Related Information Program Manager: Scott Anderson Email: scott.anderson@sdl.usu.edu Related Programs DUSTER

FEATHAR
Fusion, Exploitation, Algorithm, Targeting High–Altitude Reconnaissance

The FEATHAR program develops enhanced integrated multi–intelligence sensor systems and fusion processing algorithms (e.g. high resolution visible/infrared, hyperspectral, synthetic aperture radar, etc.) for multiple–networked ISR platforms to identify, geo–locate, and track enemy targets. Currently, FEATHAR is leveraging the EyePod and NuSAR sensor technology developed in the previous DUSTER effort. FEATHAR is improving upon and integrating these sensor technologies onto airborne platforms to demonstrate, in an operational scenario, the following needed capabilities:

• Enhanced integrated multi–intelligence sensor systems on multiple–networked aircraft platforms
• Real–time exploitation, fusion, and networked dissemination of targeting information and intelligence products needed for time critical strike applications
• Real–time control of multiple sensor payloads and deployed UAVs from networked air and mobile ground based stations. (Autonomous control, cueing, and image chipping)
• Real–time auto–thresholding algorithms for interactive fusion–based target detection and data mining

Under DUSTER, SDL and the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) developed a new tactical sensor system specifically designed for Class 3 UAVs. The system is composed of two coupled near–real–time sensors:

• EyePod (VNIR/LWIR ball gimbal) consists of a precision jitter–stabilized LWIR sensor coupled with a bore–sighted high–resolution VNIR sensor. The EyePod optical design provides for precision pointing and step–stare capabilities enable EyePod to conduct both wide–area survey and high resolution inspection missions.
• NuSAR (L–band synthetic aperture radar) was developed with partners Brigham Young University and Artemis, Inc. NuSAR consists of a wideband L–band SAR capable of large area survey and an embedded real–time image formation.

Both EyePod and NuSAR employ standard Ethernet interfaces and provide geo–registered NITFS output imagery. A successful flight demonstration of these sensors was conducted in October 2007, showcasing the use of both sensors in various operational scenarios.

The NuSAR and EyePod sensors cooperate to perform a survey and detection mission