Helicopter-borne dual-color dual FPA system

Abstract

Analysis and optimization of camouflage and the development of countermeasures requires careful examination of infrared signatures in the MWIR (3 – 5 µm) and LWIR (8 – 14 µm) atmospheric windows. A dual band infrared camera system based on two FPA detectors (640 x 512 pixels) was developed for simultaneous infrared image acquisition in the MWIR and LWIR spectral range, the Dual-Band FP A640 Aero „Clementine“. For the camera system most recent quantum well infrared photo detector (QWIP) and MCT technologies are utilized. The system is designed for a helicopter-borne stabilized platform. It is equipped with two f=100 mm motorized IR lenses with identical fields of view. The image data are transmitted via optical fibers from the camera system to the CompactPCI based computing unit. The computing unit performs non-uniformity correction and digital IR video recording to hard disk drives at full 14 bit dynamic resolution. GPS data are recorded simultaneously. During flight the camera system is operated with a compact remote display and control panel on which the live images are displayed. Sophisticated software permits overlay of MWIR and LWIR images of recorded IR videos with various algorithms. The system is prepared for upgrading with a third FPA detector covering the SWIR atmospheric window in the spectral range 1.3 – 2.5 µm. In the presentation an overview of the system specifications are given. First experiences with helicopter-borne operation are reported. helicopter, air-borne, Clementine