SBIR-STTR Award

StarVision Technologies in partnership with Northrop Grummans navigation systems division (NSD) and Cobhams mission systems group proposes an innovative AAR terminal guidance solution that provides accurate and robust relative navigation in severe environments, extended range for GPS denied scenarios, and can be readily integrated into existing refueling hardware platforms and aircraft relative navigation systems. The proposed VisNav terminal guidance solution mitigates the numerous risks associated with other vision and laser based systems through active eye-safe infra-red beacons placed on the refueling drogue and the refueling pod. Proprietary algorithms are used to detect and provide accurate 3DOF relative navigation information at 100Hz rate. This proposal describes the proposed VisNav sensor system tailored to the AAR terminal guidance problem and defines the technical objectives and associated plan to advance the technology. The result of the proposed Phase I activity will be a detailed VisNav system architecture optimized for the UCAS AAR while delivering high performance and fail-safe operation in diverse conditions. The integration of the VisNav sensor system with the intended aircraft will enhance and extend the envelope of the AAR operations while minimizing system level risks such as HMI.

Benefit:
The proposed sensor system will help Navy in achieving its AAR goals, as well as expand the range of autonomous operations even in GPS denied regions. Other defense applications include ship to ship refueling for unmanned surface vessels, underwater docking, automated logistics convoys, and automated cargo loading/unloading. Commercial applications include proximity navigation systems such as multi-vehicle interaction and robotics.

Keywords:
Relative Navigation, Relative Navigation, vision based navigation, automated aerial refueling, beacons, Drogue