Design challenges regarding high-definition electro-optic/infrared stabilized imaging systems

Today, requirements for imaging systems are shifting from standard definition to high-definition (HD) imaging systems. Along with HD imagers, users are also requiring embedded metadata and high precision pointing. These requirements place new demands on the opto-mechanical, thermal, and electrical subsystems of stabilized platforms that use these imagers. This paper discusses the impact of HD imagers on gimbal design, including requirements for better stabilization, better thermal management, and better electronics to handle the high data rates associated with HD imagers. We also discuss how the requirements for wide area surveillance sensors will further impact the gimbal designs for these sensors.