SAAZ has been awarded a Phase II SBIR contract from the Missile Defense Agency to build a prototype multi-spectral sensor system for tracking hypersonic objects, under the program UNHIDES (Uncover Nimble Hypersonic objects by Imaging in Dual-band Event-based Sensing).
The system combines ultraviolet (UV) sensing with dual-band infrared (IR) imaging and event-based sensors to track fast, low-signature targets. SAAZ draws on its prior work with Lockheed Martin on two-color IR/event-based sensors (IR/EBS) and on Army-funded event-based force protection systems, alongside its space-qualified camera experience.
Conventional commercial imaging systems introduce latency and motion blur at these target speeds. SAAZ’s event-based approach is built to respond in sub-millisecond timeframes, and its modular UV/IR design allows spectral bands to be adjusted for different mission requirements without a full custom build.
Lockheed Martin is supporting the program with phenomenology modeling and data analysis to help refine system requirements. The prototype includes integrated UV/IR clutter rejection and a scalable architecture built to support space qualification.
The Phase II goal is a working prototype that meets MDA’s operational requirements, with Phase III targeting production-ready systems.
About SAAZ
SAAZ Micro Inc. is a deep-tech company that designs and manufactures advanced full spectrum electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) image sensors from UV to LWIR, detector electronics, and camera systems for space, airborne, defense, and specialty imaging applications. SAAZ produces imagers, avalanche photodiode (APD) detectors, event-based vision sensors, LiDAR receivers, and laser communication (Lasercom) receivers. SAAZ operates AS9100D and ISO 9001 certified facilities.
