Testing of LWIR Cameras in a Degraded Visual Environment

M2730 — CH-53K Affordable Modular LWIR Camera

Objective

There is a need for imaging systems that provide improved visual capability and
decreased operational risk during flight in Degraded Visual Environments (DVE).
This project will primarily focus on dust (brownout conditions) generated during the
final phase of landing in the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter. Current DVE imaging
systems use Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) or other light-based systems that
are expensive and only provide minimal visibility in obscured environments (typically
two times the human visibility range under the same conditions). These light-based
systems rely on long-distance imaging to create, see, and remember terrain mapping.
Recently, high-sensitivity, cooled Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) sensors have been
developed for optimized performance in brownout conditions. These LWIR sensor
systems have not been tested in the anticipated dust densities that will be generated
during the approach and landing phase of the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter. The
objective of this project is to evaluate the newly developed LWIR technology and to
measure the camera’s performance in a simulated dust-degraded environment.

Payoff

This project will identify new technologies capable of improving the performance of
rotorcraft operating in degraded brownout environments. A reusable test plan and a
set of procedures that can be employed for technical risk reduction and evaluation of
future new and improved sensor systems for the CH-53K platform will be developed.
A software model that can be used as new sensor technologies are developed will
quickly establish a baseline for a sensor and compare its performance to existing
sensor technologies. A model that simulates sensor system performance in DVE
brownouts that is operational and verified against the data collected during field
testing will be delivered to PMA-261. This model will enable low-cost performance
evaluation of newly developed sensor systems. The project will define LWIR sensor
performance metrics and establish requirements to help PMA-261 develop a vision
system capable of operating in the DVE for the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter.

Implementation

The primary transition platform for this project is the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter.
The software model and data obtained during this effort will be utilized to develop
the specifications for sensor systems that will be deployed on the CH-53K. The
plan is to develop a flexible model that can be tailored to different candidate sensor
systems, facilitating cost savings for the selection of the appropriate sensor for
multiple applications and programs. Candidate applications will be explored as part
of this project, with recommendations for additional transition and implementation
opportunities in FY21.