Fiscal Year:
2003
Title:
Low-Cost Optical Air Data System for Weapon Applications
Agency / Branch:
DOD / NAVY
Contract:
N68335-03-C-0151
Award Amount:
$69,964.00
Abstract:
Currently, there is a lack of proven sensors that can provide winds and density ahead of a weapon system, while still meeting the requirements of low observability/size/weight/power/cost and high reliability. Guidance of a weapon system would benefitgreatly with air data knowledge, particularly during the terminal phase when sub-munitions are released. Michigan Aerospace Corporation proposes to investigate the application of its Molecular Optical Air Data System (MOADS) technology for use on a glideweapon system. Preliminary requirements indicate the need for an instrument that will measure wind speed and density ahead of the weapon during its release, glide and terminal phases. Michigan Aerospace has been developing LIDAR (Light Detection andRanging) and air data system technology that can potentially meet these needs. Based on recent technical and cost studies, Michigan Aerospace determined that a low-cost instrument based on MOADS will meet most of the threshold requirements and many of theobjective requirements of a glide weapon system. This proposed Phase I effort will include improvements to the concept design, laboratory testing of the concept and refinement of the production cost estimatesA low-cost air data system has significant commercial potential for the intended application, glide weapon systems, especially in light of current events. It also has application to a number of other government and civilian program areas, includingstealth aircraft air data systems, turbulence detection, UAV-based wind measurement, ground-based Doppler LIDAR, and space-based LIDAR systems.
Small Business Information at Submission:
MICHIGAN AEROSPACE CORP.
1777 Highland Drive, Suite B Ann Arbor, MI 48108
EIN/Tax ID:
383323642
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No