Headwall Photonics Delivers Small, Lightweight Hyperspectral Sensor to Advanced Coherent Technologies LLC


Gimbal-Mounted Micro-Hyperspec® Sensor Provides Precision Hyperspectral Imaging for Key NAVAIR UAV Program

Fitchburg, MA- 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:

About Micro-Hyperspec

Headwall's Micro-Hyperspec® NIR (900-1700 nm) & VNIR (380-1000 nm) imaging sensors offer extreme performance for the most demanding UAV/UAS and UGV applications. The hyperspectral imaging instruments are small, lightweight, and robust for use in small-payload/harsh environment applications. The sensors are particularly well suited for applications where high spectral/spatial resolution and high dynamic range are key performance parameters. The Micro-Hyperspec® imaging sensor is built on a totally reflective, concentric optical design. Headwall's patented, hyperspectral instruments feature aberration-correction and high-efficiency diffraction gratings, which results in very high signal-to-noise performance and radiometric accuracy.

About Headwall Photonics

Headwall Photonics is a leading designer and manufacturer of hyperspectral imaging spectrometers and spectral instrumentation for industrial, commercial, and government markets. Headwall's high performance instruments have been selected by military/defense departments, OEMs, and end-user customers around the world for use in critical application environments. Headwall enjoys a market leadership position through the design and manufacture of spectral instrumentation that is customized for application-specific performance.

For information contact:

Mr. Chris Van Veen, Headwall Photonics, Inc.

Tel: +1 978-353-4051

www.headwallphotonics.com

Email: cvanveen@headwallphotonics.com

About Advanced Coherent Technologies (ACT)

Advanced Coherent Technologies, LLC (ACT) supports government and commercial agencies working in technologies relating to remote sensing. ACTs systems are designed to find and extract low contrast and hidden target information in environments ranging from desert to oceanic as well as provide real-time surveillance capabilities of the same.
ACT designs and develops low-cost, multi-channel imaging systems capable of efficiently collecting high-end imagery and producing real-time, high-quality data products suitable for military, commercial, and civil use.

For information contact:

1450 Frazee Road Suite 400

San Diego, CA 92108

Tel: 619.450.8982

http://www.advanced-coherent.com

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