AFRL Ladar System Exceeds $2 Million in Commercial Sales

Applications

• Military and Commercial Significance:
• AFRL, in association with Burns Engineering, significantly impacted the development of LADAR technologies that support precision guided weapons. During a 4-year effort, AFRL and Burns Engineering increased the LADAR receiver’s range precision from 45 cm to 1.5 cm via novel timing circuitry and the development of ultra-low-noise optical receivers.
• The E-BAIR LADAR system also employs an eye-safe fiber laser that will greatly reduce the potential of collateral damage and simplify maintenance and training logistics. Recently, John Chance Land Surveyors, Inc., requested a flight test to assess the E-BAIR LADAR in a relevant environment.
• The system met or exceeded all performance requirements. As such, Burns Engineering has realized over $2 million in the unit’s commercial sales and expects more profits in the future. In addition, John Chance Land Surveyors bought a 1-year commercial exclusivity right to the unit, further emphasizing the system’s excellent performance.
• AFRL has a proven track record of extremely successful LADAR developments geared towards precision guided weapons. AFRL has received much attention in support of the Global War on Terrorism detection capabilities based on laboratory-developed, three-dimensional LADAR systems.
• Such LADAR systems should be eye-safe, have very high resolution, and be as compact as possible to support ease of transport by human or small weapon/ unmanned air vehicle platforms. These requirements drove the development of the BAIR and E-BAIR LADAR systems. The overall development of these systems demonstrates clear warfighter support and has led to a successful technology transfer to the commercial sector.