Hyperspectral SWIR sensors from Headwall selected for U.S. Navy UAVs
Fitchburg, MA–High Efficiency Hyperspec SWIR (Short-wave, Infrared) sensors from Headwall Photonics, designer and manufacture of hyperspectral imaging sensors, were selected for airborne applications by the U.S. Navy. With a spectral range from 950 to 2500 nm, the hyperspectral sensors underwent rigorous performance testing at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to establish reliable hyperspectral sensor payloads for unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs).
Headwall says that hyperspectral imaging is a critical sensing technology that identifies an object within the field of view of the sensor based on the target’s chemical “fingerprint” or spectral signature rather than relying solely on visual appearance. Based on a patented sensor design, Headwall’s High Efficiency Hyperspec sensors are specifically designed for high spectral and spatial imaging in very harsh airborne operating environments, and are optimized for high signal-to-noise performance and light in weight for airborne deployment.
The Headwall High Efficiency Hyperspec SWIR sensor recently passed a very demanding set of hyperspectral performance tests instituted by the program team at NRL to ensure that the sensor would meet technical objectives. Specific tests were devised for spectral resolution, spatial resolution, and MTF performance.
“We are excited that NRL selected the High Efficiency Hyperspec platform for their airborne program,” said David Bannon, CEO of Headwall Photonics. “Our hyperspectral sensor platform has played a key role at NRL for quite a few years now–ranging from the deployment of the NRL Ocean PHILLS sensor to the Navy’s Project Warhorse to more recent deployments.”
Headwall’s High Efficiency Hyperspec sensors are common off-the-shelf (COTS) products available in the following spectral regions: UV 250-600 nm; VNIR 380-1000 nm; extended VNIR 550-1700 nm; NIR 900-1700 nm; and SWIR 950-2500 nm, with information on MWIR and LWIR models available on request.
