Ensuring accurate sensor performance and implementation
UDRI Sensor Test and Evaluation researchers assess commercial electro-optical, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar sensor systems against client-specified requirements. We primarily provide aerial and ground imaging subject matter expertise to support sensor technology evaluation, sensor acquisition, implementation, and data analysis activities.
Our experienced engineers, scientists, and technicians perform laboratory, field, and flight test activities with end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution. Additionally, we design, fabricate, and deploy custom instrumentation, test fixtures, and targets to support our clients’ evaluation requirements.
Our assessment goes beyond evaluating the technical specifications of the sensor. We assess the human factors impact on operators and data end users as well as the ease of maintenance and data processing and management. This breadth of capabilities leads to recommendations that help the customer better understand the organizational end-to-end cost and impact before bringing a sensor system online.
Our clients include the U.S. Air Force (AFIT, NASIC, AFLCMC, AFRL, AFMC), Army Research Laboratory and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. We are highly experienced in commercial sensor technologies and integrating them into aeronautical applications. In addition, we are experts in Treaty for Open Skies requirements and matching commercial sensor technologies to them.
Capabilities
- Commercial sensor system studies
- System characterization and comparison to customer requirements
- Sensor target development in accordance with customer requirements
- Field ground truth analysis and reporting
- Graphic 3D aircraft representation for technical data cataloging
- Engineering tools and software development for image processing and database visualization
- Research services outside typical task scope through close collaboration with other UDRI research units
- Facility-enabled rapid support (STEEL): quick-turn fixtures/targets, bench characterization, and controlled indoor/outdoor collections to de-risk larger test efforts
Facility Spotlight
STEEL (Sensor Test & Evaluation Equipment Laboratory)
UDRI’s STEEL provides purpose-built compute, fabrication, and controlled test spaces that accelerate sensor prototyping, integration, and data collection—without overshadowing program-scale test campaigns.
Spaces
- 300 sq ft computer lab (60 TB data server; dedicated workstations with PCB design, image processing, and test software),
- 900 sq ft reconfigurable indoor lab
- 3,300 sq ft outdoor range.
Representative equipment
- PCB fabrication and electronics benches with bench stock for microcontroller builds
- 3D printer for custom enclosures/adapters/fixtures
- multi-band imaging (VIS/NIR/SWIR/MWIR/LWIR)
- full-spectrum visible/near-IR cameras and calibration targets
- field-portable VNIR spectrometers (reflection/transmission accessories)
- test/integration support (gimbals, positioners, radios, tools, generators)
- meteorological and all-sky condition monitoring.
Contact us
For accurate, reliable, and comprehensive sensor system assessment—whether evaluating specifications, developing new workflow processes for sensor upgrades, or understanding the complexities of commercial sensors for military applications—contact us to enable informed decisions.