Abstract: A dual band hyperspectral framing aerial reconnaissance camera includes an objective optical subassembly for receiving incident radiation from a scene external of the vehicle, and a dividing element receiving radiation from the objective optical subassembly. The dividing element directs radiation into a first optical path for imaging in a first band of the spectrum and a separate second optical path for imaging in a second band. A first two-dimensional electro-optical detector in the first path generates a first series of images and a second two-dimensional electro-optical detector in the second optical path generates a second set of imagery. At least one of the first and second electro-optical detectors comprises a hyperspectral imager.

Abstract: A reconnaissance camera is described which has a Cassegrain optical system forming an objective lens that directs radiation to a spectrum-dividing prism. The prism directs radiation in a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., visible) into a first optical path having a two-dimensional image-recording medium. Radiation in a second band of the spectrum (e.g., IR or UV) is directed to a second optical path, which has a two-dimensional image-recording medium. A motor system is coupled to a camera housing that encloses the optical elements of the camera and the image recording media. The motor steps the entire camera housing about the roll axis while the image recording media are exposed to generate frames of imagery.

Abstract: A framing aerial reconnaissance camera is described which has a catoptric Cassegrain optical system forming an objective lens that directs radiation to a spectrum-dividing prism. The prism directs radiation in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum into a first optical path having a two-dimensional image-recording medium, such as a charge-coupled device. Radiation in the infrared (IR) band of the spectrum is directed to a second optical path, which has a two-dimensional IR-sensitive image-recording medium, such as an electro-optical IR imaging array. The entire camera is rotated about the aircraft roll axis in a continuous fashion to generate frames of imagery providing panoramic coverage of the scene across the line of flight. While the camera is being rotated about the roll axis, the arrays are exposed to the scene repeatedly to generate a series of two-dimensional frames of imagery.

Abstract: A framing aerial reconnaissance camera is described which has a catoptric Cassegrain optical system forming an objective lens that directs radiation to a spectrum-dividing prism. The prism directs radiation in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum into a first optical path having a two-dimensional image-recording medium, such as a charge-coupled device. Radiation in the infrared (IR) band of the spectrum is directed to a second optical path, which has a two-dimensional IR-sensitive image-recording medium, such as an electro-optical IR imaging array. The entire camera is rotated about the aircraft roll axis in a continuous fashion to generate frames of imagery providing panoramic coverage of the scene across the line of flight. While the camera is being rotated about the roll axis, the arrays are exposed to the scene repeatedly to al generate a series of two-dimensional frames of imagery.

Abstract: A framing aerial reconnaissance camera is described which has a Cassegrain optical system forming an objective lens that directs radiation to a spectrum-dividing prism. The prism directs radiation in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum into a first optical path having a two-dimensional image-recording medium, such as a framing CCD array. Radiation in the infrared (IR) band of the spectrum is directed to a second optical path, which has a two-dimensional framing IR-sensitive image-recording medium. The entire camera can be either rotated about the aircraft roll axis in a continuous fashion or stepped in a series of steps to generate frames of imagery, providing panoramic coverage of the scene across the line of flight in two bands of the spectrum simultaneously.

Abstract: Forward motion compensation techniques are described for an aerial reconnaissance camera having a Cassegrain objective optical subassembly consisting of a primary mirror, a secondary mirror and a flat azimuth mirror located between the secondary mirror and the Cassegrain image plane. The camera includes a camera housing oriented such that the camera housing is substantially parallel to the roll axis of the aircraft. The primary and secondary mirror are rotated about an axis orthogonal to the roll axis in the direction of flight of the aircraft, while maintaining the image recording medium in a fixed condition relative to the camera housing. While the primary and secondary mirror are rotating, the azimuth mirror is rotated in the direction of flight at a rate one half the rate of rotation of the primary and secondary mirror.