SOCOM seeks smaller sensors

A mission systems operator aboard an RC-26B aircraft from the Florida Air National Guard, 125th Fighter Wing, based out of Jacksonville, Fla., conducted preflight inspection of the optics in the sensor turret before a training mission off the coast of Jacksonville, Fla., Jan. 22. The RC-26B is equipped with imaging and communications equipment to assist law enforcement with reconnaissance and tracking of illegal drug traffickers and drug cultivation activity in addition to the ability to provide necessary support during natural disasters and national special security events. Photo by Sgt. Lalita Laksbergs, National Guard Counterdrug Public Affairs.

Special Operations Command (SOCOM) wants to pack more ISR sensors in aircraft turrets.

More specifically, SOCOM wants a 15-inch turret to have the sensor capabilities of a 20-inch turret, thus saving on weight and power requirements.

“One solution to increase range and enhance resolution on ISR platforms is to miniaturize, repackage and rearrange internal components of current 20-inch turrets in a 15-inch form factor turret,” said the SOCOM research proposal.

Resource: Read the SBIR Solicitation

“Another approach is to replace 15-inch sensor components (arrays, sensor materials, integrated electronics, etc.) with emerging technologies that have enhanced properties or remove the need for other components. A third approach may include adding components, or processing capability, that increases resolution/interpretability.”

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Possible solutions include electronics, mechanical gimbals, innovative hardware layouts, and real-time post-processing for image enhancement and transmission.