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Optical Air Data Systems (OADS), LLC, a small high-technology business in Manassas, Virginia, is a leader in the high power fiber-optic laser business with additional expertise in Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR). Their fiber amplified laser technology at the 1550nm and 1064nm wavelengths is substantially more efficient than conventional lasers resulting in lower power consumption, smaller size, and lower weight. They have created world record powers in 1064 nm and 1550 nm fiber optic lasers.
Optical Air Data Systems has developed a laser sensor to measure atmospheric winds and range-to-target for both weapons fire control and aircraft-based air data measurements. Based on fiber-optic components developed for the telecommunications industry, the OADS sensor is compact, rugged, and lightweight and promises unparalleled reliability, low cost and ease of manufacturing.
The OADS sensor technology leaps across all branches of the military and is capable of satisfying many vital safety and mission requirements. The diversity of applications of the OADS sensor was demonstrated in 1998 when an integrated system was conceived for the 30mm Bushmaster cannon carried by the Marine Corps' Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV). In that program, OADS designed a multi-function sensor to provide range-to-target, wind correction, and muzzle exit velocity data to the AAAV fire-control system, increasing first-shot accuracy by correcting for wind, increasing range-data accuracy, and providing real-time weapon diagnostics (e.g., barrel wear) simultaneously.
As a ground based sensor, OADS technology can provide downrange ballistic wind correction capabilities. This allows for vastly improved first-shot accuracy for anything from small arms and sniper rifles to grenade launchers and large-bore artillery. At sea, this wind correction capability was developed for the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) obstacle-clearing assault breaching system and can be further developed to measure "wind-across-the-deck" for larger vessels. In the air, OADS sensors provide vital air data aimed at increasing the pilot's situational awareness and operating well beyond the limitations of the current, pneumatic-based air data sensors. As a helicopter sensor, especially in brownout conditions, the system will provide vital low-speed airspeed data beyond the influence of the rotor wash to improve safety and enhance performance and survivability. This application has been demonstrated to the Dept of the Air Force and the Dept of the Navy.
OADS received over $2 million in SBIR funding and experienced immense growth in the past several years. Since 1999, OADS has experienced a ten-fold increase in revenue and a five-fold increase in staffing, resulting in building a state-of-the-art research facility in Northern Virginia. As a result of the SBIR Program, OADS has made unprecedented gains in fiber-optic laser sensor technology with numerous practical applications.
Optical Air Data Systems, LLC
Marty Peatross
10781 James Payne Court
Manassas, VA 20110
Phone: (703) 393-0754 Ext 120
Website: www.OADS.com
