ITT Corp., White Plains, N.Y., demonstrated a low-cost, broad area persistent surveillance system featuring commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. Alexandria, Va.-based CenTauri Solutions chose ITT as its end-to-end payload and ground system provider after ITT demonstrated the ability to provide a 66 megapixel camera with an integrated processing solution, and the ability to display high-resolution geolocated imagery within seven seconds of capture. The aerial imaging sensor system is comprised of six airborne qualified cameras from Geospatial Systems, Inc., in an array designed to collect images that are several square miles in area at a rate of two frames per second. After preliminary test flights in 2006 aboard the company’s Cessna Caravan, ITT’s Space Systems Division integrated the imaging system with a radio system, provided by Harris Corp., on an Atair Aerospace powered paraglider. The latter can serve as a low-cost UAV that can be deployed quickly and controlled by field commanders, ITT said. “During 15 successful flights, ITT’s broad area persistent surveillance system captured and downlinked 66 megapixel visual spectrum images at two frames per second for multiple users on the ground,” said Bruce Wald, vice president and director, Image Information Solutions, ITT Space Systems Division. “We anticipate significant interest from commercial and government sectors for this unique combination of a high-performance, scalable surveillance system that maximizes the value of open standards.” For related news