Short Wave Infrared through Fog and Clouds (SWIF)

Abstract

The Short Wave Infrared through Fog and Clouds (SWIF) program developed and demonstrated advanced signal processing and optical imaging technology to allow detection of collision and grounding threats in fog and clouds at useful ranges (day or night), which substantially degrade performance in precision handling operations. Humans are able to operate successfully with sensor assistance, but situational awareness significantly degrades. Successful development of this technology has restored this situational awareness to tactically relevant distance and time scales. Significant technical obstacles that needed to be overcome included development of an ultra-short pulse laser with sufficient bandwidth and fast enough pulse rise time to create transient-like propagation characteristics in an aerosol cloud, distributed active sources, and advanced filtering techniques. Technologies are transitioning to the U.S. military.

Document Details

Document Type
Accomplishment
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2012
Source ID
aa4bcc3c0a1e2c55509bba65bdf5b4f0

Tags

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy

Related Documents