Headwall Photonics' (Fitchburg, MA, USA) Hyperspec sensor has been chosen by UTC Aerospace Systems (Arlington, VA, USA) (formerly Goodrich Corporation) for the Senior Year Electro-Optical Reconnaissance Sensor (SYERS-2) platform.
SYERS-2 is currently used on the US Air Force's U-2 Dragon Lady for very high altitude reconnaissance missions.
In March 2011, Goodrich was awarded a contract to deliver two upgraded Senior Year Electro-Optical Reconnaissance Sensors (SYERS) to the United States Air Force (USAF) for use on the U-2 platform.
These upgrades, known as SYERS-2A, will enhance the U-2 functionality by adding extra multi-spectral imaging capability to the platform, providing significantly more discerning images.
Hyperspectral imaging represents a critical technology that allows DoD organizations to identify an object within the field of view of the sensor based on the target's chemical fingerprint or spectral signature rather than relying solely on visual appearance.
Based on a patented, aberration-corrected sensor design, Headwall's Hyperspec sensors are specifically designed for operations in very harsh operating environments.
Related articles on hyperspectral imaging from Vision Systems Design.
1. Hyperspectral imaging checks cod for quality
A PhD student from the University of Tromsø in Norway has developed a hyperspectral imaging system that can automatically inspect cod fillets.
2. Hyperspectral imaging system detects defects on apples
A researcher at the University of Maryland (College Park, MD, USA) has shown that a hyperspectral image processing system can identify accurately 95 percent of the defects on the surface of Red Delicious apples.
3. Hyperspectral imaging system sorts seeds
A Swiss company has developed a hyperspectral imaging system that can transport, analyze and sort grains, seeds or beans at over 50 per second according to their biochemical composition and/or external traits such as color.
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-- Dave Wilson, Senior Editor, Vision Systems Design
