SBIR-STTR Award

Current Hypersonic projectile systems are being developed to collide with an enemy ballistic missile. Cyan Systems has developed very high definition EOIR imagers, that have the potential to create a compact precision strike weapon. The Hypersonic Electro Optical Seeker System (HEOSS) represents a revolutionary capability for Hypersonic Vehicles (HSVs) because of the extreme resolution, sensitivity, and short integration, kilo-hertz window frame rates which enables superior accurate aimpoint required in a very high velocity seeker. In order to successfully develop a compact seeker for Hypervelocity platforms, designs must address key challenges for high resolution, including aero-thermal issues for the seeker and window/aperture, compensation of local turbulence distortion and window heating effects on sensor.

Many challenges exist for implementation of the Hypersonic Electro-Optical Sensor System (HEOSS). Some of these include surviving launch acceleration spike, acoustic resonance of the airframe, performance of the EO/IR seeker with hot dome, and laminar field hot gas as illustrated in Figure 1. Key goals of this program include development of a compact sensor that fits near the front of the projectile to overcome limitations of imaging though turbulence. Cyan Systems will design, analyze, test, and produce two prototype electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) seekers based on Phase I work for demonstration and validation. The prototypes will be delivered at the end of Phase II for testing by the government. Both seekers will undergo extensive testing in the laboratory to characterize overall performance and identify any deviations.