FEATHAR

Fusion, Exploitation, Algorithm, Targeting High-Altitude Reconnaissance

FEATHAR is an ONR (Office of Naval Research) funded effort to develop and test new tactical sensor systems specifically designed for small manned and unmanned platforms. The FEATHAR program develops enhanced, integrated multi-intelligence (multi-INT) sensor systems (e.g., high resolution visible/infrared, hyperspectral, synthetic aperture radar, etc.) and fusion processing algorithms to allow multiple-networked intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms to identify, geo-locate, and track enemy targets.

FEATHAR leverages the EyePod visible/infrared and NuSAR synthetic aperture radar sensor technology developed under a previous DUSTER effort. FEATHAR is improving upon and integrating these sensor technologies onto airborne platforms to demonstrate, in an operational scenario, the following capabilities:

  • Real-time exploitation, fusion, and networked dissemination of targeting information and intelligence products needed for time critical strike applications.
  • Real-time control of multiple sensor payloads and deployed unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) from networked air and mobile ground based stations. This includes autonomous control, cueing, and image chipping.
  • Real–time auto-thresholding algorithms for interactive, fusion-based target detection and data mining.

The FEATHAR program is also implementing the use of a compact visible-to-near infrared (VNIR)/hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system developed by NRL and partner NovaSol, and a ground based SAR using the NuSAR technology. The FEATHAR concept of cooperative sensor operations is an example of SDL’s Intelligent Geo-Aware Sensor System (IGSS).

In addition to the enhanced sensors, FEATHAR also demonstrates other support technologies such as SDL’s Sensor Solid Sate Storage System (S-FIVE), a small, lightweight data storage solution with a removable solid state hard drive (SSHD) and integrated processor, as well as the Blackjack 3-D earth-view screening software.

The NuSAR and EyePod sensors cooperate to perform a survey and detection mission