ITRES Delivers Hyperspectral CASI-1500 to Atech

Atech Tecnologias Críticas of Brazil has acquired a CASI-1500 imaging sensor of ITRES, developed with RF-based remote operation capability. Also delivered is a Novatel SPAN GPS/IMU for the provision of precision attitude and positional data. This package acquisition forms the sensor payload component of an innovative Low Cost Aerial Monitoring System (LCAMS) being developed by Atech with funding from the Brazilian Innovation Agency (FINEP).

This exciting new development in the field of hyperspectral imaging was driven by an Atech technical requirement to operate a hyperspectral mapping imager in a small Rotax-engined motorglider without the need for an on-board operator.

In response to this, ITRES developed a new remote operation and control system for use with its wide array, VNIR, CASI-1500 (Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager) for use with existing data downlink technologies. Both the system’s ICU and sensor head will be installed in the two-seat ‘Ximango’ motorglider, manufactured by AEROMOT Aeronaves e Motores S/A of Brazil. Full, real-time display and control of the system is accomplished from the ground using a mission computer and existing TCP/IP-compatible RF data downlink. This flexible system provides air-to-ground transmission over a range of 80-150km and can be used with other ITRES sensor technologies, including the broadband TABI (Thermal IR) and hyperspectral SASI (SWIR) and TASI (Thermal IR). These capabilities extend its use to Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAVs) as well.

Atech’s LCAMS development will provide them with reconnaissance and surveillance abilities for a variety of civilian and environmental applications, including those in the Brazilian Amazonian rainforest. The sheer geographic extent of this globally important ecological region demands the use of low-cost, operationally flexible, and effective remote sensing systems. A new joint business venture between Atech and AEROMOT, AEROSENSOR Inteligência em Monitoramento Aéreo, will operate the LCAMS system to address these applications.