SBIR / STTR #Army SBIR

Army SBIR Solicitation: Staring Infrared Sensor System for Helicopter Pilots

This Army SBIR opportunity seeks innovative solutions for helicopter pilot situational awareness: - Government buyer: Army SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) - OEMs and vendors mentioned: - Lockheed Martin (referenced as current system OEM) - Products/services requested: - Development of a staring infrared sensor system for helicopter pilots - Focus on miniaturizing a high dynamic range, Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) 3K x 3K Focal Plane Array (FPA) into a camera assembly - Integration with the AH-64E helicopter - Replacement of the current Lockheed Martin Pilot Night Vision Sensor (PNVS), which is mechanically gimbaled, with a staring, non-gimbaled sensor - Includes design, integration, performance testing, and delivery of prototype miniaturized cameras - Unique or notable requirements: - Emphasis on reducing latency and cockpit workload, increasing safety - Technology should be suitable for both military and commercial helicopter/maritime applications - No specific part numbers or purchase quantities provided - Set aside for small businesses

Description

The project aims to develop a staring infrared sensor system for helicopter pilots by integrating a high dynamic range, Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) 3K x 3K Focal Plane Array (FPA) into a miniaturized camera assembly suitable for aircraft integration. The system will replace the current mechanically gimbaled sensor on the AH-64E helicopter to reduce latency, decrease cockpit workload, and increase safety by providing simultaneous video streams to pilots. The project includes multiple phases: Phase I focuses on camera design, Phase II on integration with the AH-64E helicopter, and Phase III explores commercial applications in helicopters and maritime sectors. The staring sensor design eliminates moving parts, reducing mechanical wear and increasing sensor range.

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