Multicomputers deployed in digital reconnaissance camera
APRIL 8--The Mercury Computer Systems Inc. (Chelmsford, MA; www.mc.com) RACE++ Series conduction-cooled multicomputers have been designed into the digital reconnaissance camera component of the Navy's SHAred Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) system by Recon/Optical Inc. (Burlington, IL; www.roi.bourns.com), a principal supplier of sophisticated reconnaissance imaging systems for industrial and military applications. The SHARP system is an all-weather medium- and high-altitude electro-optical and infrared digital reconnaissance capability currently utilized by the F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jets. Mercury has received orders totaling about $1 million for RACE++ systems to be delivered between FY03Q4 and FY04Q2.
The RACE++ VME multicomputers will perform image and data processing on the sensor platform, enabling nearly real-time reconnaissance. The digital camera has the ability to produce both infrared and visible spectrum images simultaneously. Mercury's conduction-cooled systems enable the camera to be deployed in the extremely harsh environments often encountered during reconnaissance missions.