ARCH
Advanced Reconnaissance Compression Hardware
SDL developed the ARCH sophisticated hardware and software solutions for the U.S. Navy.
ARCH provides near real-time image compression for the Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) tactical reconnaissance system. SDL developed the ARCH suite to significantly reduce the volume of data without compromising the tactical/reconnaissance (TAC/RECCE) information the data contain. ARCH provides JPEG compression and error detection and correction (EDAC), as well as input and output interfaces to the sensor, recorder and data link. The high resolution images can be instantaneously transferred between platforms (e.g., from an F-18 aircraft platform to a central evaluation, decision, and command point / aircraft carrier).
The ARCH technology is:
- System-configurable hardware.
- Designed to operate in unpredictable and harsh environments.
- In compliance with the latest National Imagery Transmission Format Standard (NITFS) requirements for reconnaissance imagery using Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) compression.
- Capable of compressing and decompressing images at a rate of 20 Megapixels per second, which is equivalent to 30 2K by 2K images per second.
The SDL team developed:
- The hardware for image compression and transmission for the aircraft.
- The software for image decompression, reconstruction, presentation, and evaluation for the receiving location.
- In-field programs to support operational and high-level maintenance training.
