Integrated Sensor is Structure (ISIS)
Abstract
The joint DARPA/Air Force Integrated Sensor is Structure (ISIS) program is developing a sensor of unprecedented proportions that is fully integrated into a stratospheric airship that will address the nation's need for persistent wide-area surveillance, tracking, and engagement for hundreds of time-critical air and ground targets in urban and rural environments. ISIS is achieving radical sensor improvements by melding the next-generation technologies for enormous lightweight antenna apertures and high-energy density components into a highly integrated lightweight multi-purpose airship structure - completely erasing the distinction between payload and platform. The ISIS concept includes ninety-nine percent on-station 24/7/365 availability for simultaneous airborne moving target indicator (600 kilometers) and ground-based moving target indicator (300 kilometers) operation; ten years of autonomous, unmanned flight; hundreds of wideband in-theater covert communications links; responsive reconstitution of failed space assets; plus CONUS-based sensor analysis and operation. An MOA has been signed by DARPA and the Air Force to pursue the program objectives through to transition. Starting in FY 2010, this program has also been budgeted in PE 0603286E, Project AIR-01. The ISIS technology demonstration system transitions to the Air Force in 2013.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- c8e35344fce27d2e5bdb2e2469df0ad8