<title>Evaluation of FLIR/IR camera technology for airport surface surveillance</title>

Abstract

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is evaluating Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) and IR focal plane array technology as part of the Airport Surface Traffic Automation program. Under this program a new application for these technologies in aviation will be developed. The goal of the program is to evaluate FLIR and IR cameras for enhanced Air Traffic Control surface surveillance in all weather conditions for some major airports. Initially, FLIR cameras will be installed at airports with varying traffic densities to analyze and compare their capabilities along with other IR camera systems, displays and security/surveillance software. These cameras will be evaluated for both technical and operational performance. This paper discusses the initial studies that demonstrated the usefulness of FLIR technology for search and rescue situations and multiple coverage for integration with automatic surveillance systems. The general operation of the three IR camera systems to be evaluated in this study is presented. Finally, a concept for the possible integration of FLIR and IR technology with current automatic surface surveillance systems under development such as the Airport Movement Area Safety System and the Airport Traffic Identification System programs is proposed. This paper will conclude with a review of the FAA's future plans for evaluating a microbolometer based, uncooled IR camera system.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.