Abstract. We describe the development of a lightweight, high-resolution surveillance camera for deployment on high altitude platform systems. The instrument is designed to operate at an altitude of ∼20 km and has an expected ground resolution of better than 120 mm with an appropriate sensor. While designed specifically for imaging at visible wavelengths, it is shown that the design is capable of diffraction-limited imaging at NIR and SWIR wavelengths up to 2.5 μm. We have combined a range of materials from aluminum and titanium alloys through to carbon fiber-reinforced plastic to produce an instrument with structural components that match the thermal expansion of the optical glasses used. The use of these materials has resulted in an instrument that weighs <2 kg, including a sensor package, and is designed to weigh <3 kg once integrated with an enclosure and actuated gimbal. The successful testing of two prototype systems is described, including several design outcomes from the program intended for implementation in advance of flight trials.

中文翻译：

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开发用于高空平台系统的轻型相机

摘要。我们描述了用于部署在高空平台系统上的轻型、高分辨率监控摄像机的开发。该仪器设计用于在约 20 公里的海拔高度运行，并且使用合适的传感器具有优于 120 毫米的预期地面分辨率。虽然专为在可见光波长下成像而设计，但表明该设计能够在 NIR 和 SWIR 波长下进行最大 2.5 μm 的衍射限制成像。我们结合了从铝和钛合金到碳纤维增强塑料的一系列材料，生产出一种仪器，其结构部件与所用光学玻璃的热膨胀相匹配。使用这些材料制成了重量 <2 kg 的仪器，包括一个传感器包，其设计重量 <2 kg 与外壳和驱动万向节集成后重 3 kg。描述了两个原型系统的成功测试，包括计划在飞行试验之前实施的几个设计成果。