Miniaturization of Hyperspectral Sensors for UAS Applications
ID: A244-030Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Miniaturization of Hyperspectral Sensors for UAS Applications

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2638123

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Miniaturization of Hyperspectral Sensors for UAS Applications" as part of their SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The objective of this topic is to develop a compact, passive, day/night capable hyperspectral sensor that meets Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) requirements for integration into ongoing modernization programs. The sensor should result in cost savings and reductions in weight, power, and volume without sacrificing capability. The sensor payload will be developed for use on smaller Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs).

    Historically, airborne hyperspectral imaging (HSI) systems have been limited to larger aircraft due to heavy and complex optical components, high power consumption, and large ancillary hardware. This limits accessibility and availability.

    The solicitation is accepting Direct to Phase II (DP2) proposals with a cost of up to $2,000,000 for a 24-month period of performance. Proposers interested in submitting a DP2 proposal must provide documentation to substantiate the scientific and technical merit and feasibility equivalent to a Phase I project.

    During Phase II, firms should complete the sensor design, fabricate and test the component, integrate it into a gimbal for final integration onto a Class II or smaller UAS platform, refine the design as necessary, and validate sensor payload performance in a government-run laboratory. They should also define relevant interfaces for integration and lay out a high-level plan for how the component could be integrated into a UAS platform.

    In Phase III, the sensor/gimbal payload should be integrated into a prototype system for field collection. The sensor should be deployed on at least one test event to observe performance and generate quantitative/qualitative sensor performance data.

    The topic references relevant research papers on hyperspectral imaging systems. The keywords for this topic are Hyperspectral, VNIR, SWIR, and LWIR.

    For more information and to submit proposals, visit the DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation page on grants.gov: link.

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