Advances in laser gated Imaging in an airborne environment

Laser based imaging systems are becoming common in a number of applications. Many of these systems rely on scanning the laser and receiver over the scene to construct an image. A single pulse laser gated imaging system employing a two dimensional focal plane array sensor has been developed by SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems Ltd (SELEX S&AS). The system has been deployed on field trials to gather data in order to assess the suitability of the technology for a number of applications. The test system has been used to characterise and optimise subsystem and system level performance, to assess the effects of atmospheric phenomena on system performance, and to gather field data in various applications and scenarios. Recent system and subsystems enhancements to the Laser Gated Imaging, or Burst Illumination LADAR (BIL), test rig are described. Changes to the laser subsystem, the sensor subsystem and the system level integration aspects of the rig resulting from field trials experience and on going system development are discussed. The recent developments for the system control, data and image processing suites are also addressed. Operational observations, images and results from recent field trials, including operation in an airborne environment, are presented and discussed.