The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking innovative solutions for the development of a miniature visible-band video camera designed for integration into afterburner probes, hypersonic propulsion systems, and combustion-driven test facilities. The objective is to create a camera technology that meets stringent specifications for size, optical quality, and frame rates, enabling enhanced performance evaluation and monitoring of turbine engine augmentors and hypersonic systems. This opportunity is critical for advancing the capabilities of existing probe technologies, as current camera options do not meet the necessary requirements for harsh operational environments. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on January 8, 2025, with applications due by February 5, 2025. For further details, please visit the official source link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## Description

AEDC develops and implements multi-purpose probes that are inserted into the hot, high speed, exhaust streams of gas turbine engines and hypersonic systems in order to measure pressure, temperature, velocity, species concentrations, and other performance characteristics. In particular, development of camera viewing probes has allowed unprecedented optical access to the turbine engine augmentors but current needs far exceed the capability of available visual (400-700 nm) camera technologies. Camera technologies are unavailable that meet the requirements for size, form factor, optical quality and frame rates for embedding into probes used in combustion system performance evaluation, health monitoring and diagnosis. Camera technologies are required that meet the specifications below:Design Characteristic Threshold Objective Stretch Goals----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Number of pixels 1280 x 960 1600 X 1200 2048 X 2048Frame Rate 60 fps global shutter 100 fps, global shutter 1000 fps, global shutterForm factor Cylindrical Cylindrical CylindricalOuter Diameter 0.25 inches 0.125 inches 0.10 inchesLength 2.0 inches 1.5 inches 1.5 inchesPerformance Life 1000 hours at relevant 1000 hours at relevant 1000 hours at relevantconditions conditions conditions Video Interface Proprietary Interface Network Camera Interface Network Camera InterfaceSynchronization None Two cameras synchronization Multiple camera synchronizationRemote Operation Local Computer Operation over remote link Operation over remote link Ethernet link link Ethernet linkLens Fixed Lens Variable Focal Length or Remotely Focused &amp; Zoomed LensesInterchangeable Fixed Lenses Innovative development techniques will be required to achieve the required form factor, size, and camera performance. The innovative camera technologies will replace existing small diameter NTSC cameras that do not meet these specifications. The camera technology must be remotely controlled over an Ethernet or equivalent data link. Since the cameras will be embedded into probes inserted into the extremely harsh environment of augmented engine exhaust flows and hypersonic flows, the camera must be rugged and robust (vibrationally insensitive for internal probe temperatures up to 160 &ordm;F). Remote manual adjustments over shutter speeds and gains must also be available.

## Objective

To develop a miniature visual-video camera technology with the advanced form factor and optical performance for embedding into small, water-cooled probes for evaluating and monitoring turbine engine augmentor performance, hypersonic propulsion systems, and combustion driven test facilities.

## Phase I

Develop a proof of principal camera technology design capable of satisfying all objective requirements. A laboratory demonstration that the prototype components meet the vibrational and temperature requirements for extended periods of time (2 hours) is desirable.

## Phase II

Develop and a prototype camera system satisfying all objective requirements and demonstrate the camera performance in a relevant environment for 100 hours, or until failure. Sequentially produce and evaluate four more working prototype systems incorporating lessons learned into the following prototype system to achieve a sufficiently robust and reliable camera technology that meets all objective requirements and/or stretch goals.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Formalize the production process and design the appropriate machinery/infrastructure to support full-scale commercial production.

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