Design Considerations For U.S. Coast Guard search and Surveillance Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) System

Dennis R. Freezer

doi:10.1117/12.959518

17 December 1980 Design Considerations For U.S. Coast Guard search and Surveillance Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) System

Dennis R. Freezer

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 0253, Modern Utilization of Infrared Technology VI; (1980) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.959518
Event: 24th Annual Technical Symposium, 1980, San Diego, United States

Abstract

Helicopters comprise over two-thirds of the Coast Guard's total aircraft fleet and are the primary search and rescue vehicle. Present Coast Guard helicopters have, at best, a weather/navigation radar capable of detecting only relatively large targets. Both helicopter models can carry a high intensity searchlight but its narrow field of illumination limits the effective search area. Beginning in 1973 the Coast Guard examined a variety of technologies in an effort to improve night search capabilities. FLIR emerged as the standout performer, and a FLIR system is presently under development for installation on an HH-52A to prove the concept in operational conditions. The expected impact on the Coast Guard's Search and Rescue, Enforcement of Laws and Treaties, and Marine Environmental Protection missions is enormous. This paper examines design and performance tradeoffs for the Coast Guard FLIR development.

Citation Download Citation

Dennis R. Freezer "Design Considerations For U.S. Coast Guard search and Surveillance Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) System", Proc. SPIE 0253, Modern Utilization of Infrared Technology VI, (17 December 1980); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.959518

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available