Hyperspectral VNIR sensor for small hand-launched UAVs introduced by Headwall Photonics

FITCHBURG, Mass., 16 July 2014. Headwall Photonics Inc. in Fitchburg, Mass., is introducing the Nano-Hyperspec sensor to provide small hand-launched commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with hyperspectral imaging capability.

The low-cost electro-optical sensor operates in the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (400 to 1000 nanometers) and includes onboard data processing and storage to minimize size, weight, and power constraints inherent with small UAVs.

The Nano-Hyperspec sensor can work together with optional Global Positioning System (GPS) and inertial measurement unit (IMU) navigation technologies.

The total sensor package with data processor and storage weighs about 1.5 pounds and measures 3 by 3 by 4.7 inches. The VNIR sensor features 640 spatial bands and 270 spectral bands at a resolution of 2 to 3 nanometers. The frame rate of the Nano-Hyperspec is faster than 300 frames per second; usable data storage capacity is 480 gigabytes.

The Nano-Hyperspec comes in either OEM-programmable sensor or high-performance sensor configuration. Headwall's hyperspectral sensors are based on a patented concentric aberration-corrected design using precision high-performance gratings.

For more information contact Headwall Photonics online at www.headwallphotonics.com.