Spectral Exploitation Offers Enhanced ISR Functionality for High Altitude Platform

Headwall Photonics announced that its Hyperspec sensor has been chosen by UTC Aerospace Systems (formerly Goodrich Corporation) for the Senior Year Electro-Optical Reconnaissance Sensor (SYERS-2) platform.

SYERS-2 is currently used on the U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady for very high altitude reconnaissance missions. Headwall’s hyperspectral sensor will provide SYERS-2 with enhanced intelligence and surveillance capabilities.

The Headwall Hyperspec imaging sensor was selected based on the demanding imaging performance needed for advanced sensor surveillance capabilities. Key attributes of the selected Hyperspec sensor platform are optimized signal-to-noise performance as well as customized spectral and spatial resolution, all tightly coupled with a spectral processing system.

Hyperspectral imaging represents a critical sensing technology that allows DoD organizations to identify an object within the field of view of the sensor based on the target’s chemical fingerprint or spectral signature rather than relying solely on visual appearance.

“Headwall’s products continue to be recognized and deployed in critical application areas – for both defense and industrial applications,” stated David Bannon, CEO of Headwall Photonics. “We offer our customers a compelling value proposition of product performance, optimization, and collaboration.”

Based on a patented, aberration-corrected sensor design, Headwall’s High Efficiency Hyperspec sensors are specifically designed for operations in very harsh operating environments. Headwall’s Hyperspec sensors are available as optimized sensors for the following spectral regions:

Visible                                                380 to 780 nanometers

Visible – Near Infrared                     380 to 1000 nanometers

Extended VNIR                                 600 to 1700 nanometers

Near Infrared                                    900 to 1700 nanometers

Short Wave Infrared                         950 to 2500 nanometers


Headwall Photonics is a leading designer and manufacturer of hyperspectral imaging spectrometers and spectral instrumentation for industrial, commercial, and government markets. Headwall’s high performance instruments have been selected by military/defense departments, OEMs, and end-user customers around the world for use in critical application environments. Headwall enjoys a market leadership position through the design and manufacture of spectral instrumentation that is customized for application-specific performance.


UTC Aerospace Systems is one of the world’s largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and defense products. We design, manufacture and service systems and components and provide integrated solutions for commercial, regional, business and military aircraft, helicopters and other platforms. We are also a major supplier to international space programs.

In 2012, UTC Aerospace Systems was formed by combining two industry leaders, Hamilton Sundstrand and Goodrich, creating an organization with key positions on a wide range of aircraft flying today and substantial content on various UAS, satellites and ground and naval vehicles.

Source: Press Release

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