Hyperspectral Collection and Analysis System (HyCAS)
Abstract
The Hyperspectral Collection and Analysis System (HyCAS) was validated by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) as an FY 2002 start. Funding is needed to enhance the Spectral Airborne Reachback Cell (SPARC) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) exploitation and processing system. This SPARC enhancement will deliver a 2nd/3rd phase HSI exploitation cell by leveraging and expanding the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) infrastructure to support 20 HSI analyst workstations, data archive, and tasking, processing, exploitation and dissemination software. This funding will also provide in-depth material identification and spectral anomaly detection analysis that is so crucial to Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO). This funding also leverages Air Force sensors and UAVs. The ACTD which leverages Air Force funding of sensors represents a quantum leap forward in the management of hyperspectral data. The airborne hyperspectral concept is an integration effort which will deliver four Air Force COMPact Airborne Spectral Sensors (AF COMPASS), four real-time processors and four ground station processing software packages to the Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) program of record. AF COMPASS is a tactical asset designed to operate at an altitude of 15-20K feet with area coverage of approximately 600-900 sq km/hour. AF COMPASS provides a wide area search capability and can cross-cue the onboard Predator Multispectral Targeting System (MTS). The airborne hyperspectral capability will enhance the effectiveness of the Predator weapon system by finding targets and queuing the MTS ball to fix an object for tracking, targeting and engagement. The AF COMPASS sensor can also detect, locate and identify materials associated with Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations and can distinguish between targets and decoys. AF COMPASS ground station processing software will allow an operator to view high resolution imagery (HRI) chips created based on either signature or anomaly detections. Chips are painted on a display which shows the path of the aircraft and the signature anomaly hits obtained by the real-time processor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 3ea74f074b357ec7966e60797227b609