Spectrum Photonics seeks to develop a compact multi-mode sensor for deployment in a 5" gimbal on Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS) to enable intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance (ISR) applications in contested environments. The multi-mode sensor will feature both broadband thermal and long wave infrared (LWIR) hyperspectral sensors. The envisioned sensors will operate at a slant range of 1500 feet and an altitude of 200 feet or higher. The broadband thermal sensor will feature NIIRS-6 quality imagery and the LWIR hyperspectral sensor will feature sufficient sensitivity and spectral resolution to detect a range of military targets of interest. In Phase I of this project, Spectrum will define the hardware requirements and complete the preliminary design for a NIIRS-6-capable 5â thermal infrared gimbal with an imaging spectrometer covering the LWIR portion of the spectrum, including stabilization, optics, and a focal plane array.
