Headwall Micro-Hyperspec Sensor Provides Precision Hyperspectral Imaging for NAVAIR UAV Program

As a result of tactical hyperspectral sensor trials with small military UAVs, Headwall Photonics has received a follow-on contract for program deployment of its Micro-Hyperspec hyperspectral sensor to NAVAIR with Advanced Coherent Technologies LLC (ACT) of San Diego, CA serving as program integrator. The very small hyperspectral sensor operates in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range of 900nm – 1700nm and will be used to detect specific target materials from a small gimbal mounted on a TigerShark Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The NAVAIR program successfully brings together leading-edge spectral imaging technology from Headwall and ACT so that mission-critical decisions can be made accurately and rapidly.

Jon Schoonmaker, head of Contracting and Sales for ACT, mentioned some of the key characteristics that the Headwall sensor provided. “The aberration-corrected, concentric design used by Headwall gives us very low distortion and a very high signal-to-noise ratio,” said Schoonmaker. “Headwall optimized the package for size, weight and power (SWaP) because the 7-inch gimbal will also contain other electronics and sensors as part of the payload.” Schoonmaker concluded by remarking on the collaboration between ACT and Headwall. “Our companies worked together to develop a solution that NAVAIR is very eager to have in their arsenal. The TigerShark is a small UAV platform and SWaP is a performance driver.”

“We are excited that ACT has selected Micro-Hyperspec platform for their airborne program,” offered David Bannon, CEO of Headwall Photonics. “We have developed airborne hyperspectral sensor solutions, from low- and high-altitude manned aircraft and UAVs to satellites in low earth orbit,” said Bannon. “In each case, our long-standing hyperspectral experience and innovative engineering and manufacturing capabilities help customers meet their specific business and technical objectives. We are looking forward to continued engagement with the ACT team and utilizing their extensive sensor expertise.”

In addition to the SWaP-optimized Micro-Hyperspec, Headwall’s other High Efficiency Hyperspec sensors are COTS products and have been widely deployed for military and defense applications; these sensors are available as optimized sensors for the following spectral regions: