Integrated Autonomous Sense-and-Avoid System Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-032 Topic Title: Integrated Autonomous Sense-and-Avoid System Proposal No.: N101-032-0613 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Information Technologies Division 20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100 Torrance, California 90501-1821 Contact: Yunping Yang Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy's need for autonomous sense-and-avoid (SA) capability for unmanned aerial systems (UASs) operating in the National Air Space and in-theater, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Integrated Autonomous Sense-and-Avoid (IASA) system. This system is based on in-house infrared omnidirectional detection technology, and data fusion and integration with a novel open adaptive architecture for detecting, tracking, and predicting objects in the UAS's nearspace to ensure safe maneuvering/acting. This innovative IASA system design offers automated full coverage of due regard for all ADS-B compliant and noncompliant flights/objects and can be used for manned and unmanned aviation. The innovation in the adaptive open architecture gives IASA high reliability and adaptability to data lack/loss from one or several sources. The system can be applied to all UASs because it is independent of UAV proprietary interfaces and size. It is compact, lightweight (<5 in. x 5 in. x 2 in., <2 lb), and cost-effective (<$3,000). In Phase I, POC will demonstrate IASA feasibility by computer simulation and modeling and by assembling and testing a proof-of-concept TRL-4 prototype. In Phase II, an advanced TRL-5 engineering prototype will be assembled and tested both at POC and at a Navy facility. Benefits: The commercial applications envisioned for the IASA system include crop evaluation, law enforcement (detection of illegal crops), border patrol, security, surveillance, chemical and pharmaceutical industry process control, and product inspection. POC's concept and design can deliver commercial hand-held compact polarimetric sensors for real-time applications in multiple industries. Military applications of the IASA system will include battlefield visualization, situational awareness, navigation, missile and small bomb guiding, perimeter guarding, and general surveillance and monitoring. The IASA system can be incorporated by the U.S. Air Force into the Predator drone, by the U.S. Army into the Arcturus UAV, and by the U.S. Navy into the upcoming Gladiator unmanned ground vehicle being developed for use by the U.S. Marines, all of which will benefit from this proposed technology. The IASA final product will be a polarimetric sensor compatible with existing tactical, precision-guided missile systems. It will be used as an extension to current guided systems for enhancing target tracking capabilities. Return