last modified: Wednesday, September 22, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAXWELL AFB, Ala. — Civil Air Patrol has awarded a $1.6 million contract to Space Computer Corporation for the software to operate 15 hyperspectral imaging (HSI) systems.

CAP will use the high-tech HSI systems to detect objects from the air. “Hyperspectral imaging is the next wave of reconnaissance technology,” said Maj. Gen. Dwight Wheless, CAP national commander. “Space Computer Corporation is providing state-of-the-art software that will allow us to pinpoint objects very precisely. This will make a tremendous difference when we’re searching for individuals or aircraft that are lost or in trouble.”

Space Computer Corporation (SCC) will provide all system control, detection, display, and ground-processing software for CAP’s HSI systems. SCC also will provide field training for CAP members, all of whom are volunteers.

CAP, the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, has done extensive research on HSI technology and is fielding the first systems in the nation to be used on a continuing basis for community search and rescue work. Dubbed ARCHER (Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance), the HSI system can automatically search the ground before for objects having any specific “spectral signature” selected by the onboard operator. The technology is based on reflected light, so some portion of the object must be exposed for the HSI camera to pick it up.

SCC’s software provides a unique combination of real-time geo-rectified image displays (GeoPaintÔ), target detection and location, and situational awareness for the spectrum of CAP missions. The ease of operation and timeliness of results were critical factors in CAP’s decision to contract with SCC. The software is a mature product, leveraging the company’s experience with similar systems developed for the U.S. Department of Defense.

SCC will be responsible for integrating its software with hardware produced by NovaSol Corporation. SCC will also provide operator training and support. The ARCHER airborne component will initially fly on CAP’s new Gippsland GA-8 Airvans, with portable ground stations available for CAP base operators. These ground stations will allow operators to rapidly review the recorded imagery gathered as soon as the aircraft touches down and delivers the data.

Space Computer Corporation specializes in solving information-processing problems associated with advanced sensor systems. Their work in these areas extends from algorithm development and data analysis through design and fabrication of specialized signal-processing hardware. Since they began operations in 1987, their customer base has grown to include the Department of Defense and other government organizations, as well as CAP and several industrial firms and research centers. They are a privately owned California small business corporation.

Civil Air Patrol, the official Air Force auxiliary, is a nonprofit organization with almost 62,000 members nationwide. CAP performs 95% of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members take a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to the almost 27,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions for America for more than 60 years.

On the Web: www.cap.gov and www.spacecomputer.com

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