Argus phase II optical data collection system

Wayne E. Wasson

doi:10.1117/12.259752

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21 November 1996 Argus phase II optical data collection system

Wayne E. Wasson

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Proceedings Volume 2829, Airborne Reconnaissance XX; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.259752
Event: SPIE's 1996 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1996, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

The Argus aircraft is a highly modified NC-135E fitted with an infrared and ultraviolet-visible sensor suite for radiometric and spectral data collection. Each suite is operated independently with its own separate gimbal for precision pointing, telescope, and relay optics. The system includes a silica window for the ultraviolet-visible, and a zinc selenide window for the infrared. The entire system was developed and fabricated in-house at the Phillips Laboratory. All sensors are calibrated as a system onboard the aircraft through a unique facility called the aircraft optical calibration facility. The data is all recorded digitally, and can be transferred to secure data reduction facilities via optical fiber. The system is modular, in that the ultraviolet-visible and infrared benches can be separated, or the entire system can be quickly removed to allow for the introduction of other sensor suites or systems. The gimbals and telescopes can be used independently of the rest of the system. The aircraft is also fitted with an anemometry system, which can be operated independently of the sensor systems. This aircraft is capable of many types of missions, and will soon be fitted with a LIDAR system for remote sensing. The philosophy in building the system is to make it capable of quick changes during mission.

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Wayne E. Wasson "Argus phase II optical data collection system", Proc. SPIE 2829, Airborne Reconnaissance XX, (21 November 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.259752

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