By John Keller

DAHLGREN, Va.-Officials of the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren Division in Dalhgren, Va., ordered a quick-turnaround procurement last month of optoelectronic systems for existing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The procurement called for one infrared camera system, and two pan-tilt zoom cameras. The solicitation-to-delivery time of the procurement was just 42 days. NSWC officials issued the solicitation on May 4, closed the solicitation on May 12, and expected delivery no later than June 15.

The winner of the contract had not been announced at press time. These UAV-ready cameras were to be no larger than one-third of a cubic foot, and weigh no more than three pounds apiece.

The kinds of UAVs for which NSWC experts intend these optoelectronic sensors, and the reasons for the quick solicitation were not disclosed. The job was set aside for a small business. The solicitation number is N00178-05-Q-3034.

Requirements for the infrared camera included 640-by-640-pixel resolution; NTSC video output; zero-to-90-degree; continuous 360-degree pan to left and right; 12-volt DC, 1.5-amp maximum power draw; manual and automatic infrared gain, contrast, and polarity control; RS-232 serial control for remote operation of the pan/tilt/zoom, infrared gain, contrast, and polarity control functions; full interface design description of the RS-232 control with data packet specifications; integrated as one installable unit; weight of no more than three pounds; and size no larger than 0.3 cubic feet.

Requirements of the pan-tilt zoom Cameras included 640-by-640-pixel resolution; NTSC video output; zero-to-90-degree; continuous 360-degree pan to left and right; 12-volt DC, 1.5-amp maximum power draw; 25-to-1 continuous optical zoom; automatic and manual auto focus, brightness, contrast, tint, and hue controls; RS-232 serial control for remote operation of the pan/tilt/zoom, infrared gain, contrast, and polarity control functions; full interface design description of the RS-232 control with data-packet specifications; integrated as one installable unit; weight of no more than three pounds; and size no larger than 0.3 cubic feet.

For more information, the point of contact for this solicitation is NSWC Dahlgren’s Janice Williams, whose phone number is 540-653-7765. More information on the solicitation is available online at http://www.nswc.navy.mil/wwwDL/XD/SUPPLY/solicita/05q3034/3034syn.htm.