NIR, SWIR, and extended VNIR ranges targeted for airborne signal detection

Fitchburg, MA-based Headwall Photonics has announced the availability of the High Efficiency Hyperspec imaging sensor for airborne spectral sensing missions that require significantly higher levels of imaging performance than previously available. 

By modifying the company's space satellite imaging instruments, the company says it has developed a new class of extremely powerful and cost-effective hyperspectral sensors for the SWIR (shortwave infrared), NIR (near infrared) and extended VNIR (visible and near infrared) spectral regions.

The High Efficiency Hyperspec imaging sensor has already been successfully deployed by a number of military / defense agencies and prime integrators, Headwall adds, saying its goal was to “develop a much more cost-effective hyperspectral sensor solution than the current multi-million dollar airborne platforms offered by larger prime defense contractors and also improve the imaging performance and capabilities.”

Available as a COTS (commercial-off-the-shelf) product, the High Efficiency Hyperspec can be utilized for program deployment in volume on UAVs, piloted aircraft, and satellites.

"Innovative, deployable hyperspectral technology is the reason why the defense community looks to Headwall for imaging sensors," David Bannon, CEO of Headwall Photonics, said in a statement. "We have focused our research and development on a platform of robust hyperspectral sensors that can be easily deployed and used by a wider number of military personnel." 

Headwall Photonics was formed in 2003 as the result of a management buy-out from Agilent Technologies.