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Passive millimeter wave (PMMW) focal plane array cameras are new sensors capable of imaging the forward scene under fog and low-visibility conditions at video frame rates. PMMW imaging sensors measure the blackbody radiation naturally emitted from the imaged scene. These cameras promise to be an effective aid, or an alternative, to existing technology for aircraft landing and surface operations under Category Ill weather conditions. The impact of this technology on air traffic can be significant in terms of reducing weather-related accidents and delays as well as affecting the economics of airlines, parcel carriers and general aviation. The authors discuss the system engineering necessary to validate the mission's operational requirements. The associated hardware development work is outlined. The suitability of PMMW cameras to future enhanced and synthetic vision systems is considered. >

Fog and low visibility conditions have hampered aviation since its inception. Fog-related accidents are numerous, and canceled take-offs and landings due to fog and low visibility conditions (Cat III) have significant economic impact on airlines, parcel carriers and general aviation. Millimeter waves have good propagation properties in weather and give adequate spatial resolution when used to image the forward scene. Passive millimeter wave focal plane array cameras are new sensors which, integrated into future guidance and landing systems, promise to be an effective aid, or alternative, to existing technology for aircraft landings and take-offs under Cat III conditions. They can produce visual-like radiometric images at real time frame rates (30 Hz), which can be directly fused with infrared and visible images. TRW has been actively involved in developing and manufacturing this technology both at the hardware and the system levels. >