Machine-Aided Launch Configuration Monitor (MALCM) for Remote Flightdeck Operations Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-015 Topic Title: Machine-Aided Launch Configuration Monitor (MALCM) for Remote Flightdeck Operations Proposal No.: N081-015-1256 Firm: Physical Sciences Inc. 20 New England Business Center Andover, Massachusetts 01810-1077 Contact: Michael White Phone: (978) 689-0003 Web Site: http://www.psicorp.com Abstract: Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes a Machine-Aided Launch Configuration Monitor (MALCM) system for monitoring Jet Blast Deflectors (JBDs) and establishing aircraft weight during a launch sequence, improving flightdeck safety and minimizing impact to in-service platforms. To achieve this, a combination of robust thermal imaging, custom display hardware, networked data transfer, and an intuitive graphical user interface is proposed. The solution is a novel, mil-spec-hardened, compact, and light-weight vehicle design, which optimally capitalizes on the existing JBD infrastructure and carrier flightdeck procedures, and is reconfigurable for different aircraft and various launch operations. Additionally, the MALCM architecture is expandable as the need for flight deck automation, ship-wide information networking, and manpower reduction grows. PSI will leverage its past and ongoing efforts in flightdeck simulation and automation, machine vision, and Mil-Spec ship-board networking hardware to bring the MALCM system to the fleet with minimum technical risk and maximum acceptance into carrier flight operations. Benefits: The proposed technology will allow all-weather, networked imaging and displays for the remote performance of JBD and weight board operator functions. In addition to this important application to the U.S. Department of Defense, civilian markets such as networked industrial vision and safety systems may develop as a significant market for the resultant technologies. In applications that require rugged, all-weather, networked imaging and display systems for remote performance of operator functions, PSI's Machine-Aided Launch Configuration Monitor (MALCM) technology can find a niche market. Return