Survey of Electro-Optical Infrared Sensor for UAV

The rising demand for the high efficiency and high covertness in UAV motivates the miniature design of the high performing mission sensors, or payloads. One of the promising payload sensors, EO/IR sensor has evolved satisfying its demands and became the main stand-alone mission sensor for 200kg-range UAV. One aspect in development of EO/IR sensor concerns lack of specification criterions to represent its performance. Even though the high demand and competition among each manufacturer caused EO/IR features subject to rapid change collateral to new technology, the datasheets maintained the conventional outdated formats which leave some of the major components in ambiguity. Making comparisons or predicting actual performance with such datasheets is hardly worthwhile; yet, they could be important reference guide for the potential customers what to expect for the upcoming EO/IR. According to UAS Roadmap 2007-2032 published by DoD, one of the main potential customers as well as a main investor of EO/IR technology, EO/IR is expected to play key roll in solving urgent problems, such as see and avoid system. This paper will examine the recent representative EO/IR specialized in UAS missions through datasheets to find out current trend and eventually extrapolate the possible future trend.