EOIR Airborne Remote Sensing

Introduction

Our company was founded on an expertise in airborne testing and data acquisition. To support remote sensing data acquisition we have developed an extensive repertoire of skills for planning, executing, and completing mission activities. We work closely with our customers to understand their mission goals and how we can assist in realizing those objectives. With over 200 successful missions, we have extensive experience operating at U.S. military bases, test ranges and other operating areas. Our legacy section describes our background of providing mission support. The following is an overview of our mission planning, execution, and post-mission processes.

Mission Planning

The mission process begins with a thorough review of customer objectives. These objectives are transformed into: data collection requirements, data collection plans, sensor selection & configurations, operational requirements, logistics, range & FAA interfaces, data management plans, and data reduction & data analysis requirements.

Data collection requirements are resolved into primary, secondary, and tertiary objectives. Once the objectives are prioritization, we begin the development of data collections plans, aircraft maneuvers, and sensor selection. Selection of the aircraft maneuvers and sensor selections/setting is an iterative process between the mission planners, optical engineers, and the customer.

Operational Requirements - Logistics

Operations encompass the procurement and transportation of matériel, facilities, and personnel to support mission-ops with special emphasis on the details of the operation. The operation plans are very detailed which, helps to ensure success. Some of the schedules we produce are resolved to the second. Collecting over a terabyte of data per mission requires extensive planning to ensure the correct data are collected, processed and delivered to the approved organization in a timely manner.

Range & FAA interfaces

Range coordination is vital to mission success. A myriad of information must be attended to such as: radio frequencies for voice and data, access to mission control for aircraft range representative, range safety coordination, and so on. Without Range concurrence on mission plans aircraft participation would be denied. For example, the location of the aircraft during data collection maneuvers must be coordinated and approved by range safety; this ensures the aircraft will not violate the no-fly-zone. Additionally, transit to and from the support area is coordinated with the FAA. Typically the FAA has an additional boundary around the mission area to exclude commercial and general aviation from the test area.

Execution

Plan your work – work your plan; this old saw is fundamental to mission success and communication is the key, especially when mobilizing a platoon size team. All team members must know how and when to do their jobs and the job is: Data Collection and Management.

Documentation

The ultimate goal of mission support is publishing data and reports. The reports include pre-mission plans, last minute alterations to the plans, dissemination and coordination of plans, post data collection reports that overview the data collect, the quality of data, data reduction and analysis, and the final report.

Data Reduction & Data Analysis

Data reduction and analysis is a core airborne remote sensing activity. We have an extensive tool and skills set for processing complex data into meaningful information. We work closely with our customers to ensure they receive and understand their data in a timely manner.

Our detailed description of this service is being developed; please check back to see our progress. In the mean time please contact L-3 Aeromet Business to learn how we can be of assistance to your program.