Beyond third generation: a sensor-fusion targeting FLIR pod for the F/A-18

William K. Krebs; Dean A. Scribner; Geoffrey M. Miller; James S. Ogawa; Jonathon M. Schuler

doi:10.1117/12.303673

20 March 1998 Beyond third generation: a sensor-fusion targeting FLIR pod for the F/A-18

William K. Krebs, Dean A. Scribner, Geoffrey M. Miller, James S. Ogawa, Jonathon M. Schuler

Proceedings Volume 3376, Sensor Fusion: Architectures, Algorithms, and Applications II; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.303673
Event: Aerospace/Defense Sensing and Controls, 1998, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 pilots state that the targeting FLIR system does not provide enough target definition and clarity. As a result, high altitude tactics missions are the most difficult due to the limited amount of time available to identify the target. If the targeting FLIR system had a better stand-off range and an improved target contrast then the pilots' task would be easier. Unfortunately, the replacement cost of the existing FLIR equipment is prohibitive. The purpose of this study is to modify the existing F/A-18 targeting FLIR system with a dual-band color sensor to improve target contrast and stand- off ranges. Methods: A non-real-time color sensor fusion system was flown on a NASA F/A-18 in a NITE Hawk targeting FLIR pod. Flight videotape was recorded from a third generation image intensified CCD and a first generation long-wave infrared sensor. A standard visual search task was used to assess whether pilots' situational awareness was improved by combining the two sensor videotape sequences into a single fused color or grayscale representation. Results: Fleet aviators showed that color fusion improved target detection, but hindered situational awareness. Aviators reported the lack of color constancy caused the scene to be unaesthetically pleasing; however, target detection was enhanced. Conclusion: A color fusion scene may benefit targeting applications but hinder situational awareness.

Citation Download Citation

William K. Krebs, Dean A. Scribner, Geoffrey M. Miller, James S. Ogawa, and Jonathon M. Schuler "Beyond third generation: a sensor-fusion targeting FLIR pod for the F/A-18", Proc. SPIE 3376, Sensor Fusion: Architectures, Algorithms, and Applications II, (20 March 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.303673

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available