Award Data

In Phase 1 of this SBIR program, we developed and delivered a small-format 320x256 dual-band infrared focal plane array (IRFPA) with pixel-registered and simultaneous imaging in the midwave and longwave infrared (MWIR/LWIR) spectral bands. In Phase 2, we will build on this and accomplish two major tasks. Our first goal is to dramatically increase both the pixel resolution as well as the pixel co ...

Future generation propellants earmarked for DoD and MDA boost vehicles will create increasingly severe conditions (temperature, pressure and particle impingement) in the nozzle region that will prevent state of the art materials and designs from achieving the performance levels and costs being targeted for next-generation solid rocket motors. The demonstration of zero or near-zero erosion in the t ...

Atmospheric disturbances are a major performance-limiting factor in long-range optical systems. In particular, for the Airborne Laser (ABL) the ability of distinguish targets from a long distance is crucial for mission success. Despite the progress in optics and sensor technology, blurring in long-range imaging caused by atmospheric movements and density changes will remain an issue. Digital si ...

ATA proposes development of an Advanced Rate Gyro (ARG) that blends two of ATA’s developmental designs to fulfill MDA’s airborne gyroscope requirements. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) requires such high performance gyros for Advanced Inertial Reference Units (aIRUs) for Airborne Laser DE systems and space-based surveillance and weapons systems. Current high performance gyros are marginal in mee ...

Department of Defense space surveillance and weapons systems require highly accurate inertial knowledge in absolute location and orientation. Current technologies providing these functions are not integrated into a single, light-weight, low-cost, power-efficient, and drift-free instrument. Applied Technology Associates (ATA) proposes to further develop its innovative Auto-correcting Inertial Measu ...

As the Airborne Laser (ABL) comes closer to directing a high energy laser (HEL) at a boosting missile target, it is essential that higher bandwidth fast steering mirrors (FSMs) need to be developed. These FSMs must be capable of controlling large 12-inch mirrors while handling the HEL power levels. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that a FSM mechanism (substrate and mounting structure) can be designe ...

Our overall objective is to improve the performance of turbo-Brayton space cryocoolers by reducing mass and increasing reliability in high-radiation environments. To achieve this objective, we will develop and demonstrate advanced cryocooler compressor drive and control electronics suitable for high radiation space applications. Our technical objectives are to: (1) incorporate components which ...

Presently, no standard rain erosion reference (code, document(s), database, etc) exists for system designers and engineers to predict the material behavior of candidate materials for sub-sonic, sonic, and hypersonic mission profiles. Historically, individual companies have taken a shoot and look approach to this subject, and relied on past performance for flight predictions. Within the community ...

Computer-aided design (CAD) modelers and signature simulation experts often must use multiple formats and types of geometric models representing the same object in order to support different applications. In the signature analysis domain, radar simulation generally requires faceted models, whereas accurate optical signature simulation requires smooth primitive-based models. Often the two models mu ...

We will demonstrate a dramatic 3x to 5x increase (over the state of the art) in the external quantum efficiency (QE) of longwave infrared (LWIR) focal plane arrays (FPAs) fabricated from quantum well infrared photodetectors. We will develop AND DELIVER a 320x256 LWIR FPA with this improved performance in Phase 1 itself. In Phase 2, we will develop and deliver a sensor engine consisting of a 640x ...