision devices for both ground and air based operations. A single sensor that can be used in both day and night is required. Optimally, the sensor would not “bloom” from a bright source in the scene. The waveband of interest is the visible spectrum from approximately 400 – 750 nanometers. The presentation of light should be either true red, green, and blue or alternatively true cyan, magenta, yellow. (The red car must look red, the green tree must look green, and the blue water must look blue). The imagery should be 30 to 60 Hz with latency less than 1 second for fix wing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications. The objective sensitivity is down to clear sky no moon conditions, or 0.001 lux. The threshold sensitivity is clear sky quarter moon, or 0.01 lux. The illumination conditions for both these illuminations is 8 bits of color, or 256 color pallet. The objective is 16 bits of color. The threshold solution is HD720, or HD1280x720. The objective resolution is HD1080, or HD1920x1080. The threshold dynamic range should work from 0.01 lux (quarter moon) to 10^5 lux (sunny day) and at objective 0.001 lux (clear starlight) to 10^5 lux (sunny day). This technology pursuit focuses on a solution for fixed wing operationally relevant ranges.
PHASE I: Conduct a feasibility study to develop color night vision sensors that meet or exceed the performance parameters specified in the above paragraph titled “Description.” The feasibility study should also focus on developing innovative color night vision sensor technologies that:
Determine the range at which a positive Identification of a person can occur.
Determine if a person is armed or not as a function of range.
Operate in both daylight and at night.
Provide true color imaging.
Fit within existing EO/IR gimbals (15”, 20” and 25” gimbals) and in smaller sized gimbals that the offeror determines is feasible.
Use a sensor of at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 to include in performance calculations. TRL 7 is defined as: “System prototyping demonstration in an operational environment (ground or space): System prototyping demonstration in an operational environment. System is at or near scale of the operational system, with most functions available for demonstration and test. Well integrated with collateral and ancillary systems. Limited documentation available.”
Link budgets considering the entire optical train, sensor sensitivity, and radiometric calculations.
Estimate at Video National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale (NIIRS) value estimated as a function of range.
Simulate imagery as a function of range considering the link budgets, optical train, typical targets, Video NIIRS value, and sensor sensitivity.
The overall objective of a USSOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study to investigate what is in the art of the possible within the given trade space that will satisfy a technology need. The feasibility study should investigate all known options that meet or exceed the minimum performance parameters specified in this write up. It should also address the risks and potential payoffs of the innovative technology options that are investigated and recommend the option that best achieves the objective of this technology pursuit. The funds obligated on the resulting Phase I SBIR contracts are to be used for the sole purpose of conducting a thorough feasibility study using scientific experiments and laboratory studies as necessary. Operational prototypes will not be developed with USSOCOM SBIR funds during Phase I feasibility studies. Operational prototypes developed with other than SBIR funds that are provided at the end of Phase I feasibility studies will not be considered in deciding what firm(s) will be selected for Phase II.
PHASE II: Develop, test and demonstrate the color night vision sensor prototype that was determined to be the best solution for SOF aviation applications during Phase I. The sensor will be tested using a 20” gimbal. Ground test comparisons (using existing and low light cameras), a discussion of the reliability of the sensor, and the sensors scalability to be included in smaller and larger gimbals will also be included in Phase II.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Color night vision sensors have numerous applications for ground, air and maritime applications. They are also applicable for law enforcement applications.
REFERENCES:
“Motion Imagery Standards Board Recommended Practice – Video – NIIRS,” MISP RP 0901, dated 15 October 2009: http://www.gwg.nga.mil/misb/docs/rp/RP0901.pdf.
KEYWORDS: Color Night Vision, Aviation
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